A short story about the York County Harley Davidson Owners Association

It was the late 70s’ an informal group of twenty something’s along with wives and girlfriends were enjoying their young adulthood and the brotherhood of Harley Davidson motorcycles. There was always something to do, a country rock band at Mackley’s Mill, a bluegrass festival or concert at Valley View Park, or a party at someone’s house. Out of this group of Pan and Shovelhead riders from southern York County the YCHDOA was born. In early 1980, a group of about twenty sat down and decided to organize into a social group. Their riding activities required better planning and more organization as they matured and started families. Thus the association was formed.

Together we have grown to become a solid group making significant contributions to the community and motorcycling in York County and the surrounding areas. Today, nearly 200 full, associate, and life members make up our roster. Yearly, we raffle off a new Harley, hold several poker runs, a toy run, the Rock N’ Blues Fest, and co-produce York Bike Night with York City. Of course, we also hold summer and Christmas parties for all our members. We also support several local charities.

Association

The association is a social organization and has a lot of fun participating in the group’s activities. Participation within the group is high and relationships among members so close, that a cap on full memberships has been placed. They presently stand at a self-imposed ceiling of 100 full members.

The association has their own building and grounds. Members have donated their time to finish and maintain our meeting hall and  grounds. This building was a dream of the original group to have a place to call their own.

At present, the association has a waiting list of riders who want to join and that list is considered every February. There are even some second generation members. Bylaws state that prospective members must be either involved in the motorcycle business, own a motorcycle, or are a motorcycle enthusiast. Membership is not limited to Harley Davidson owners, but most members do own a Harley. All members participate in voting on association business and all officers are elected semi-annually.

The group is not politically active nor AMA charted. They prefer to focus upon social activities, fun, and riding. But, they are not for the causal minded, with potentially many changes on the horizon for the association, riders who might be interested in making new friends, dedicating some time to group activities and being committed to participation are encouraged to come to our public events.

What We’ve Achieved

  • Over $500,000 donated to Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital since 1997

  • Delivered $17,279.62 in toys, gift cards and requested items to Penn State Children’s Hospital

  • Provided $7,409.25 in door prizes and toys for the Children’s Miracle Network annual family outing

  • Donated cash and requested items to Grandfather 5 to provide Care Packages to armed forces members overseas

  • Donated $1,100 to the Morris Rohler, Sr. family to offset medical expenses

  • Donated $500 to Hoffman Homes

  • Donated $500 to the Terry Gilbert funeral fund

  • Donated $500 to the Parkinson’s Foundation

  • Raised over $16,000 through the Courtney Glenn Benefit Runn in conjunction with NDHP, CCSC, YMC and WRMC.

  • Annual Toy Run that contributes toys, care items, and financial assistance to children in need

  • 100% Volunteer 501(c3) organization

  • Donated $500 to Animal Rescue, Inc.

  • Donated $50 to The Servants Assistance Program

  • Raised $2,140 through the Pride & Ride in Memory of Ivan Flanscha

  • Collected requested items and donated $500 to Cancer Care Center

  • Collected requested items for “Feed the Veterans”

  • Donated $500 to the Annual Tourist Inn Benefit

  • Provided over $300 worth of toys and baby booties to the York Hospital Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit and pediatric patients

  • Provided over $800 worth of clothing, food items, and toys to the Salvation Army

  • Donated $50 each to the Craley Fire Department and the Valley Tavern Children’s Christmas Drive