HD Parade and Kid Rock!!!!!!

This morning Skip stayed back at the hotel to await his wife, Linda arrive as Miles and I headed out to the Harley Davidson Anniversary Parade.  Wow is all I can say - approximatley 6,000 bikes rode through it was truly amazing.

The OPP was here showing off their motorcycle skills and impressed everyone along the route.  A number of other police and their motorcycles were here along with some military veterans who received a huge round of applause from everyone.  There were young and old, women and men riding the Harley Davidson's some decked out while others were classical  and plain.  There were old bikes and brand new 2014 bikes.  Men, women, children and pets were all passengers on some bikes.  There were trikes and bikes with sidecars.

One guy who had his child in the side car and his wife on the back drove with the sidecar tipped up in the air half way down the street - now that takes balance.  People along the street were so excited to see all the bikers and were very appreciative of Harley Davidson riders.

After leaving the parade before it was over Miles and I headed to the House of Harley Davidson Dealers.  It was perfect timing as we were able to get great parking and the crowd wasn't too big and we could actually navigate through the vendors without getting bumped all the time.  We headed back to the hotel to meet up with Skip and Linda and headed out for lunch.  There was discussion about what to do this evening and we talked about going to a movie later.

For me, that didn't happen as I received a text from Robyn Bush who I had met along with her husband on Route 66.  She invited me to go to the Kid Rock concert.  Truly amazing - what a blast - the music was amazing.  Everyone was on their feet the whole concert.    I didn't realize I knew so many songs by Kid Rock - I guess I am a rebel.  LOL  Thanks again Robyn for making the final night at the 110th very memorial.  Oh, and by the way I rode by myself downtown and back without getting lost and I had great parking within twenty feet of the gate!!  $5.00 parking was well worth it tonight!  I am still tickled with myself for doing that all on my own!!!!

On the way into the Summerfest grounds there was an area you could get your picture taken and  you gave the camera to a staff member who took the picture for a tip - so he took mine but he wanted in my picture to so he handed it off to the next person in line!!

What a crazy guy!


Tomorrow we head to the ferry and back to Ludington for the night and then off to Skip and Linda's lake house for a night or two.  Should be fun!!

Harley Davidson Museum

Today we headed out to the Harley Davidson Museum which we had tickets for 9:00 am.  We were certainly glad that we had reserved tickets for the morning because once we got out the place was packed.  The museum was amazing, the history that has been preserved from the beginning of Harley Davidson is spectacular.  Bikes identified by year outlining all the changes each year as they were implemented.  You can see how the different challenges that America was experiencing also formed part of the changes and challenges that occurred for Harley Davidson.

After departing the museum there were several vendors outside that had paintings, museum t-shirts and again the 2014 line up of bikes.  As I was wandering through the vendors I came across Allan Frankhauser who is one of the HOG employees that organized the Route 66 and Rock Rhythm and Blues trip with HOG that I have attended in the past.  Always amazes me that you can be in the middle of thousands of people and you can meet up with people that you know!!  Allan indicated that there were several people from the Route 66 trip there and a few more that were coming in later today for the weekend.  

Bike signed by H-D employes on the 100th Anniversary

After leaving the Museum we headed to one of the dealers which had a number of vendors outside and music playing as well.  It is quite a party that happens here!  Once we had parked our bikes and walked quite a piece to get to the dealer we decided it was too hot and too crowded to actually enjoy anything so we did a quick tour through the vendors and headed back to the bikes.  On the way there was a guy that was driving a side by side that worked there.  I asked if he was going my way and would he mind if I hopped on!!  YES - I am so lucky as I got delivered right to my bike and smiled as we passed the guys walking back to the bikes.  As my dad always says - it never hurts to ask!

The weather was extremely hot today and the news reported that it had gotten as hot as 105 degrees which was truly tasking by mid-afternoon.  We headed back to the hotel where I immediately went to the room and had a shower to cool off and had a nap.  While I was napping a thunderstorm came through and cooled everything down.  

Went for supper at the Cheesecake Factory which thankfully had a skinnylicious menu for under 500 calories.  Unfortunately they did not have the same for the dessert so I did not have dessert even though the cheesecakes looked amazing.  Tonight I took a walk down to the Walgreens around the corner and upon my return ended up speaking with some guys that were outside the hotel.  Very nice guys from Idaho and of course we talked bikes, tours and more bikes!  Always fun comparing stories.    Tomorrow we head to the parade and then to pick up Cherif's wife who will arrive around noon.  Then we will see from there.  

Ferry Ride and day one in Milwaukee (not complete having difficulty will update later)

Bikes still coming on board. 

