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

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In this week’s episode of The Hog Pod, Kenny and Ben are back with another weekly roundup. After a great response to the first one, the pair return with their usual chat, though Ben is under the weather with what he’s calling a serious case of man flu. Despite not feeling 100%, the conversation flows as they cover some of the key moments from the past week.

They take time to reflect on a recent episode featuring Kev (also known as Tallin) and Deborah Smail, whose daughter Chloe sadly passed away. The discussion around their journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End was moving, and Kenny and Ben highlight the strength and determination shown by both guests. While the topic was difficult, they focus on the positive impact and lasting legacy Chloe has left behind.

The episode moves onto Oasis concerts, the Davidson Legacy Cottage being on the way to Thunder in the Glens and the Celtic Thunder Chapters 20th birthday bash next month and the change of guard at the Clyde Valley Chapter.  The episode finishes on a lighter note with some updates from the Geordie crew, tying back into the previous story in a more relaxed way. It’s a mix of serious reflection and everyday conversation.

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The Iron Butt ride is a demanding challenge, pushing riders to complete 1,000 miles in 24 hours with minimal breaks for fuel and rest. For the Wolfruna HOG Chapter, this ride was more than just an endurance test—it was a tribute. The riders weren’t just focused on the miles ahead; they were riding in memory of Chloe Smail, whose tragic fall from High Bridge in Newcastle had left her family and friends heartbroken. At the heart of the journey was Deborah Smail, who, despite not riding a motorcycle herself, joined the ride as a passenger with Kev, the Wolfruna Chapter Director. Led by Emma Poole, the national Ladies of Harley Officer for HOG UK and Ireland, the group shared a bond that went beyond the road.

The riders knew they were part of something bigger than just completing the ride—they were part of a collective effort to keep Chloe’s memory alive.

The physical exhaustion was heavy, but the sense of connection and support carried everyone through. Kev, recently diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer displayed a feat of fortitude many would be envious of

By the time the ride came to an end, it wasn’t just about finishing a tough challenge; it was about honouring a life lost too soon and showing the strength of a how the motorcycle community can come together. The Wolfruna HOG Chapter’s Iron Butt ride wasn’t just a test of endurance—it was a powerful act of remembrance, one that would ensure Chloe’s spirit would continue to inspire those who had loved her.

If you are affected by any of the topics discussed, there is help, please reach out for it.

https://www.samaritans.org

https://womensaid.org.uk

https://www.prostatescotland.org.uk

https://prostatecanceruk.org

https://www.mind.org.uk

https://www.headspace.com

https://rapecrisis.org.uk

https://www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk

#motorcycle #adventure #chloesmail #clo-fest #harley-davidson

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A new addition to the HOG-POD. A catch up of the weeks action from behind the saddle and otherwise. This week's episode covers Belfast Chapter's HOG n BOG Rally, sad news about Thunder in the Glens, the upcoming Malta rally, bottle after bottle of Tequila Rose and having no dad.

We also learn that Ben doesn't like heights, Kenny's dad never came home with the milk and whats in store over the next week or so.

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HOG-POD motorcycle podcast speaks with the Rutland HOG Chapter Director, Ian Gornall, about everything from riding Harleyd, to British go-kart and touring car racing champions, to recently gaining his wings wings as a pilot for his 'Harley-Davidson in the Sky'.

Great interview with details of the 2025 Horse Shoe Rally, the Rutland Chapters annual rally, as well as plans for their massive ride-out calendar, and riding Northern Ireland for the Game of Thrones.

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Interview with George McGuire - A.K.A Mr Thunder in the Glens

One of the minds behind the growth and development of Thunder in the Glens rally, George McGuire, spends the afternoon with Ben Vale, to talk about all things motorcycle, Harley-Davidson, Harley Owners Group and HOG Chapters.

Wide-ranging interview and a trip down memory lane as George recalls, Scotlands first every Harley Chapter, the first Harley dealership, life as part of Dunedin Chapter and of course, the story behind the UK and Irelands largest motorcycle event, Thunder in the Glens.

