HOG-POD - Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Ridiing in the UK & Ireland

Text HOG-POD with your thoughts on this episode.

In this episode, we talk to Steve ' Deano' Spencer.  Deano shares an insight to his own journey with H.O.G, why he is stepping down from Director and how he wanted to do it whilst at the very top of his game.

Deano joined H.O.G over 20 years ago, spending time as a member, committee member and then finally as Director.  He shares some stories from the mad days of the Hatters Chapter, the loss and regaining of the Manchester H-D dealership,  through to the importance of his strong family bond.  

As Director of a hugely successful Chapter, Deano has plenty to share with Chapters across the UK and Ireland

Text HOG-POD with your thoughts on this episode.

 This episode, part 2,  we are joined by Steve Link, the Director of the Welsh Dragon H.O.G® Chapter based in Cardiff, to hear about the upcoming Tri-Chapter Winter Ball.  This event is open to all and is organised a year in turn, by Welsh Dragon, Bridgwater and Rolling Hills Chapter. 

We are also joined by Mark McManus, a member of the Belfast Chapter who shares his love for Ruby, a gorgeous Sportster 48 but sadly let go to make room for a Road King Special and a Sportster 883. 

This involved Kenny riding pillion on a the Sportster 48 from Belfast to Chester, through the night in the freezing cold and eventually biblical rain.

Resources and Links

Sycamore Uppingham HD - https://www.sycamoremotorcycles.co.uk/harley-davidson
Manchester Chapter - https://mancuniumchapter.co.uk/
Chester Chapter - https://www.devalegionhog.co.uk/
Tri Chapter Winter Ball Welsh Dragon, Bridgwater and Rolling Hills - https://www.welshdragonhog.com/  or [email protected] 

Text HOG-POD with your thoughts on this episode.

 In this episode, we share our recent adventures, including Ben's trip to America where he met Bill Davidson and explored the US HOG community. We talk about the differences between HOG USA and HOG UK, and the excitement of traveling to Malta in less than 24 hours time. We also discuss our new interest in cowboy boots. 

There's a call-in segment with Gordy Dick, who updates us on the upcoming end-of-season weekender and his European Bike Week Tour for 2026. 

- Fake it till you make it, that's what we're doing.
- America was fantastic, the vibe was incredible.
- Meeting Bill Davidson was a highlight of the trip.
- HOG USA and HOG UK share a similar passion for the brand.
- Traveling to Malta is an exciting adventure.
- Cowboy boots are a new fashion interest.
- The end of season weekender is open to all skill levels.
- European Bike Week Tour offers a unique experience. 

Text HOG-POD with your thoughts on this episode.

In this episode, part 2 of 2,  Ben and Kenny continue with the round up from the Regional Officers Connect (ROC) having joined 200 Harley owners, Chapter committee members from all 38 UK and Ireland Chapters, and the HOG regional team in Wyboston. 

Tune in as they share stories from a great weekend, including the upcoming Bagger World Cup being ran in conjuncton with MotoGP, becoming a Chome Chapter, the Ride 365 mileage programme and more 

Text HOG-POD with your thoughts on this episode.

 In this episode, part 1 of 2,  Ben and Kenny join 200 Harley owners, Chapter committee members from all 38 UK and Ireland Chapters, and the HOG regional team in Wyboston for the Regional Officers Connect. Tune in as they share stories from a great weekend, including meeting the new boss, enjoying drinks with the lively Irish crew, and learning about the latest developments from Vicki Green, HOG’s customer experience lead. As you would expect, there were a number of tequila roses involved as well as a power cut, and all before the bar closed at midnight! 

Text HOG-POD with your thoughts on this episode.

This week on the HOG-POD, Ben and Kenny are wrapping up the Week That Was series with a look back at the recent Road Captain Trianing held in Ireland.  Road Captains play a hugely important role in the world of HOG.  Once trained Road Captians have the skills, the laughs, and the stories that come from stepping up to lead a pack of riders. It’s all about keeping the ride safe, smooth, and full of that Harley energy we all love.

They’ve also got not one, but two Bikes of the Week to dig into. From the details that make each one shine to the way they ride out on the open road, Ben and Kenny give their unfiltered takes on a couple of seriously cool Harleys. Expect plenty of back-and-forth, a few jokes, and maybe even a little friendly disagreement.

