This late afternoon, my cousin and I rode our bikes to visit a friend of his (really good guy) who had just finished up some patch work on one of his vests. All told, it was about a 100 mile run up and back. When we got there, we did the usual thing; started talking about Harleys, road trips we had taken, what bikes we wanted as our next Harley, what mods we wanted to make to our existing Harleys, and where and when the next bike nite and Sunday morning breakfast run would take place. You know, the usual.

Throughout the conversation, I couldn't help but reflect on just how much Harley's have been a part of my life. Like many of you folks, I've been into and around Harley's since way before they became the trendy status symbol toys of today. Ever since I could remember, there was always a Harley around the family somewhere; be it my dad, uncles, brothers, or cousins. I can never recall a time not being around the rumble of the v-twin. I got my first Harley when I was a teenager still in high school; a '74 AMF Sportster. At the time, I thought that was the most badass bike on the planet.

Owning a Harley Davidson motorcyle - for me - most definitely ranks right up there with other landmark events and happenings in my life. For me, it's far more than just a motorcycle. Far more than a means of transportation and recreation. It's - in part - a symbol of who I am, what I stand for, and what I believe in. Yeah, there's a lot of negativity surrounding Harley in terms of 'it ain't what it used to be', etc. In some respects, that may very well ring true. But at the end of the day, I'm proud to have been a Harley Davidson owner for well over 28 years now. I'm equally proud of the fact that the vast majority of folks (many of whom have been around the block a heckuva lot more than I) out there who choose to ride a Harley are honest, hard working, forthright individuals who not only take pride in their ride, but in their fellow man in turn. In short, good folk.

Some of you will question what the hell this thread's about? That'd be a valid question. Frankly, it's about stepping back and appreciating where we've been, where we're going, and taking time to recognize all the good people and friendswe've met and made along the way. As I was riding down the highway next to my cousin dialed in at around 75 mph, I couldn't help but think, "It just doesn't geta whole lotbetter than this!" Yep, owning a Harley Davidson sure as heck ranks right on up there. That's for sure! Ride safe everyone.

 

Couldn't agree with you more....gotta love life's FINER things...

 

They sure are bigand shiny, aren't they?

 

Yes--I understand----with 40 years of riding under my belt, 28 of them on HD, I am truly thankful everyday that I am still around and able to stay in the wind----Praise God for that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Well said Bro

Harleys are an American Icon

 

Yes, indeed.

 

very well put.i agree 100%

 

on the way back to deland (base)from daytona/ormond I garnered another "zen" motorcycle memory: riding w/my crew down a two lane country road taking a cool smooth curve by a lazy florida lake as the sun was setting on the way back to base for a crock pot roast & cold beersdinner. the only thing better would be to head back to the lake w/the beers and a couple fishin poles. yes moments on a harley are up there!

 

good post, you speak for lots of hd people

 

Amen. Took the words right out of my mind.