Holiday Valley is going hog wild here in July when they host the 25th Anniversary of the 2013 New York State H.O.G. Rally.
H.O.G. stands for the ‘Harley Owners Group’ and represents an enthusiastic and diverse group of Harley-Davidson owners who get together every year to share experiences from the road, tell tall tales about their last Harley ride, H.O.G. promote safe motorcycling and just have fun. Every Harley dealer across the country has a H.O.G. chapter and each state holds its own annual H.O.G. Rally.
For one shining summer weekend this July, Ellicottville has been chosen as the destination in New York State where 1,200 Harley Davidson motorcycles from all over the country will converge for the annual New York State H.O.G. Rally. The event is open only to H.O.G. members who have registered for the Rally. The three-day motorcycle spectacular will run Thursday through Saturday, July 11-13.
The event will begin with an opening ceremony on July 11 at Holiday Valley and will feature a special pre-registered opening dinner, a large contingency of motorcycle vendors, live music, and several self and guided scenic rides, including the first all women’s ride titled, “Leave the Men Behind,” and a special lunch brunch guided ride from Holiday Valley to Gowanda Harley-Davidson - a proud sponsor and the local dealership for Cattaraugus County and the Town of Ellicottville. Gowanda will also be hosting an onsite vendor tent with motorcycles for rally attendees, and they invite guests as well as the general public to visit … who knows, they might even have the new 2014 Harley-Davison models available!
A special attraction at the Rally on Friday will feature Bubba Blackwell, who is self described as “Harley-Davidson World Record Daredevil/Stuntrider & Dream Chaser, Husband and Daddy!” On top of that, Blackwell wears the crown as the only daredevil to Break ALL Evel Knievel Jumping records (14 semi trucks, 15 tour busses, 20 cars) on the same type motorcycle, a Harley-Davidson XR750. This special event is sponsored by the Jamestown, American, Stan’s, and O’Toole’s Harley-Davidson dealerships of New York State.
On top of these rides and events, there will also be a bike show, biker games, winery and brewery tours of Ellicottville (Ellicottville Brewing Company has a signature rally brew for the event!), a motorcycle light show, live entertainment, and a closing parade ride through the Town of Ellicottville. The festivities will conclude with a closing ceremony on the evening of the 13th.
Whether you’re a ‘Big Pig’ in a small county or just a small H.O.G. in Western New York, the 2013 New York State H.O.G. Rally is something you won’t want to miss! Just a reminder you must be a H.O.G. member and registered for the Rally to be able to attend any of the rides, activities and events being held at Holiday Valley. Vendors are open to the general public.
2013 also celebrates the 30th Birthday of H.O.G. and the 110th of Harley-Davidson. For more information about this year’s H.O.G. Rally, head to www.nystatehogrally.com.
