Author: Lee Matz

Lake Michigan shortcut helped Harley-Davidson riders float into town for 115th festivities

The Lake Express high-speed, eco-friendly ferry provided service from Milwaukee to Michigan for hundreds of motorcycle riders who attended the Harley-Davidson’s 115th Anniversary Celebration from August 31 to September 1. Harley-Davidson riders from all over the country have logged hundreds of miles, and in some cases thousands, to make their way to Milwaukee for the epic 115th event. Riding West around the southern point of Lake Michigan through Chicago’s congested traffic conditions and tollways can be a white knuckle experience even for seasoned riders. Hundreds of Harley-Davidson motorcycle owners decided to cut hours off the last leg of their...

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A supercharged parade for Harley-Davidson cycle owners that was 115 years in the making

Tens of Thousands of Harley-Davidson motorcycles thundered down Wisconsin Avenue on September 2, cheered along by gauntlets of energized spectators, in a nearly 4 mile parade that celebrated 115 years of the company’s mechanized horsepower. The parade kicked off from 45th Street and traveled through the heart of downtown to Veterans Park along Milwaukee’s Lakeshore. The event marked the end of the five day celebration that honored Harley-Davidson’s 115th anniversary. An estimated 6,500 riders from around the world participated in the procession, waving their hometown flags. The colorful displays showed the international impact that Harley-Davidson continues to enjoy. The...

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Global Harley-Davidson riders make Milwaukee pilgrimage for 115th Anniversary

Milwaukee was the gravitational center of the motorcycle universe over Labor Day weekend, when Harley-Davidson riders and fans gathered for the culmination of a year-long celebration of 115 years of riding the city’s most-iconic brand. Harley-Davidson riders and enthusiasts from all over the globe were in Milwaukee for Harley-Davidson’s 115th Anniversary. The party of the year featured celebrations about riding and racing, giving visitors the chance to make new friends and connect with people who share a love for life on two wheels. The party included 88 events spread between 27 venues over five days. Every human language on the planet...

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Brady Street hosts a neighborhood experience for Harley-Davidson’s 115th

As part of the Brady Street Experience announced by Alderman Nik Kovac, the iconic neighborhood thoroughfare was closed to car traffic from August 31 to September 1 to allow for “Bike-Only” parking in celebration of Harley-Davidson’s 115th Anniversary. From Van Buren Street to Farwell Avenue, along both sides of Brady Street, hundreds of Harley-Davidson motorcycles were parked engine to engine. Organized by the Brady Street Business Improvement District (BID #11), the event and entertainment was specifically geared to riding enthusiasts. Block parties began at mid-day on August 31, and continued up to the doorstep of Labor Day. The eight-block...

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Cole Freeman keeps stunt bike tradition at full-throttle for Harley-Davidson museum show

Of all the bike images that come to mind with the name of Harley-Davidson, a stunt bike is not usually one of them. That stunt title fits better with the smaller Japanese sports bikes that can be stripped down easily, not the big touring cycles with their size and weight. But for Cole Freeman of the Ill Conduct Stunt Team, his passion for Harley-Davidson has literally driven him to break records using the Milwaukee-built machines. From wheelies, to stoppies, and all sorts of gravity-defying maneuvers, Cole and his team entertained international crowds at the Harley-Davidson Museum during its 115th...

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