Friday, August 29, 2008

Happy Birthday, Mista Haaahhhleeeyyy...

Hi - its another Flashback Friday, blah blah blah yakkity shmakkity. I'm tired this week, so if you're not familiar with what I do here, check this post for more info & graphics. 'kay? Thanks.



I arrived home to the Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport Thursday morning at 9:20 a.m. On the way to the baggage claim, I passed by a Harley Davidson store. (Its right across from the store hawking the big foam cheese head hats and the John Deere t-shirts. No lie.)

It was biiizzzz-eeee! They had tables and clothing racks out in the hallway and no less than 15 people were browsing. At 9:20 in the morning. On a Thursday.

Welcome to "Harleyville".

For those of you not in the know - this weekend is the celebration of Harley Davidson's 105th Anniversary. Last night? Sugarland opened for Kid Rock at Miller Park. Hubs and I are trying to get tix to the Three Days Grace/Foo Fighters show down at the Lakefront tonight.

Did any of you know I'm part biker chick?

I say "part" because, like most other motorcycle Mamas, we hardly get out on the bike since having kids.

But its great fun.

Once upon a time, we had no kids, lots of spending cash and biker friends. But then, you don't really need to go very far to find the bikes during these things.

These pics? Were taken just outside my office during Harley's 100th Anniversary in August of '03.

row bikes


Bikes in the business district


While I'm sure the 105th will be a bit smaller and more tame, people came from all over the world to celebrate the 100th in Milwaukee.

NZ plate100th Anniversary platev8
Bike from New Zealand; a '100ANNV' plate from Alabama; a WI bike, but check out that V8 engine!!!

When I say "smaller", don't get me wrong. Thousands of bikes have already made their way to our fair city.

But the city will also be more prepared. In '03, we rode with some friends down to a popular part of downtown known for its many bars and restaurants.

Harley's 100th - bike ride

There were so many people there that the cops were forced to close off the streets. Hundreds of people lined the sidewalks and spilled out into the street, cheering as other bikers rode through.

Harley's 100th Anniversary party crowd
The actual craptastic (yet cool) shot I got while on the back of hubs' bike while riding through said crazy street.

An impromptu block party began, only there were no portapotties. I ended up waiting in line at a bar to pee for an hour and a half. I didn't have any more beers after that!

Harley's 100th Anniversary party, Water St. Crowd

I must tell you - don't let anyone try to convince you otherwise - bikers are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Nicest. Yeah, you'll get some rowdies in every crowd, but that's true of any group.

Biker couple
Back when we were childless and fancy free...

Even if we don't make it to the concert, I'm just looking forward to a night out with my Hubby, and a taste of the way we used to be...


8 comments:

Dawn @ simply transparent said...

You should link up to this up to Kristen's ...as there's no "biker babe sizzling hot summer" story!
How fun for your!

Shannon said...

Looks like Myrtle Beach on "biker weekend", lol. Three days grace and the Foo Fighters.... I'm jealous!!! Hope you get tickets.

Anonymous said...

I get a warm, fuzzy feeling every time I see that many bikes at one time. It's a beautiful thing..

Wineplz said...

awww...look at you two! how cute and biker tough!

those pics turned out really neat! I took some pics as we passed by all these bikers near the Pentagon over Memorial Day weekend a few years ago. If I find them I'll linky love back.

Wineplz said...

found them and linked them. the first six pics are from when we were coming back from the airport from a trip to NYC and Rolling Thunder had completely decended all over the parking lots and open areas around the Pentagon and Tidal Basin. There was almost no room to move in-between bikes (though you can't tell in my crappy shots from my car going 60mph).

Kila said...

Seeing Foo Fighters would be great!

A customer who visited our office today said she was in Milwaukee yesterday, and had to wait in line 2 hours just to use the bathroom!

Kim H. said...

How cute are the two of you!!!

Great post! I loved reading about your "biker side". Isn't it great to go out and do things we used to do before kiddos?!?! :)

Hugs!

lynn said...

Stopped by for the photohunt, but noticed your flashback Friday. I had thought of doing something like this on my blog on Fridays. Maybe I'll start joining in on yours! It's fun seeing all the bikers in town for the festivities.