H.O.G.® LOVE STORIES

H.O.G.® Benelux

Elke Heesakkers

Elke Heesakkers is 25 and a member of the H.O.G. Corridor Chapter.

What Harley model do you currently ride?

"A Softail Slim, built 2021, bought new."

How old were you when you discovered Harley-Davidson?

"Ten. My dad has always ridden motorcycles and bought his first Harley in 2008, and I've known about the brand ever since."

So lots of great tours, lots of experiences?

"Yeah, I actually always rode pillion with my dad. It was a Fat Boy, and we rode it everywhere."

I love my Harley because?

"Because it's unique. I heard from the dealer that it's one of only two models delivered in this livery in the Benelux. I think it's a very beautiful color. It's red and white, you don't really know what color it is. It's not red but it's not purple either, nor brown. It depends on how the light falls on the bike. It's something that not everyone has. I'm quite proud that I was able to start riding a Harley when I was 24.”

Why did you choose this model, apart from the color?

"I looked around a bit, to discover what I like. I like something big, not too small. And it needs something extra. This one has those cool tires, with nice accents, I like that. I took it for a test ride, and it was great. I bought it immediately!"

I'm a fan of my Harley because…

"Because it's just a really cool bike and it’s great to ride!"

What appeals to you specifically about riding a Harley?

"It’s nice to be outside, to see beautiful things, to get to places you might not otherwise get to. I enjoy myself; we ride a lot with the group, the H.O.G. Corridor Chapter. The social aspect, the people, for me that is a very big part of the fun."

Are you active in the Corridor Chapter?

"Yes, I am."

What do you do there?

"Besides just being a member and riding along, I am also a Communication Officer, so I arrange for the Chapter to publish on the website, in newsletters and in mailings. Also, I take care of all the communications around the events and activities that take place."

Has becoming a member of the H.O.G. Chapter enabled you to do other things that you might not have done otherwise?

"Definitely. The foreign events, Benelux Rallies, European Rallies… I've also been to St. Tropez for example. Being a member lowers the barrier to go. Meeting other people from other chapters, I really like that."

When you go there, do you go with a friend, a girlfriend, a husband?

“I go with my parents, who also ride Harley. So often the three of us go, with or without other people from the Chapter.”

What was your best H.O.G. experience so far?

"My solo ride, in June 2022, to the new Great Rally in Vielsalm was pretty cool. But I think my best one ever was my trip to the European Bike Rally in St. Tropez. It’s fantastic to ride there, the beautiful weather, the sea… that was really nice to experience."

H.O.G. is for me…

"Meeting people with the same passion, with whom you can talk about motorcycling and everything that goes with it."

How do you like being in the H.O.G. as a younger person?

"You notice that there are not a lot of young people at H.O.G. I don't mind that very much though, the people I meet are all very nice. Although it would be cool if there were a few more members my age.”

Are you putting yourself out there to get young people involved in H.O.G.?

"Yes, within our Chapter we are open to all new people. When someone becomes a member, they get a 'buddy’ to help them get acquainted with the club. If younger people join, I become their buddy. This way youngsters get a buddy of the same age, instead of someone of 50+ introducing them."

Do you enjoy riding in your own region?

"I live in the Dutch province of Brabant and here you still have beautiful little dikes and winding roads between the trees."

How do you like being in the H.O.G. as a younger person?

Are you putting yourself out there to get young people involved in H.O.G.?

Do you enjoy riding in your own region?

"I live in the Dutch province of Brabant and here you still have beautiful little dikes and winding roads between the trees."

When did you get your motorcycle license?

"I started when I was 18. I was keen to start riding straight away, so I got my A1 license first. Two years later I got my A2 license and when I was 23, I was finally allowed to get the full A license."

Have you ever taken an extra driving course?

"No, not yet, but I do plan to. When we go riding in the Ardennes, there are a lot of bends, hairpins, etcetera. It would be nice to get some extra training for those.”

What's your best experience with your Harley-Davidson?

"I think the unpacking. I got to unpack it out of the crate myself when the bike arrived at the dealer. I had to wait for six months! I bought it in March and then it got off the boat in August. Seeing it for the first time in real life was an absolute blast. "

Do you have anything to say about the best route you rode?

"At that time I didn't ride a Harley yet, but an A1 Honda. I just had it for two weeks when we went on a weekend ride, doing the Elfstedentocht in Friesland. On the way back it was just rain rain rain rain on the highway. My parents rode in front of me, nice and relaxed on their Harley. And I was slogging through the downpour! We drove home and then I told them, with tears in my eyes: 'I want to ride a Harley too, I want to ride so nice and easy! I had realized there and then that I also wanted to ride a Harley, ha ha ha. "

What types of Harleys do your parents ride?

"My mom rides a Sport Glide, a really nice orange one, and my dad rides a Road Glide."

Is there a wish list of routes or trips you still want to make?

"We went riding in France once, I was on the back then, but I would really like to go there again and ride through the mountains in the south of France myself. America also looks cool!”

Do you ever tinker with your bike yourself?

"No, my dad does all the work…"

Is your bike customized?

"No, the bike is completely original. I’ve put a bag on it, but that's all, really. "

Would you like to change anything about it?

"No, for now, I'm actually okay with it."

Which model is on your wish list?

"For now I really like this one. I'm not going to switch anytime soon, but I did always say I really like a Road King Special, so that would be on my wish list then."

Do you ever delve into the history of Harley?

"Yes, it does come up sometimes in a conversation about models. My father knows a lot about the brand, and I have seen some images and videos. We once watched a series they made about the origin of Harley-Davidson."

Do you convey to the outside world that you ride Harley?

"I do express it, but not extremely. People around me know I like Harley; it also shows in my clothes. I mainly wear H-D when we go riding or do something with the club. I don't express it physically, but people do know. On social media, I also post pictures of rides or events I've been to. "

Ever been out with someone to let them experience the 'Harley feeling'?

"No, I've never had anyone on the back of my bike. With my bike that doesn't work, so no, not yet."

There are dozens of movies made in which a Harley plays the leading role. Do you ever watch any of those, and which one is your favorite?

"No, I have to say I'm not aware of any of those. There is no Harley movie that has impressed me. "

How do you see the future with H.O.G. and your chapter?

"I aim to keep riding, with great people around me. I'm already active in our club, and I'd really like to keep doing that. I hope to broaden my activities and see a lot of great new things."

Do you have any plans or dreams?

"No, I'm actually quite satisfied. This was my goal, to ride a Harley myself. I've been working on that for 13 years. So I already achieved my big milestone. I’m really enjoying this now. What happens later, we'll see. "

(Interview by Onno Wieringa – madnessphotography.nl)