Rolling back into town; Pikeville chosen as feeder point for national ride

Special to The News-Express

Pikeville, Kentucky has been selected as one of 105 official starting points for the biggest nationwide ride in Harley-Davidson history - the 105th Anniversary Ride Home. The starter points that stretch across the country all feed into 25 major routes bound for Milwaukee, Wis., the birthplace of Harley-Davidson.

On Aug. 17, Day One of the ride, the first group of bikers leaves San Diego, Calif. Throughout the next 10 days, riders depart from other designated points to join the rumble to Milwaukee.

Harley-Davidson's on-line Ride Planner has turn-by-turn directions from any place in the country making it easy for riders to "join the family" along the major routes or "fly solo" along scenic back roads. The last leg of the ride will be a continual procession into the host city on Aug. 28.

The events in Pikeville, the only designated feeder point in Kentucky, according to Rhonda Kretzer of Vantage Point Inc., are being hosted by Harley-Davidson of Pikeville with a 105th Anniversary Ride Home Party scheduled for Sunday Aug. 24, from noon until 5pm.

The dealership, traditionally closed on Sundays, will open for the event and guests will have opportunities to win 105th Anniversary commemorative merchandise. The Garland Rogers Band will provide live entertainment on the outdoor stage and hot dogs and hamburgers will be served. The concessions are being sponsored by the Hillbilly Christmas in July organization and Pepsi Bottling Group with proceeds benefiting the Shriners Hospital for Children - Lexington. The community is invited to the party and encouraged to join the dealership in extending warm hospitality to the riders along with a lively send-off.

Upon arrival in Milwaukee, riders will find a full-throttle celebration for all things Harley. In addition to the company's 105th year of "riding proud," the Harley Owner's Group (H.O.G.) is celebrating its 25th anniversary with some members-only events featuring a concert with rocklegends Aerosmith and Kid Rock. Then, in true Harley-Davidson style, a huge line-up of events and activities centered on the lakefront are being billed as the music event of the year. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will be one of legendary performers and bands to take the stage.

For more information and to see how Pikeville is part of the big picture, go to the 105th Celebration link at Harley-Davidson.com.