Last August, the biggest and most historic motorcycle birthday party took place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Brian Jackson and the crew from Corbin's Ride On were on hand for the legendary event. The 100 th anniversary of Harley-Davidson was held on Milwaukee's beautiful lakefront and featured more than two miles of vendors, concert stages, and displays of some of the coolest and most historic Harleys ever produced! But before you get to go on a whirlwind description of this birthday bash, let's have a brief history lesson on an American icon: Harley-Davidson Motorcycles.

According to the company's website, it all began in Milwaukee in 1903 when William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson made their first production motorcycle available to the public. That same year, the first Harley-Davidson dealership was opened in Chicago, Illinois, and sold one of the first three production Harleys ever made. In 1909 the company produced its first V-twin powered motorcycle, and in 1910 the introduction of the famous "Bar & Shield" logo was used for the first time. 1917 marked the year that Harley-Davidson's were first sold to the military (a tradition that still continues), and by 1920 they were the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.

Throughout its first three decades, Harley-Davidson also set standards in the motorcycle racing industry, and later continued to answer its country's call to arms in producing motorcycles and equipment for the war efforts. The second half of the twentieth century would be no different as Harley produced a large number of models that became highly successful such as the Hydra Glide, Duo Glide, and the Sportster. Then in 1969, the company merged with AMF, but in 1981, thirteen Harley-Davidson senior executives signed a letter of intent to purchase the company back from AMF and by mid-year the buyback became official. And as they say, "the rest is Harley history" ( www.harley-davidson.com ). Since that time, Harley-Davidson has continued to refine and improve on a product that many believe is the only way to travel, and they strive to break new ground today not only in terms of their own bikes, but also in how they treat their loyal customers who always keep coming back. Okay, ready for a history quiz? All right, never mind...let's just get on with the party!

As Brian said, there was simply, "Harley after Harley after Harley!" In fact, this event has certainly been the biggest party in the history of Milwaukee! Brian spoke to a few of the participants who voiced their approval of the event. One biker said that he has been to Daytona, Sturgis, and Laconia and that was the "mother of all parties!" People came from all across the nation for this special celebration, and some even made some history of their own! One Harley fan celebrated turning 200,000 miles on his bike by touching the front tire to the brick on the Harley-Davidson factory. Then there were Rod and Marilyn who took the opportunity to get married and start their own history! By the way, she rides a Low Rider and he rides a Wide Glide! Next, there was Susan Licata and her customized 2002 Low Rider that featured a wild custom paint scheme featuring characters from an animated series that Susan has created! The paint was done by Rock and Roll Custom Paint in Orange, California, and was one of the greatest custom paint jobs that we've seen! Also in attendance was Mike Fink, the owner of a sweet 1982 FLH custom, and then there was Gil Lujan who rode more than 2,500 miles to Milwaukee from Washington on his unrestored 1981 Heritage Edition. His Heritage is one of only 784 that were produced that year.

Some aspects of this birthday celebration were simply overwhelming such as the parade that featured 10,000 Harleys! That event alone stretched more than ten miles! There were hundreds of thousands of people in attendance and it was clear that everyone was having a great time. With exhibits such as custom and antique bike shows, stunt and drill team performances, factory tours, races, and musical performances from acts such as Steppenwolf, Kansas, Peter Frampton and Montgomery Gentry, who wouldn't have fun? By the way, this just wasn't a spur of the moment celebration as Harley-Davidson cranked up the party in 2002 with its Open Road Tour, a city-by-city stop across America billed as "the largest rolling birthday party."

Harley-Davidson is more than a motorcycle. It is a lifestyle and represents the American Dream to its fullest. Freedom, expression, and riding like the wind are all part of experience and once you go for the ride there is no turning back. Perhaps one participant summed it up best when asked why he rides a Harley. His reply was, "Why would you ride anything else?" Enough said. If you would like to find out more about the 100 th Anniversary of Harley-Davidson, or if you would like to know more about their products, you can visit them on the web at www.harley-davidson.com .

That's it from Milwaukee so until our next ride remember, "Keep the shiny side up and Ride On!"

Back to Episode CRN8015