105th Roadside News: Day 8 - Duluth, MN to Wausau, WI - August 26, 2008
Maverick and Radio - Aug 26, 2008

What is it like on the outside? All motorcyclists have experienced the looks and the body language. The “messages” come from children, teens, young adults, and aged adults. Middle aged folks, well, they are cool with whatever it is they are doing, so a couple Harley-Davidsons don’t bother them. Or so it appears! Truth be known, they are probably actively saving up to purchase one in the not too distant future.  

 

In Hill City, while having lunch, an older gentleman in his mid-seventies turned from his wife and started talking to us about his admiration for motorcycles. He never had one, due to circumstances beyond his control, but he “always enjoyed the sound of a Harley.”   He thinks it’s too late now to begin riding a motorcycle, and he smiled as we encouraged him with various scenarios that could make him the proud owner of a Harley-Davidson. 

 

 

During a rest stop, another older gentleman, now physically showing the results of years of hard labor no doubt in a blue collar position in rural America, approached us and said something like, “I can’t believe they allow such trash onto the highway.” This was in reference to a highly polished chromed out Ultra. He laughed and went on to say that he rode a Harley in the late forties, but had to give it up. We didn’t press him, but it was clear that he wished he was riding one now. 

 

In Duluth, a 16 year old young man approached us on the street next to the docks. He was nearly oblivious to the riders. He wanted to see and admire the bike. He mumbled something about the chrome alone costing $25,000. We didn’t correct him, because it was something he wanted to believe. He was awestruck and assured us, as he strode off, he would someday have one. 

 

As we refueled in Ashland, WI., a fellow customer was refueling his van. He could not take his eyes off the motorcycles. I walked over to him and asked him if he was a Harley owner? “No, my wife won’t let me entertain the idea.” He went on to say he was a 62 year old retired former teacher, his daughters live in Phoenix, and he would like to see the country on a motorcycle. “I would take safety classes, wear a helmet, and do anything I had to do to own a Harley-Davidson, and I can’t wait 15 more years,” he said. He was pleading for support, which I graciously provided. 

 

There are also the quiet stares of children peeking out from the shadow of their parents: on the street, in restaurants, in motel elevators, etc.  They are not certain about what to make of all the leather and gear. But they are fascinated by it!

 

Granted, there are some folks who could care less, as did the gent in his Dodge Dakota, going 45 in a 55 mile zone and holding his position in front of us (there was a four foot paved berm to his right) in the middle of the lane while 15 motorcyclists passed him one at a time over the course of a mile. When I passed him, I glanced over, and, in spite of the fact that my Harley has the capacity to make a lot of noise, and his window was wide open, he gave the appearance of being indifferent. The act was not believable…I know he wanted a Harley.

 

These experiences happen regularly, mile after mile or parked on the street. They are not the reason we ride, but they are one of the reasons motorcyclists enthusiastically promote motorcycle ownership.

 

Today was a day of both highs and lows. Highs, because of the increased excitement as the group’s size continues to grow, and because today we rode into Wisconsin. Tonight we are just 183 miles outside Milwaukee and the huge Harley-Davidson 105^th birthday celebration. You can hear the excitement in rider’s voices during conversations throughout the day. When the ride began, conversations were focused on getting acquainted with each, e.g., where are you from, how far did you ride, did you go to the 95^th or the 100^th, etc. Conversations have now transitioned to focus on the party, where people are staying, when they are leaving, and what events they will be attending.

 

It’s amazing how quickly this group of riders have connected with each other. Email addresses and phone numbers have been exchanged and many people will stay in touch after they return home. And, that is also the low part of the day. Tomorrow is the last day of the ride. Tomorrow our journey together will end, and we will all go our separate ways. For me, that will be a sad thing.

 

 

The Harley-Davidson VIPs on this route have been nothing short of amazing. We will be writing more about them in another update. Then, there is Milo from Oregon and his rat bike. You can see Milo on his web site at www.ratbikemilo.com. What a nice man. Milo would give you the shirt off his back and does not know a stranger. Blondie, our English friend, is just a dear. He is witty, charming, and he, too, does not know a stranger. A very interesting Egyptian couple joined our group yesterday. They will be riding for 60 days on their motorcycle all over the United States. That would be a challenge for a U.S. citizen, and yet, they are having a ball. Dave and Jackie have a vineyard in Washington. Jim and Cynthia live on an island near Vancouver. And, the list goes on and on. Each of these people has touched our hearts and lives. We will miss them.

 

Tonight there was another party at Harley-Davidson of Wausau; a grand party. Parking was a challenge as you can see in the photos. Tomorrow is the final migration into Milwaukee from all 25 starting points across the US. As in years prior, this will be as exciting for the riders as the City of Milwaukee. They really know how to roll out the red carpet to bikers in Milwaukee. Get ready Milwaukee. Here we come!

 

Personal observation: Many people say they couldn’t work with their spouse or be with their spouse 24/7. I have never heard a biker who rides with his/her spouse make that comment. Bikers consider their spouses to be their best friends and enjoy spending the time together.

 

Click here for photos of the ride to Wausau.

 

 

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