From March 10 through March 13 the Fire Hogs M/C held their First Annual National Rally in San Diego coordinated by the San Diego Chapter of the Fire Hogs. All five chapters of the national organization were represented with members coming as far away as Texas! This National Rally provided all members of the Fire Hogs M/C and the Friends of the Fire Hogs to meet and participate in a fundraising event for the San Diego Chapter’s Widows and Orphans Fund.
On March 10, Fire Hogs and friends met at Swallows Inn, in San Juan Capistrano for a late breakfast with the San Diego Chapter, and then it was off to the meet & greet mixer at the host hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton in San Diego Downtown. I have to say the hotel really rolled out the red carpet for the Fire Hogs including posters announcing our arrival, designated parking, and special banquet rooms for all our meetings. What a way to start the rally! After the meet and greet mixer, it was off to downtown San Diego for dinner and more libations.
On March 11, Skip and the San Diego Chapter organized a Poker Run to benefit San Diego’s Relief Association. This 88-mile ride through the scenic mountains of San Diego included a few stops at favorite watering holes, most of which I have no idea where they were but it was a fun day! That evening the Club had a member’s meeting at the pool to introduce all and talk about the future of the Club. After the Club meeting, shenanigans began downtown and lasted until the wee hours of the morning for some.
On March 12, prior to the San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a pancake breakfast was held at the San Diego Firehouse Museum. This is a fundraiser for the museum and was very entertaining as the Pipe and Drum Bands rehearsed in front of the museum.
After the breakfast it was saddle up and off to the parade. More than 35 Fire Hogs dressed up their steads and themselves to be part of the San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Even Johnny O. came sliding in with his wife just before it started! This St. Patrick’s Day Parade is reported to be the biggest one this side of the Mississippi! It seemed like the Fire Hogs were the hit of the parade as we threw out toys and candy to the cheering crowds along the route. It was sure nice to be a part of this event and it reminded me of days gone by when the Fire Hogs and Fire Service led the parade through the streets of Los Angeles in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Los Angeles. After a few pictures at the end of the parade it was off to the live music in the beer gardens followed by a night on the town which included some great Italian food.
I want to thank Dave Allen, Skip, Mike Merriken and the Fire Hogs Chapter of San Diego for putting this event together, they really knocked it out of the park! Also thanks to the DoubleTree by Hilton in San Diego Downtown, Pete and JoAnn Mannise, Rudy and Katie Santiago for traveling all the way from Texas just to be part of the event and all the Fire Hogs and friends from all chapters who made this such a great weekend.
On Saturday, June 11, 2022, the LAFD Fire Hogs M/C will be sponsoring the 24th Annual Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride to raise money for the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association, Widows, Orphans, and Disabled Firefighter’s Fund. Come join us at Mulholland Harley Davidson 24050 Ventura Blvd, Calabasas, CA 91302) in Calabasas. Registration starts at 0900 hrs, ceremonies start at 1000 hrs with KSU at 1100 hrs. Travel with us as we go north along the 101 freeway then to the coast through the canyons to our destination of the Sage Brush Cantina (23527 Calabasas rd., Calabasas) for music/ luncheon and fundraising to benefit the Widows, Orphans, and Disabled Firefighter’s Fund. All are welcome! If ya can’t make the ride meet us at the Sagebrush for the luncheon, Raffle and Music! Be there at 1200 to watch the riders come in!! The fundraising event at the Sagebrush Cantina start at 1200 pm. Join us for an afternoon of FUN!! Riders and NON-Riders are ALL WELCOME! Go to www.firehogs.org for more info or https://www.facebook.com/Fallen-Heroes-Memorial-Ride-107161414921492. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/24th-annual-fallen-heroes-memorial-run-61122-tickets-275280470297
