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My boss recently asked me if I would assist the team by providing cover for a colleague in Jersey who was going on annual leave (the things one needs to do to maintain a career!). I was obviously keen to go, learn new stuff and hopefully meet new people, but what was I to do on my own in Jersey, especially over the weekends? Then I thought that I could look into renting a Harley and go out for rides as I would if I were at home, albeit on a rental. What better way to pass the time and explore the island?  I contacted a work colleague in Jersey who had previously told me that her brother works for the Harley dealership there and through them soon learnt that the dealership had recently started renting bikes. Needless to say the paperwork was done and deposit paid before I left for Jersey.

The first week in Jersey flew by and it was soon time to arrange to pick up the bike. I walked down to the dealership and browsed around for any irresistible tax free purchases. It was then that I got chatting with Jeff Habbin Managing Director of the company and an all round friendly and helpful guy. Jeff asked what my plans were for the weekend and if I’d like to go out with the local Harley Owners Group (HOG Chapter) who were having a ‘poker run’ on the Sunday. My response was obviously yes. He then gave me directions to the meeting point which fortunately for me was right opposite my hotel. Jeff also helped me out and lent me a helmet, gloves and jacket as I hadn’t packed any of these.

Saturday was spent exploring the island on my own and coming to terms with driving on the wrong side of the road. The island is a truly picturesque place and though small, seemed to be bursting with new country lanes, bends aplenty and quaint coves, all begging to be explored. The bike (a brand new night train) felt much lighter than my 100th anniversary Springer but was a delight to ride nonetheless. The only letdown being that I had a six speed gearbox and a 1600cc engine and I could barely get it out of fourth gear.

Sunday morning was dawning and with it the eagerly awaited ride out with the Jersey Chapter. However, the sound that I could here was certainly not the shower in the room next door. I could not believe my luck, it was raining and we were supposed to be meeting in less than an hour. I thought that back home bikers do not get out of bed on a Sunday let alone ride their bikes when it’s raining. I had my breakfast looking across towards the Steam Clock (meeting place) hoping to see some biking activity - but nothing. I went back up to my room, got my gear and went outside to start the bike. As I arrived at the Steam Clock I was relieved to find around 10 bikes there. I introduced myself and one big bloke (Ian) offered to take me under his wing for the ride. Slowly others arrived until soon there were 21 bikes ready to begin the poker run. First stop in true bikers fashion was a hearty breakfast and the poker run then began in earnest.. Ian as I said took me under his wing and ensured that we took the scenic root to each of our destinations which made the ride that much more fascinating and appealing. I later learnt that he runs his own business Limobikes which give beautiful guided tours of the Island (well worth looking him up). The run was well planned and in true HOG fashion every consideration to safety was meticulously observed.

Sadly all good things come to an end and the ride concluded. We then had some drinks and took some group photos until it was time to part. Thanks to Harley Davidson and my new found friends in the Jersey chapter I had an unforgettable weekend. Few if any clubs in the world offer this level of camaraderie where you can turn up almost unannounced and be taken-in as one of their own. It’s good to be able to travel to almost any comer of the world knowing that there are friends there longing to meet you.