We're home ... Milwaukee ... the place it all began



It's a go.  We're ready to rock and roll.  Let the Milwaukee times begin.

 The last day (Wednesday, August 28), we were going down the home stretch, heading for the “homeland” where the pilgrimmage ends, Milwaukee!!! The home of our Milwaukee Iron … iron horses, Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It's where it all began, and we've been traveling to get there to celebrate 110 years of motorcycle madness, wonderfulness.

Everyone was getting lined up in the parking lot to get our instructions before heading out.

Waiting for the briefing.



Taren and her husband, Jim.  Enjoyed chatting with her at various times.  HD has some great folks in their organization.

Taren from HD was on the entire ride from Alaska, and now other Milwaukee folks joined us. They would lead us the last few hundred miles, with the first stop being the Harley shop at Oconomowoc.

We had a pre-ride briefing from our Milwaukee leader, who told us where we going, the route and the exit we would use to gas up for the final push.

We rode as a group, about 25 of us, on occasion getting separated, but running the interstate mostly together. The Rogue Riders were wearing their orange Alaska Rogue Rider shirts, we were all staying in our lanes, looking great as a group, and I'm sure impressing those who saw us … mostly. When we passed, it looked like a giant snake, moving from one lane to the other. It was an accomplishment and looked very cool. Congratulations on a great ride with everyone arriving safely. I was so excited to be part of this ride and proud to be with this group of incredible riders.

The lines were perfect.  This was the group behind me.

One of the special happenings along the route was not far from the shop, on an overpass, there were several people with a sign – WELCOME ALASKA HARLEY'S. Wow. That was incredibly nice, and made me a little teary, knowing I was a part of something very special and a once in a lifetime event. There won't be another 110^th.

We all parked rather neatly.  Wheels left, everything looked good.

The corn on the cob was excellent.

Birdie found a pair of heated boots.  Her load is now officially taller than she is.

Was there a reason the ambulance was parked near the Harley shop?  Is it because so many of us are old and they think we might have a heart attack, or serious indigestion?

At the shop there were vendors, food, music. We all came in as a group, and were pointed to special parking. That was excellent. We hung around a few hours and then our Milwaukee friends gathered us up and guided us to the Harley-Davidson Museum. We located the rivets that the House of Harley and the Harley Owners Group had purchased several years back. It was neat to see them, knowing we were part of the reason why they were there.

Parking in the grass at the Harley-Davidson Museum.  We rode over a plastic type pathway put down for us, then we'd turn in to rows to park.  Grass is not my friend; however, I did not drop my bike, nor even come close today.

The Harley Owner's Group rivet, Chapter 66.

The House of Harley rivet.  The two are next to each other at the museum.

And there's another Alaskan, Hands (Neil).  We enlisted him to take some photos for us.

Then it was time for group photos … all Rogue Riders, all those who rode the entire route from Alaska, women riders. So many photos. But what a feeling of euphoria to be a part of this group. Alaskan riders are special …

This is the group that rode in together to Milwaukee, most of whom rode the entire distance from Anchorage.

The women who rode, some the entire distance, some most of it.

 

Thank you, Barry and Dia, and to all the wonderful HD folks who hosted the group, guided the group and who worked hard to get the group safely to Milwaukee.  The only mishaps that I heard about was Dia's golfball-sized ding in her front fender, various rock chips here and there, a kickstand gone bad and an LED headlight shattered.  The important thing the people arrived all in one piece.  Yeehaw!  That's what it's all about.  Let the celebration begin.

A big “thank you” to the Milwaukee folks who rode with the group, those who guided us along and also to Barry and Dia who arranged all of this. It's a huge undertaking to organize an event with multiple stops. Logistically, I'm sure it was a nightmare, but what a treat to those of us who got to participate.

As a side note to this incredible journey, I've learned that I'm a Harley-o-holic, and probably need a 12-step program. I-90, in particular, is home to many, many Harley shops. I had not realized that among other things, I was on the Harley-Davidson motorcycle riding shopping tour.

We spent time at a number of shops, where people gave us their time, had food for us, and a good time. Yep, bought a shirt at most of them. Was it worth it? Hell yes. There is nothing to compare to what we all received in return … the camaraderie, the making of new friends, the recounting of the day's events. Sure am glad there are post offices along the way and flat rate boxes.

The first box has been mailed home.

 And tomorrow ?? We're home. Let the celebration begin.