HOG Magazine Canada Fall 2011

$6.99 can

fall 2011

for the harley-davidson enthusiast since 1916 ®

canadian edition

THE LEGACY ISSUE EASY RIDERS — JAMES AND HUNTER LEAD DEELEY HARLEY-DAVIDSON® CANADA TO THE FUTURE / THE DAVIDSON LEGACY $100 RIDES / GHOSTS OF THE OPEN ROAD — RIDING THE LONELIEST HIGHWAYS / TWO’S COMPANY — TIPS ON RIDING “TWO UP”

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Twin Cam 103™ engine standard on ALL 2012 Touring, Softail® and select Dyna® bikes.*

www.harleycanada.com *Twin Cam 103™ not standard on Street Bob® or Super Glide® Custom motorcycles.

With the purchase of any new Harley-Davidson® model from an authorized Canadian Harley-Davidson® Retailer, you will receive a free, full one-year membership in H.O.G.® Always ride with a helmet. Ride defensively. Distributed exclusively in Canada by Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada, Richmond and Concord. Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada is a proud sponsor of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. The Bar & Shield logo, Harley, HarleyDavidson and Fat Boy are among the trademarks of H-D Michigan, LLC. ©2011 H-D.

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More Power.

More Freedom.

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Departments 6

EDITOR’S NOTE The legacy that never dies.

INTAKE Letters from members.

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BACKSTAGE From the Vault.

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FRONT SHOP

News American Icons Reunite in Marvel Studio’s Captain America: The First Avenger.

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Backstory Here Comes Trouble (and Della).

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Archives Weird, Wild Wonders of the Harley-Davidson Museum™.

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Gallery A bit of everything from our readers.

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Test Ride One Wild Ride: 2011 Harley-Davidson® XR1200X™ motorcycle is a powerful, ride.

On the Cover: Deeley HarleyDavidson® Canada executives Don James and Malcolm Hunter in the service department at Trev Deeley Motorcycles in Vancouver, B.C. Photograph by Grant Harder.

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BACK SHOP

Pitstop A Course in Obstacles (Part 2): Our readers have their say.

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Glide and Ride: Flying down and riding to Torrey Pines.

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Liquid-Cooled & Smoking Hot: Revolution rolls on.

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Gear Ease into Fall: Check out the new collection

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$100 Ride Grey County motorcycle waterfall tour.

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Riding Stories Goodbye to a Classic: From my garage to Australia.

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We’ve All Gone to Look for America.

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Grace Under Fire: Couple gets back on the road.

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Exhaust Southern Migration: Hidden gems of the South.

THINK PINK. SPORT A SWAROVSKIEMBELLISHED BIKER JACKET DURING BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

↓

Top left and opposite: Grant Harder

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CONTENTS /

SEPTEMBER 2011

Features 24

EASY RIDERS Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada icons lead a loyal Customer base and passionate Retailers — through good times and bad — to the future.

By Gordie Bowles THE DAVIDSON LEGACY The Story of Sandy Davidson: Grandfather to three of the four founding members of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

By Mike Sinclair

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TWO’S COMPANY A Few Tips on Riding “Two-Up”: One of the great, simple pleasures of motorcycling.

By Becky Tilman

Top left and opposite: Grant Harder

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EDITOR’S NOTE / SEPTEMBER 2011 “FOUR WHEELS MOVE THE BODY. TWO WHEELS MOVE THE SOUL.” — UNKNOWN

THE LEGACY THAT NEVER DIES

“I may be here for a short while, gone tomorrow into oblivion or until the days come to take me away. But, in whatever part you play, be remembered as part of a legacy...of sharing dreams and changing humanity for the better. It’s that legacy that never dies.”

— Unknown

The legacy of Harley-Davidson to bring dreams to life with one of the most recognizable brands in the world has many touch points in history starting in a small village in Scotland in the 1800’s (see “The Davidson Legacy” on page 30) and traveling through time to today, where Canadians continue to make a positive and powerful impact on the motorcycling industry here at home (see “Easy Riders” on page 25). The potential to do great things that have an impact to make a major difference in the lives of others, if even only on one person, is in all of us.

As a loyal and passionate seasoned Harley® bike owner, have you ever thought about mentoring a new rider by taking them under your wing and sharing your insight and inspiration for the sport? What a perfect way to ensure they get their wheels rolling in the right direction for many miles of safe riding and fun on their new motorcycle. Sometimes we all need to be reminded of the best and safest techniques of riding, such as how to ride “two-up” (see “Two’s Company” on page 40) or how to avoid even more “surprises” on the road with the second installment of “A Course in Obstacles” on page 44.

We also have a special review of the new and ever cool “two-in-one” motorcycle, the HarleyDavidson® Switchback™ which comes from the Dyna® family and acts as a touring bike and a cruiser depending on what kind of ride you feel like in the moment (see “Glide and Ride” on page 48).

Another way of leaving your mark on the world is to share your story with others so that it may be passed on, or perhaps printed. We love to hear about all of your adventures and experiences so please keep sending us your wonderful stories and photos to share with the rest of your motorcycle family. Although we cannot print all of them, we will do our best to show case the ones we can in upcoming issues or the e-newsletter.

This past summer has certainly been an interesting riding season with varying temperatures across the country, some more ideal for riding than others, but through it all there have been many of you that still donned the appropriate attire whether it is light-weight or rain-gear and just said: “Screw it, Let’s Ride”. Sometimes old sayings also carry a form of legacy that holds true at any given moment. Let’s hope the weather holds out well in to the fall as we all would love to see a much longer riding season this year.

Have a Safe Journey & Fun Ride!

GINA MCNEIL

Manager, Enthusiast Services

HOG® MAGAZINE CANADA FEATURES SOME CONTENT FROM THE US EDITION OF HOG® MAGAZINE AND EUROPEAN EDITIONS OF HOG® MAGAZINE.

THE CANADIAN EDITION IS PUBLISHED BY: GINA MCNEIL EDITOR, HOG® MAGAZINE CANADA SCOTT CLARK PRODUCTION TERESA COLUSSI COMMUNICATIONS CHANTELE CUMBERBATCH ASSISTANT EDITOR FRAN MOORE SENIOR MANAGER, MARKETING OPERATIONS DOM BOVALINO MARKETING DIRECTOR PRODUCTION, DESIGN & SALES BY

WWW.BKMEDIA.CA

HOG® MAGAZINE CANADA IS PUBLISHED

BY THE HARLEY OWNERS GROUP® CANADA

SEND US YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO: EDITOR@HOGCANADA.CA

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GORDIE BOWLES PRODUCTION LISA THÉ DESIGN DON CAMERON COPY EDITOR MARK KRISTOFIC SALES ALANA RICHTER SALES COORDINATOR Please direct any advertising inquiries to MARK@BKMEDIA.CA

We care about you. Ride safely, respectfully and within the limits of the law and your abilities. Always wear an approved helmet, proper eyewear and protective clothing and insist your passenger does too. Never ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Know your Harley® motorcycle and read and understand your owner’s manual from cover to cover.

HOG® Magazine Canada is published quarterly by the Harley Owners Group® Canada. Due to various circumstances, some information in this issue is subject to change. Harley-Davidson, Harley, H-D, H.O.G. logo and the Harley-Davidson logo are among the trademarks of H-D Michigan, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced for any reason without written consent from the editor.

By sending your submissions, you are giving Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Harley-Davidson Owners Group® of Canada Ltd., and their affliates, the unrestricted right, permission, and authority to use and publish your name and city of residence, any photograph or image of you, including any statements you make, for publication in HOG® Magazine

Canada or for posting on members.hog.com, without consideration or compensation of any kind whatsoever. You further hereby irrevocably release and waive any right, claim, or cause of action you may have against Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Harley-Davidson Owners Group® of Canada Ltd., and their affiliates, for compensation, libel, or invasion of privacy, or any other liability whatsoever. Harley Owners Group® reserves the right to edit stories for content, length and clarity.

With the purchase of any new Harley-Davidson® model from an authorized Canadian Harley-Davidson® Retailer, you will receive a free, full one-year membership in H.O.G.® Always ride with a helmet. Ride defensively.

Distributed exclusively in Canada by Deeley HarleyDavidson® Canada, Richmond and Concord. Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada is a proud sponsor of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. To find your local authorized Canadian Harley-Davidson® Retailer, visit www.harleycanada.com today. ©2011 H-D. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada.

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INTAKE / SEPTEMBER 2011 LETTERS FROM OUR MEMBERS.

1933 – HARLEY DAVIDSON® VLE

Motorcycle sales plummeted during the Great Depression and production in 1933 was the lowest since 1910.

Only a series of drastic cost-cutting measures and sales initiatives kept HarleyDavidson from suffering the same fate as Excelsior suffered in 1931 — closure.

Mechanically, the 1933 VL model was little changed from the previous year; however, the new standard two-tone colour scheme and art deco graphics gave the bike a fresh, new look.

1997 – HARLEY-DAVIDSON® VR 1000

1933 H-D® – VLE

1935 – HARLEY-DAVIDSON® “PEASHOOTER”

In 1925, the AMA introduced a smaller 21-cubic-inch race class intended to make board track racing safer by lowering speeds. The new class did not rescue the board track, but did produce a formidable new dirt track racer. The overhead valve engine’s efficient, Harry Ricardo-designed cylinder head gave the “Peashooter” plenty of punch, and with its light weight it was capable of nearly 100 mph in racetune. Racer, Joe Petrali, joined the Factory race team for Harley-Davidson and won all 13 national dirt track championships in 1935 aboard a “Peashooter”.

1965 – HARLEY-DAVIDSON® ELECTRA GLIDE®

The most dramatic change for Harley-Davidson in 1965 was the addition of an electric starter, which mandated a new name — Electra Glide®.

Other changes included 12 volt electrics, a larger battery, a leak-free cast aluminium primary case to house the new starter motor, and a new frame design. Also, 1965 was the last year for production of the “Panhead” motor; the 18-year veteran was replaced by the “Shovelhead” engine in 1966.

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1935 H-D® –

Peashooter

The VR 1000 model was designed and built in the U.S. by Harley-Davidson, specifically for AMA Superbike racing. Its engine, a liquid cooled, fuel-injected 60° V-Twin engine with dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, produced 135 horsepower at 10,000 rpm. By the 1999 racing season, it was producing 170 horsepower, but it was still underpowered for the Superbike class. Miguel DuHamel and Pascal Picotte achieved impressive individual results aboard the VR 1000 motorcycle before the program was dropped in 1999.

1997 VR 1000

Editor’s Pick 1998 Buell™ – Lightning®

1998 – BUELLTM LIGHTNING®

On August 7, 1998, Shane Kenneally rode this Team Deeley Buell S1 Lightning® motorcycle to a 1,350 cc Production-Push Rod Class land speed record of 150.022 MPH, but the record did not come easily. The engine had suffered serious damage while being tested on the dynamometer the day before. Although this was a setback, the team was able to rebuild the engine and test the bike in the Trev Deeley Motorcycles parking lot right before it was loaded onto the trailer for the 22-hour trip to the Salt Flats.

TM

1965 H-D® Electra Glide®

16 YEARS OFF THE MARK …

BUT A CLASSIC RIDE

In reading “Destination: Deeley Motorcycle Exhibition” by Brent Cooke (Summer 2011 issue, on page 32), my eyes were drawn to the various pictures. I can’t speak for the majority of them, but on page 34 the caption and text are supposed to describe a 1965 H-D® Electra Glide® motorcycle. I say “supposed to” because the picture itself is not a 1965 Electra Glide® model. No way, No how, unless I received the sole and only copy of your magazine with a picture misprint in it. The picture that does accompany the 1965 Electra Glide® model caption is, in fact, a 45 cubic inch flathead model. Without having the vehicle in front of me to inspect more thoroughly I am obviously guessing about some of this but from the badging and color it is apparently a civilian model, either a “W” or “WL”. The principal difference between the two was in the compression of their motors; the “L” having a slightly higher compression ratio. As for its production year, with those badges I believe it could be anywhere from 1947 to 1950. I also have to wonder about the seat and the handle bars and their risers.

Don’t misunderstand me, the bike in the photo is a very nice unit, clean and well appointed and you don’t see many as good as this one is. It’s just not what it’s caption claims it to be [in the article].

2007 – BUELLTM XBRRTM

2007 Buell™– XBRR™

The Buell XBRR model is a limited-edition production racing motorcycle based on the Firebolt® XB12R model. It was reworked at the Factory, making it the bike for closedcourse track competition.

There are a number of interesting features on this bike including the fuel tank, which is located in the frame, and the oil tank, which is located in the swingarm.

Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada sponsored Darren James and Steve Crevier who won many races on this bike.

TM

TM

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—Jim MacCallum H.O.G. Life Member ®

Editor’s Note: Thank you Jim, you’re correct that the 1965 Harley-Davidson® Electra Glide® model (bottom of page 34) should have been labelled as a 1949 Harley-Davidson® WL. We regret this error.

The Harley® spirit beats strong in Winnipeg and Thunder Bay My name is Paul. I’ve been a H.O.G.® member since 2004.

I just returned from a 16,000 kilometre solo trip from Toronto to Victoria, south to California and back. Traveling by yourself has its benefits. That is, however, until your bike breaks down in the pouring rain and it’s only 5 degrees celsius in a town you have never heard of before. It was Sunday, of the long Victoria Day weekend. The Harley® Retailer, like everyone else, was closed. Thanks to the kindness of a gas station manager, I was put directly in touch with Ted,

who owns Harley-Davidson® Thunder Bay. To my surprise, Ted instructed the CAA driver to bring my bike directly to his shop where he, on a long weekend, would be there to get it inside and out of the rain. Ted arranged for a technician to come in early the following Tuesday morning to expedite my repairs to get me on my way asap. Needles to say, I was impressed!

The following Thursday, however, my Heritage SoftailTM Classic bike broke down again just outside of Winnipeg. Ryan St. Hilaire, [Service Manager for Harley-Davidson® Winnipeg] said he would wait after hours, if necessary, to make sure

my bike got in that night. The following day, it was determined that a part needed to be shipped from Toronto. Through no fault of Harley® or Deeley HarleyDavidson® Canada, the part got lost in transit by the courier company ... for three days!

Ryan made special arrangements, in many phone calls, to have the part re-routed by special delivery through Air Canada. On his days off, he drove to the airport twice to pick up the part. He arranged for Sean, one of his mechanics, to come in on a Sunday, [one of his days off] when the Retail Store is closed, to ensure I got back on the road. In my opinion, what

these two guys did was nothing short of remarkable. Especially in a time where we are more likely to hear only whenever service is substandard. Well, I can tell you that there was nothing substandard about their service. It was exemplary! And much appreciated.

Thanks again to both of them and to their Retail Stores.

It is refreshing to see the Harley® spirit still beats strong in those we look to for help and support on the road which in turn, keeps the Harley® experience alive for those of us, privileged to live It! —Paul Shearstone

Toronto

We welcome all letters and feedback to HOG® Magazine Canada. Letters should be 100-150 words. E-mail your feedback to editor@hogcanada.ca and put “Intake” in the e-mail subject. Include your name, telephone number and e-mail address. We reserve the right to edit submissions for length and clarity. hog® magazine canada

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BACKSTAGE /

SEPTEMBER 2011

SHINY BLUE TOOLBOX

Every good mechanic takes pride in a well-presented toolbox, at least so says Sam Villanueva of Trev Deeley Motorcycles in Vancouver. “This is my only personal space and the only place that is me in the shop”, says Villanueva, a six-year mechanic for Trev Deeley Motorcycles. His collection is mostly made up of random memorabilia and gifts from friends, most of which has been acquired over the six years since he started working with Trev Deeley Motorcycles.

