Bike displays and bike builds dominate the coming Wisconsin riding season

Riding season is just around the corner for most of us in the frozen north and the activities calendar is already filling up. Two destinations I never fail to miss are the Harley-Davidson Museum and the Iron Horse Hotel. Just a block apart in downtown Milwaukee, there is always something good going on at these two places. Every Thursday night is Bike Night, and you'll find me and the '48 Pan hanging out enjoying the sights.  Harley just announced a special exhibit that will be shown from June 11-August 21st this year. You won't want to miss this one.

Just one block south of the museum on 6th Street, you'll find the Iron Horse Hotel.  This biker friendly hotel is home base for many motorcycle industry visitors to Miwaukee as well as bikers from around the world who visit the city where Harley lives. Besides the exciting Bike Nights on Thursday, featuring different models or themes each week, this year the hotel is sponsoring an educational outreach program called BUILD. A team of dedicated volunteers are helping high school students compete in a vintage bike restoration project. Six teams, working with experienced mentors will have 90 days and $2,000 to rebuild a vintage CB or CL160.  Besides a lot of cool prizes, the teams will get to race their bikes at Road America in June. This is going to be an exciting event to watch as these youngsters put their skills and ingenuity to the test.

Both the Harley-Davidson Museum and the Iron Horse Hotel have exceptional food for visitors, so hang out at the museum and take in the eye candy of chrome and custom paint and enjoy the exhibits. Then, do as I do; ride down to the Iron Horse to finish off the evening hanging out in the Yard with dozens of bikers and hotel guests. It's a relaxing way to enjoy some good food and refreshment, make new friends and see Harley's and other models of custom, cafe and race bikes on those warm summer evenings. I can't wait.

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