HISTORY OF THE CAPE YORK CHAPTER

Two years after the formation of H.O.G. in Australia, the first General Meeting of the Far North Eastern Chapter was held, at McGregor Motors on 16th September 1992.  Nine people attended, and the meetings main business was to elect a committee.

At the second meeting a week later, the H.O.G., Cape York Chapter, was adopted, the mailing address determined, and local membership fees and banking procedures set.  The first chapter run was held on 4th October and was a Tablelands Tour.

The Townsville Chapter's Christmas Party on 28th November was the first of many visits to the Townsville area for yuletide festivities, and Chapter Challenges.  Activities like swimming, water skiing and gymkhanas are usually enjoyed, as well as plenty of grub and grog and a visit from Santa.  Our own Christmas Parties, quite a few of which have been held at the Plantation Village at Bramston Beach, consists of swimming, golf, cricket, tennis and novelty competitions, and of course, plenty of eating and drinking.  Gymkhanas are not held at Bramston Beach because of possible damage to the grounds.

General Meetings were held monthly until 1999 when a vote was taken to hold them bi-monthly.  Throughout the Chapter's existence, day rides have been held once or twice a month, with occasional overnighters, and longer trips to attend State and national Rallies.

Charity fundraising takes up a big part of our time, with static displays at fetes and shows, visits to old folks homes and selling raffle tickets.  We have taken part in several toy runs, and events adding the Leukaemia Foundation.  At present our official charity is the Cystic Fibrosis Association, the Charity Ride to Port Douglas, in June 2000, attracted one of the biggest Chapter attendances in our history. 

For the last six years, we have held a big "bash" each September- first the "Bush Bash" at Kuranda, then the "River Run" at Liverpool Creek.  These are enormously popular and are open to all H.O.G. members, including all the "piglets"!

Occasionally, evening dinners are organised, usually with a theme-"No Talent" and "Quiz Nights", and tenpin bowling.  We have also celebrated plenty of birthdays, anniversaries, and farewells as long-standing members have left the district.

In October 1994, Ladies of Harley midweek rides and lunches began.  Three years later, interest waved, and we now no longer have specific L.O.H. activities.

1997 was an important year when our Chapter hosted a State Rally for the first time.  This was a resounding success, both financially and in enjoyment value - the really hard work was worth it!

McGregor Motors, 

our sponsoring dealer, regularly donates the raffle prize for general meetings, hosts each Annual General Meeting and holds Sausage Sizzles.  Harley Ride Days, though not specifically H.O.G. events are well attended as we try out the latest offerings from Milwaukee.  A backup vehicle for long official rides is usually available from McGregor's on request.  In December 1997, a technical lecture was given by the Harley mechanic and was well received.

Safety Riders' courses have been held, usually 2 day courses, the most recent being in June/July 2000.  Most of our keenest members have completed one.

Today our Chapter is thriving and busy, with 84 financial members as at July 2000, and several prospective members attending their three rides before formal acceptance.  A far cry from that first meting in 1992 with its nine inaugural members!