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This episode we are joined by Phil Stickings, a life member of HOG and lifetime motorcyclist.  We talk motorcycles, how a charity ride at Thunder in the Glens turned out to be the best £4 spent in his life and how a chance PSA test help him beat prostate cancer.  

f you don’t know what a PSA, a DRE is, and you are male over 50 and ride a motorcycle, or are close to a male over 50, then you’ll find this episode a potential life-saver.

Websites – 

https://prostatecanceruk.org/

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/prostate-cancer

https://www.justgiving.com/page/philip-stickings-1722539368054

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m0020s52 - Jon Holmes says the C-Word

https://www.hwam.com/

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This episode we are joined by Allen Glasper, the Director of the Geordie H.O.G Chapter.  We hear about Allen, the Chapter & plans for 2024, including the aim to circumnavigate Ireland in September.  The Geordie Chapter is well versed in their desire to raise awareness of different charities, as well as their love of travelling to Europre for motorcycle rallies.

We are also joined by former Big Brother winner (2005), Anthony Hutton, who now runs the 'Never Throw in the Towel Project', a mens mental health support network.

Anothony shot to fame after winning Big Brother, but as the inevitable coming back to earth occurred, he found himself struggling with hi smental health, which at times, found him contemplating suicide. 

#harleydavidson #harleyownersgroup #motorcycles #uk #itsokaytonotbeokay #suicideawareness #mentalhealth

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For the many familiar with the H.O.G Chapter (UK & Ireland) calendar, the Cider Rally always sounds the horn for the rally season to commence. From it's humble beginnings as a small get together of Harley-Davidson owners with tents, through to what they now bill as the greatest show on earth held in Pontins, Sands Bay in Weston-super-Mare. 

For this episode of HOG-POD, we are joined by Gill Mogg, better known as 'Moggy', the Director of the Bridgwater Chapter, and fellow Chapter member Robert Twycross, probably better known to you all as Portland Bill. In this episode, find out why you should not be missing this rally, share the great news that you can still get involved for the 2024 rally coming up in early May. 

We also take a trip down memory lane as we talk the early days of Bridgwater Chapter, Harley-Davidson ownership from pan heads to the Revolution Max, three of the old paper magazines and plans for Bridgwater in 2024.

Visit the Bridgwater Chapter Website -
https://www.bridgwaterhog.co.uk/

Book tickets for the Cider Rally 2024 -
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/46186

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What an incredible story to encourage an epic ride. Following the loss of his son in 2016, his wife being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, Jonny Doyle, aka The Lad With The Beard, is set to raise monies for three special charities by riding his HD Pan America over 10000km from his home in County Cavan to the northern most ponit of mainland Europe, Nordkapp in Norway, and back home again.

If there are still questions over the Pan America still, surely a trip like this will provide the answer.

As if not already a challenge, Jonny is set to do this SOLO, and will be camping the and cooking the whole trip. No hotels, no restaurants, just one man, his motorcycle, and anything he can pack to take with him.

A moving and engaging story, covering difficult subjects, which ultimately inspired this epic 19 days challenge.

All monies raised will be split between the three charities…

Stillborn and baby loss support - https://feileacain.ie/
Cancer support - https://www.cuancancercavan.ie/
Suicide prevention and support - https://sosadireland.ie/about-us/

If you want to donate a cup of coffee to the charities, you can do so by clicking through to this link……https://www.gofundme.com/f/cavan-to-nordkapp-10000km

You can follow Jonnys progress via his instagram…https://www.instagram.com/theladwiththebeard

More motorcycle riding by Jonny can be found via the links below

https://www.youtube.com/@theladwiththebeard
https://www.facebook.com/theladwiththebeard

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There has been many different kinds of reactions to the introduction of a registration process for the Ireland BikeFest 2024.

We are joined by Shane O'Driscoll, Festival Director and Fiona Carroll, Motorcycle Operations to fill us in on the reasoning behind the new process.  HOG-POD has followed the social media response and they have been put to the guests to clarify whats really going on.

Of course, we also asked about whats in store for 2024, how they see the new 'biker centric event' developing and how plans are going as May 31st fast approaches.