The Federation of Harley-Davidson Clubs Europe
The Federation of Harley-Davidson Clubs Europe began in the early 1970s as a means of H-D and Indian clubs not associated with HOG to get together and co-ordinate their events. Today it has grown considerably but is still an independent group of riders clubs from across Europe who have a good relationship with one another and attend FH-DCE events, from small club rallies to international gatherings like the famous "FH-DCE Super Rally®". (For more info on the next and past Super Rallies® visit www.superrally.com.)
Some Caledonia members can generally be found at the Super Rally, which attracts visitors from all over Europe and countries as far away as Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
Ulf Jensen
Member club events come in many types and sizes. But no there is one thing you can always count on at a FH-DCE event: the opportunity to get together with fellow Harley-Davidson riders to have a great time.
Caledonia Harley Club joined the FH-DCE in 1994 and it has been a great means of meeting new friends from across the UK and from other countries in Europe. We have been to lots of their rallies and parties and in return have entertained them at our events here in Scotland. We have met and stayed with FH-DCE members when touring Europe on holiday and have been happy to help those touring Scotland with advice or practical help when they have had bike problems on the road. Through the Federation we have a full and busy calendar as there is always an event on somewhere if you are prepared to travel.
One Caledonia member summed it up: “The Federation brings us out of biking only or mainly in our own countries, to travel across all parts of Europe. It gives us a sense of security in the knowledge that there are people everywhere that are just like ourselves.”
On a serious note, having over 30,000 members in over 30 countries gives us some strength through unity as voters and in association with FEMA in Europe and MAG in the UK we can collectively fight anti-bike / biker legislation whilst promoting the benefits of our life style to other road users and the environment alike.
Buzby
The other major event in the FH-DCE calendar is the Presidents’ Meeting, which has been held annually since 1991 and is hosted by a different member club each year. Caledonia members (President and entourage) have been present at the Presidents’ Meetings in the Netherlands, Poland, England, Spain, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, Greece and Lithuania. Caledonia is one of the best known clubs in the Federation, representing ourselves well in our funny skirts and blue and white make up, running about all weekend forcing firewater down people’s throats.
Caledonia will be hosting the 20th Presidents’ Meeting in Scotland in 2011. It is a great honour for a small club like us to be able to welcome so many friends from so many countries all at one time. We hosted the 10th meeting in 2001 and we still hear from our friends who remember it about the great party we all enjoyed. We look forward to seeing you all again.
For more information about FH-DCE and its member clubs, see our Links page or contact the FH-DCE Secretary info@fhdce.eu
