HARLEY DAVIDSON MUSEUM

While in Milwaukee in June for a writing
conference, I finally managed to make it to the new Harley Davidson Museum. The
last time I was in Milwaukee, they had just finished building it and the grand
opening wasn’t until the following week so I wasn’t able to go on a tour.
Needless to say when we arrived, the parking lot was full of motorcycles,
probably mostly Harleys. The building overlooks the river and the sleek and
shiny architecture it presents is appropriate for its appearance. There are two
restaurants, Motor and Café Racer, serving delicious sandwiches and entrees
that are true American Classics. On the outside patio overlooking the river,
the décor is all about Harley Davidson motorcycles and engine parts. Exhibits
proudly display the start of the Harley Davidson Motorcycle up to current day
displays. Rooms filled with antiques from days gone by graduate up to the
newest Harleys on the market. The museum encompasses 20 acres of exhibits and
displays 450 motorcycles. They offer classes to the motorcycle enthusiasts and
rent out space for special events and parties. If you want to experience riding
a motorcycle, there is an interactive ride called Jumpstart where you can
sample what riding a motorcycle would be like. And if you happen to own a
Harley you can belong to a special group of Harley owners called HOGS (Harley
Owners Group) and be entitled to special offers and discounts. We can’t forget
the gift shop filled with almost anything they can put their Harley logos on
ensuring we will want to buy them. Clothes are the most popular mainly shirts,
jeans, jackets and boots. I have had the pleasure of knowing many guys who own
motorcycles and know firsthand how much pride they take in owning a Harley
Davidson. It was extremely interesting to walk through the museum and see how
the bicycle has evolved into the motorcycles we have today. The paint designs
are all extremely unique and the bikes are loaded with chrome and leather. The
motorcycle symbolizes freedom to many. Especially men. It allows them to feel
the wind on their face and know they can go anywhere. I understand that part,
but it also has the stigma of the bad boys which attracts the women seducing
them into wanting what they shouldn’t want. Riding on a Harley can be
exhilarating but I think it is the danger that keeps me from getting on them
very often. One wrong turn by a car or truck driver can be the end to your
life, because on a motorcycle the chances of surviving an accident are so very
slim. I am sure I will get on one again, but I will never become addicted to
riding motorcycles. The idea of the tough guys on the motorcycles is exciting
and seductive but the idea of being alive tomorrow is even more enticing.