105th Roadside News: The Prelude - August 18, 2008
Maverick and Radio - Aug 18, 2008

The calm before thunder…H-D’s 105^th Ride Home

Each day Cycle Matters’ Editors will report on 105^th Ride Home news from two perspectives: the motorcycle operator, Maverick, and the passenger, Radio. We will communicate our observations about riding along with other Harley-Davidson enthusiasts on the Seattle route through America’s North Western and North Central States and towns. We will share others’ perspectives as well. As opportunities arise to discuss the journey with Harley-Davidson executives, we will share their insights. Each day photos will also be added to Cycle Matters Biker Event Photos: Biker Rallies, 105^th Ride Home. We hope you will enjoy the ride even if you can’t be there in person.

 

 

Harley-Davidson motorcyclists rode into the vicinity of Seattle’s Eastside Harley-Davidson over the weekend in anticipation of the start of ‘The Ride Home’ on Tuesday morning, August 19, 2008. Harley-Davidson Senior Executives, regional Harley Owners Group executives, and Harley-Davidson motorcyclists from the United States and around the globe join in the fun of riding from 25 different starting regions of the United States; all anticipating a celebrated arrival in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 27^th.

 

Ron Hutchinson, Senior Vice President, Product Development at Harley-Davidson will be riding a new Tri-Glide, one of Harley-Davidson’s major model achievements for 2009. Hutchinson expressed enthusiasm about the 105^th ride from Seattle, and the fun of joining thousands of Harley-Davidson owners riding together to Milwaukee. 

 

When asked about Harley-Davidson’s most notable product achievement for 2009, Hutchinson enthusiastically identified the new frame and chassis improvements for the Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles. “The redesign of the frame and chassis improvements provides extraordinary handling improvements and responsiveness. Click here to read more details about the newly designed frame and other features of Harley-Davidson’s touring motorcycles.

 

A few minutes with John “J.T.” Hasley, Regional Manager, Harley Owners Group, gets motorcyclists’ adrenaline flowing. With over a decade of experience with Harley Owners Group and 450,000+ miles on a motorcycle, he has many stories to tell along with knowledge about motorcycling and Harley-Davidson. 

 

 

Overcast skies and intermittent rain kept things relatively quiet on this Monday before departure for Spokane. The real thunder will roll in on Tuesday morning!

 

What can you expect from me each day on this journey to Milwaukee? A different perspective. One gathered from my experiences on the back of the bike; the person who views the DOT label on the back of a helmet all day. Maverick and I have been married 28 years and have ridden 100,000 miles together. During that time, there has been little discord in our relationship. 

 

But, while we are very compatible, like most couples, we manage challenges differently. Maverick is even-tempered and spontaneous. I am emotional and crave structure. Maverick is tough and rarely complains. I can be tough, but I will whine. My complaints serve as comic relief for Maverick who chuckles as I suffer.  I like make-up, and I want my hair to look good. I don’t like to be dirty, but will tolerate it when required. I don’t like the rain. I don’t like the cold. I don’t like it really hot. Give me a sunny 85 degree day, and I am a happy, little camper – well, except for the helmet hair. You can also count on Maverick to be positive. Me?  If it sucks, I'll tell you it sucks.

 

So, here we are in Seattle ready to ride out in the morning. Our Day 1 destination: Spokane, about 300 miles away. As luck would have it, it’s raining and the forecast is for 60 degrees and rain in the morning. It’s a bad hair day. Tuesday will be our 11th day of a 35 day 10,000 mile road trip. Maverick and I left Boulder, Colorado on Saturday, August 10. We have driven 3,000 beautiful miles to date. I share this to establish a baseline for my daily updates. My butt already has some miles on it. I miss my bed. I miss my dog.  I hate this humidity, but I love the ride!

 

The staff of Cycle Matters is interested in your comments about this article. 

 

If you are already a member of Cycle Matters, click on “Comment” at the end of this article to add your comments.

 

You must be a member of Cycle Matters to add comments. Membership is free!