The Geelong Chapter started in May 1992 as Southcoast HOG Chapter in association with the sponsoring dealership - Southcoast Harley, incorporating in 1993 to become Southcoast HOG Chapter Inc. In June 1995 the chapter was renamed Geelong HOG Chapter Inc. when the Harley dealership changed hands. The Club has run an annual Toy Run since 1993 for the benefit of selected Geelong Charities.
Our first Director was George Mitchell who was the driving force behind the establishment of the Chapter as well as providing leadership and direction to the chapter in it's early days. During these early days, the Chapter was named after our sponsoring dealer, Southcoast Harley located in Labuan Square, Norlane. In 1993, Southcoast Harley moved into new premises in Gordon Ave, Geelong West and continued to actively support the HOG Chapter.
The Chapter spent the warmer months (November through March) with a scheduled ride on most weekends, with the summer weekends having organised rides on both Saturdays and Sundays. Runs were made to close destinations such as Lorne, Queenscliff, Colac and to further destinations such as Albury, Swan Hill, Mildura and Lakes Entrance. Some days saw two rides being organised, one for the inexperienced riders with the other for the more experienced riders.
A change in ownership in 1995 saw our sponsoring dealer move to it's current location of Mercer St, Geelong as well as a change of name to Geelong HOG. A further change of ownership occurred in 1997 to our current owners, Greg and Andrea Currie.
The Chapter held it's first Toy Run in 1993 in support of the combined Geelong charities Christmas Party held mid December each year. We were asked to assist in the collection of 3,000 toys for distribution. A big ask for our small chapter, at that time only 26 members in total, but with assistance and support from both our sponsoring dealer and the local business community, this figure was achieved. The focus of the Toy Run has changed since this initial effort, with individual local charities being the recipients of our efforts. These have included the Children's Ward of the Geelong Hospital, Bethany Babies Home & Mercy Family Care and the K-Mart Wishing Tree.
The event has grown with the passing of each year and the 2010 Toy Run saw as many as 1,500 bikes and the largest number of gifts and money collected yet, approximately $27,000.
1993 also saw the inauguration of a number of Geelong HOG charity activities such as the Lost Dogs Run in support of the local animal welfare shelter, the Muscular Dystrophy Association Run with a run to the National Annual Muscular Dystrophy Association Camp to provide a display of Harleys for the kids to look at, but also to provide rides for those able to hold on. This annual Muscular Dystrophy Association Run has been renamed "Ian's Run" in honour of the son of one of our members who passed away in April 1999 from the effects of Muscular Dystrophy.
The Monthly Ride was established, at the Chapter's inception, as being on the last Sunday of the month. In July 2000, the Monthly Ride was changed to the second Sunday of the Month.
March 2004 saw Geelong Chapter host the very successful 2004 Victorian State Rally "At The Heads". Queenscliff was the venue and with the invaluable assistance of the Burrough Of Queenscliffe, a great facility at the local sports complex and excellent weather, we were able to provide a donation to the local charity Cottage By The Sea as well as the local school. Our members assisted with all requirements led by a very capable working committee.
Currently the Club has 110 Full members and 52 associate members in Dec 2011