The Parade

The key event that really strives to bring together the Harley riders and the local community is the parade. At the head of the parade is the segment known as the "Parade of Flags". Each HOG chapter in the world has the opportunity to participate and carry their own chapter flag. This year Mike and Jill Araiza represented the St. Charles Chapter and carried the chapter colors, representing us all.

There was over seven thousand participants in this year's parade. The logistics of the staging process was such that we were not able to hook up with Mike and Jill and get their picture with our flag. Should such a photo become available, will be sure to get it added.

For the rest of us, there was an extended wait just to get into the staging area. Lots of stop and go, in some instances, merely pushing the bikes along a few feet at a time. However, it did afford lots of opportunity to meet others around us and share the delight in our plight. Yes, that is sarcasm.

However, in reality everyone did take it all in stride and really made the best of the situation. As I have mentioned before, HOG people are indeed some of the best that one could ever find. They are a cross section of societies and cultures from literally all over the world. Yet the commonality of a motorcycle, a specific motorcycle, breaks down all barriers and unites us all in sister and brotherhood that transcends the differences.

From the very moment we made our way out of Miller Park onto the streets, the sight of the number of people that turned out to see the parade was nearly overwhelming. There were countless hand held signs stating "Welcome".

Both sides of the streets were lined for the entire four and a half miles of the route.

The parade ended at the lake front bring us to the Summerfest grounds, which was the sight of much of the Celebration activities.

Friday Along the Lake

It was a bit of a challenge to figure out just exactly where to go and what was going on. The entire Celebration event consisted of multiple venues in a variety of locations along the Milwaukee lake front. While the setting was incredibly beautiful and there were a lot of things to take in, it was a little confusing trying to get a handle on it all.

We decided to spend some of our day exploring the lake front areas from well south of the city to the near north side communities. What a awesome experience that turned out to be. Will have to give the overall Milwaukee communities credit for what a beautiful setting for the entire city. Was really impressed with the number of parks located along the lake. They provide a lot of locations for people to enjoy awesome parks in picturesque lake shore settings.

Our decision to explore the area was apparently a popular one. There was a lot of others out doing the same thing. The ample supply of shore line made it possible for many of us to be out and about and yet it seemed there was no threat of congestion.

Scenes like the one above were found in various forms throughout the Milwaukee neighborhoods. While we did not stop and partake of their apparent generosity, they certainly did convey a strong sense of hospitality. We did eventually make our way down to the lake front areas were some of the 105th venues were being held. After lots and lots of walking and looking and seeking and searching, we were finally able to find some information to better help figure out what the overall layout of the celebration was. By this time we were exhausted, but we did have a strategy for the next day.

25th Anniversary of HOG

El Groupo Foto

The St. Charles Missouri HOG Chapter of HOG was very well represented in Milwaukee.

The turnout of HOG members for the 25th Celebration was amazing, multiple parking lots were filled with motorcycles and the early arrivals had formed a line waiting to get in that circle the entire parking lot two times. It appeared that perhaps HOG organizers were a bit overwhelmed with the turnout. One thing readily apparent to this observer was that in spite of the fact that the magnitude of the crowd surpassed the capability of the venue, HOG people were amazing well mannered and respectful to each other continuously. They are really the very best people.

The crowds were huge, the entrance gates were working at full capacity all day long. Roads and entrance ramps leading into Miller Park constantly had lines of bike lining up to get in.

The bike show featured some very incredible looking bikes and attracted lots of attention.

In honor of the 105th Anniversary of Harley Davidson, this creative individual was able to mount 105 American flags on his bike.

The lineup of entertainment was remarkable, top performers were working the sound stage all day long and into the night. Certainly something for everyone.

Our ole buddy Bubba Blackwell was on hand as well as the Seattle Cossack, Indianapolis Police Drill team, Marion County Motorcycle team, and Bruce Rossmeyer's team. All doing their constantly amazing feats.

And if all that wasn't enough, you could take your shot at riding the bucking hog.

Run to Milwaukee

True to his punctual form Capt. Icerider had us all lined up, organized, briefed and ready to roll at 6:30 am on Wednesday morning. 15 scooters and a lone pick up truck had assembled for the trip and eagerly heeded all instructions. At his command engines fired up, kickstands snapped up, transmissions clunked into gear and clutches let out. Hatchet put a block on West Clay and we were on our way. We effortlessly made our way through the St. Louis morning traffic and soon found ourselves rumbling into the Land of Lincoln.


Well planned and scheduled fuel and rest stops had us stopping almost exactly every 100 miles. This seemed to work out very well for all fuel tanks and with a bit of squirming and gritting of teeth, the bladders were forced into the compliance with the plan.

Amazingly, each leg of the trip went by very quickly. The weather was nothing short of incredible and all riders did an absolutely remarkable job of riding in great group formation. Thanks to the help of good ole CB's, negotiation of traffic and lane transitions became poetry in motion.

Out third stop found us in Rockford, Illinois topping off the tanks and tummies as well. Additionally we had the extra treat of dropping into Kegel Harley Davidson just make sure that we were not passing up any absolutely "must haves". After all can't take a chance on not finding anything to buy when we get to Milwaukee.

Leaving Rockford we got away from the Interstate for a little while to avoid some construction work and the hassle of toll booths. We were rewarded with an extra bonus of riding through some beautiful countryside out of northern Illinois and into Wisconsin. Ultimately we were back on Interstate and rumbling along into Milwaukee. Rolling into the hotel parking lot was indeed a welcome site. We had just put in nine hours and the rapid check in work of the desk clerks was a super bonus that got us into our rooms and a dash through the showers to freshen up for a bite of dinner.