The Story of the
Great Lakes Harley Riders

"If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand"

In 1992, when Harley announced Homecoming 90, a few men in the Milwaukee area thought it would be good to meet other gay/bi Harley men coming “Home” for the big event. With the advice and help from The Leather Journal, the word was spread.

 It proved good and about twenty men got the chance to meet for the first time. When the 90th anniversary party wound down, these men wanted to keep in touch as well as use the name and post office box to recruit more riding buddies in their respective areas.

 Most of those men had witnessed the M.C. club scene and didn't want anything that structured. It was decided the group would serve only as a network of gay Harley bikers. To avoid a club-like structure, it was decided there would be no members, just Riders. This meant there was no need for by laws, elected officers, patches, T shirts, meetings and the like. Just a few bucks to cover expenses. As an after-thought, all Riders were made President and chairperson of any committee they wished to form.  In other words, if you want to do something, do it.

 Because we are a network of Gay Harley men held together by the Ride, the non structure serves us well. We contact each other by means of a roster published in our private E group, which lists only first name, city, biker and contact info.

Currently there are about 150 men from three continents involved. Over the years we have gotten to know well over 400 bikers. With a web site, and E group and a newsletter, the group has exceeded all expectations of those who started it.

Harley men from all over the USA and Canada inquired, asking if there was a chapter in their area or if GLHR would assist them in starting a group. In the beginning, we did what we could to assist but we felt extending beyond the Great Lakes area was more than we cared to deal with. There was concern that the group would get big and spread out and it would become unwieldy, creating a need for rules, dues and those trappings associated with a structured club. This mind set has changed. With the advent of easy access to electronic mail, Harley riders from everywhere are invited to sign on. GLHR seems to be the only gay/bi Brotherhood of the Machine and the numbers keep growing.

Using Great Lakes Harley Riders to meet riding buddies with whom one can be candid and open is the main reason for signing on and why GLHR continues to exist. Many who contact GLHR are surprised to learn they are not the only gay person with a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

GLHRiders, their new friends and riding buds do their own thing and do it without obligations, meetings, regulations and the like. Using the roster, the E group and the web site, Riders plan rides, rendezvous at Sturgis, Daytona, Laconia as well as more local runs.

This unregulated loose concept is foreign to many familiar with the structure, meetings, rules, rides, etc., of M.C. club scene. It is different and it serves us well.

A facilitator maintains the PO box, qualifies new riders and publishes the roster several times a year. He maintains the only set of records. The roster, which is published in the E group, has only the first name, road name, city, state, bike model, year and contact information listed. Riders must make contact with other Riders to get more information.

To become a member, applicants must prove they own a road worthy Harley Davidson and sign a privacy statement before they can get on or have access to the roster. There is a $10.00 registration fee upon joining. This fee must accompany the application.

New riders are encouraged to submit a short bio of themselves, their experiences, interests, affiliations etc., complete with pictures for publishing in the E group and available to other registered members only.

Many non Harley bikers ask to be part of GLHR. Sorry, just as HOG, BMW, Goldwing and other owner groups have their requirements, GLHR maintains the gay/bi Harley owner as its only requirement.

Regarding women. There is no "non-female policy." It just happened. For whatever reason, GLHR does not seem to appeal to LOH types. Women will not be denied, should they apply.

If you are interested and qualify, fill out an application, send proof of Harley ownership (like a photo copy of your registration) and $10.00 (USA funds only) and you will become the newest Rider/President. Make checks or money orders payable to Great Lakes Harley Riders.

Ride easy with a warm wind in your face.