I admit that I was originally drawn to Harley Davidson because of their mission of freedom. “More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul.” But an even bigger reason that fills my heart is the fellowship.
It’s not just a brand it’s a family. No matter where you go, if you’re wearing a Harley Davidson shirt somebody’s going to talk to you about it. When you’re riding and you pull up at a light next to someone on a Harley you get the nod, a comment or question “How do you like the bike?”, and sometimes conversation about make and model, depending on the length of the light.
I have many stories.
One time I was driving my three young sons from Connecticut to South Carolina, and I ended up with a flat tire in Virginia… In the rain no less. I carefully rolled the car off the exit and was grateful to see a tire place right up ahead!
The owner was a towering man who seemed twice my height and three times my weight. He had a long beard and a Harley bandanna. I must say he was one of the kindest men I’ve ever met. When he saw how upset I was, he asked one of his workers to entertain my three kids and then escorted me over to the couch in the waiting area. With a gentle smile, he said, “Everything is going to be OK.”
This angel fixed my tire, revived my spirit, and entertained my kids…all for the sum of $10. I offered more but he wouldn’t take it. I will never forget that guy. His huge heart saved my day.
More recently during an impromptu ride it started to rain. We pulled into a gas station and found ourselves sharing the overhang with another biker. We learned about his travels, family, and some great suggestions for new Harley gear to purchase. (Sidenote: This is a reinforcement of the concept I speak on about how companies who do the right things find that it comes back in profitability.)
And if you have to get lost…it’s nice to have another biker nearby. At another gas station, we saw a couple gassing up their bikes and waved. When she smiled and walked over to say hello, we decided to admit we needed directions. We had heard of a good restaurant in the area but had no luck in finding it. The woman gave us outstanding directions, and then said the place we were headed had good food, “but not quite as good as where they were going… And oh by the way, why don’t you just come with to have lunch with us!”
And so, we did- and fast new friends were made.
Story after story.
There’s often a perception that bikers are Bad@ss and frightening. I’ll give you the former but I believe kindness and humanity are fierce so I will fight the latter.
I’ll leave you with this last observation. No matter what make, model, or year of your bike- if you’re on the road, you get The Wave. A low peace sign- cool yet subtle. I’ve heard that this greeting between motorcyclists, is a gesture of recognition, friendship, and community, “accomplices even without knowing each other.”
This wave makes you feel connected. A wave that says we are one, we are family, and “I See You.”
Well, HD- I See YOU. And my hat’s off to you for generating this culture that prioritizes people, planet, and profit. You understand that your role in society gives you purpose beyond financial performance… and that it’s also tied to it. Kudos!
