Patriotic ride in progress. - PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOGB
Group photo of members of the Harley Owners Group Brunei Chapterand participants in front of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.
The Harley Owners Group Brunei Chapter (HOGB) recently went on a ride of patriotism, proudly displaying their love for their country, as they took part in the Youth and Sports Department's "Perarakan Bendera" (Flag Parade), an annual event which saw participants gathering at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium for a patriotic march.
For the HOGB, 70 Harley riders joined in by first being given a mandate to receive a flag from the Tutong and Belait Districts as representatives of the Brunei-Muara District.
Flag in hand, the HOGB rode from Jerudong, through Jalan Tutong, Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan and Jalan Kebangsaaan before reaching their destination at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.
The HOGB said that riding with the country's patriotic flag was aimed at embedding the spirit of love for the country among the youth.
Abd Malek Hamdani, the HOGB Secretary, spoke to the Bulletin, and was quoted as saying: "This was the first time we'd ever been invited to receive a flag and carry it around Brunei, and then present it at the stadium."
"It was good for our members and all the Harley riders to ride together, so on the ride we felt the honour of riding with the flag," he continued. "We feel that bringing that flag, with this year's slogan, 'Negaraku Negara Brunei Darussalam' in mind, it was very motivating. We were able to encourage patriotism among our members, especially the new members.
"We were only formed four years ago, so we need our riders to know what the Harley Owners Group is. We want people to know who we are, what we are, and what we represent," he added. "It's a chapter of an international club, of all Harley riders, so we want to let people know that we are not just riders, but one of the patriotic groups of Brunei Darussalam."
He also took the opportunity to thank Harley Davidson of Brunei for its support and the Youth and Sports Department for inviting them.
Abd Malek added that the HOGB are currently planning a ride in conjunction with Chinese New Year, as well as a "Merdeka Ride" for the upcoming 27th National Day celebration.