Laura's Corner

Welcome Harley Riders!

Posted by Laura Beyer on Aug. 26, 2008

Here we are, celebrating Harley's 105th Anniversary.  While many other organizations have fallen to the wayside, you have stood strong.  Congratulations!

We welcome you with open arms.  We realize that you will be here a short time and would like to express our gratitude for choosing to invest quite a bit of your hard earned money into the City of Milwaukee and surrounding suburbs.

We do have a few concerns which have been expressed by our Community Voices from previous articles.  I will hit on a few strong points so we can all live in harmony this week.

First and foremost, we appreciate you being here.  I am sure many of us will be attending various festivities throughout the week.  What I enjoy most is that I can be completely myself within your groups.  I do not have to look a certain way, dress a certain way.  I just have to be.  Thank you for not putting on airs and accepting each and every rider and person as a part of your family.   There is nothing like it. 

Secondly, thank you for supporting so many different causes.  I have friends who ride for many different reasons outside of pleasure.   Being able to stand up for what you believe in I believe is what Harley is made of.  Behind every guys facial hair is a softy at heart who would cause no harm to his fellow brother, sister, or neighbor.

Now for the uncomfortable part.  We realize it's time to party and you have invested much of your finances to be here.  Yet, most of the concern that we have has to do with the fear of every person regardless of where we live or what type of vehicle we drive.  Please be considerate of those who are around you in our adjoining neighborhoods, especially after 10pm.  Most of us are still going to bed early in order to wake up for work the next morning.   Also, there is a new baby in the group and he is the first blessing for mom and dad.  If you wake him, it may take hours to get the little guy back to sleep.  Although I enjoy Harleys immensely, for some, it's just not their cup of tea.  You understand, right?  It's just like the Chevy or Ford guys who would never drive a GM.  It's all a matter of personal preference.  

We who live in Milwaukee know we choose to live in the "beer and cheese" state, yet our following concern is drinking and driving.  Yes, I believe it is one of yours as well.  We have cab services and I am sure that the Police will understand if you have to leave your bike parked for the night.  Just call it in or ask the tavern or bar you have to visit the number to the non-emergency department.  We want more than anything for everyone to be safe.  To be able to save one life by choosing to not drink and drive, what an awesome responsibility.   I am sure the last item on your list this week is to have a DUI conviction on your record.  Yep, if you drink and drive, yourself, one of us, or even our family members, could lose their life.   Do you really want your family to receive a call to either bail you out or come and identify your body?  I know it's hard to find a designated driver, but why not trade off.  It's good to take a break from drinking once in a while.  Give your body a chance to recoup for the next outing.   Why have a massive hangover when you see Bruce Springsteen?  I mean, is it really worth it?

What we want more than anything is "just get along" with one another.  We all drive on the same roads.   We are pretty much a quiet and complacent bunch of people.  Although sometimes we disagree via our blogs, deep down we really like each other. 

We wish you a safe and happy ride in and out of town.  Thank you Harley Davidson for supporting us and being a part of our lives.  You have brought joy to many folks around the world.  We are so glad to have been a part of it.

Again, thanks for being here.  If you see me out and about, please say hi.  I will be more than happy to shake your hand and give you a hug.