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My Love Of Riding A Harley Davidson

I was thinking about writing something about my love for riding my Harley Davidson, then on the way to work, a guy in a crotch rocket rode up next to…

Out on my Harley Davidson

Nothing like riding around the back roads of Michigan as the sun sets.

Meltdown

I was thinking about writing something about my love for riding my Harley Davidson, then on the way to work, a guy in a crotch rocket rode up next to me at a light, extended his fist, and gave me a bump. After that gesture, he moved up and took off when the light turned green. I'll be honest, I don't know one thing about that person, ethnicity, or anything, except that he has a love for two wheels like I do.

Meltdown

I think I only made it up to the Machine Shop once on the Harley, but it's always a good time!

That's the reason for this post. It constantly amazes me how riding brings people together. It doesn't matter the political affiliation, ethnic background, or what kind of bike you're riding, the waves and nodes I get come from all directions. Today's moment is just the latest in many over the years.

My First Harley Davidson

I got my first motorcycle in my late teens, a Yamaha 650 street bike. A few years later I would get my first Harley Davidson. I bought a 1971 Sportster that needed more than its fair share of TLC. I bought it in the fall and took it straight to my friend's garage where we tore it apart that night. Throughout the winter we'd slap some paint on it and get it shined up for the riding season. The following year we refreshed the motor. That thing was kick ass!

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This is my first Harley that friends and I rebuilt from the ground up. Jon Bon Jovi signed the tank "On a steel horse I ride....Wanted" It was really cool!

"On A Steel Horse I Ride....Wanted" is what Jon Bon Jovi signed on my Harley Davidson

One of the guys I rode with once told me that riding a Harley would get in my blood. I remember thinking to myself, that would never happen. Here we are all these years later. I've only owned five Harleys in a little over thirty years, but I've never not had one in the garage.

When I got married, I told my future wife that if she could handle my playing hockey and riding my Harley, we'd be ok. It's still going strong 24 years later. I'm still doing both.

I've made numerous friends from riding a motorcycle. Some I'm sure I never would've met. It's truly a brotherhood or sisterhood I suppose as well.

Searching Out Places To Ride My Harley Davidson

I've spent countless hours and miles searching out dive bars to travel to on my Harley. I'm always looking for a fun or cool destination. I've ridden to work too many times to count. I'm not crazy about the ride to the studio, but I love to ride!

When I had to put my dog down in 2021, I called in sick and rode my Harley 280 miles that day just to clear my head. That was a tough day for sure.

I've ridden back to my hometown in western New York several times. I take the peaceful trek through Canada along the lake. I recall riding back to see a Kid Rock show in 2009. I had just gotten my new Harley and couldn't wait to ride it. Rock texted me to see if I wanted to jump on his plane and fly over. I immediately responded "No, I'm going to ride" Ok, that might not have been the best decision I've ever made, LOL

I'll even post on socials as to "where my Harley Davidson took me". I'm always open to your input on where I should ride.

In closing, my friend who told me riding a Harley would get in my blood is no longer with us, but that statement will stick with me for the rest of my life. Yes, Bob, it's in my blood!

I'll see you guys on the road, or at bike night at the Diamondback Music Hall in Belleville on Wednesdays.

WRIF’s Diamondback Music Hall Bike Night Kicks Off With A Huge Crowd

What a great kick-off to bike night at the Diamondback Music Hall in Belleville. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out on a beautiful night in the Motor City. An estimated 500 motorcycles came through the parking lot throughout the night.

We had riders from southeast Michigan to a group from Canada, one as far away as London, Ontario.

Diamondback Music Hall Wednesday Bike Nights Throughout The Summer

Keep an eye on this space throughout the summer for different happenings at the Diamondback's bike night. Live music, local wrestling promotions, Harley girls, and more are on tap this summer.

When you're there, don't forget to check out the inside. They've completely revamped it. I can't wait to see a show there in the future. V.I.P. rooms, state-of-the-art- lights and sound, killer bars, and more are what you'll find inside the Diamondback Music Hall.

Here are some pictures from last night's kick-off event. See you next week!

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This is what it looked like when I got to the Diamondback around 7 pm. Bikes flooded in all night.


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Here's a group that rode in from Canada. A big Thanks to my friend, Mike for putting the ride together. Canadian's are always welcome!


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The parking lot filled up with all sorts of makes and models of motorcycles. Mostly Harley's but all are welcomed.


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Renee brought a group by as well. She's a big rider and I see her at bike nights throughout the summer. Great to see you guys!


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It's always great to see many of my Foundation 14 friends. An awesome organization doing exceptional things for our vets.


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Some law enforcement riders came out too. Great to see you guys!


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Someone commented that they'd never seen the outdoor deck so full. Let's do it all over again next Wednesday!


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Good to see Chett and some of his Scorpions crew. Thanks for coming up, guys!


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Another view of the parking lot. By about 8 pm is was jam-packed with all sorts of scooters.


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A huge thank you to my friend Jimmy Jack. He's the one who got the ball rolling to bring bike night to the Diamondback. Thanks, bro!


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Another shot of me with my Canadian friends. I'm pretty sure they had a couple drinks to drown their sorrows that a hockey team from Canada will not win the Stanley Cup again this year. So sad.....


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A full parking lot of motorcycles is a beautiful thing. Thank you everyone who rode out!


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A shout-out to the Iron Mustangs. I rode to the event with some of the guys. Thank you!


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Another shot of the packed deck. Beers and burgers flowed.


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We made a few people happy with tickets to Riff Fest. Not sure what I'll have to give away next week, but it's almost always concert tix.


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Another happy rider that scored a WRIF shirt. Lots more coming up throughout the summer. Get a group and come on out!


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A great shot from Rev Rob early in the night. This place has a huge parking lot, and we look to fill it every week!


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I'll give Chett another shout. Good dude....great to see you, brother!

MeltdownEditor
Meltdown started on the mighty WRIF on the evening of Halloween, 1995. Technically, his first on-air shift was the morning of November 1st. Moving to the Motor City from Buffalo, N.Y., he has built a career and family. Over his almost three-decade stint at RIFF, he's had the privilege to work with some of the biggest personalities in Detroit radio history. He boasts of being just the second-afternoon drive jock in the station's illustrious 53-year history. Along with his love for rock music and attending concerts, he's also an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast and hockey player. He plays year-round and manages to squeeze in a few charity games throughout the year. Meltdown writes about the Detroit Red Wings, rock music, and Detroit concert venues.