The Harley Davidson really is an American Flag on 2 wheels. Eventually, I gave into the lore of the Harley Davidson motorcycle. I've ridden these big V twin bikes across the United States a couple of times. You can't beat the comfort. The deep-throated roar of that big V Twin is intoxicating. There is a cultural connection you don't get with other motorcycles. The dealerships are like clubhouses. A place where everyone knows your name. I have been to Sturgis it wasn't during a Rally. I stopped primarily out of curiosity. I understand why people would like to attend, but it's only a small part of the motorcycle world.
Me personally, I don't like crowds. I've always been kind of a loner most of my life. So part of the reason I ride is to get away from everything and everyone. It is the most incredible feeling in the world being on a motorcycle alone in the middle of Kansas on US Highway 36. It's just you, the bike and blooming sunflower fields as far as the eye can see. The motorcycle world is a diverse place. Everyone rides for their own reasons. If you don't ride, you will never understand.
Interesting concept, your take on rallies. I've been to Sturgis twice. I will admit that the traffic is a problem. To many cage drivers getting in the way. One thing i don't agree with you on is the Harley..In both trips I took I rode a Brit bike and a Jap cruiser, on the other. But then I don't reside in the US. I'm an Australian I have 2 Harley's here at home. Sturgis is a must at least once. In your biker life. So many like minded people all in the same place. It has to be experienced to be believed.
ReplyDeleteI am with you don't care for crowds, trailers or commercialism. Been there done that once each was enough never the same as it was in the 70's and 80's.
ReplyDeleteI am with You on this one, I hate large crowds, always have, I don't drink anymore and don't like being around drunk people, I used to drink to excess, so I just don't do it any more, I love going on long vacations on My bike, always by Myself, some people ask if I worry about be so far out in the sticks, and I explain how I make sure My bike is fully serviced and most of that work I do Myself, I go over the bike with a torque wrench and or Loctite, so I know nothing is going to shake loose and fall off, last year I was in Waldon Colorado and My charging system Quit working, I was able to limp it in to Fort Collins but the Triumph Dealer could not get the parts to fix it, so I rented a U-Haul and strapped it in and drove home, that is the only break down I have had in many long trips, I am planning My next trip next year, thinking about heading south through the Ozarks in Missouri and Arkansas, then the Texas hill country and Big Bend area, then swing up through New Mexico and over to Durango Co. for the Million Dollar highway, and swing back home to Iowa, Now that I am retired I can go where I want to go and when I want to, Be Safe, Have Fun.
ReplyDeleteHere in South Africa, there a few long-standing rallies, which I have attended over the years since 1975. These days, though, I would rather prefer to point the front wheel in a direction and see where the road takes me - just me and my bike. Make new friends, make memories and enjoy the ride.
ReplyDeleteIT'S NOT THE RALLY ITSELF IT'S THE RIDE TO GET TO THESES RALLY TO ME THAT I ENJOY RIDING ALL OVER THE USA
ReplyDeleteI have done Sturgis twice and will not again.You have to see the shit show once in your life, for me it was the ride there and then riding the Black Hills, Spearfish, Mount Rushmore etc. Both times I went into town one night so my wife could see it.What I don't like is how the town looks at us as money yet the cops are on every corner and at night if your on your bike you are getting pulled over and if youve had any beers your getting a DUI. All these rallies are the same, just a money marketing thing sucking off of bikers!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's the lure of the open road and solitude that works for me. Go where you want at the speed you want. The wilder the better. Botswana is awesome.
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