I went on my first Love Ride this year and I am glad I got to experience a ride of that magnitude. It was definitely a part of the Harley culture that I had not yet been a part of. The excitement of riding with thousands of other bikes is something that really gets your heart beating.
My dad, Jerry Laidlaw, and I started off at Laidlaw’s Harley-Davidson where we picked up a couple bikes. I rode a 2008 Roadking from our rental fleet and Jerry rode a 2006 Streetglide. We then headed over to Glendale Harley-Davidson early in the morning. We got there, parked our bikes in line with everyone else, and then headed into the rally. I was privileged enough to get access to the back area where some of the more high-profile riders were. I had a great time meeting guys like Jay Leno, Willie Davidson, Mike Metzger, and Robert Patrick. Everyone was very friendly and just there to have a good time for a good cause.
After a few motivating words from Grand marshal Leno we were off down the main drag to the freeway. There were thousands of people all lining the sidewalks cheering on the riders as we all roared down the road. It was an awesome sight to see. Never in my life have I seen more motorcycles on the highway then cars. We were no longer the minority but definitely the majority at that point. As we rolled down the highway there were pedestrians at every over pass all waving us on and just awing at the sheer number of Harley-Davidsons!
We soon reached the Pomona fair grounds where bike week was being held. There were a lot of great booths with all kinds of biker paraphernalia. I also checked out the “Wall of Death” which was a cool show to watch. Then we headed over to watch the bands play. Attendance was very good at the rally! That place was swarming with bikers from all walks of life all with one common interest, a passion for motorcycles. As we left we took a second to gaze at the sea of chrome out in the parking lot. Bikes practically stretched to the horizon!
Its times like this I can truly appreciate the value of a Harley-Davidson. They open the door to so many great opportunities that couldn’t be had otherwise. The social aspects and the biker camaraderie cannot be explained, only experienced!
My dad, Jerry Laidlaw, and I started off at Laidlaw’s Harley-Davidson where we picked up a couple bikes. I rode a 2008 Roadking from our rental fleet and Jerry rode a 2006 Streetglide. We then headed over to Glendale Harley-Davidson early in the morning. We got there, parked our bikes in line with everyone else, and then headed into the rally. I was privileged enough to get access to the back area where some of the more high-profile riders were. I had a great time meeting guys like Jay Leno, Willie Davidson, Mike Metzger, and Robert Patrick. Everyone was very friendly and just there to have a good time for a good cause.
After a few motivating words from Grand marshal Leno we were off down the main drag to the freeway. There were thousands of people all lining the sidewalks cheering on the riders as we all roared down the road. It was an awesome sight to see. Never in my life have I seen more motorcycles on the highway then cars. We were no longer the minority but definitely the majority at that point. As we rolled down the highway there were pedestrians at every over pass all waving us on and just awing at the sheer number of Harley-Davidsons!
We soon reached the Pomona fair grounds where bike week was being held. There were a lot of great booths with all kinds of biker paraphernalia. I also checked out the “Wall of Death” which was a cool show to watch. Then we headed over to watch the bands play. Attendance was very good at the rally! That place was swarming with bikers from all walks of life all with one common interest, a passion for motorcycles. As we left we took a second to gaze at the sea of chrome out in the parking lot. Bikes practically stretched to the horizon!
Its times like this I can truly appreciate the value of a Harley-Davidson. They open the door to so many great opportunities that couldn’t be had otherwise. The social aspects and the biker camaraderie cannot be explained, only experienced!
2 comments:
Matt,
I guess you won't get this message but I hope so..From my stand point it's hard to believe that you are old enough to ride a Harley, I knew your Dad when he was just a kid, have many fond memories of him growing up and the good times we had during that time...
I hope your growing is as successful as all the Laidlaw's have been, I've know your Grandpa Bob for fifty four years and watched the Laidlaws prosper into greatnest...
Keep up the good growing,
Granddaddy Joe Smith
Hey Granddaddy Joe,
Matt has seen your post and
was laughing when he read it. It
seems as though this is not the
first time he has heard that! But he sends his regards as do all the Laidlaw's, thanks for your commments!
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