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Photograph by Grant Harder

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FRONT SHOP/

SEPTEMBER 2011

NEWS

American Icons Reunite in Marvel Studio’s Captain America: The First Avenger

BACKSTORY

Here Comes Trouble (and Della)

ARCHIVES Unlocking the Vault Collection X: Weird Wild Wonders of the HarleyDavidson Museum™

GALLERY A bit of everything from HOG ® Magazine Canada readers

TEST RIDE One Wild Ride: 2011 HarleyDavidson® XR1200X™ motorcycle is a powerful, invigorating ride

Photographs courtesy of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives. Copyright H-D.

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FRONT SHOP / SEPTEMBER 2011 NEWS • BACKSTORY • ARCHIVES • GALLERY • TEST RIDE

AMERICAN ICONS REUNITE IN CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER This summer, two icons of freedom rolled onto the silver screen when Marvel Studios released Captain America: The First Avenger: who defends freedom and justice for all on a Harley-Davidson® WLA motorcycle. During World War II, Harley-Davidson Motor Company produced and dispatched almost 70,000 WLA motorcycles overseas to support the war effort. The motorcycle was affectionately known as the “Liberator” by U.S. Service men and women. To celebrate this reunion, Harley-Davidson has created the “H-D® Free the World” Promotion, which features two grand prizes: one lucky U.S. military member and one non-military member will each win the opportunity to work with Marvel and the Motor Company to customize their own one-of-a-kind new Harley-Davidson® Sportster® 1200 Custom motorcycle in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the hometown of Harley-Davidson.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company has created “H-D® Free the World” promotion, with two grand prize Harley-Davidson® Sportster® 1200 Custom motorcycles, as seen in Captain America: The First Avenger. To enter the contest, visit: www.h-d.com/captainamerica.

HARLEY® ON SCREEN Harley-Davidson® XLH 883 Sportster® motorcycle in Mannequin (1987) Harley-Davidson® Fat Boy® motorcycle in The Sopranos (1999–2007) Harley-Davidson® Electra Glide® motorcycle in Zodiac (2007)

42.7 8.08 84 Million viewers worldwide The Mannequin

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Million viewers per episode The Sopranos

Million viewers worldwide Zodiac

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SCREAMIN’ EAGLE PERFORMANCE MUFFLERS MAKE DEEP SOUND ®

The new Screamin’ Eagle® Thunder Street Performance mufflers from Harley Davidson® Genuine Motor Accessories deliver an increase in torque and horsepower for many Harley-Davidson® Touring and Trike models. These 3.5-inch performance mufflers are designed to work with header-mounted catalysts. An openbaffle design produces a deep bass tone that meets 50-state legal sound levels and fits on all 50-state Touring and Trike models except the Street Glide®, Road Glide® Custom, CVOTM Street Glide®, CVOTM Ultra Classic® Electra Glide®, and any models equipped with 103 ci engine kits.

WE DID IT

4,376,470

MILES

Congratulations to Harley Owners Group® members and guests around the world who made Million Mile Monday an enormous success. This was another example of the passion of riders worldwide who know no limits, boundaries or borders.

Canadian members alone reached 154,785 kilometres!

JOIN RETHINK BREAST CANCER FOR BOOBYBALL! On October 14, our friends at Rethink Breast Cancer will once again be hosting Boobyball, an event launched in 2002 by a group of dedicated young women in support of their friend Sara O’Regan who, at just 23 years old, was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. The Boobyball event is now one of the most coveted and high-profile fundraising events for young philanthropists in Toronto. Boobyball raises vital funds to support Rethink in their mission — to continuously pioneer cuttingedge breast cancer education, support, and research — which speaks fearlessly to the unique needs of young women.

Event details and tickets are available online at: www.rethinkbreastcancer.com. Tickets for this hot fundraiser sell out fast, so join Rethink’s newsletter or facebook group to be the first to know!

With limited quantities available, visit your authorized Canadian Harley-Davidson® Retailer now to support Rethink Breast Cancer, and sport your new Swarovski embellished biker jacket throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

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FRONT SHOP / SEPTEMBER 2011 NEWS • BACKSTORY • ARCHIVES • GALLERY • TEST RIDE

HERE COMES TROUBLE (AND DELLA)

At a time when a cross-country journey by almost any means was an adventure, a young woman from Racine, Wisconsin, did it the hard way. On June 24, 1914, Della Crewe and her dog, Trouble, set out from her adopted home of Waco, Texas, on what would become a six-month, 5,378-mile, crosscountry motorcycle journey to New York City. Her journey included stops in Dodge City, Kansas, for the motorcycle races there; in St. Louis, Missouri, to attend the annual convention of the Federation of American Motorcyclists (predecessor of the American Motorcyclist Association); in Chicago, Illinois, for a visit to the first Harley-Davidson® Retail Store; and in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to stop at the Harley-Davidson headquarters on Juneau Avenue, to name only a few. When she finally arrived in New York in December, she was reportedly wearing four coats, four pairs of stockings, and heavy sheepskin shoes. Despite the cold, harsh conditions in which she completed her ride, her attitude was as bright as ever, “I had a glorious trip, I am in perfect health, and my desire is stronger than ever to keep going.” Not bad for someone with only ten days of prior riding experience!

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Photographs courtesy of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives. Copyright H-D.

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FRONT SHOP / SEPTEMBER 2011 NEWS • BACKSTORY • ARCHIVES • GALLERY • TEST RIDE

UNLOCKING THE VAULT Collection X: Weird Wild Wonders of the Harley-Davidson Museum™ Since the opening of the Harley-Davidson MuseumTM, visitors have been able to appreciate many pieces from the world’s largest collection of Harley-Davidson® items, from bikes to belt buckles.

Even though thousands of items are on display in the permanent galleries, only a small portion of this vast collection can be displayed at any one time. This summer, a special temporary exhibition entitled Collection X: Weird Wild Wonders of the Harley-Davidson MuseumTM will unlock the vault, revealing fascinating and fantastic items. Some are recognizable and others mysterious, evoking comments like “What is that? I’ve never seen one of those before”, “How did that end up here?”, and “Why would anyone save that?”

Visitors to Collection X will become experts in obscure HarleyDavidson® trivia. For example, did you know that the V-Rod® motorcycle could have been called the “Bullyboy”? Or that the Harley-Davidson Motor Company made rocket engines for the U.S. military for a 30-year period starting in the 1960s? How about the fact that Harley-Davidson helped to set up the very first Japanese

*

BUT YOU HAVE TO WONDER, “WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?” WHEN YOU GET AN EYEFUL OF SOME OF THESE CONTRAPTIONS

motorcycle manufacturer, which made Flatheads under licence from the Motor Company in the 1930s?

Over the last century, many different, and even surprising, research and development projects were undertaken by HarleyDavidson. Cloaked in secrecy no more, these pieces will be taken out of various storage locations and put on display for the first time. As part of the process of conceiving new models, the Motor Company has pushed the envelope, trying new things and new technologies.

Some projects reach the market, and some — for a variety of reasons — don’t. Both two- and three-wheeled prototypes and mockups will be spotlighted.

Some of the accessories carrying the Motor Company label over the years are just as head-turning. A furry parka, reminiscent of Bigfoot, was available in both a men’s and women’s style, and was part of a line that was sold alongside Harley-Davidson® snowmobiles in the early 1970s. Another folly from that decade was the “Cycle Back-Pak”, a towering plastic storage container with straps that could be worn while riding, though it’s hard to imagine doing so comfortably.

While many of the artefacts revealed in the exhibit come from the Factory, other weird and wild pieces included in Collection X are home-grown. It is said that necessity is the mother of invention, but

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you have to wonder, “what were they thinking?” when you get an eyeful of some of these contraptions. One of the strangest creations in the collection is a light-up headpiece made from a baseball batter’s helmet, which plugged into the rider’s bike for power. There are dozens of leather riding, or “kidney”, belts in the archives, but one has to question the hand-painted skunk motif decorating the back of one of these. A nickname or hint about personal hygiene, perhaps? Other examples are a bit more purposeful, like a vintage frame straightener powered by a 1914 Harley-Davidson® model 10-B engine that was used in the Juneau Avenue Factory for many years.

Of course, the exhibit wouldn’t be complete without a celebration of the wide world of Harley-Davidson® novelties and collectibles. Some of the more unusual include Harley-Davidson® wine coolers and chardonnay, cigarettes (a licensed product), and other “smoking devices” (not a licensed product!). Both men’s and women’s underwear, high-top sneakers, and hundreds of T-shirts (yes, many of them black) mark just a few of the wardrobe pieces

preserved in the archives. An assemblage of items decorated with an eagle motif ranges from beer steins and wallets to cookie jars, Frisbees, and a leather footstool.

It just goes to show how far some people will go to express their appreciation for all things from the Harley-Davidson ® Brand. Many are driven to amass extensive collections of H-D® memorabilia and then some. Others celebrate their love of the Harley-Davidson® Brand and motorcycling through creative outlets. While the archives can’t accept everything offered to it, a representative group of paintings, sculptures, and other meticulously handcrafted items have entered the collection over the years, as have music and other related popular culture items. A few of the more unique examples of these will be highlighted in Collection X. Don’t miss your chance to experience the fun, fantastic, and farfetched this summer. Collection X: Weird Wild Wonders of the HarleyDavidson MuseumTM will be on display for a limited time, June 11 to August 21, and admission is included with Museum admission.

To plan your visit, go to www.h-dmuseum.com. To see more historical items from the H-D® Archives, visit the Harley-Davidson MuseumTM in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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1) The “Cycle Back-Pak”, sold in the H-D® accessories catalogue from 1973-1975, was billed as the “modern ‘in’ way to take along all the things you need for that cross-country trip or those hunting-fishing campouts”. Whether or not it made “any load easy to carry” is questionable when you see it for yourself. 2) The “Brake Light” helmet, created by Felix Predko from a baseball batting helmet. Predko outfitted his custom motorcycle, nicknamed “King Kong”, with an outlet to illuminate the headpiece while he was riding.

3) A 1930s Harley® engine-powered “ice yacht” will be on display in Collection X: Weird Wild Wonders of the Harley-Davidson MuseumTM. 4) Three men go for a ride on “Red’s motorboat”, circa 1916. This is just one of the many photos of ingenious contraptions in the archives collection. 5) Except for an internal metal frame for support, this chopper is constructed entirely of leather, complete with leather spark plugs, and a tool bag with a set of leather wrenches and a pair of pliers.

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Photographs courtesy of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives. Copyright H-D.

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FRONT SHOP / SEPTEMBER 2011 NEWS • BACKSTORY • ARCHIVES • GALLERY • TEST RIDE

MEMBERS GALLERY

Gord Schwinghamer, Edmonton, Alberta.

Ontario Huronia Chapter participates in the Yellow Ribbon Ride at CFB Borden, Ontario.

— Thom Hargreaves

Paul Lifchis, Harley-Davidson® FLHT.

Rick MacFarlane (Principal) Grade 8 Graduation photo, King George, Chatham, Ontario.

MS Fundraiser — Sault Ste Marie, Ontario.

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Colin & Ev Lawson, Quesnel, B.C.

Angie Hachey, Test Our MetalTM Demo Truck 2011

Wayne & Jeannette Kraan in Waikiki, Oahu in April 2011 for their 25th anniversary.

Jacob, Bonaventure, Québec

H.O.G.® Membership Drive 2011 Station Mall, Sault Ste.Marie Chapter.

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FRONT SHOP / SEPTEMBER 2011 NEWS • BACKSTORY • ARCHIVES • GALLERY • TEST RIDE

MEMBERS GALLERY

Ian Lambert & Mike Geiss, location unknown.

Scott McLean, Cape Town, South Africa.

Pat Petersen (&Wayne), Southern Alberta, near Waterton Park.

Terry Bell, Pier 21 Halifax, Nova Scotia.

MS Fundraiser — Sault Ste Marie, Ontario.

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Allan Woodward, Salmon Glacier, north of Hyder, Alaska

13th Canadian National H.O.G.® Rally London Ontario

Lisa Thé & Malcolm Hunter, Trev Deeley Motorcycles, Vancouver, B.C.

Marilyn Shaw, Sarnia, Ontario.

Michael Harrigan, Windsor, Ontario.

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FRONT SHOP / SEPTEMBER 2011 NEWS • BACKSTORY • ARCHIVES • GALLERY • TEST RIDE

ONE WILD RIDE If you wanted to take a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle to the race track, which model would you choose? Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada believes it would be the XR1200XTM model, a motorcycle inspired by the legendary dirt track racing XR750 motorcycle, one of the most successful race bikes ever campaigned.

To prove the point, Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada has introduced the XR1200® Series to Canada as part of this year’s Parts Canada Canadian Superbike Championship. The same-make race series has already proven itself popular in the United States and Great Britain by titillating spectators with close-fought racing against a soundtrack of roaring V-Twin Engines.

The most athletic Harley® model of the air-cooled offerings, the XR1200XTM model features an inverted fork, dual front brakes, rear set pegs, and twin shocks. For 2011, it’s been updated with a more menacing monochromatic paint scheme and fully-adjustable suspension components from Showa. I recently had the unique opportunity to test a 2011 XR1200XTM motorcycle on the street, before also assessing its mettle on the track, during a race, after its transformation into an XR1200® Series racer.

As a street bike, the XR1200XTM motorcycle didn’t fail to impress.

Its ample power, compliant suspension, and powerful brakes made each ride an invigorating experience. However, unlike the street, the track strains machinery to its limit and the sportiest Sportster® motorcycle needed bolstering to prepare it for the severity of

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racing. Thomas Morin, the Race Fleet Coordinator of Deeley HarleyDavidson® Canada, stripped down the stock bike and installed a specially designed race kit from Vance & Hines, which is supplied at no cost to those who commit to racing the entire series.

Replacement fibreglass bodywork and an aluminium subframe were fitted to convert the XR1200XTM motorcycle to a singleseater, and a belly pan was installed to safely collect any oil that might escape from the engine. The stock exhaust was replaced with stainless steel competition pipes and mufflers, and a plugin electronic module was installed to help the ECU deal with the removed oxygen sensors.

The package also swapped the 18-inch front wheel for a 17-incher, to give the bike nimbler handling. But canting the heavy motorcycle over onto its side at speed places great demands on the suspension, so optional work was performed that included revalving the fork and using upgraded Öhlins springs. The shocks were replaced with high-performance units from Canadian manufacturer, Elka Suspension, and an Öhlins steering damper was added for a more restrictive steering stop. The spec tires for the series, a set of Pirelli Diablo Super Corsa SC1s, were also not part of the kit.

Aside from the suspension updates, perhaps the most important modification was the replacement of the rear engine mounts with polypropylene bushings. The XR1200XTM motorcycle has a rubber mounted engine, which sacrifices handling for comfort. Although a

Don Empey

2011 Harley-Davidson® XR1200X™ is a powerful, invigorating ride By Uwe Wachtendorf

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Don Empey

*

IMAGINE HOPPING ON THE BACK OF A WILD BOAR, GRABBING HOLD OF ITS EARS, AND STABBING ITS FLANKS WITH YOUR HEELS

logical decision for a street bike, it’s an unacceptable compromise on the track. All told, the modifications shaved approximately 18 kg (40 lb) off of the bike’s original wet weight of 260 kg (573 lb).

Lacking any race experience, I questioned what I was doing lining up on the starting grid behind riders such as Canadian racing legend Steve Crevier, V-Twin expert Darren James, and young-gun Cody Matechuk. With precious little practice time — only three twentyminute sessions — it was a tall order to learn a track I only partly knew and to get the new suspension properly tuned. My 12th place finish in the first race and 11th in the second, out of 14 motorcycles, was a modest introduction to racing, but a thoroughly enjoyable one.

