Southern Arizona Harley Riders is having their 16th Annual Biker Rodeo, Arena Bar, 250 N. Prickly Pear Ave., Benson, Az. on 10/15 – 10/16.
The organization, now known as the Southern Arizona Harley Riders, MC (SAHR) goes back to 1984. Formerly, the group was known as Southern Arizona Chapter #078, of the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.).
Red and Florence Hartman, long-time business owners in Cochise County formed this group after the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company decided, in 1983, to organize all Harley enthusiasts into the Harley Owners Group. Later that same year, Harley-Davidson authorized their dealerships (Hartman’s Harley-Davidson at the time), to organize local chapters within their areas to afford Harley rider camaraderie and a safe, social outlet for motorcycling. Thus the birth of the Sierra Vista based HOG Chapter.
The Southern Arizona HOG flourished until 1992 when, because of the loss of the supporting dealership, the organization was terminated as a chapter of the national HOG organization. Even with this blow, the group functioned successfully and was eventually rewarded by the acceptance as a chapter of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), thus a resurrection as the Southern Arizona Harley Riders.
From the beginning, SAHR has continued to grow, even with its military members filtering in and out due to station changes, to its present membership. SAHR continues to strive for positive community awareness through its many philanthropic activities. It has always been the goal of SAHR, Harley-Davidson, and the AMA to promote safe, fun, family oriented motorcycling, and community service-minded clubs.
Respect, Courtesy, and Responsibility are the keys and the purpose behind SAHR and will always be principal to ensure and promote those ideals in ourselves, fellow riders…. and the kids that will one day be us!
