"My Love Mark"

 "My Love Mark"

I find it a bit ironic that one of the things listed on the quest directions was "Harley Davidson" since I have been riding motorcycles for over 30 years. Yes, this truly is a love mark of mine. I think this is not only because it's the motorcycle I prefer to ride, but it is a long standing American tradition. Harley Davidson is steeped in America culture and  history for over 100 years. 1903 was the year Harley Davidson introduced their first motorcycles, and boy have we come a long way since then. Harley Davidson has stepped into the present with some of the fastest  drag-bikes  on the racing scene today. This isn't just something enthusiasts of motorcycling  like, they live it, it is it's own culture within itself...

This is the bike I ride,a 2000 Road King with about 28,000 miles on her, I call her "Little Red", yes I did refer to my bike as a "Her", I love her. I started riding mini-bikes when I was about 5 years old and was instantly hooked on the two wheel feeling. I eventually graduated to dirt bikes and then I got the first taste of American made iron when I was about 17 years old, with my first  Sportster.  Over the years I have owned many different motorcycles, including custom choppers and a vast array of other bikes, but I keep returning to my first love, Harley Davidson. There is nothing like the feeling when you are going 80 miles per hour down the freeway, with the wind in your hair and the feeling of complete freedom in your heart. I am a very spiritual person, and when you have that complete feeling while riding, it's about as close as any one person can get to enlightenment. I know it sounds a little over the top, but nothing compares.

Now don't get me wrong, the feeling you get doing 60 mph in a hail storm is a whole new awakening too, and it sucks to say the least. but back on track kids. The love I have for Harley Davidsons is also based on the camaraderie you make with people with the same interests. Oh ya, and  Harley Davidson cloths and leathers  are way cool! I was a benefit and run coordinator for a motorcycle rights group called the  MMA of AZ    which raised thousands of dollars for charity in the 4 years I was in that position. Also motorcycle benefit rides across the country raise millions for needy children to disaster relief.I have been fortunate to meet these find of people all over the country in my travels. There is an old saying, "You will never see a Harley broke down without someone offering to help", it is definitely  a brotherhood.

To me I wouldn't trade "Little Red" for anything. The culture, freedom, friends and the look on children's faces in the hospital when 140 Harleys pull into the hospital with a truck load of toys is invaluable. If there is one culture I can get behind it's this very Harley culture I speak of. We aren't always the prettiest and may be a little rough around the edges and look like rebels (we kinda are) but the Harley Culture will, Live Free and Live Proud!