Valerie and I
chose to relax at the Summerfest Grounds after the parade and see some things
before the crowd got too large. We had a late morning snack, planned our day,
and then went to task. Val wanted to check out some of the ’09 models so I was
more than happy to accompany her to the product display. It gave me one more
chance to check out the new Screamin’ Eagle Road Glide and let her know how
much I liked it. She particularly liked the new V-Rod Muscle and the
Crossbones. I may have gotten her blessing for the Road Glide. I’ll keep my
fingers crossed!
Discovery
World was next on the agenda. Aside from it being a great piece of
architecture, the displays are fun. Most of them are interactive, and allow for
curious minds and inquisitive hands to explore to their hearts’ desire. Of
particular interest to me were the Les Paul guitar display and the aquarium. If
you are a musician, in particular a guitarist, Les Paul is a legend. I really
liked the interactive topographical water display of the Great Lakes, and what
they encompass and provide to their surrounding states. All of that, plus an
absolutely gorgeous 360-degree view from the balcony.
From there we
headed back to the Summerfest Grounds to catch a little bit of the performances
from Puddle of Mud and Joan Jett. Joan was kickin’ it up pretty hard when I was
a teenager in the late 80s, and you couldn’t help but like her if you were into
punk rock. It amazes me that at 50 years old and after all of the touring, she
still looks hot. It also gave us a chance to check out some of the seminars
about “being on the road.” They encompassed everything from nutrition and
fitness, to hair and skin care products. You know we’ve all got to look good in
our own way while kickin’ it on our bikes.
Late
afternoon we headed off to the hotel to get freshened up and head downtown for
the street party. After a relaxing dinner overlooking the Milwaukee River at
Kincaid’s, I took the gang on a quick paced tour of the downtown sites. No trip
to Milwaukee is complete without a stop to Lucille’s Piano Bar and the Safe
House. I know they’re cheesy, but everyone needs to experience them once. Make
sure you know the password at the Safe House, if you know what I mean.
The evening
was a mixed bag of feelings. I was still excited to be around everyone but
ready to be home. I was sad that it was almost over but relieved to get out of
the crowd. I was ready for normalcy but not ready to get back to work. I was
ready to get on the bike and head home, but wanted it to be instantaneous. I
was tired of having to be situationally aware to the point that I was mentally
drained. I think most people would agree with this roller coaster of emotions.
I also thought about the frustrations of the last three days. Was it hot? Was
it crowded? Was traffic ridiculous? Were
mistakes made and lessons learned? Did you have to stand in line? Yes to all,
but do you know what? I expected all of that before I ever left for Milwaukee.
It’s all part of an event like the H.O.G. 25TH and the Harley 105TH.
Did the frustrations affect my fun? Absolutely not! Will I return to Milwaukee
for the H.O.G. 30TH? I wouldn’t miss it for the world! Sometimes you
just have to be flexible and unselfish.
The ride home
was uneventful. Traffic was heavier than expected but flowed well. The only
slowdown was the Tri-State toll booth, where I’m sad to say that I saw too many
of our brothers and sisters blowing off the wait at the toll booth and hitting
the I-Pass lanes. Something told me, “These cats don’t have I-Passes …” The
closer I got to home, the more reality set in. I thought about the yard work
I’d need to do and how stacked my desk would be at the office. Pulling into the
driveway was a treat thanks to a great next-door neighbor. She had done all of
the yard work I thought I’d need to do! Check that one off of the list. With no
rain and few bugs, all the bikes needed were a quick wipe down. The work pile
at the office wasn’t that bad either. A few hours of diligent work, and I was home
to a relaxing evening with the wife and cat.
In closing, I
thank you for allowing me to be your eyes and ears for this historic
anniversary. Believe me when I say that I’m honored and humbled. It’s another
piece of riding history that I hope to fondly reflect upon in my later years of
life. If you couldn’t be in Milwaukee for this one, I hope you find a way to
make it to the 30TH and 110TH. If you see me on the road, please say hello.
Ride safe, ride often, and keep the dirty side down.
Peace and Love,
Ricky
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