Harley-Davidson Notables Lead ‘Ride Home’ for Anniversary Party

Bill and Karen Davidson trek with bikers from across the U.S. to Milwaukee for Harley’s 115th celebration, Aug. 29-Sept. 2.

It’s not often you get to bike with royalty but for some lucky guys and gals out of San Diego, they’re currently on a trek to Milwaukee for Harley-Davidson’s 115th Anniversary celebration with none other than Bill Davidson and Karen Davidson, the great-grandson and great-granddaughter of Harley-Davidson co-founder William Davidson!

Bikers from all four corners of the United States are currently taking part in “Rides Home,” week-long group rides that finds all four routes arriving in Milwaukee on August 29 in time for the big party. The Southwest ride started out of San Diego, California, and included a two-day stop in Kansas City. The Northwest trek out of Tacoma, Washington, included pit stops in Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse. Starting in Portland, Maine, the Northeast route featured a Harley-Davidson factory tour in York, Pennsylvania. Out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, the Southeast tour included stops in Tampa, Murfreesboro, and Indianapolis. Bill and Karen Davidson are leading the Southwest ride.

Bill Davidson told Arizona Central about some of his many enjoyable excursions. “I have been blessed to ride in so many parts of the world,” Davidson said, “and I think one of the greatest surprises is the unexpected, when you come around a corner and you see a beautiful scene of nature. It’s awe-inspiring. When you’re on a motorcycle, nature is exaggerated because it’s all around you. You feel it, you smell it, you see it.”

Happening Aug. 29 to Sept. 2, Harley-Davidson’s 115th Anniversary Celebration in Milwaukee will be a party to remember. No matter what kind of bike you ride, or even if you’re just an admirer, everyone is welcome to join the fun. Attendees can expect local rides, a variety of bike races, factory tours, a parade, and even a “beach brawl” competition with bikes tearing tear through the sand on the shoreline of Lake Michigan.

Photos: Twitter and Harley-Davidson

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Dan Gregory

Dan Gregory is a longtime journalist and editor whose over 20 years of professional experience includes covering the automotive world for Los Angeles' EDGE Magazine before joining the Internet Brands Auto Group team. Dan currently contributes to Ford Truck Enthusiasts, Rennlist, JK Forum and Team Speed, among others

When not covering the auto industry and motorcycle events for the Harley-Davidson enthusiast site H-D Forums, the F-150-driving auto enthusiast can usually be found doing donuts and leaving smoke in local parking lots in the general Iowa area while listening to Slipknot.

He can be reached at autoeditors@internetbrands.com.