Harley-Davidson Hometown Rally kicks off
GREENFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) --The 119th annual Hometown Rally 2022 kicks off Thursday, Sept. 1, at the Harley-Davidson Museum and Milwaukee-area dealerships.
Organizers are expecting thousands of people to join the party over Labor Day weekend.
One of the rally locations is at House of Harley-Davidson in Greenfield, with vendors, food, drinks and live music.
House of Harley-Davidson Director of Business Development Mark McClain shared with CBS 58 the secret to more than a century of success.
"In a word, it's a lifestyle," McClain said.
A lifestyle that started in Milwaukee, and has since traveled around the world.
As everyone comes together to celebrate, it's also a moment of reflection of the brand's evolution.
"It's changed lots," Speed's Performance Plus Owner Jamie Hanson said.
The Harley-Davidson built in a small shed in 1903 isn't the same bike that riders today have come to know.
"The technology has changed, and they have changed with it," Suspension Technologies Owner Michael Alex said.
Some riders who like the classic feel of a motorcycle are a little hesitant to see the bike evolve.
"I think it's still the same vibe. The guy that wants to buy a motorcycle 100 years ago was the guy that wanted to go where he wanted to when he wanted to," Skully Customs Owner Rodney Jenson said.
Harley-Davidson is trying to prove that there's a bike for everyone, while also trying to break more women and younger riders into the lifestyle.
When you ask a rider what makes traveling on two wheels so magical, they're almost at a loss for words.
"It's hard to explain if you've never ridden before, but once you do, it's just a whole different feeling," Hanson said.
Police say West Layton Avenue will remain open but South 68th Street and South 60th Street will be limited to one lane of travel in each direction.
They're asking drivers to be extra cautious and watch out for pedestrians and motorcycles.
The partial road closure will start at 6 p.m. Thursday and continue until 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 5.
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