| Author | Message | ||
     Spiderman |
Buellers Celebrate 20years With a Parade of Thunder. August 19th 2003 Buellers from all over North America started to invade the Day’s Inn Racine, Wisconsin. From Newfoundland to California Buell riders made the trek to Wisconsin to celebrate 20 years of Buell motorcycles. The 19th of August was bench racing in the parking lot of the host hotel, swapping war stories and checking out one another’s bikes and a few beers BTW Glen from Texas had a beer in his had the whole time LOL. We ended the night with a pre-event party planned by Dana Peterson at his brothers bar the Boiler Room. Wednesday morning the 20th over 80 bikes met at Hal’s Harley-Davidson and Buell in New Berlin, Wi to stage for the ride to East Troy, Hal’s supplied everyone with enough bagels to make New York jealous, juice, donuts and coffee. Court Canfield met us up there, the first time a few of us have met him face to face. Everyone left Hal’s at 11am for the ride to the factory in East Troy. It was truly awesome to see that many Buell Motorcycles at one time. We had a few people block traffic till we all re grouped just outside East Troy and Had a Police Escort the rest of the way to the factory. Upon arrival all the Bikes took up three blocks parked in front of the Factory and it took about 15 min for all the bikes to park. Once everyone gathered in front of the factory Court Canfield introduced some of the key players that helped Buell along to the great company that it is today. Erik was then presented with a gift from the Japanese Buell riders and from American Thunder Bike and then With a card that had signatures from all over the world. Erik then gave a small speech and couldn’t help but give a few autographs himself. We were then informed of the surprise after the factory tours Henry Duga was going to take whom ever wanted to go, to the original Barn where Erik first started building bikes. Who could pass up that offer. Every one lined up to sign up for tours of the plant and was surprised to find out that Buell had pins made for the 20th anniversary! After the tours of the plant every one lined their bike up to follow Henry out to Erik’s old homestead. Which BTW is off of Road X. I highly recommend, if you ever get the chance, to take up the offer to see the original barn where it all started. It was like stepping into a history book, many of the parts of the RW750 were still there along with quite a few Studabakers that Erik has collected. After all that excitement for one day all the Buellers headed back to the hotel for more bench racing, a dip in the pool and for some a nap. Every one then split up for rides, dinner and the ever popular hanging out in the parking lot talking to one another drinkin beer. You should really see Bubba wax philisophic on a few brews. Thursday August 21st a few brave souls went to the local Tattoo shop and got Pegasus tattoos while others went to explore the twisties of Wisconsin. That afternoon there was a banquet held in honor of Erik and all the Buell riders that made it. Erik was gracious enough to show us the same presentation that he showed the media for the 2004 press release, but he was a little more technical with us, seein as we would understand. Erik also told a few stories from the past and thanked us all again for supporting the company and comming out. Then there were some door prizes given away and awards for Oldest rider, Youngest rider and Farthest ridden. Friday Uke’s Harley-Davidson and Buell sponsored Battle Trax and also had breakfast and lunch for us also. There were only two bikes lost to the Battle Trax course, a few prizes won and quite a few brats eaten. After everyone said there goodbyes it was off to do your own thing weather it be stick around one more day to Battle Trax at Hal’s or head on home. All and all it was a great event planed by Buell riders for Buell riders and I can not begin to thank all of you that helped plan this and make it a success Dennis, Dana, everyone involved with the poster John, CJ etc and Court. As always thank you Erik, because of your dream it has allowed all of our dreams to come true! |