And of course, the guys are looking ahead to what’s next. With a big trip to Malta on the calendar and the ROC event right around the corner, there’s a lot to get excited about. They share what they’re most looking forward to, how they’re gearing up, and give a big thanks to everyone who’s been riding along with them throughout the series.

Text HOG-POD with your thoughts on this episode.

Jim Hamilton recently joined Kenny and Ben on the HOG POD, where he opened up about life beyond the rugby pitch. In the conversation, he spoke candidly about his passion for motorcycles, the thrill of finding new challenges, and the importance of carving out a fresh identity after professional sport. Hamilton’s down-to-earth nature and honest reflections gave fans a deeper insight into the man behind the rugby jersey, showcasing how he has embraced new adventures and personal growth since retiring from the game.

Jim Hamilton is a former professional rugby union player who built a reputation as one of the toughest and most committed forwards of his generation. Born in Swindon, England, but raised in Scotland, Hamilton represented Scotland on the international stage as a powerful lock. Standing at nearly 6’8”, his physical presence made him a natural fit for the engine room of the scrum, where his strength and determination were vital. He earned more than 60 caps for Scotland, debuting in 2006, and played in multiple Six Nations Championships and Rugby World Cups, leaving a strong mark as a cornerstone of the national side’s pack.

At the club level, Hamilton enjoyed a successful career across several top European teams. He played for sides such as Leicester Tigers, Edinburgh Rugby, Gloucester Rugby, Montpellier, and Saracens. His time at Saracens was particularly fruitful, where he helped the team secure major trophies, including the English Premiership title and the European Champions Cup. Known for his work rate, aggression, and leadership on the field, Hamilton consistently contributed to his teams’ success by bringing stability in the lineout and sheer power in physical contests.

After retiring from professional rugby in 2017, Hamilton transitioned smoothly into a media career. He has become a popular pundit, commentator, and content creator, known for his insightful and often humorous take on the sport. His podcast and media appearances have further expanded his influence in the rugby community, allowing him to stay connected to the game while sharing his experiences with fans worldwide. Hamilton’s journey reflects not only his accomplishments as a player but also his ability to reinvent himself beyond the pitch, making him a respected figure both in rugby and in sports media.

Text HOG-POD with your thoughts on this episode.

Ben and Kenny are back together after anotherweek, and they’ve got a packed episode full of bikes, banter, and news. The lads kick things off chatting all things Harley and Triumph, swapping thoughts on what’s new, what’s exciting, and what’s got them itching for the next ride. It’s the kind of catch-up that feels like you’ve just pulled up a chair at the pub with a couple of good mates.

Ben headed to the Scottish Torque Show, sharing the best bits from the event and the bikes that really stood out. On top of that, Kenny managed to squeeze in a quick hop over to Killarney for the day to visit the organisers of Ireland BiekFest—because why not? 

And if that wasn’t enough, there’s a triple helping of rallies on the bill this weekend. Jersey HOG, Welsh Dragon HOG, and Lindum Colonia HOG, each bringing its own vibe and plenty of great moments. With so much riding, traveling, and rally-hopping packed into one episode, this one’s all about celebrating the brilliant community that makes the biker world feel like home.

Text HOG-POD with your thoughts on this episode.

In this episode, Ben and Kenny saddle up for a wild ride as they look back on the Stormin’ the Castle rally – from the muddy mayhem to a stolen Hob Goblin. They dive into their recent ride through the stunning landscapes of Scotland and along the rugged Northern Irish coastline, sharing stories from the saddle that’ll make you want to pack up and hit the road yourself. 

Plus, it’s a double feature for Bike of the Week – a beautifully preserved 1953 Servi-Car trike and one of the original Harleys ridden in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Don’t miss this one – it's part travelogue, part bike porn, and all throttle.

Text HOG-POD with your thoughts on this episode.

This week Ben and Kenny catch up on the week including Ben's last trip to Thunder in the Glens, meeting Big Jim Hamilton, the Scottish Rugby international, and Kenny falls down a rabbit hole on selling feet pictures.  It also turns out that Kenny's phone number is floating around on beer mats and cubicle doors at rallies

Leeds Harley-Davidson

https://www.ironcitymotorcycles.co.uk/usedmotorcycles/harley-davidson/xlh/265712.htm

Harley-Davidson Riders Club of Great Britain

https://www.hdrcgb.org/ 

The Big Jim Show

https://open.spotify.com/show/4fhLsSQ6Zf0G2POP2Q05r6 

Black Bear Brand

https://blackbearbrand.com/