Harley motorcyclists ride lifestyle

Jeff Taylor of south Fort Myers has been riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles since the early '90s.

He says there is nothing like seeing the sights on two wheels and Southwest Florida local motorcycle nuts seem to agree.

More than 15 riders recently gathered for a two-day celebration at Harley-Davidson of Fort Myers to commemorate the company's 105th anniversary.

"It's American country, patriotism and 105 years of a company that represents that," said Taylor, 60.

The Fort Myers store was one of 25 stores in the nation chosen as official host sites for the party and starting place for locals to take the "Ride Home."

The ride involves riders from across the country starting from one of 105 locations as they make their way to Milwaukee for a weekend-long party.

"It's a great excuse to ride your motorcycle," said Bill Dannhel, the executive vice president of Harley-Davidson. He flew in from Milwaukee to see the Fort Myers celebration. "People like the celebration and the camaraderie of it."

Giving bikers an opportunity to spend time together is why the Harley-Davidson Motor Co. has been celebrating its anniversary every five years. The Fort Myers celebration started Aug. 21 with a party and then the send-off Aug. 22.

"I went to the 100th ride and it's just bikes and bikers and more bikes as you flow into Milwaukee ... it's a special ride," said Ron Hall, the general manager of the Fort Myers store. "This is not just a motorcycle ... it's a lifestyle."

The lifestyle is what has kept Taylor attracted to the company for more than 10 years.

And, in preparation for the weeklong ride to Milwaukee, Taylor packed two bags with rain gear, cold weather clothing and his leathers.

"I got nothing special, just what I'm going to need for the ride and then when I'm up at the party," said Taylor, who will be stopping at small eateries along the way and taking in the sights. "We're gonna meet a lot of people that share our bond with the open road."

And for the send-off, Taylor donned a Harley T-shirt, bandanna and leather vest with the Harley logo.

"Seeing our country on two wheels can't be beat," Taylor said.

Sid Pittman of Alva couldn't agree more. He, too, was participating in the ride to Milwaukee and came to Fort Myers for the send-off celebration.

"I went to the 100th year celebration and it's just to have a good time," said Pittman, who found out about the ride because he is a member of the Fort Myers HOG chapter, or bikers club. "You get to see a lot of sights too."

Hall wanted the riders leaving his store to feel special so he invited the Lee County Sheriff's Office to lead the riders from his store onto Colonial and to the interstate.

"People who don't ride don't understand it," Hall said. "It's a freedom and just everything that comes with it."

The 105th anniversary of the company will also be a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

"We threw a great party and we raised $6 million last time," Dannhel said.