Hey. That's not a Harley, it's a Schwinn.

This is literally what is going on right outside my apartment right now.

It is the 105th anniversary of Harley-Davidson, meaning that somebody invited goodness-knows how many thousands of Harley riders to Milwaukee for a weekend of fun and revelry. The Harley people themselves seem very nice - they are polite on the road, and they are bringing a lot of money (and Bruce Springsteen!) to the city. I don't, however, like how much congestion is caused by adding about ten thousand motorcycles to a city with too many cars already (guilty).

But it's only one weekend, and I will tolerate it with a smile. Yes, a smile.



The purpose of the gathering outside my apartment seems to be this: Park your Harley on the side of the street, get some beer, drink a lot (apparently Milwaukee relaxes the "open container of alcohol" laws when mighty Harley-Davidson asks them to nicely), and hoot and holler scandalous things at women riding Harleys down the street in chaps (just chaps - without pants under them. Possibly also only a vest, without a shirt). I can't say I will be adopting motorcycle fashion anytime soon. I like my pink hoody and sparkly flip-flops, thank you.


Apparently this guy did not get the memo.

I really didn't capture the sheer number of people outside my apartment on the street right now very well, but there are literally thousands. People love motorcycles. All wandering, most drinking, just watching the street and the people riding by on their bikes. Luckily, Milwaukee police also ride Harleys and are well-prepared to handle such gatherings.



In any case, I feel like I'm learning a lot about people who are passionate about motorcycles. They also like leather, tattoos, large silver necklaces, and black clothing of any kind, particularly tank tops. And they will ride really far to go to a big party with other people who are passionate about the same kind of motorcycles, which is really pretty awesome.