Since then, I’ve often been asked what the race-prepped Sportster® motorcycle was like to ride. Imagine hopping on the back of a wild boar, grabbing hold of its ears, and stabbing its flanks with your heels. You had better hang on. With loads of torque available

right off idle, the XR1200XTM motorcycle launched hard out of turns, weaving and bobbing to a delightful raucous that made the hair on my arms stand up. Polling the older competitors in the paddock garnered similar comments; most waxed nostalgically about the similarity of racing the XR1200XTM motorcycle to racing early 80s superbikes, when it took a real man to muscle a machine around a course.

Most impressive for me was that the XR1200XTM motorcycle, a machine that was never designed for the rigours of track use, held up to the constant abuse of being mercilessly flogged lap after lap.

Thank you Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada! Whether on the street or at the track, you have proven that the XR1200XTM motorcycle is an addictively wild ride.

Uwe Wachtendorf is the Associate Editor for Motorcycle Mojo Magazine in Barrie, Ontario.

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Malcolm Hunter, Deeley Harley-Davidson速 Canada President & Chief Operating Officer (left) and Don James, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, gear up for a ride on the North Shore in early July 2011, along Indian Arm Road (opposite), near Deep Cove, B.C., in typical West Coast riding conditions.

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Easy RIDERS

Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada icons lead a loyal Customer base and passionate Retailers — through good times and bad — to the future

BY GORDIE BOWLES PHOTOGRAPHS BY GRANT HARDER

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T

There are very few similarities between the motorcyclists who star in the 1969 antiestablishment film Easy Rider and the two Canadian men that have been instrumental in the Harley-Davidson® movement for more than three decades.

But like the movie — produced, written, and starring Hollywood icons Peter Fonda and the late Dennis Hopper — Don James, Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, and Malcolm Hunter, President & Chief Operating Officer, have been the “touchstone for a generation”, literally and figuratively moving people with their innovative thinking, affecting multiple generations of riders. And, like the Retailers and H.O.G.® Chapters that they helped launch, they continue their lifelong love — and dream job — as Harley® motorcycle enthusiasts.

As thousands of aging Canadian baby boomers and 50-something white collar execs look to reclaim their youth with the world’s most recognized motorcycle Brand, James and Hunter also continue to reinvent themselves to maintain Canada’s standing as one of the top markets for Harley-Davidson® motorcycles in the world. This is a part of their journey...

LOYALTY TO THE BRAND... AND TO THE CUSTOMER After being offered the exclusive rights to Canadian distribution of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles and snowmobiles in 1973, James co-founded the Canadian Company with the late Trev Deeley. Today, Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada has grown to represent 140 staff and caters to 71 independent Retailers across the country.

“When we got involved with Harley-Davidson [Motor Company] in the 1970s we really understood our role as a distributor. We were clear that our success depended on our dealers’ and Retailers’ success”, says 67-year-old James.

Harley® bike owners don’t just buy a motorcycle, he explained, they buy “a lifestyle and a unique experience”. This has been the cornerstone of their guiding principles. “Our Customers are our best ambassadors”, says James, a grandfather of two. “HarleyDavidson® Customers are very loyal and tend to be involved with the Brand for a long time. Back in the 70s we had an ad: ‘When did it start for you?’, which showed a picture of a baby looking at a Harley® [motorcycle]. That is usually what happens with our Customers; there’s a link somewhere.”

H.O.G.® CHAPTERS ARE BORN Once James and his colleagues were aligned in the “Customer-first” philosophy — which continues to be the companies mantra — they honed in on the Customer recognition part of the overall business strategy. “When we took on the distribution of Harley® [products], Trev and I sitting with Charlie Thompson, then-president of HarleyDavidson [Motor Company], in Daytona”, James reminisced. “Charlie said, ‘I would really like to do something for our Customers’. That was really unique thinking at the time and was a real gem of an idea that started churning in our minds. The idea was to give something back to Customers, and the vehicle for that had to be at the local level.

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Malcolm Hunter

This idea of a Harley-Davidson® Number 1 Club came from a Retailer in Quebec, Ray Gref. In Canada, several of our Retailers already had these number one clubs so it was a fairly easy transition to take what was a national concept in the U.S. and transfer that into Canada.”

Shortly after the establishment of the national H.O.G.® Chapters, they created a set of rules, a “guiding force”, to keep the Chapters focused. The core of these were the Retailer-sponsored Chapters in Canada, and internationally (worldwide, the Harley Owners Group® has reached over one million members).

WELL-OILED BUSINESS MACHINE When it was time for a presidential leadership change in the mid70s, James did not have to look far for the right person to man the ship and manage the Company’s growth. They looked right under their nose to Malcolm Hunter, who was the Chief Financial Officer at the time. “Malcolm and I actually met in the early 70s at Whistler when we were on ski patrol together”, says James. “A mutual friend said Malcolm wasn’t happy with his career in banking and so on the chair one day in Whistler I said, ‘Why don’t you come and work with us?’ At the time, his experience in banking and accounting really meshed with a need we had. Malcolm had the skills.”

James says that Malcolm has been the ideal leader for the Company, continually growing in his various roles and always pushing to better himself as an executive and manager. His credentials include executive education at Queen’s University, Wharton University and a recently completed National Directors Education Program at the Institute of Corporate Directors at the Rotman School of Management.

Under his guidance, Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada has earned the prestigious 50 Best Managed Companies in Canada designation for 16 consecutive years, from 1996 to 2010, and also earning the

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“ The focus will remain on the Retailers, says Hunter, to maintain the passion and increase the business knowledge.”

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Top-40 Employers in British Columbia designation in 2008.

James views education as a path to continued growth as a corporate leader. After attending the University of Alberta and Simon Fraser University, he joined the original Fred Deeley Ltd. in 1967.

He recognized the need for further education and pursued executive education through some of the world’s best programs, such as Harvard and Stanford universities and IMD an international institute in Lausanne, Switzerland.

THE FUTURE OF DEELEY HARLEY-DAVIDSON® CANADA Hunter is the first to admit that it all hasn’t been rosy. In the past two to three years, a turbulent economic environment means that household disposable spending has dwindled.

“We were very fortunate to grow in a robust market than manage it in the shrinking mode like we have had to do in the last few years”, Hunter explained. “We had 12 years of consistent, almost double digit growth, which was wonderful on one hand, but a real challenge on the other. I’d much rather manage a company in a growth mode, than manage it in the shrinking mode like I’ve done the last two years. But the challenge was trying to continue to meet the Customers’ expectations and help our Retailers at the same time.”

According to Hunter, the focus will remain on the Retailers to maintain the passion and increase the business knowledge.

Passion and enthusiasm are the core of a successful Retail Store, but “enthusiasm will not carry you through in a tough market”, says Hunter, an avid rider who logs 9,000 kilometres per year in the saddle of his 2011 Street Glide® Touring motorcycle. “When I first got involved I would say the majority of our Retailers were enthusiasts who got involved in the business because they like to ride”, he says.

“But what has changed is that not only do you need that passion you also need a strong business acumen.”

Economic conditions have stunted the growth of the Company in recent years, but both Hunter and James are optimistic about the future of the Brand. James states that one challenge is keeping the Brand and the product of Harley® current and appropriate for a broader base. “Canada is diverse and multicultural and we need to become more relevant to a younger, more diverse ethnic group including ladies, who are very important as they influence buying decisions,” he said.

James is confident that this loyal Customer base, their efforts to attract younger and more-diverse riders, and their ability to navigate through various roadblocks will set the stage for a positive future.

“The desire to own a Harley-Davidson® [motorcycle] hasn’t diminished; it’s just that discretionary expenditures have changed.

We survived the carnage in the last three years better than our competitors and we’re seeing some positive growth, but we have to continually evolve to find reasons to ride a motorcycle.”

Both James and Hunter said they’ll continue to focus on a changing business, while keeping their fingers on the pulse by seeing firsthand what is happening in the market and how consumers continue to interact with the Brand. “When I first joined the business Trevor and Don were very strong in saying that our success would be based on the Retailers’ success and ultimately satisfying the Customers’ needs”, says Hunter. “Everything that we’ve always done has been done to help the Retailer and by our definition, that is servicing the Customer.”

James agrees, and recognizes that the mega-Brand behind them — not to mention a quality line-up of motorcycles and service — will stand the test of time. “There’s a little bit of motorcycling in all of us”, he says. And somewhere along the line everyone has been touched by a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle.”

HISTORY OF DEELEY HARLEY-DAVIDSON® CANADA 1914 — Fred Sr. and Lizzy Deeley immigrate to Canada from England.

Fred opens a motorcycle and bicycle business called Fred Deeley Ltd., on Granville Street in Vancouver.

1917 — Fred Deeley Ltd. takes on the Harley-Davidson® line, making it the fourth oldest Harley-Davidson® Retail Store in the world (Dudley Perkins in San Francisco is the oldest).

1953 — Trev Deeley becomes the General Manager of Fred Deeley Motorcycles.

1973 — Fred Deeley Imports Ltd. is formed between partners Don James, Trev Deeley and Harold Lenfesty.

Trev is asked by the Harley-Davidson Motor Company to become their exclusive distributor for Canada.

1976 — Malcolm Hunter joins the Deeley staff to run the office and computerize the Company.

1982 — Malcolm Hunter becomes Vice President and a partner of Fred Deeley Imports.

1993 — Trevor retires from the board

at Harley-Davidson and Don James is invited to take his place. The Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada museum opens its doors.

1994 — The book (Trev) Deeley: Motorcycle Millionaire by Frank Hilliard is published (Orca Books).

1995 — Don James receives entrepreneur of the year award. Trev Deeley is inducted into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame.

1996-2010 — Deeley HarleyDavidson® Canada is voted as one of the 50 Best Managed Companies by the Financial Post. They have maintained this distinction for 16 consecutive years.

2002 — Canada’s “Mr. Motorcycle”, Trev Deeley, passes away on May 28.

2008 — Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada distributes a record 17,200 motorcycles to 70 Retail Stores in Canada.

2010 — Don James inducted into the Canadian Motorcycling Hall of Fame.

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The Davidson

LEGACY

In a sleepy village in Angus, Scotland, lies the derelict Netherton Cottage, known to have been home to Sandy Davidson, grandfather to Arthur, William and Walter, who became three of the four founding members of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. After a three-year struggle to save the cottage, Harley-Davidson® enthusiast, Mike Sinclair, has begun a restoration project that will create a Davidson Legacy Visitor Centre and Museum.

Here, Mike tells us the story so far. By Mike Sinclair

Top to bottom: Mike and Keith present a slate from the roof to Jim Fricke (Curator, Harley-Davidson Museum™); Mike, Maggie and Keith with Jean Davidson and Arthur Harley Davidson

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As a fanatical owner, importer and builder of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles since 1983, I had long been aware of the rumours that the Davidson family originated from the small Angus town of Brechin. This was at last verified in 2006 when an Angus Council employee, Norman Atkinson, researched the family’s history and pinpointed the Davidsons to Netherton Cottage on the Melgund estate, where Sandy Davidson worked as the estate’s wright. It was from here that Sandy, his wife Margaret and their six children immigrated to America in 1857.

Early in 2008, I was told that the cottage, now derelict, was on the market and I set about investigating ways to secure it.

Having tried, without success, to interest friends and acquaintances, I approached local community worker Maggie Sherrit, who I knew shared my enthusiasm for HarleyDavidson® motorcycles. We enquired about the cottage only to find it was already under offer to a local developer pending planning permission. What a disaster! We were now looking at the impending demolition of the area’s only physical link to the Davidson family.

It was clear that there was no way we could do the work involved in establishing a community organization and raising the funding to buy the cottage in time to save it, but Maggie was interested, the property wasn’t that expensive, and we calculated that bringing in one more partner could make it happen.

After more talking to everyone we could think of, and trying to enthuse them, longtime friend and local music shop owner, Keith Mackintosh, was infected by our enthusiasm and the Netherton Cottage Development Company was born. We tracked down the seller, made our offer and, in May 2008, became the proud, slightly bemused and much impoverished owners of a derelict cottage.

From there we had to put our heads together and decide what to do next. The cottage still had a roof (with a very large hole in it), still had windows and a door and was filled with the decaying possessions of the last occupant, an elderly lady named Bella, who had been moved to a nursing home eight years earlier and had subsequently died.

Other than the years of

decay, little had changed. The original range was still there and there was no electricity and no bathroom; the outside toilet was long gone.

Unfortunately, within weeks of our purchase, the empty house was attacked by vandals and the door and windows were smashed. However, none of this mattered much as we had by now decided that we must completely restore the cottage as it would have been when Sandy, Margaret and the children left.

With the enthusiastic help of some local bikers we began to tackle the overgrown grounds and clear away the debris whilst talking to the planning department about the restoration. Not surprisingly, the talks became a souldestroying 18-month slog that resulted in our discovering that we hadn’t needed planning permission in the first place!

Undaunted, we resolved to move into phase one of our project — getting the word out. During our struggle to secure the property and save it from the bulldozers, I had been writing to, and phoning, the HarleyDavidson Motor Company and one evening, around the

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time of the purchase, I was thrilled to receive a phone call from Willie G.’s son, Michael.

Michael was enthusiastic to hear about the house and its history and passed me on to the Motor Company’s International Regional Manager, Martin Ginns, who became the greatest source of help and support we could have ever wished for.

For the past three years, Martin has kept in touch, followed our progress and, in 2010, helped us to arrange a visit to Milwaukee to meet the directors of the Harley-Davidson Museum™. So last March, we boarded the plane laden with copies of the Davidson family tree, bottles of Old Fettercairn malt and an engraved slate from the original roof of the cottage.

In Milwaukee, we were treated

to a guided tour of the fantastic museum (if you haven’t been — go!), followed by a meeting with the museum directors to discuss our plans. We left them a copy of the family tree and the roof slate.

It was in Milwaukee that we were lucky enough to meet with one of our main sources of inspiration, Jean Davidson, granddaughter of HarleyDavidson Motor Company founder, Walter. We had read Jean’s books and were determined not to leave town without tracking her down – it was worth it! With Jean we went to Forest Home Cemetery where we found the headstone marking the resting place of Sandy, Margaret and some of their children; it was amazing to be standing there. But the

highlight of the trip was being taken by Jean to visit the home of her uncle, Arthur Harley Davidson, last surviving son of one of the Harley-Davidson® founders. Living past his 96th year, Arthur was an amazing, lively and charming person who entertained us with tales of his long-ago visit to Scotland to trace his family’s roots; he was sure that he had found the cottage. He also remembered sampling the delights of Scottish haggis (“didn’t like it”) and the famous Forfar Bridie (like a Cornish pasty, but different). He also told us of the time when he, as a young boy, was made to wear a white shirt by George Hendee (Indian Motorcycles co-founder) who proceeded to use him as a target for practising his golf

shots in the dark!

Since returning from Milwaukee, we’ve worked flat out to raise the funds to complete the restoration.

Our plan now is to make the house available as holiday accommodations for HarleyDavidson® enthusiasts to sample life as the pioneering Davidson’s would have lived it in Scotland in the 1850s. The Angus and Dundee Tourism Partnership has provided funds to furnish and decorate the interior and we have just been awarded a grant from the Scottish Rural Development Program fund. All we need to do now is match that grant and the cottage will be ready to receive its first overnight guests.

