Gator D's Adventures: Naples Harley Davidson

If you know my wife and I you know that we have a long history of "biking". I don't mean 21 speed bicycles, but MOTORCYCLES! I was always fascinated with motorcycles as a kid, and although my dad never really liked them, my friends had them and I was able to ride on any given weekend. At that time it was mostly mini-bikes and dirt bikes, but eventually I had access to road bikes too and it was at an early age that I decided one day I WOULD HAVE A HARLEY!

Well, years went by and no Harley ever came into my life. Eventually I did own road bikes, Honda's, Yamaha's and the like, but, Harley's were at one point hard to get and very expensive. So, the "American Dream Machine" alluded me.

Then, some years back, my son Andy got a job at the new "Battlefield Harley Davidson" in Gettysburg, PA. Andy was a perfect fit for the Harley world, an artist by trade and now a "Tattoo Artist" by career (a darned good one if I may say so!). He worked in the "retail sales" department, selling T-Shirts, accessories, glasses, helmets, etc. He loved the job and immediately made tons of biker friends. It was there that Sonja and I immediately plugged into the Harley lifestyle.

It was during this time that Andy was entered into a competition to win a new Harley and he won it. At that time, he did not want the bike so he sold it to me (at a nice discount). So it was at this point that I was official and felt like a million bucks! At the time Sonja and I were riding a big ole Yamaha cruiser so after I began to ride the Harley, she began to ride the Yamaha. She took the "Riders Edge" motorcycle safety course from Battlefield Harley Davidson and so we began to go out together, different bikes, and enjoy the freedom of the open road.

They say when you buy a Harley, you get a "Thousand Friends" instantly! I believe that to be so, and truly, it is such a wonderful biker community. These folks do so many good things for charity and have fun doing it! It was an honor to be in that biker community for sure.

With all that said, years later I sold the Harley and we ended up riding the Yamaha together and that is the state of our current biking situation. We are still bikers, a bike brand does not make you a biker, but I must say, I miss the kinship.

HOWEVER, my wife Sonja, after working on the beach for seven years, has now ventured out and is working off the Island for Naples Harley Davidson! YAY! What a great job for her! She is with a wonderful team of people doing the same thing that my son did back at Battlefield Harley in Gettysburg. She is really enjoying the team atmosphere and has made so many new friends. She loves the work, the people, the challenges and she really loves going to work. I have never seen her happier in her work and am so proud of her. I have had the opportunity to meet most of the people at her new job and I have to say they are a great group of folks! Who knows, maybe one day we will once again be on the back of another Harley!

On Saturday, there was a big event held jointly between the Naples Harley Davidson and Hooters! It was the "Hooters Calendar Girl" competition, a nationwide event that focuses on choosing the ladies to represent the chain in their yearly calendar. What an event! My friend Don and I rode down to see what was happening and I must say I a little shocked. Let's just say that as a father and grand father, I don't think I would let my daughter be a Hooter's Calendar Girl, if I had anything to say about it! Too many old men drooling over them! Hold on be right back got to get a napkin.

OK, well, you get the point.

Anyway, had a great time visiting with my wife and watching her work. She is a great lady and I know she will do well in her new position. If you are in the area and have a chance to stop by and say hello, I'm sure you will have a great visit!

I did take a few pics, none of the girls, lol, but I hope you enjoy them just the same. I get back to the Everglades tomorrow but it's still gonna be cold!

Have a great day where ever you are and will talk soon!

This is one that I like! Dyna Low Rider! Sharp!