Milwaukee turned into party city for Harley-Davidson's 115th-anniversary celebrations

Harley-Davidson's has had a roller coaster few years, but 2018 is also a special one for the company, after all, it's not everyday that you get to celebrate 115 years of American-built bikes. Plus, the brand has some fences to set straight after all the—rather undeserved—POTUS drama of late. But nothing brings people together quite like a good party.

PARTY: US built Harley Electric Bike Shown in Production Skin

After the massive Prague event in July, it was the Motor Company's hometown's turn to show the world how Americans get their groove on. The streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin hosted riders from all over the world for a long weekend party that kicked off on Wednesday and went on till the wee hours on Sunday.

While countless live music acts brought the city to life, the State known for its love of alcohol put on a beer, whiskey, and octane filled bash like no other.

It all started with Wednesday's kickoff party and carnival featuring, among other things: dyno drags, a wall of death, helicopter rides, a bungee catapult, a mechanical riding bull bike, a 60-foot ferris wheel, a motorcycle high wire act, and a gnarly Globe of Death.

Then on Friday and Saturday we got to witness bikes ripping down the sandy shores of Lake Michigan during Beach Brawl. A not to be missed experience, it's been a 100 years since the last time one of these races took place.

Meanwhile, indoors at the Panther Arena, flat track racers were out for Flat Out Friday. There was even a street party before the racing began.

For those wondering how their bike would do on a drag strip, Harley-Davidson was hosting a Run What You Brung event at the Great Lakes Dragaway.

Saturday's hillclimb saw riders and bikes going near vertical on the Little Switzerland ski hill as they competed on time and distance. Oh yea, an $8,500 purse was on offer to the victors.

In addition to all this, Harley 115 festival attendees had opportunities to checkout the H-D Museum, go on factory tours, visit the iconic Juneau Avenue headquarters of the MoCo, ride in Sunday's parade, and do so much more.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary was Harley Owners Group during the week's festivities.

LIKE IT'S: Harley-Davidson F-150 Making a Comeback

Even our bossman Kanishka hit the festivities to soak up some black and orange ambiance and got a peek at Harley's long-coming electric model, the LiveWire. Words alone cannot describe the event so here's a look at all the awesome that happened over the weekend.

1903: Harley Wants You to Crack Open a Cold 115th Anniversary Beer

These guys sure didn't mind going in circles. Or should we say, in a sphere?
Look ma', no hands!
I feel a breeze. I think.
Here's a new #FollowFriday for you: Flat out Friday at the Panther Area indoor flat track course.
Two wheels optional—who said you can't finish a race in style?
Betcha he's got a powerbomb with your name on it if he catches you!
Best seats in the house for the hillclimb.
Some oldies but goodies, with appropriate mud livery.
A quiet Harley for once—the Livewire made an appearance at the Sunday parade.
Smoke makes everything look extra-cool.

Photos: Darren Hauck/AP Images for Harley-Davidson

Top comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
Comment!
Got a tip for us? Email: tips@rideapart.com