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James Davidson

Ann Davidson Married: April 10, 1804 Brechin, Scotland

Margaret Scott

Alexander Davidson

Born: Bef. March 30, 1811 Forfar, Scotland Married: July 20, 1832 Aberlemno, Angus Died: 1886 Forest Home Cemetery Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Born: Bef. March 30, 1808 Brechin, Scotland Died: 1886 Forest Home Cemetery Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Ann Davidson

Alexander McNab

Margaret Davidson

William Davidson

Marjory Davidson

Born: Bef. January 2, 1833 Aberlemno, Angus Christened: January 2, 1833 Aberlemno, Angus Died: 1883 Forest Home Cemetery Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA Occupation: Dressmaker 1851

Born: About 1820 Scotland Married: Before 1861

Born: Bef. Nov. 8, 1834 Kinnettles, Angus Christened: Nov. 8, 1834 Kinnettles, Angus Died: 1919 Forest Home Cemetery Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Born: 1837 Scotland Died: Bef. March 30, 1851 probably in Scotland Occupation: He died young

Born: 1838 Scotland Died: Bef. March 30, 1851 probably in Scotland Occupation: She died young

Alexander McNab

Born: Born: About 1863, Wisconsin, USA

Janet Davidson

William A. Davidson

Born: 1868 Died: 1948

Born: October 14, 1870 Milwaukee, Wisconsin Died: April 21, 1937 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Ruth Davidson Born: 1904 Died: 1991

William Godfrey Davidson

William Herbert Davidson Born: 1905 Died: 1992

Born: July 31, 1841 Aberlemno, Angus Christened: August 9, 1841 Aberlemno, Angus Died: 1858 USA Occupation: Scholar 1851

The Davidson

Anne McNab

Born: About 1861, Wisconsin, USA

Alexander Davidson Jr.

Mary Bauer

George Davidson

Born: 1878 Married: Bef. 1904 Died: 1944

Born: 1874 Died: In infancy

Marion Davidson

Helen Davidson

Allan Davidson

Born: 1907 Died: 1947

Born: 1910 Died: 1991

Born: 1912 Died: 1946

John Davidson Born: 1935

Born: 1933

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F

n

Moses McLay

Margaret Adam

Ellen McLay

James McFarlane

Born: Campsie, Stirlingshire, Scotland

William C. Davidson

Margaret Adams McFarlane

Born: Bef. Jan. 4, 1846 Aberlemno, Angus Christened: Jan. 16, 1846 Aberlemno, Angus Died: May 20, 1923 Forest Home Cemetery Occupation: Scholar 1851

Born: Bef. Jan. 4, 1846 Aberlemno, Angus Christened: Jan. 16, 1846 Aberlemno, Angus Died: May 20, 1923 Forest Home Cemetery Occupation: Scholar 1851

James Davidson Born: Bef. July 4, 1843 Aberlemno, Angus Christened: July 4, 1843 Aberlemno, Angus Died: 1898 Forest Home Cemetery Occupation: Scholar 1851

John Davidson

Lizzie Unknown

Born: Bef. Jan. 4, 1846 Born: November 14, 1849 Aberlemno, Angus Christened: November 22, 1849 Aberlemno, Angus Died: 1907 Milwaukee, Wisconsin Burried: 1907, Forest House Cemetery

Born: About 1851 England Married: Before 1875

Family Tree Walter Davidson

John Davidson Born: About 1875 Wisconsin

Emma Bertha Rosenheim

Born: September 30, 1876 Milwaukee, Wisconsin Died: February 7, 1942 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Born: 1833 Married: Bef. 1911 Died: 1967

Arthur Davidson

Clara Beisel

Elizabeth Davidson

Born: February 11, 1881 Milwaukee, Wisconsin Died: December 30, 1950 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Born: 1883 Married: Bef. 1911 Died: 1950

Born: 1874 Died: In infancy

Gordon McLay Davidson

Doris Burdick

Walter C. Davidson

Robert J. Davidson

Margaret Davidson

Arthur Harley Davidson

James Davidson

Born: 1912 Married: Bef. 1935 Died: 2000

Born: 1912 Married: Bef. 1935 Died: 2000

Born: 1913 Died: 1974

Born: 1917 Died: 1982

Born: 1911

Born: 1914 Died: 2011

Born: 1926 Died: 1964

Barbara Davidson

Jean Davidson

Born: 1935

Born: 1937

Gordon Scott Davidson

Christine Davidson Born: 1947

Born: 1942 Died: 1946

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Ghosts of the

OPEN ROAD 34

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Riding the loneliest highways in America WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY GLEN ABBOTT

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I NEVER FOUND THE COMPANION THAT WAS SO COMPANIONABLE AS SOLITUDE.” —Henry David Thoreau: Walden (1854)

It feels like I’m in the middle of freaking nowhere: the terrain so remote, so inhospitable, that at one time the government set off above-ground nuclear explosions here. Maybe they hoped no one would notice. It’s an area inhabited by space aliens and harbouring secret UFO landing sites — if you believe conspiracy theorists.

Sounds like the ideal place for a motorcycle ride. Once you get past the glitter, girls, and gambling of Las Vegas, Nevada it is primarily high desert. Its population density is less than 20 per square kilometre (although I imagine the census figures don’t include rattlesnakes or space aliens) — despite being the seventh-largest state in land area. That’s a whole lot of lonely desert, which makes for lots of lonely highways — the best kind, in my estimation.

I’m riding one of the top touring machines from HarleyDavidson Motor Company — a 2011 Road Glide® Ultra motorcycle: Cool Blue Pearl, to match the state’s endless blue skies; 103-cubic-inch motor, for tackling those long stretches of remote highway; ABS for safe stopping, no matter what the desert throws at me; six-gallon fuel tank, for peace of mind between isolated gas stops; and a frame-mounted shark-nose fairing, for cutting through crosswinds like a hot knife through butter. Oh yes, the desert can be a harsh mistress, but I’m prepared.

I’m tooling along at slightly extra-legal speeds, rolling east on the “Loneliest Road in America” — U.S. Highway 50, cutting through the middle of the state. I’m just outside Fallon, Nevada — home of the U.S. Navy’s Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, better known as “Top Gun” — where the country’s best fighter pilots go for training (“Low Flying Aircraft” is a warning sign you’ll see a lot here). It’s 177 kilometres to the next town. Twenty-five years ago, a story in Life magazine referred to this 462-kilometre stretch as containing “no points of interest” and recommended that motorists not drive the road “unless they’re confident of their survival skills”.

What could have been a “Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” for denizens of the isolated region led instead to a public relations bonanza; astute tourism officials promptly erected signs promoting its lonely mystique. Unlike the smoke and mirrors of Las Vegas, Highway 50 is the real deal, a biker’s dream — kilometre after kilometre of isolated blacktop cutting through Nevada’s high desert — mountains, valleys, sand dunes and sagebrush as far as the eye can see, with liberal doses of coyotes, jackrabbits, rattlesnakes, and an occasional mountain lion thrown in for good measure.

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Along the “Extraterrestrial Highway”, Route 375 near Rachel, Nevada, and Area 51. Above: The gold boom in Rhyolite, Nevada, played out almost as quickly as it had begun.

Founded in 1904, it was a ghost town by 1920.

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“We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold.” —Hunter S. Thompson: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1971) Let’s start at the beginning: Las Vegas. It’s where the Atomic Age came to Nevada – the U.S. military began testing nuclear weapons in the desert outside the city at the Nevada Test Site in 1951.

Crowds gathered to watch the mushroom clouds billow into the sky. After 1963, atomic testing went underground, continuing all the way through 1992. Casino’s — not mushrooms — had started sprouting in the desert somewhat earlier, after the re-legalization of gambling in 1931 (outlawed in the state in 1910). Tourism grew to become Nevada’s number-one industry, drawing visitors in droves

to the “City of Lost Wages”, “Sin City”, or “Glitter Gulch”. I didn’t come to gamble. Instead, I arrived on a two-wheeled mission to explore some of the desert’s most deserted highways.

On my first day, I head west out of Vegas — jewel of the Mojave Desert — with the morning sun setting the snow-capped mountains in the distance ablaze with colour and warming me through my leather jacket. A stiff desert wind is blowing, but I’ll soon be shedding the jacket as I ride into Death Valley, one of the hottest places on earth. I’m cruising north on State Route 160; at Pahrump I go west into California. At the border, a sign welcomes me to Inyo County, California, near the tiny town of Death Valley Junction, site of the historic Amargosa Opera House and Hotel. It’s a beautiful, yet bleak area; the town’s population would likely fit inside a VW Microbus.

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The optimistically named town of Goldfield, Nevada, was once Nevada’s largest city and produced over $86 million in gold in the early 1900s.

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From the Junction, I ride into Death Valley National Park, the air temperature going up as the elevation drops. The vegetation is sparse and the terrain is rocky. Death Valley’s average July high temperature is 46° C (the highest ever recorded was 57° C in 1913). No worries today, since it’s April and a relatively brisk 34° C. I ride through aptly named Furnace Creek — elevation: sea level — and continue the descent to Badwater. The air becomes thicker and the heat more and more oppressive — kind of what I imagine sticking your head into a blast furnace feels like. I arrive at the lowest point in the U.S. — 86 metres below sea level. A small pool of water in the sand is covered by a salty crust (hence the name). Visitors park and hike a quartermile or so to adjacent salt flats. Borax — a mineral used as a cleaning agent — was successfully mined nearby in the 1880s, hauled out in giant wagons by 20-mule teams.

From below sea level, I ride up and out of Death Valley, back into Nevada. Climbing, curving, and winding on S.R. 374 toward Beatty, the temperature drops again as elevation increases.

Outside Beatty, I stop in Rhyolite, a ghost town that boomed in 1904 with the discovery of gold and went bust within a decade when the ore played out. Today, several buildings remain, including a “bottle house” constructed of 50,000 empty beer and liquor bottles — the most imaginative use I’ve seen for empties.

At Beatty, I check into The Atomic Inn and walk over to the Happy Burro Chili & Beer for, uh, chili and a beverage. Crystal, the bartender, insists that I visit the bathroom when she finds out I’ve ridden into town on a Harley® motorcycle. “You’ve gotta clutch it, that’s all I’m gonna tell you”, she says. Inside the men’s room, a pair of ape-hanger handlebars is mounted on the wall above the urinal; the clutch lever is rigged to the urinal’s flush mechanism.

Clutch it, indeed: genius!

On tomorrow’s agenda: Goldfield and Tonopah — towns, less than 48 kilometres apart, which produced fortunes in gold and silver, respectively, in their glory days. Goldfield was founded in 1902, 38

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eventually becoming the largest city in Nevada with 20,000 residents.

Its biggest saloon employed 80 bartenders to serve thirsty patrons.

The now-shuttered, reportedly haunted Goldfield Hotel was said to offer the finest lodging between Chicago and San Francisco.

“This was the last and one of the biggest gold strikes in the U.S.”, David Ashe, owner of Goldfield’s Barbarossa & Bear Vintage Wares & Classic Motorcycle Shop, explains. “Now we’ve got 2.5 million acres and 1,020 people left in the county.”

Up the road, Tonopah fared only slightly better. Once known as the “Queen of the Silver Camps”, its mines yielded a rich bounty of ore from 1900 through to the 1920s. Tonopah boasted its own highend hotel, the Mizpah, built in 1907, which is now closed and is said to also be haunted.

In Fallon, at the junction of U.S. 95, I turn east onto the state’s

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official “Loneliest Road”, U.S. 50. The route parallels the original Pony Express route and is also part of the Lincoln Highway, the nation’s original cross-country road.

In the distance, I spot what looks like a giant sand dune with ants crawling all over it, seemingly out of place in the scrubby terrain.

As I get closer, I see that the ants are actually dozens of dune buggies, ATVs, and dirt bikes, emitting the collective sound of a million angry bumblebees. The dunes are a naturally occurring and constantly shifting feature, part of Sand Mountain Recreation Area.

East of Sand Mountain, it’s just the bike and me — kilometres of open road, open range, and high desert, with the snow-capped Toiyabe Mountains in the distance. I spend the night in the remote, former silver-mining town of Austin. “This is wide open country here”, Kip Helming, owner of Union Street Lodging in Austin, tells me. “You get up in these mountains, you can see for 80-100 kilometres or more.”

In the morning I dodge snow flurries as I ride out of town, but they don’t last long. The snow has dusted the mountains in soft white powder, reminding me of those little powdered-sugar donuts — I think they were called Gems — that we scarfed down as kids.

I ride through Eureka and come to Ely in the late afternoon — silver and copper mining are their claims to fame. As I approach Ely’s downtown, the skies open up and a full-on, Katie-bar-the-door hailstorm begins, complete with thunder, lightning, and snow, and forms a thick slush on the city’s main street. I safely pull into the Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall. The six-story brick hotel/casino is a genuine, but updated, remnant of old Nevada. When it opened in 1929 it was the state’s tallest building. Ely’s other attraction is the “Ghost Train”, an original 1909 steam locomotive from the Nevada Northern Railway, which used to haul copper ore.

The next morning dawns bright and sunny, and from Ely, I ride south on U.S. 93 toward Pioche, an 1860s silver-mining town that retains much of its Old West character. The local Boot Hill cemetery reportedly buried 72 gunshot victims before burying a single resident who arrived due to natural causes. “This town made Deadwood and Tombstone look like kindergarten”, guide Jane Humphrey tells me on a tour of the original courthouse and jail, now a museum. In 1873, tax records listed 78 saloons and 34 brothels in the thriving town, Humphrey says.

“The Truth is Out There” —The X-Files (1993-2002) From Pioche, I have just one more stop on these lonely trails, and it’s a doozy. Rachel, Nevada, sits almost precisely in the middle of nowhere: “Next Gas 150 Miles” reads the sign on S.R. 375. This road has been officially designated the “Extraterrestrial Highway”.

Running along the edge of the Nevada Test Site and home to supersecret Area 51, it’s a rumoured hub of U.S. government interaction with space aliens and their spacecraft. No one knows for sure — at least not anyone who’s talking.

In Rachel, I stop at the Little A’Le’Inn, pretty much the only place in town: a bar, restaurant, and gift shop specializing in alien tchotchkes — T-shirts, shot glasses, coffee mugs, and blow-up alien dolls — your usual alien memorabilia. I lunch on a “World Famous Alien Burger”, drinking a Diet Coke and shooting the breeze with the

bartender who is decidedly noncommittal about alien sightings in the area, shrugging his shoulders when I ask if I’m likely to see any.

“Guess it depends on how much tequila you drink”, he says.

Visitors from space notwithstanding, Nevada really hasn’t changed a whole lot since its wild west days. In now-deserted boomtowns, you can almost feel the presence of grizzled prospectors who rode in on their burros, and you can picture the thriving gambling halls, honky-tonks, and bawdy houses that catered to their wants and needs. You’ll find ghosts — real or imagined – and relics of the past here. Mining detritus, rusting car parts, and shattered fragments of old whiskey bottles dot the high desert, remnants of hopes and dreams realized, but ultimately lost. There’s only one officially designated “Loneliest Road” in the state, but most all of Nevada’s roads are lonely – happy trails on a Harley® motorcycle!

Check out Glen Abbott’s motorcycle travel blog online at: www.TravelinGringo.com. hog® magazine canada

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Two’s Company Riding with a passenger. By Becky Tillman, Rider’s Edge Regional Manager, Harley-Davidson Rider Services ®

®

Riding “two-up” is one of the great, simple pleasures of motorcycling, but it’s important that both you and your passenger know what you’re doing. Here are a few tips to make sure you both stay safe.

PREPARING YOUR MOTORCYCLE Before you ask a passenger to climb aboard your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, make sure your bike is prepared for the experience.

Some models are extremely well-suited for carrying two people, other models less so. But if it’s properly prepared and equipped, any Harley-Davidson® motorcycle can be used to carry a passenger.

The first thing to look at is the seat. Make sure it’s either a seat designed for two people or a solo seat with a passenger pillion and grab strap attached. This may sound obvious, but it’s important to point out that you should never, ever, allow a passenger to sit on the rear fender, a luggage rack, or any other part of the motorcycle not specifically designed for a person to sit on.

