Chapter History

Don Smith purchased the Arlington Texas Harley-Davidson dealership in 1988. In January of 1990, Don moved the dealership to its present location in Bedford and the shop-sponsored Harley Owners Group took on its new chapter name, the DFW Texas Chapter.

The Chapter is a perpetual, not-for-profit State of Texas Corporation. The chapter, named Bedford Chapter, Inc. was incorporated on February 27, 1997. The chapter operated several years before incorporating. Our fiscal year coincides with the calendar year and we use the cash accounting method. The chapter is not tax exempt at either the state or federal level. Federal Income taxes and State Franchise taxes are filed and paid annually by the Treasurer. The chapter typically owes no taxes when the returns are filed.

The following paragraphs concerning purpose and membership are excerpted from the Articles of Incorporation:

Purpose: To engage in and promote responsible motorcycling activities for Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) members by conducting chapter activities and encouraging participation in other H.O.G. events and other charitable activities. Chapter activities and operations shall be conducted in a manner consistent with a family oriented non-political philosophy.

Membership:Chapter membership is open to any person that provides proof of his or her current national H.O.G. membership. An expired National H.O.G. membership automatically terminates the Bedford Chapter membership and any associated memberships.

February 27, 1997: Chapter became a State of Texas Corporation.

1997: HOG hired one of our former chapter directors, Valerie Ledterman, as H.O.G. regional manager responsible for Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida.

June, 1998: The 95th Anniversary Ride Home that started in Mexico City, Mexico stopped overnight in Fort Worth with a send off breakfast from Texas Motor Speedway. Texas Harley-Davidson hosted a party for the riders.

September, 2000: The HOG Sea to Shining Sea ride stopped over in Fort Worth with a party for all HOG members at Billy Bob's.

2001: The Chapter hosted the Texas State HOG Rally in Fort Worth with Mary Ann Smith as the Rally Coordinator.

October 2002: Harley-Davidson held a 100th anniversary party at Texas Motor Speedway . Entertainment included the Doobie Brothers, Aerosmith and many others. Texas Harley-Davidson (our chapter sponsor) and Fort Worth Harley-Davidson were hosts to Peter Fonda during the 100th weekend. He provided personal appearances at both dealerships.

2010: Adam Smith purchased Texas Harley-Davidson.

January 1st, 2011: The dealership opened the doors as Adam Smith’s Texas Harley-Davidson. Adam promptly remodeled the building to include new sales offices, computers, dressing rooms, a lounge area for guests and HOG members with couches and hi def TV’s, and a whole new attitude towards the customers, employees, and the HOG chapter.

November 2011: Adam Smith’s Texas Harley-Davidson began covering the cost of membership for all DFW Texas USA Chapter members.

2023 Texas Harley Davidson was purchase by Navigant Motors. They're continued support of our chapter will drive us into a bright future.