I bought my first Harley a couple months ago, super exciting time! Everybody looks forward to getting their first Harley. I remember when my old man bought a Harley. I was a kid and he bought a brand-new Road King. Brought that bad boy home and had the biggest smile I’d ever seen on his face. I remember riding with him all over the place. I remember riding with him to renew his vows to my mother. During my teen years, I remember trying to sleep in and the rumble of my parents and their friends’ bikes rattling my windows. That’s awesome. With memories like that it’s no wonder why I ride. They’ve never asked why because they probably already know. It’s nostalgic and new all at the same time. Here’s how I got my first Harley.

 So, I’d been looking into upgrading my ride and was scoping out a Harley. I had been on a Honda Shadow since 2012. Great bike, I can’t knock it one bit. My first bike; I’d never get rid of it. It’s my wife’s now and my kids will learn to ride on it. I really had my heart set on a Harley Davidson (HD) Street Glide, but my only issue was that I’m super short and I wasn’t sure if it was going to set too high for me. That calls for a set ride! Oh yeah, set it up!

I called and talked to James up at McGrath HD in the Quad Cities and set up a set ride for a 2014 Street Glide. So, let me tell ya a little something about McGrath. I have never had such a good time spending such a large amount of money in my whole life. There’s nothing like buying your first HD, and these guys make it a blast. It was such a fun experience. I’ll never forget it. 

My wife and I decide to ride up with our two most solid of homies, Meat and Wildflower. Shout to y’all! I’m pumped. Let’s go. We get there and talk to James. “James, you down for a test ride?” James is down. And we’re out. It’s a little tall for me, but I’m diggin’ it big time! We’re blasting down I-80 on a 2019 Street Glide with two miles on it. Wait. What happened to the 2014? I know, weird right? Anyway, we get back and there’s no doubt I’m buying this brand, spankin’ new Harley. That’s terrifying, but they help mask the terror with good times! 

Dude says, “What’s your favorite song?” Next thing you know Five Finger is blasting out some Blue on Black, and I’m standing smack dab in the middle with my Ol Lady and this brand new, first time in a lifetime, Harley Davidson just gleaming across the showroom ringing this giant bell while getting high fives and handshakes from all the staff and sales people. My best buddies bought me a gremlin bell. We played some dealership poker, then rode home in the rain with the music blasting and the biggest smile on my face. Funnest freaking purchase of my life man. I’ll never forget it.