Next come the footpegs or floorboards. There are two things to consider: 1) If your motorcycle was originally equipped with a solo seat, it probably didn’t come with passenger footpegs as 40

original equipment. You’ll have to add them. Again, don’t allow a passenger to rest their feet on any part of the motorcycle not designed for it. 2) Make sure your passenger is capable of comfortably reaching the footpegs or floorboards, especially if he or she is of shorter stature or a minor.

Next, think about your suspension. You’ll get better performance (smoother ride and better handling) and comfort if it’s properly adjusted to carry the heavier load. Consult your Harley-Davidson® Owner’s Manual for details and to make sure that you don’t exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Any “bottoming out” you feel (or hear) while riding is a sign that your suspension is not properly set or your motorcycle’s load is too big.

Similarly, make sure your tires are properly inflated (check your Owner’s Manual for specific tire pressure recommendations). A bigger load may require higher pressure. Remember: Under-inflation

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… RIDING TWO-UP CAN BE ONE OF THE MOST ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCES IN MOTORCYCLING

can adversely affect handling, and reduce gas mileage and tire life.

One factor that’s easy to miss is the headlamp. The extra load on your bike can affect your headlamp aim by causing your motorcycle to sit a little lower in the back than usual. To check, sit on your bike with your passenger on the back and have someone else check the aim. Then make adjustments as necessary.

PREPARING YOUR PASSENGER If he or she has never ridden on the back of a motorcycle, chances are your passenger will need more education than you will. Making sure your passenger knows what to do (and, more importantly, what not to do), will make your job a lot easier.

The first thing you’ll want to talk about is proper attire. Basically, the same rules and recommendations apply to your passenger as to you. An approved helmet, long pants, over-the-ankle shoes or boots, proper eye protection, a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, and gloves are all recommended. Regarding a helmet, make sure you know the local laws. If your passenger is a minor, chances are he or she will be required by law to wear one, even if you’re not. In addition, make sure your passenger doesn’t have any “loose ends” — shoelaces, loose pant legs, scarves, etc. — that could get caught in any moving parts.

Also, instruct your passenger where the “hot stuff” is: parts of the motorcycle that could cause burns if touched by bare skin when the engine is hot.

Once these basics are covered, it’s time to talk about how to properly board the motorcycle. Instruct your passenger not to get on until you give the go-ahead. Make sure you are solidly on board with the motorcycle upright, both feet planted on the ground, and the engine started. Make sure your passenger only steps on parts of the motorcycle designed to be stepped on: the footpegs or floorboards.

Also, make sure you’ve done any backing up or other manoeuvring before your passenger boards.

Next, instruct your passenger on how to properly hold on. For best results, your passenger should hold on to you. While sitting as far forward as possible, but without crowding you, have him or her hold onto your hips or waist. This makes it easier for you both to move as one with the motorcycle.

Once you’re under way, it’s important to convey to your passenger that he or she should not have to do any conscious leaning while cornering. Rather, the “lean” should happen naturally as you turn.

This is a common misconception among passengers and the cause of some bad experiences. As previously noted, instruct your passenger to hold on snugly and let the motorcycle do the work. A good technique for your passenger is to place his or her chin on your shoulder in the direction of the turn — but not consciously lean or shift any weight as you go through a curve.

As much as possible, alert your passenger before doing any stopping and starting, so he or she can brace for the change in momentum. Make sure your passenger knows to keep his or her feet on the footpegs or floorboards when you come to a stop, and

to sit relatively still. If not a rider, he or she may not understand the motorcycle is harder to control when stopped than it is at speed.

Remind your passenger that they should not put a foot down when the motorcycle comes to a stop. When starting from a stop, tell your passenger to lean forward slightly as you accelerate.

Likewise, try to warn your passenger when you are about to hit a bump in the road. Instruct him or her to shift his or her weight “from seat to feet” so that the legs, rather than the spine, can absorb some of the potential impact. And you should do the same, just as when you’re riding solo.

Keep in mind, however, that your passenger may have trouble hearing you if you simply keep your face forward. Turn your head to the side and slightly back when talking to your passenger, and raise your voice. Alternatively, investing in a good rider-passenger electronic communication system — such as those available at your local Harley-Davidson® Retail Store — is also a good idea.

PREPARING YOURSELF Once you’ve properly instructed your passenger in the nuances of riding on the back, your job is much easier. If it helps — though it sounds impersonal — think of your passenger as just another load.

The same basic rules apply.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that a heavier load will decrease your ability to slow down and speed up quickly, and that the difference will be more pronounced on a smaller motorcycle than on a larger one. On any motorcycle, low-speed manoeuvring is where you’ll feel the difference most keenly. And that’s why it’s important, as previously noted, to do as much of that as possible before the passenger boards or after he or she climbs off.

Once you’re on the road, it’s probably a good idea to ride a little more slowly overall (while keeping up with traffic flow, of course).

Work to maintain a larger space cushion around your motorcycle when riding in traffic and be especially attuned to situations where you may have to start or stop quickly. At intersections, wait for larger gaps in traffic when crossing a street, turning left, or merging.

Finally, just as when you first learned to ride, make sure you’re comfortable and confident before you embark on a long two-up trip or take to the streets for the first time. Find an empty parking lot where you and your passenger can practice riding together. Or simply start slowly by sticking to side streets and low-traffic areas while you develop your confidence.

When rider and passenger are on the same page, riding two-up can be one of the most enjoyable experiences in motorcycling. It’s a great way to expose someone new to the joys of the sport or to get closer — literally and figuratively — to someone you love.

Sources: Harley-Davidson® Rider’s Edge® Program and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Guide to Motorcycling Excellence.

How about You? Do you have a topic you’d like to see us address?

Let us know by writing to editor@hogcanada.ca. hog® magazine canada

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Earn 1 Genuine Rewards point for every $2 in qualifying net retail purchases‡ 2,500 Genuine Rewards points = $25 Harley Chrome® Cash Use Harley Chrome® Cash toward purchases of MotorClothes® Merchandise, Genuine Harley-Davidson® Motor Accessories, service — even a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle.

Learn more about the Harley-Davidson® MasterCard® credit card today.

Visit www.creditrsvp.com or call toll-free 1.877.428.6060a Monday – Friday 9 a.m.– 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. Eastern Time. Please quote priority code CLID. ‡These are the highlights of the MBNA Canada Harley-Davidson Credit Card Rewards program as it pertains to this credit card. Complete terms and conditions describing eligibility of the program, periodic drawings for new Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, Harley-Davidson Genuine Rewards points accrual, redemption of Harley-Davidson Genuine Rewards points and other important conditions, limitations, and restrictions will be sent with your card. Some restrictions apply. Please read the terms and conditions upon receipt. a By telephoning to apply for a Harley-Davidson MasterCard credit card you consent to the collection, use and processing of information about yourself by MBNA, its affiliates and any of their respective agents and service providers, and to the sharing or exchange of reports and information with credit reporting agencies, affiliates and service providers in relation to processing your application and, if approved, administering and servicing your account. You also acknowledge that the account, if approved, will not be used by any third party other than a third party specifically designated by you, and then only in accordance with MBNA policies and procedures then in effect. © H-D 2011. All rights reserved. Harley-Davidson, H-D, Harley, the Bar and Shield logo and Harley Chrome are among the trademarks of H-D Michigan. LLC. MBNA, MBNA Canada, MBNA Canada Bank, MBNA Platinum Plus, and the MBNA logo are trademarks of FIA Card Services, National Association, used by MBNA Canada Bank pursuant to licence. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International, Incorporated, used pursuant to licence. ©2011 MBNA Canada Bank AD-03-11-0160

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BACK SHOP/

SEPTEMBER 2011

PIT STOP

A Course in Obstacles (Part 2): Our readers have their say Glide and Ride: Flying down to Torrey Pines on the new 2012 H-D® Switchback™ motorcycle Liquid-Cooled & Smoking Hot: The revolution rolls on

GEAR

Ease into Fall: Check out the new collection

$100 RIDE Grey County Motorcycle Waterfall Tour: Ontario couple indulge their senses

RIDING STORIES Goodbye to a Classic: From my garage to Australia We’ve All Gone to Look for America Grace Under Fire: Art Newman helps repair emotional wounds to get couple back on the road

ENTHUSIASTS

From St. John’s to Saint John: A true riding tale

EXHAUST

Southern Migration: Windsor Chapter members discover hidden gems

cycles, ms and

haring ount, if

Photographs courtesy of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives. Copyright H-D.

erCard

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BACK SHOP / SEPTEMBER 2011 PIT STOP • GEAR • $100 RIDE • RIDING STORIES • ENTHUSIASTS • EXHAUST

A COURSE IN OBSTACLES (Continued) Our readers have their say. By Becky Tillman

MSF RiderCoach Trainer, Rider’s Edge® Instructor, and Rider’s Edge Regional Manager, Harley-Davidson Rider Services

The Backshop article in the June 2011 issue of HOG® Magazine Canada, “A Course in Obstacles”, generated quite the reaction, which was overall very positive. But there were also a few observations about things that we had missed, and suggestions for further clarification on a point or two, which might be helpful. We also received a surprising number of stories about two-by-fours!

The truth is, learning to avoid obstacles in the road, and dealing with them when necessary, is a big topic — and obviously one that’s important to our readers. So we thought it would be constructive to devote another two pages to all those little “surprises” you sometimes find in the road ahead.

THE EYES HAVE IT One topic we received multiple letters on is what’s known as “target fixation”…

When I first started riding Harley-Davidson® motorcycles in 1966, I was told not to look at the object in the road, but instead, to look to either side of it, where I wanted the bike to go, as it seems that where you look is exactly where the bike will go. This advice has served me well for 45 years.

Dennis Motter Chino, California

This is an excellent point, and something that probably should have been addressed in the original article. In the motorcycle safety world, target fixation is based on the idea that the motorcycle will tend to go where you are looking; therefore, you should not “look at” the obstacle you are trying

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to avoid. Although, it’s really not quite so simple. The key word is “fixation”. To fixate on something does not simply mean to look at it, rather, it means to focus your gaze on it for more than a couple of seconds. When you do this, two things happen: 1) There’s a tendency for your motorcycle to go where you are looking, but remember, your eyes do not literally steer your motorcycle, so there must be something else at work. And that is: 2) when you fixate on the obstacle, you distract yourself from — or even literally block out— other visual inputs.

It’s worth noting that Dr. Ray Ochs, Director of Training Systems for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, breaks the concept into two distinct phenomena: “eye target fixation” and “brain (or perceptual) target fixation”. The key is that fixating on something in

your mind, without necessarily staring at it, can be just as bad as fixating visually.

So my short answer is this: you are correct in that you should not stare at the object you’re trying to avoid, nor should you fixate on your “escape path” or anything else.

Keep your eyes moving. Decide where you want the motorcycle to go and then Execute (the second “E” in the “S.E.E.” technique). Turn your head toward your intended path and

manoeuvre your motorcycle appropriately, but keep Scanning and Evaluating as you approach the obstacle. This will help you stay more aware and in better control of the situation, even as things potentially change and force you to modify your original escape plans.

FORWARD MARCH A few readers wrote to complain (politely, of course!) that the method we described for raising your butt off the seat when

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“I AM LIVING PROOF THAT HARLEY BUILDS A FANTASTIC PRODUCT THAT IS NOT ONLY ABLE TO GO THE LONG HAUL, BUT DESIGNED TO HANDLE THOSE CURVE BALLS…”

surmounting an obstacle is difficult, if not impossible, on certain models…

Ms. Tillman states: “… when approaching an obstacle at a 90-degree angle, lift yourself off the seat, keep your knees bent, and shift your weight to the rear (of the motorcycle).

Roll off the throttle and lift over the obstacle.” I would agree with this approach except when riding a motorcycle fitted with “custom forward mounted controls”. As a motorcycle rider for the past 51 years, I find it is physically impossible to execute this option with any motorcycle equipped with such controls!

Jim DeBlois Albuquerque, New Mexico

The bottom line here is that the technique is the same no matter where your foot controls are mounted, but forward controls can make it more difficult to execute. Many riders have little or no difficulty lifting their butt an inch or two above the seat with forward controls. Even if you can’t get any “air”, shifting your weight to lighten the front end will help absorb some of the blow.

The key is to know what your

bike can do and what your body can accept. Remember: In an emergency situation, you don’t usually have a choice, so you have to be prepared to make the best of the situation.

PICKUP STUFF One reader was quite adamant about the menace of open pickup trucks…

NEVER follow an open pickup truck. Period! Usually, a semi driver has his load tied down because he does not keep his job very long if his load flies away in the wind. But non-professional pickup drivers often don’t understand how windy it can get in the bed of a truck. (And before everyone who drives a pickup truck gets all bent out of shape, I’m a pickup driver myself.)

I’ve known of queen-sized mattresses flying out of the bed of an uncovered pickup. If it has a cover or a cap, then you can follow at a safe distance. But if the bed is open, just STAY AWAY! K. Carl Milbrodt via email

Point taken! Without further disparaging pickup drivers, it’s worth adding that paying attention to the type of vehicle

you’re following is definitely worthwhile. Loaded dump trucks, for example, are also worth keeping an eye on, as rocks, pebbles, or clumps of dirt (or worse?) can fly out and into your path without warning. And speaking of pickup trucks…

LUMBER ALERT Even though I wrote, “Personally, I don’t think I know of anyone who’s had a two-byfour unexpectedly drop into their path” — please note that I said I didn’t think it never happened!

Here’s proof that it does…

out of the saddle, kept the throttle open, and went right across the top of that two-byfour as it continued to splinter and slide. I caught a brief glimpse of wood splinters in my mirror as we continued to roll without ever even slowing down.

I am living proof that the Harley-Davidson Motor Company builds a fantastic product that is not only able to go the long haul, but designed to handle those unexpected curve balls that life (and the interstate) sometimes throws at you.

Jeff Mitten via email

I was riding across Interstate 20, east of Birmingham, Alabama, when a pickup truck made a pass a few vehicles ahead of me. Without warning, an eight-foot two-by-four fell out of the truck’s bed. I only caught a brief glimpse of something that didn’t look right when there it was, across my lane, with splinters flying as it slid and rolled along the highway. I didn’t even have time to think anything other than “Go with it”, so that’s exactly what I did. I lifted myself slightly

Thanks for writing, Jeff. You’re also living proof that the techniques we’re talking about here really work. Your story provides good examples of the importance of: paying attention to what type of vehicle you’re following (though it sounds like you didn’t have much choice in this situation); scanning the situation ahead of you; staying calm and not panicking; and trusting the techniques you’ve been taught to help deal with dangerous situations.

How about you? Do you have a topic you’d like to see us address?

Let us know by writing to: editor@hogcanada.ca

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BACK SHOP / SEPTEMBER 2011 PIT STOP • GEAR • $100 RIDE • RIDING STORIES • ENTHUSIASTS • EXHAUST

LIQUID-COOLED & SMOKING-HOT THE REVOLUTION ROLLS ON Holy Smokes! It’s been 10 years since the first V-Rod® bike rocked the motorcycle world and ushered in a new era for Harley-Davidson Motor Company. To commemorate the occasion, the Motor Company has unleashed a V-Rod® 10th Anniversary Edition model, one of three models in the 2012 V-Rod® line that’s joined by an updated Night Rod® Special model and the V-Rod Muscle® model.

Before we break out the bubbly, let’s first remember the shock caused by the original 2002 V-Rod® model, starting with the engine. Liquid-cooled with overhead cam shafts and a 60-degree “V”, the 1,130 cc Revolution® engine with a 9,000 rpm redline was a grand departure from anything that had preceded it; ditto for the hydroformed, raked-out chassis, fast-back seat, and anodizedaluminium bodywork that set a new styling direction for HarleyDavidson. Motorcycle magazines dubbed the breakthrough V-Rod® motorcycle a “power cruiser”, and promptly named it king of the class.