This morning we were up early to get to the ferry on time and line up with all the other bikers.  I have to say the SS Badger staff are very organized and very professional.  They have security checking for weapons and explosives to ensure a safe passage.  Three check in points before you even get on the ferry.  It wasn't too bad riding the bike onto the ferry and again have to thank Miles for helping me out tying down my bike.

Ferry ride was four hours but very relaxed and I was able to sit back and relax in the sun until it was too hot.  Met lots of bikers including a very nice couple from Germany.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

  

Miles and Cherif relaxing on the ferry.  We all had a great time -catching up with each other over the past year.  It didn't take too long to get off the ferry and start out on the highway and headed to Milwaukee which was about an hour away.  Some of the highway overhead signs even indicated to share the road with the motorcycles as they were experiencing heavy motorcycle traffic!

The Holiday Inn Express here has really gone all out.  They have special motorcycle parking and bike washes.  They even had food set out, water and lemonade.  We all received gift bags upon arriving - very much appreciated.  After checking in and checking my email we headed down to the lake front.

The lake front had all kinds of events.  Music was great we were able to get our HOG pin, take a good looson  poster for the 110th

k at the 2014 Harley's and I made my mark on the Harley website as well as the Harley Davidon

Ludington, Michigan

This morning was a very early jaunt.  Up early and on the road by 6:00 am!  Thanks again Ron and Laura you both were great hosts and it was awesome catching up.

I was going to hit the back roads again but decided just to get going so I headed out on the 401 to London to meet up with Miles.  I arrived at 8:00 am right on time!  It was great to see Miles and get going back on the road to Ludington, Michigan.  It rained a bit on the way but did not dampen our spirits.

I had a good chuckle as we were going over the bridge from Canada to the US in Sarnia as I was remembering that Miles hates bridges.  He was speeding across like there was no tomorrow.  LOL.  I still can't get over the colour of the water it is a bright blue like you would see further south.

The roads were a little rougher than I remember riding through Michigan.  Some of the areas were very run down and abandoned.  The ride itself was uneventful and lots of highway instead of backroads today.  As we were heading on Hwy 10 we noticed a trike at one of the rest stops and sure enough it was Skip!!  I had a big wave and surprised Skip that it just wasn't another biker waving but it was me!  We did a quick turn around so that Skip could join in the ride the rest of the way to Ludington.  You just never know who you might meet on the road.   I had a big smile as it was nice to have the whole gang together for another adventure again and am very thankful these guys let me join them each year.

After arriving at the hotel I did a quick wash of my very dirty bike!!  I was also able to scoot to Staples to purchase an adapter to allow me to transfer my pictures from my camera SD card to my iPad.  Works great!  We headed out for supper down near the wharf and checked out the ferry that was coming in at 7:00 pm.  It was interesting to see all the locals that come out to watch the ferry unload each night.  This will be the biggest ferry that we ride the bikes onto.  Tomorrow morning will come quick again as we are meeting for breakfast at 7 and then heading out to line up for the ferry ride over to Milwaukee.  I can't wait to attend the anniversary celebrations I am sure we are in for lots of entertainment and good times.

Fergus, ON

I had a slow start this morning and didn't get away until 10 but had a great ride even though it was looming rain all day. I stopped in Minden for lunch at a great cafe called Cafe Diem. The sandwiches are fresh and the service is quick. I was able to get all the way to Fergus without going on any four lane highways.

Arrived safe and sound at my cousins Ron and his wife Laura's. what a great spot - love the gardens and how private the backyard is!  Had supper with them and their daughter Megan and her husband Stephen and I got to update the family tree with birth dates and marriage dates!  Always great to add to my family tree information.  Ron took me on a tour through Fergus and into Elora where Megan and Stephen live - what beautiful old towns!  Their bungalow is amazing - everything is getting nicely set up for the baby on the way.

Can't wait!!!!

 

Well it is time to celebrate the

110th Anniversary of Harley Davidson!

 

What better way to celebrate than to go with HOG friends, Miles and Skip from my very first HOG trip on Route 66.  This will be our third trip together since Route 66 and can you imagine they still let me join in all the fun. 

 

I have attached the official 110th poster so you know what to expect from me.

 

Our journey begins on Tuesday, August 27th as I head to my cousin Ron and his wife Laura's who will host me for the night. Then off towards London, ON to meet up with Miles and then we will cross over at Sarnia and meet Skip in Michigan close to the ferry where we will float across Lake Michigan and arrive in Milwaukee for Thursday celebrations!!

 

Can't wait!!!