In the 10 years since, the V-Rod® line grew to include several models, while gaining displacement, power, and performance.

Along the way, the V-Rod® model served as the basis for the 2007 V-Rod® DestroyerTM motorcycle, a Factory drag racer that routinely ran eightsecond estimated times in the quarter-mile race. The V-Rod® model also inspired the

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Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle®/Vance & Hines V-Rod® motorcycle, a three-time world champion in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle drag racing.

In other words, the trio of 2012 V-Rod® motorcycles hit the road equipped with racing pedigrees — reputations for being badass. They live up to such expectations, in part because each is powered by the latest version of the Revolution® engine: a 1,250 cc liquid-cooled V-Twin with four-valve cylinder heads and Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI).

Their powertrains are equipped with an Assist and Slip clutch, five-speed transmission and a no-lash, high-performance, carbon-fibre drive belt. Laying the power to the pavement are Michelin® Scorcher radials, including a meaty 240 mm rear tire. In contrast to the stuff providing forward thrust are the equally powerful Brembo tripledisc performance brakes, which are available with a Factoryinstalled Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) as part of an optional Security Package that

also includes the Smart Security System with a proximity-based, hands-free security fob.

For all that is common among the 2012 V-Rod® models, there are several key differences that highlight their individual personalities: NIGHT ROD® SPECIAL While not quite a “clean slate” redesign, the blacked-out 2012 Night Rod® Special model can easily be considered an all-new motorcycle.

In the style department, there’s a new tapered tail section with a flush-mounted LED taillight that takes up less visual real estate than the original. Likewise, a slim centre licence plate mount and new black speed screen visor add subtle style points.

For improved rider comfort, a new pullback handlebar places the controls 3 inches closer to the rider, while the forward-mounted foot pegs have been moved 1.22 inches rearward to complete the refresh. A new two-up seat includes custom stitching.

A switch to inverted front forks with two degrees less rake, plus the addition of black, split five-spoke castaluminium wheels (a combined eight pounds lighter than the previous wheel set) boosts performance, handling, and visuals.

Brandishing 125 hp at 8,250 rpm and 85 ft. lbs. of torque at 7,000 rpm, the dark and sinister

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Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle®/ Vance & Hines NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle racers Andrew Hines (left) and Eddie Krawiec put the new V-Rod® Night Rod® Special motorcycles to work at the drag strip near their Indianapolis shop.

Night Rod® Special model has a knack for commanding your attention with every whack of the throttle. New graphics (including a special 10th Anniversary emblem) confirm that this is a new motorcycle.

V-ROD® 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION As a tribute to the original, the V-Rod® 10th Anniversary Edition

model beams with Brilliant Silver Pearl bodywork and colour-matched frame, as well as extra chrome and polished surfaces on the engine, exhaust, and speed screen. As proof that this is something special: it will only be offered in 2012.

The Anniversary Edition also receives the same updates as the Night Rod® Special model,

including wheels, handlebar/ controls, inverted forks, tapered tail section, and two-up seat.

It too has the same 125 hp and 85 ft. lbs. of torque version of the Revolution® engine, but with a chrome powertrain with platinum crankcase and heads. Special graphics and a 10th Anniversary emblem add the finishing touches on this one-year wonder.

Ten years into the Revolution, the V-Rod® model’s impact is still being felt at intersections, straightaways, and anywhere else that serves as a launch pad for this sweet ride.

See more Night Rod® Special model photos, features, and specs — plus download exclusive wallpapers — at: www.h-d.com/ 2012nightrodspecial.

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BACK SHOP / SEPTEMBER 2011 PIT STOP • GEAR • $100 RIDE • RIDING STORIES • ENTHUSIASTS • EXHAUST

GLIDE AND RIDE

Flying down to Torrey Pines on the new 2012 Harley-Davidson Switchback™ Motorcycle ®

By Mike Zimmerman Photographs By Wesley Allison

As it turns out, jumping off a cliff is not as scary as you might think. Sure, there’s an amazing sense of anticipation and a bit of an adrenaline rush as you approach the edge, but you’re so preoccupied thinking about those all-important pre-launch instructions that you hardly have time to tremble. And by the time the moment of truth arrives, your feet are barely touching the ground anyway, as the colourful sail above you catches the updraft well before you reach the precipice.

TOURING AND CRUISING IN ONE The assignment was choice: pick up a new, unreleased 2012 Harley-Davidson® SwitchbackTM motorcycle from the H-D® Fleet Center in Los Angeles, California, and go have fun with it for a couple of days. I jumped at the opportunity, both because I thought the SwitchbackTM motorcycle would be a perfect bike for me, and because I knew exactly where I wanted to take it.

All-new for 2012, the SwitchbackTM motorcycle is a member of the Dyna® family. Essentially two motorcycles in one, it features detachable hard saddlebags and a quick-detach forkmounted windshield as standard equipment, making it instantly convertible from a comfortable, mid-size touring machine to a classic cruiser. It’s perfect for someone in the market for a

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lighter, easy-to-handle touring bike, but who still wants to cruise around town on something sleeker.

My destination of choice was the Torrey Pines Gliderport in La Jolla, just north of San Diego. You can see the gliders on TV when they show tournaments at the nearby Torrey Pines Golf Course. I’ve always wanted to try it, and opportunity was now beating down my door.

After picking up the SwitchbackTM motorcycle at the H-D® Fleet Center in Los Angeles, I met photographer, Wes Allison, early the following morning in Huntington Beach. A native of the area, Wes would also serve as my tour guide as we made our way down the Pacific Coast Highway.

At the risk of sounding like a Midwestern rube, when I come to California I’m always impressed at how exotic it all seems: the palm trees, the amazing cultural diversity, the endless beaches (though we have beaches in Milwaukee, the Lake Michigan variety just can’t compare), even the architecture. It’s like a whole new world, even though it sometimes seems familiar — you know, from TV. As Wes led me down the coast, I realized we were riding through quintessential Southern California beach towns — Baywatch come to life. I wondered what it must be like to grow up here — how different from my own upbringing in the plains of Central Illinois — where a day at the beach isn’t something you

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I GUESS IT’S TRUE THAT ANYTHING’S POSSIBLE WHEN YOU SET OUT FOR ADVENTURE ON A HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE

dream about, but a nearly everyday occurrence. When we stopped at the Frog House Surf Shop in Newport Beach for a photo op, I watched a different world go by: a pony-tailed man on a skateboard “walking” his Labrador, a couple of wetsuit-clad surfers heading toward the beach, and two older men walking with an exoticlooking custom bicycle. Just another day in Southern California.

After cruising down through Laguna Beach and on to Dana Point, we jumped on the freeway to hook up with CA 74, a.k.a. the Ortega Highway, to take the long way through the mountains to Torrey Pines.

IT HAD ME AT HELLO I started falling for the SwitchbackTM motorcycle even before I saw it, and by the time we hit the mountain twisties I was a total goner.

From a comfort and power standpoint it’s a definite step up from

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my trusty Sportster® motorcycle at home. Though it lacked the big fairing and some of the luxuries of the Touring models I often ride on assignment, the nimble handling and smaller price tag ($17,559 in Vivid Black) made those things feel unimportant.

At highway speed, the mid-sized windshield did its job well.

It’s small enough to allow a nice breeze around my face and neck, but large enough to stop that blast to the chest — you know, the one that’s exhilarating on short rides, but can wear you out after a 500-kilometre day. Again, the nice thing about the SwitchbackTM motorcycle is that you can have it both ways.

The full-length rider footboards make it look and feel more like a larger Touring family bike. And while the lockable saddlebags are a little smaller than their Touring counterparts, they provided plenty of capacity for my overnight adventure. When you’re ready to hit the town, they detach almost instantly with a new quick-detach

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Stripped of its bags and windshield, the SwitchbackTM motorcycle becomes a sleek custom cruiser in nothing flat. Left: Giving a whole new meaning to riding “two-up.”

mechanism. To switch back (pun intended) to touring mode, they re-attach just as easily.

From a styling standpoint, the SwitchbackTM motorcycle takes a somewhat nostalgic approach: the “cigar tube” shocks take you back to a 1950s FL model; the full nacelle is dripping in chrome; the 2-into-1 exhaust provides a nice deep rumble; and, the castaluminium wheels scream “classic muscle car”.

And speaking of muscle, boy, does it move! Like most of the 2012 Big Twin models, the SwitchbackTM motorcycle comes standard with the new Twin Cam 103TM engine, which provides plenty of getup-and-go when you need it (an essential quality when riding the L.A. freeway system), and a very comfortable heart rate at highwaycruising speed. It’s no surprise, of course, that the handling was superb. Not only is it the lightest custom touring motorcycle in its displacement category (it’s about 90 pounds lighter than a Road

King® motorcycle, for instance), it boasts an advanced suspension featuring nitrogen-charged, monotube rear shocks and a cartridgetype front fork. It’s “small for its size”, which means that it handles like a smaller bike, but works like a larger one. It’s also easier to push around a parking lot.

The Ortega Highway did not disappoint, providing plenty of fun riding and spectacular views. We stopped for lunch at a joint called the Lookout Roadhouse, which served up delicious food and a stellar view. Following our descent toward Lake Elsinore far below, we jumped on I-15 to fly down to Torrey Pines at highway speed.

RIDING THE WIND For $150.00 USD, almost anybody can go paragliding at Torrey Pines. Officially, what you experience is an “instructional tandem flight”. You’re briefed on the basics of paragliding, strapped in

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BACK SHOP / SEPTEMBER 2011 PIT STOP • GEAR • $100 RIDE • RIDING STORIES • ENTHUSIASTS • EXHAUST

Hanging out high above Lake Elsinore en route to Torrey Pines. Opposite: Feeling small (even at 6’2”) alongside Bill Walton.

Right: A new latching mechanism keeps the detachable bags secure.

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YOU ALSO COULDN’T POSSIBLY PICK A BETTER SPOT TO LEARN. THE TORREY PINES GLIDERPORT IS WORLD-FAMOUS…

with an experienced instructor, and thrown off a cliff (so to speak).

Should you decide to learn to fly on your own, the tandem flight counts as part of your official training.

You also couldn’t possibly pick a better spot to learn. The Torrey Pines Gliderport is world-famous for its ideal conditions. Situated near the edge of a 300-foot cliff overlooking Black’s Beach and the Pacific Ocean, the nearly constant westerly winds hit the cliff and deflect upward, creating the steady updrafts so coveted by paragliders, hang gliders, and even radio-controlled glider pilots.

Jeremy Bishop, the manager there (as well as my pilot and host), told me that almost every day at Torrey Pines is a good day to fly.

While Wes stayed on the ground to take pictures (he chose not to go up — his loss!), Jeremy ran me through the basics. To take off, especially with a big guy like me, the trick is to generate as much forward momentum as you can while heading toward the cliff and into the wind. That means leaning forward, pushing against your harness, and running — or trying to run. Every step requires some effort as you fight against the pull of the canopy above you.

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“First thing we’re going to do is take two steps forward”, Jeremy instructed. “Then we’ll take two steps backward before we make a run for the cliff. Keep your eyes on that orange cone at the edge of the cliff and keep running toward it.”

I surmised that the two forward steps would get the wing inflated and in the air, while the two backward ones would get us positioned under it while it’s on the rise — the forward march began.

With my gaze fixed on the cone (perhaps as a distraction?) I was walking on air in just a few steps and enjoying the most amazing view of the California coastline that you can imagine.

We stayed in the air for a good half-hour (instructional flights typically last 20-30 minutes), riding the wind first to the north, providing a true bird’s-eye view of the famous golf course, then to the south, right into the backyards of what must be some very expensive homes, and, at times, what seemed alarmingly close to the cliffs. You definitely put a lot of trust in your pilot! But it’s comforting to know the Torrey Pines Gliderport website (www.flytorrey.com) boasts of providing “over 45,000 injury free tandem flights since 1997”. Before

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I knew it, we were floating in for what should have been a gentle landing. Jeremy brought the glider in with expert grace, but when I extended my legs to stick the landing, I realized that they had fallen slightly asleep. So, instead of running it out, I sat it down.

Fortunately, that big bundle you’re sitting on, which contains a reserve parachute, also serves as a nice, cushy landing pad when things don’t go quite right. It was an unforgettable experience to be sure and proved to be just one of two that I would have during my time on the SwitchbackTM motorcycle.

TALL TALE With the paragliding adventure behind me, I had the next day to ride and explore on my own. Though many friends and coworkers had eagerly offered suggestions on “can’t-miss” things to see and do in San Diego, I couldn’t quite bring myself to face the traffic in what’s been called “America’s Finest City” (though the SwitchbackTM motorcycle, sans bags and windshield, would be perfect for the job). So I headed east instead, to fill my recommended daily allowance of mountain riding.

Following a tip from Wes, I headed east from San Diego on I-8 to Route 79, which he promised would offer a nice mix of terrain, as well as exceptional pie, in the town of Julian. After following 79 through scenic Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, I took a spontaneous side trip on the “Sunrise Highway” to head up Mt. Laguna. At 1,828 metres in elevation, Mt. Laguna is the highest point in San Diego County, and

riding up a mountain is my favourite thing to do on a motorcycle.

As I climbed ever higher on the beautiful road, stopping frequently to explore and take pictures, I played a little “leap frog” with an unusually tall, grey-haired man on a bicycle. I would pass him, and then, while I was stopped, he would pass me. How fit he must be, I thought, to ride a bike up a mountain in this heat.

I had been at the top for a while when he caught up to me one last time. As I passed the freakishly tall, gangly, sweaty man on the front porch of the Laguna Mountain Lodge, a flash of recognition hit me and I blurted out, “Are you Bill Walton!?” “Yep”, he replied.

Yes, it was the Bill Walton: NBA Hall of Famer, notoriously blunt, former announcer, and a key member of two of John Wooden’s record-breaking NCAA championship basketball teams at UCLA. I’m not usually one to bother celebrities, but he was freely engaging others in conversation, so I joined in. When I told him I was from Milwaukee on assignment for Harley-Davidson Motor Company, he told stories about playing against Kareem in Milwaukee and drowning his sorrows afterward at Major Goolsby’s, a downtown sports bar.

He also had very nice things to say about Harley-Davidson, telling me to be sure to thank the Motor Company for making such a fine product. When I asked him for a picture he suggested I wait until he could bring his bicycle next to my motorcycle to get a better shot in front of the lodge. All in all, he just could not have been nicer.

After the excitement at the summit, the rest of the ride seemed almost anti-climactic. The highlight, of course, was the pie at the Famous Old Julian Café and Bakery. I chose the apple-boysenberry, which not only lived up to the hype, but exceeded my expectations — much like the SwitchbackTM motorcycle.

By the time I jumped back on the freeway at Temecula to head back to the City of Angels, I realized that it would have been difficult to spend two more interesting and exciting days on the SwitchbackTM motorcycle. I guess it’s true that anything’s possible when you set out for adventure on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. And as far as the SwitchbackTM motorcycle is concerned… know anybody who wants to buy a 2003 100th Anniversary Sportster® motorcycle? I know someone who might be looking to sell.

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$5 BEDSHEET. ZERO SENSE. GET WHAT YOU NEED TO STORE YOUR BIKE PROPERLY.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON® FUEL STABILIZER Keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months.

BATTERY TENDER AND ND CHARGING HARNESS Keep the spark alive all winter long.

MOTORCYCLE COVERS M

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Durable protection from dust and moisture.

Avoid spills with our selection of funnels.

Bring your paint and chrome to a springworthy shine.

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Because safety and security are always a concern.

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Get into your authorized Canadian Harley-Davidson® Retailer or go on-line at www.harleycanada.com to see the selection of products available to help take care of your bike this winter.

The Bar & Shield logo, Harley and Harley-Davidson are among the trademarks of H-D Michigan, LLC. ©2011 H-D.

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OVER 8,000 PARTS. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES. The 2012 Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts and Accessories catalogue is available now – get in to your authorized Canadian Harley-Davidson® Retailer to pick up your FREE copy.

It starts with a vision. A custom of one. With over 8,000 Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories available, your authorized Canadian Harley-Davidson® Retailer can help you tailor every square inch of your bike so it’s a true one of one, personalized by you, for you.

Visit www.harleycanada.com With the purchase of any new Harley-Davidson® model from an authorized Canadian Harley-Davidson® Retailer, you will receive a free, full one-year membership in H.O.G.® Always ride with a helmet. Ride defensively. Distributed exclusively in Canada by Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada, Richmond and Concord. Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada is a proud sponsor of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. The Bar & Shield logo, Harley and Harley-Davidson are among the trademarks of H-D Michigan, LLC. ©2011 H-D.

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BACK SHOP / SEPTEMBER 2011 PIT STOP • GEAR • $100 RIDE • RIDING STORIES • ENTHUSIASTS • EXHAUST

EASE INTO FALL

Check out the fantastic new Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® Fall Collection Fall is about transition for all of us. The temperature fluctuates from day to day, even hour to hour. That is why the 2011 Fall MotorClothes® Collection is grounded in products that are highly versatile and “wear-now worthy”. Being able to modify your riding gear based on the varying temperature and riding conditions is key during the transitional fall riding season. To complement your Core offering, this seasonal collection will bring a retro feel with a bold take on some of the traditional graphics and colours that are most popular with Harley-Davidson® riders.

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MEN’S FALL COLLECTION Bold. Aggressive. Dynamic. The Men’s Fall 2011 Collection is inspired by nature; whether it’s in the wonder of nature’s glory or the fury of nature’s strength. Aged and pigment-dyed colours nod to the weathered exposure of time and the depth of colour found throughout nature. Flames and fire inspire powerful graphics.

Textures vary between warm and cosy, or rugged and roadworthy.

Combined with classic silhouettes that pay homage to our heritage and tradition, the Men’s Fall 2011 Collection is designed to emulate the scenery of each and every ride.

1. With a new take on the Vintage Race Leather Jacket, this jacket with zip-off sleeves will prove to be versatile for the season and one of your best accessories.

Warm browns, tonal blues, and deep beige truly embody the traditional fall colours that resonate with the season. The Men’s Fall Collection helps celebrate the changes in the season through popular indemand colours and styles. 2.

The Colorblocked Woven Shirt with snap-down collar and embroidered appliqué graphics on the front and back will add

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definite style to your wardrobe.

3. Classic, rugged, and comfortable, the Skull Waffle Knit Shirt will certainly provide you with some extra warmth while looking very cool. 4. For that racing sports look and feel, the Stinger Graphic Baseball Cap is 100% washed cotton twill and has stunning embroidered graphics. 5. The latest Souless Half Helmet (97216-12VM) is made of a polycarbonate shell with a soft inner lining and a removable, washable comfort liner. This helmet is moisture wicking and anti-microbial.

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WOMEN’S FALL COLLECTION Dynamic. Organic. Intense. The Women’s Fall 2011 Collection is inspired by the wonder of nature’s glory. With a fresh perspective on traditional eagles and wings, the graphics are ornate yet organic.

Colours are saturated and intense while retaining the earthiness of nature. Accents and design details are fiery, adding a spark to this Collection. The Women’s Fall 2011 line nods towards the heritage of the Harley-Davidson® Brand with classic silhouettes and a cosiness that speaks to a rider’s respect for nature. The Women’s Fall Collection is built on one of the most popular seasonal colours for women: pink. This fun collection will provide you with options not only to extend your riding season from warm weather to cooler weather, but it also delivers items such as casual outerwear, sportswear, and accessories, as well as great silhouettes.

1. Starting with the Comfort Cruiser 3-in-1 Leather Jacket, this lightweight leather piece is lined with poly-mesh. The removable, zip-out, longsleeved, 100% cotton hoodie will give you that extra warmth and versatility you look for during the changing temperatures.

Best of all, the hoodie can be worn separately. Next to pink, jewel tones like purple and blue are the most popular colours with riders during this time of the year. From functional outerwear built with mesh and waterproof fleece, to unique graphic treatments and distinct detailing, this collection brings a fun, spirited look to the Fall Collection. 2. The Lined Super Soft Hoodie, in 60% cotton and 40% polyester fleece with two front kangaroo-style pockets, is guaranteed to keep you nice and cosy. 3. You will love the Pink Embellished Tank with a scoop neck, printed graphics, and rhinestone embellishment on

the front for some added bling.

4. If you need added coverage, the Colorblock Activewear Jacket will provide you with extra comfort with its standup collar, zippered front, and hand-warmer pockets. 5. Finish the season with an on-bike look with the Majestic Hybrid Ultra-Light Classic Cruiser Half, which is 17% lighter than traditional fibreglass shells. Soft inner lining with a removable, washable comfort liner; this helmet is moisture wicking and anti-microbial.

The 2011 MotorClothes® Fall Collection is dynamic, fun and cool! So, head to your local authorized Canadian HarleyDavidson® Retailer to check it out. Whatever the weather — hot or cool—this is the Collection to help you transition smoothly from summer to winter.

The Fall Collection style selection may very depending on Retailer location.

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BACK SHOP / SEPTEMBER 2011 PIT STOP • GEAR • $100 RIDE • RIDING STORIES • ENTHUSIASTS • EXHAUST

GREY COUNTY MOTORCYCLE WATERFALL TOUR

Ontario couple indulge their senses in meander across province By John McConkey and Tracy McLaughlin The secret of the Grey County Waterfall Tour is slowly leaking out across the province as a wonderful way to spend the day on a country ride along meandering roads through rich green meadows and charming little villages.

We ride this trip to seven cascading waterfalls every year. The beauty of this trip is that it can be switched up along back roads so that the experience is different every time.

There are no rules. By car you can see them all in one day, but by motorcycle we suggest making it a two-day adventure. This is easy to do as the cost is less than $100 per person.

We are a husband and wife team, each on our own HarleyDavidson® bikes. I’m riding a 1985 Harley® Dyna® Super Glide® motorcycle and Tracy is riding a 1987 Harley® Sportster® motorcycle.

As we are from Barrie, Ontario, we usually start the trip from the small neighbouring town of Angus, to County Road No. 9 and ride west where the road meanders along the babbling Noisy River and leads to the charming village of Creemore. We always stop here at the Affairs Bakery on Mill Street for a coffee and homemade butter tart for $1.50 each.

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McGowan Falls is our first waterfall stop. These falls, near the town of Durham at the junction of County Road No. 4 and Highway No. 6, are not as impressive as some of the others on this tour, but it’s the best place to swim. There is an interesting cave cut into the rock crevice in the pool at the bottom of the falls. There is also a footbridge that leads across to a park and a beach area with walking trails and rest rooms.

Back on County Road No. 4 we ride toward Lower Valley Road and travel 100 metres along a dirt road to Hogg’s Falls. Watch carefully: except for the only entrance markings of two yellow posts on the side of the road, Hogg’s Falls is a well-hidden secret (park your bike and follow the beaten path and the sound of rushing water). Here, tucked away in a thicket of woods, you will come upon a tiny shaded oasis where the Boyne River tumbles over a seven-metre drop.

We eat our packed lunch of sandwiches here as we listen to the water. Next, we take County Road No. 13 to Eugenia Falls through the lovely Beaver Valley, a scenic route that meanders along the Beaver River through the enchanting scenery. This vertical drop of 30 metres is one of the highest waterfalls in Ontario. The waterfall is

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just a trickle each time I am there, but you can frolic in the shallow pools at the very top of the falls, and the view peering down from the top is delightfully scary. Stop for ice cream nearby at the folksy Beaver River Grill for under $5.00.

The next waterfall on this route is Walter’s Falls. It’s impressive, but my least favourite because these falls aremasked by a building and a concrete parking lot. However, the ride to and from it along Route 13 is one of the prettiest riding routes in Ontario with dips and hills that crescendo to breathtaking views.

The sun is beginning to sit low in the sky and it’s time to find a place to stay for the night. We head to our summertime favourite stopover, Craigleith Provincial Park on Highway 26, where we can ride our bikes right up to the blue shores of Georgian Bay. The cost is $40.50 (including tax) for the two of us to pop up our tent and roll out our sleeping bags and mats.

Now comfortably settled in for the night, we take a short ride back along Highway 26 for something completely different at Ted’s Range Road Diner on the 25th Side Road. Ted’s looks more like a ramshackle barn than a delectable dining hotspot. Owner Ted Lye breaks all the rules with this rough and rustic looking diner with unusual meals that include bear, buffalo, emu, muskox, and even alligator along with prime rib, blackened trout and stuffed sea bass. If you are riding mid-week you may enjoy jam night at Ted’s on Wednesdays for a fun, yeehaw kind of time. On weekends he has quieter musicians, but it’s always best to make a reservation. Our bill for both of us for prime rib and the sea bass — along with a beer each — comes to $75.

Epic adventures don’t require epic dollars

The next day, after coffee and muffins at our campsite, we do a loop to visit three of the most impressive falls on this tour. All of them are located just outside of the city limits of Owen Sound: Inglis Falls near Owen Sound, where the water cascades 18 metres to the Sydenham River; Jones Falls on the Pottawatomi River on the other side of the city; and the lovely horseshoe-shaped Indian Falls on Indian Creek. All three of these waterfalls are big, thundering, cascading falls and are absolutely stunning – although we are told that they turn into more of a trickle at certain times of the summer. All three have hiking trails through wooded shady forested areas and on a hot day you can meander along and feel the cool mist that emanates from the rushing water.

These last three falls are fairly close to each other so that you can end your day at Indian Falls, or turn your day into another adventure and from here head back toward Barrie with a planned stop at Wasaga Beach, which is a one-hour ride from Owen Sound.

The ride along Highway No. 26 follows the beautiful blue Georgian Bay and heads to Wasaga Beach, the longest freshwater beach in the world. You may just want to spend one more night away here, but we’ll save that for our next trip.

The total cost of this trip was under $100 each: $40.50 for the campsite; $75.00 for dining out; $5.00 for ice cream; $3.00 for butter tarts and $72 for gas (500 kilometres) for a grand trip total of $195.50, for the both of us.

THE $100 CHALLENGE If you have a $100 ride story to share, we want to hear it. If it appears in HOG® Magazine Canada, we’ll even foot the bill — in the form of a $100 Harley-Davidson® gift card. Keep your story to 750 words or less, including a list of your expenses. We also need hi-res photos of your adventure, including a photo of you. E-mail your submission with “$100 rides” as the subject line to editor@hogcanada.ca.

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BACK SHOP / SEPTEMBER 2011 PIT STOP • GEAR • $100 RIDE • RIDING STORIES • ENTHUSIASTS • EXHAUST

GOODBYE TO A CLASSIC

From my garage to Australia By John McConkey

It’s always hard saying goodbye to an old friend. My 1983 HarleyDavidson® XR-1000 motorcycle was a classic.

I have always loved Harley® motorcycles. I owned my first one in 1975, at the age of 22, after having saved up my beer money and paid $3,500 cash for an Sportster® XLH motorcycle. Those were the days when I would come home after work and putter till the twilight hours in my shop, building Sportster® bikes with old parts that I had collected. Once a year, me and the boys would head to Syracuse, New York, and watch the XR 750 bikes race on the mile dirt track.

When Harley-Davidson Motor Company came out with the street version of the flat-track racer, the XR1000, I just had to have it. I bought it new after staring at it for almost two years, as it teased me from the showroom window of the Harley® Retail Store in Richmond Hill, Ontario. So, $10,000 later it was in my garage. Oh, how I love the thunder of those exhaust pipes.

I believe that there were only three of these beauties in Canada at the time and I was the proud new owner of one of them. At the same time, I became a lifetime H.O.G.® member.

For years I rode it stock, but then I got itching for even more muscle. I added another 30 horsepower to it by installing Harley® Screamin’ Eagle® pistons, off-road exhaust and oil cooler, as well as a set of Andrews Cams and Accel ignition. This thing would produce power up to 8,000 RPMs. When you accelerated on this bike, you definitely had to hang on. I guess you could say that I had a thing for speed.

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The bike had a personality of its own and I have to admit that I rather enjoyed that heads would turn when I rode by. It was a whole lot of fun, but after riding it for 25 years my ageing butt started to tell me that it was time to find a younger owner — someone who would love it as much as I did. It was time.

The way I look at it, I never really owned the XR bike, I was just taking care of it for the next owner, and hopefully the tradition will continue. I found its new owner on eBay. A young Harley® enthusiast from Australia named Luke Atkins.

I got bids for the bike from places in the U.S., Canada, Italy and Australia, but Luke made the highest bid. We e-mailed back and forth and I sent him close-up photographs of the bike (including one of the speedometer that showed it had 6,900 miles (11,104 Km) on it), I told him of the original parts that I had kept, and I also sent him a copy of the original bill of sale.

Luke seemed like a good person. His Dad, Mick, runs a business restoring old Harley® bikes called M & D Atkins near Sydney, Australia. I guess Luke caught the bug from him.

Once the deal was made, my next problem was figuring out how to get this bike to Australia. But the move to its new home went smoothly. Barrie Harley-Davidson® crated it up for me for $150 and off it went sailing across the Atlantic Ocean.

Now, a few months later, I am thrilled that the proud new owner

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$10,000 LATER, IT WAS IN MY GARAGE. OOH, HOW I LOVE THE THUNDER OF THOSE EXHAUST PIPES. is as in love with the XR bike as I was. I just got an e-mail from Luke with an attached picture of his beaming face as he’s sitting upon my old friend: “Hi John, I’ve still got the XR bike and it’s still going strong,” he says. “The bike is an animal when unleashed. My friend liked it so much that he imported an ’83 XR model with 350 original miles from Florida. It’s like brand new, but your old XR bike has more character, and goes a lot harder with the XR1 cams, pistons, mufflers and carbies sorted. All the best, Luke.”

It gave me a great feeling. Luke and his family also invited me to visit Australia. I feel like I haven’t really lost the bike — rather, I’ve gained a new extended family.

Happy riding Luke! I will surely plan a ride in Australia someday.

WE’VE ALL GONE TO LOOK FOR AMERICA

By Stan Lidster and Dave Unger

It was another great day on Highway 83. We were travelling from Brownsville, Texas, north to Swan River, Manitoba, on our Harley® motorcycles; Stan was on a Road King® bike, and I was on a Road Glide® bike. Of course, with any planned long ride — Highway 83 is approximately 3,650 kilometres — you have to expect a few unexpected detours, and that is exactly what we found on June 1, 2011.

After spending the last night of May in the Missouri River flood plane city of Pierre, South Dakota, we headed out early on Wednesday, June 1. After a leisurely hour-and-a-half ride, a sign told us the road was closed ahead and we would have to take a detour. Exit stage right, east on Highway 12 and north on State 47 to Eureka: the Wheat Capital of the World, and birthplace of Allen H. Neuharth, founder of USA Today.

The GPS showed that there was a restaurant in town. As we rode in looking for it I noticed a gentleman watching as we rode through town.

Circling the block, we came past the gas pumps at the Dakota Country Store, and the same gentleman stepped out of the business across the road and waited for us to come to a stop.

“Anything I can help you with?” he asked. We replied that the GPS showed a restaurant on the cross street, but we had missed it. He replied, “You want to go to the Lyric, next block on the left side.”

Welcome to small town America and thank you very much. So now we have two Harley® motorcycles parked in the centre lane parking area outside the Lyric. The folks inside were friendly and

welcoming, and those were simply the patrons. The ladies looking after the place were accommodating and just as friendly. A fresh pot of coffee had just been put on, and we placed our breakfast order.

“You have to try the sausage,” we were told.

“We get it from a local butcher. In fact, one time we ran out and the customer who was ordering drove over to the butcher’s to get more for us.” So, of course, we had to try the sausage.

As we were talking, we noticed that a number of ladies were coming in to the restaurant and going in to an adjacent room. Being the friendly guys that we are, we asked and were told that the ladies group met there regularly. And you could not meet a friendlier group of ladies. A space heater in the corner to take the chill out of the room, hot coffee, good conversation, (I am not sure what they were having for breakfast); what more could you want?

A fellow rider had come in and joined Stan while I was visiting with the ladies and put in his order for breakfast; you guessed it, sausage.

Eggs and sausage, side of toast, hot coffee, shooting the breeze with a couple of friends and the great folks at the next table; what more could you ask for? And yes, we were glad we ordered the sausage; it was absolutely delicious.

Our fellow rider must have been in a hurry and left as Stan and I finished our coffee. One more lady showed up for the group next door and we had to get her picture as well before we left.

Stan and I went down the street, filled our bikes up at the Dakota Country Store, and headed west out of town on Interstate 10 to join back up with Highway 83.

Thank you to the guy across the street from the Dakota Country Store for directing us to the Lyric Restaurant. And thank you, Victoria Lapka, and your staff and customers, for giving me and Stan an unforgettable memory of our ride.

I am sure all of the folks we met at the Lyric remember the Simon and Garfunkel song from the ’60s, “All Gone to Look for America”. Well, Stan Lidster and Dave Unger, two Harley® riders from Canada, found it in Eureka, South Dakota.

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THE POWER OF PINK October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Harley-Davidson速 in Canada believes in empowering women. Rethink Breast Cancer shares this belief and is dedicated to providing innovative education, research, and support programs. By sharing the Harley-Davidson速 spirit and purchasing items from the Canadian Pink Label Collection, people across Canada can help breast cancer-affected women, with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Pink Label items being donated to Rethink Breast Cancer.

To find out more about the Pink Label Collection in Canada, or to purchase items from the collection, visit your authorized Canadian Harley-Davidson速 Retailer or visit www.harleycanada.com.

To find out more about Rethink Breast Cancer, visit www.rethinkbreastcancer.com The MotorClothes logo, Harley, Harley-Davidson and MotorClothes are among the trademarks of H-D Michigan, LLC. 息2011 H-D.

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BACK SHOP / SEPTEMBER 2011 PIT STOP • GEAR • $100 RIDE • RIDING STORIES • ENTHUSIASTS • EXHAUST

GRACE UNDER FIRE

Tight-knit family — Art Newman, in particular — helps repair emotional wounds to get couple back on the road By Dennis Forbes While most road tales that grace the pages of HOG® Magazine Canada speak lovingly of winding roads, mountain vistas and unbridled exhilaration, the one I am about to share speaks more to the dangers of falling asleep at the wheel, to ambulance rides and to extended stays in hospital.

What all these stories have in common is that they prove that there is no other brand in the world like the Harley-Davidson® Brand. Not just for the amazing bikes that they produce, but also for the support, compassion and understanding of the people who sell and service them.

To start at the beginning … I found myself in a Harley-Davidson® showroom four years ago, astride a Dyna® Low Rider® bike for simply one reason: I wanted a bike that I could ride in comfort, for hours and hours at a time. My unstated ulterior motive was to also have a bike that I could ride for days and weeks at a time.

Whether I would ever succeed convincing my wife to join me on a cross-Canada trek would be a discussion best left for another day.

For now, I was over the moon knowing that I had a bike and a brand that were more than up to anything that I could imagine.

Over the course of looking at, thinking about, talking about and actually buying my blue/black 2008 Dyna® Low Rider® bike, the bond that I formed with Art Newman was not based so much on his salesmanship, but on his friendship.

As he saw me out of the parking lot, after having taken delivery, he told me to call him at any time, for any reason. I took him at his word.

I just didn’t know the call that I would make would be a short four months later when a guy returning from an early morning fishing trip fell asleep at the wheel of his SUV and crossed the highway, taking me and my wife off our bike into the guardrail.

My injuries were limited to a few broken bones and a minor headache. My wife, unfortunately, faired somewhat worse, with back injuries and a badly busted-up knee.

While the overwhelming concern at the time was focused on our getting out of the hospital and getting better, I received a phone call from a well-meaning insurance broker asking what I wanted to do

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with my busted-up bike that was in storage behind a chain-link fence in a field that was miles from Toronto.

I had no time and admittedly no interest in something so far removed from our immediate concerns. But I knew someone who did — my friend Art — so I made the call.

“Where is it?” he said. “Don’t give it another thought.”

And I didn’t. I didn’t think about his gladly arranging to get my bike trucked back to Toronto, with no guarantee of when he would get paid, or by whom. I didn’t think about the hours of work he and the guys in the shop put in to assessing and tabulating the damage. I didn’t think about the numerous conversations he had with my insurance company to establish that the bike was beyond repair. I couldn’t make our injuries go away, but something that I felt I could do, I needed to do, was to replace my bike — to at least put that part of my life back in order.

Looking back, it seems trite and kind of meaningless, but at the time it was the one and only thing I could do to right the wrong of an uncaring driver who couldn’t bother to pull off the road for a catnap.

Another salesman might do everything in his power to see me off on another bike; however, Arthur’s actions were motivated by his concern for me and my wife — and not for anything else.

“Don’t worry about the bike right now. Relax. Get better. Come in and see me in three or four months. We’ll get something for you next spring,” said Art. And that’s exactly what I did. I bought a 2009 Dyna® Low Rider® motorcycle, and I ride it daily — rain or shine. Getting back in the saddle was never a question for me. I made that decision the day I bought my first bike.

While not yet comfortable with the thought of riding off crosscountry, my wife and I have started taking short rides together in the city. Who knows, in time? There’s a lot about June 29, 2008 that I’ll never forget. Among them is that when I needed help Art and the guys at Harley-Davidson® Retailer were thinking more about me and my wife than they were of themselves.

But then, what are families for?

DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE BIKE RIGHT NOW. RELAX. GET BETTER.

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BACK SHOP / SEPTEMBER 2011 PIT STOP • GEAR • $100 RIDE • RIDING STORIES • ENTHUSIASTS • EXHAUST

FROM ST. JOHN’S TO SAINT JOHN… A TRUE RIDING TALE

By Sarah Jackson

We’ve all heard the expression “everything happens for a reason”.

But in the summer of 2007, during the Atlantic Regional H.O.G.® Rally in St. John’s, Newfoundland, my husband and I experienced a disaster that turned into something special.

The trip to St. John’s from our home in Saint John, New Brunswick started the week before. From the ferry in Sydney, Nova Scotia, we rode our two Harley-Davidson® Sportster® 883 Low motorcycles 900 kilometres from Port aux Basques to St. John’s over four days. If you have never been to Newfoundland, it is a must-see with spectacular coastal and in-land scenery, including Gros Morne National Park, the lighthouse at Twillingate and the puffins and whales of Bay Bulls. It was our very first H.O.G.® Rally since buying the Harley® bikes in late 2006 and it was a thoroughly

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enjoyable time. Anyone who has ever met a Newfie knows what I’m talking about; they are the friendliest people in the world.

All in all, the trip was a great success. We left St. John’s shortly after the Rally weekend in order to catch the Argentia ferry.

There are only two ways to get a bike on and off the island of Newfoundland: the Port aux Basques ferry, which is 900 km back towards the direction we came from or the Argentia ferry, which is 100 km away, but where we hadn’t yet been. We opted to enjoy more of the Newfoundland scenery and made a reservation on the Argentia ferry that sails only every three days.

And here is where the story gets interesting! We rolled into Argentia seven hours before the midnight sailing that we had booked. You can imagine my horror when we discovered that I had

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SOUTHERN MIGRATION

Windsor Chapter members take part in annual trip to the south. By Michael Harrigan

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NEWFIES ARE TRULY THE FRIENDLIEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD… misread the schedule and the ferry had left at midnight the night before! Newfies are truly the friendliest people in the world and the staff at Marine Atlantic were very helpful in decreasing my panic when we learned that the next earliest reservation we could secure was on the Saturday ferry... and it was only Tuesday. We could take a chance and wait it out for two days and try standby on the Thursday ferry or ride 900 km back to Port aux Basques where there are three ferries per day.

We decided to take the chance as a standby on the Thursday ferry. First decision made. The second decision: do we stay in Argentia (do they even have a hotel?) or ride back to St John’s for the two nights? We found a small bed and breakfast perched on the hill overlooking the town and we settled in.

Now, what to do in a town of 4,000 people for two days? Meet other H.O.G.® members of course. It turns out that another couple from the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, were also waiting for the Thursday ferry. They too had been to the Rally in St. John’s and were heading home. We spent the next day and the entire 15-hour ferry ride getting to know them better and have been friends ever since. Some things really do happen for a reason!

We have since traded in the Sportster® bikes for a pair of Street Glide® motorcycles to make our travels more comfortable.

Although sometimes great things come from not being on the road!

For several years now, members of the Windsor Chapter have taken a spring trip south. This was my third year, having been to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Zanesville, Ohio, in the past. This year we meandered down to Asheville, North Carolina.

We left Thunder Road Harley-Davidson®, our sponsoring Retailer, on May 21 for a week in North Carolina. Our group was made up of 12 motorcycles, a chase vehicle and 19 members. After crossing the Ambassador Bridge into Michigan, we journeyed south to Ashland, Kentucky where we spent the night at Best Western. Early the next morning we continued south through the mountains to Asheville, North Carolina where we set up base camp at the Comfort Inn. After a good night’s rest and an early breakfast at the hotel, we ventured out onto Highway No. 70 and Bat Cave Road to Castle Rock.

Some of the way we road on narrow gravel roads, but all of the way we experienced winding roads with beautiful scenery. Once at Castle Rock most of us climbed the 471 stairs and after coming down some even ventured on to the Hickory Nut Falls trail. The view from the lookout was breathtaking to say the least. Next, we stopped at Lake Lure for a fabulous lunch. On the way back to the hotel we ran into five minutes of light rain, the only rain we road in until the trip home.

Day two was another great ride. We took the Blue Ridge Parkway to Cherokee and all the hype about the parkway proved true. It is a fabulous riding road. After another great lunch in Cherokee, we road to Fontana Dam where we were treated to another wonderful view. Although it was a hot day in town, once on the parkway the temperature cooled and at 1,828 metres it was actually chilly.

On the third day, we again took the parkway to Blowing Rock, a nice tourist town with neat little shops. Again, we had a wonderful lunch (beginning to see a trend?). After visiting Blowing Rock we took Highways No. 321 and 221 most of the way back to our hotel and found these roads to be a beautiful riding experience.

On day four we split into two groups. A few of us went to Maggie Valley to visit the Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum, while some went to the hot springs. I went to the museum and found this to be a morning well-spent. The history and fantastic old machines were a treasure to behold. Our Chapter is helping with the start-up of a motorcycle museum and we found this very educational and came away with many ideas.

After a thunderstorm rolled through the area on Thursday night, we left our hotel the next morning for the trip home, where we rode through light rain for about an hour before the skies cleared for the rest of our trip.

We took two days to get home, spending the night at the Best Western in Florence, Kentucky. On the way home we took the time to visit a couple of Harley-Davidson® Retailers and to help the economy with our purchases. Once across the Ambassador Bridge, and back in Canada, it was time to split up and end our ride. I wasn’t yet home, but I was already looking forward to next year’s trip.

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BACK SHOP / SEPTEMBER 2011 PIT STOP • GEAR • $100 RIDE • RIDING STORIES • ENTHUSIASTS • EXHAUST

DREAMS NEVER FADE

A gentle push from a friend puts Quebec rider in the saddle… finally! By Céline Audette

I was five-years-old the first time I got onto a Harley-Davidson® bike. My uncle André was an avid rider and shared his passion with me which has stayed with me ever since. Years went by and marriages, children and work took up all my time, but a mere 50 years after my first ride I was able to make my dream come true!

My friend Harold asked me what dream I would like to accomplish and I realized (and remembered) at that time that I had a dream all these years to ride a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. He answered: “Well, take a course and make your dream come true.”

This push was exactly what I needed and I took a motorcycle

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course in 2007 and I didn’t even know how to drive a standard transmission car! My first bike was a Sportster® 1200 Nightster® motorcycle and two years later, I traded it for a 1584cc Softail® Deluxe bike.

The first time I sat on it, I thought, “where have you been all my life?” I fell in love with the motorcycle and felt 20 years younger. My motorcycle is my therapy; when I am on it, I feel no pain.

We need to hold on to our dreams. Age and time do not limit us; we limit ourselves. Thanks to Harold and my spouse who have helped me experience beautiful rides by sharing tips with me.

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H.O.G.® yearly packages are sent upon renewal. If you have a July 2011 expiry date for instance, you can renew in January 2011 to receive your pack at the beginning of the season. Your membership will still expire in July 2011, but you will receive your materials sooner — so you don’t lose any months of membership by renewing early!

H.O.G.® and H.O.G.® Roadside Assistance are two separate companies, working closely together but with separate enrolment / renewal systems. To upgrade your package or call for service please call the toll-free number at 1-888-443-5896.You must call this number to receive the necessary assistance as per your H.O.G.® membership benefits. Calling another towing service and submitting receipts after the fact is not the proper procedure and will not be reimbursed.

Motorcycles must be enrolled in the Mileage Program first before kilometres can be claimed; this applies to all bikes that you want to claim mileage (including rental bikes). Please enrol at your local Retailer, as they are required to sign the form to validate the number of kilometres.

Members receive the year-specific H.O.G.® pins and patches when renewing. In the first year of H.O.G.® Membership, the H.O.G.® (eagle) pin and patch are sent out, not the year specific ones. These are received for the first time on your first year of membership renewal.

Free H.O.G.® Membership from a new bike purchase is transferable to an existing full member or associate member.

Renewal updates online will be visible within the members only area approximately 10 days after their completion. Online profiles for access to members.hog.com can be created for new memberships within 10 days of your enrollment being processed.

For delivery of H.O.G.® materials, please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery as this can vary depending on the local postal service in different areas.

TBD - Regional Director Quebec & Atlantic All Chapter enquiries from these regions are to go to: Chantele Cumberbatch 1-800-668-4836 Ext 4153

H.O.G. ® Canada Team

Gina McNeil Manager, Enthusiast Services

Stephan Chantal Membership Services Coordinator

Chantele Cumberbatch Programs & Benefits Coordinator

Vern Wilson Regional Director Ontario

Brad Carvery Regional Director Prairies

Cliff Randal Regional Director Western

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THE 2012 HARLEY-DAVIDSON® MOTORCYCLES ARE HERE!

FEEL THE POWER. FEEL THE FREEDOM.

www.harleycanada.com With the purchase of any new Harley-Davidson® model from an authorized Canadian Harley-Davidson® Retailer, you will receive a free, full one-year membership in H.O.G.® Always ride with a helmet. Ride defensively. Distributed exclusively in Canada by Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada, Richmond and Concord. Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada is a proud sponsor of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. The Bar & Shield logo, Harley, Harley-Davidson and Sportster are among the trademarks of H-D Michigan, LLC. ©2011 H-D.

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: H.O.G.® Canada 830 Edgeley Blvd. Concord, Ontario L4K 4X1 Tel: 1-800-668-4836 Fax: 905-660-3372 members.hog.com

Publication mail agreement No. 40037386

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