Congratulations Atlanta Harley-Davidson for 55 Years Serving the Biker Community
And 55 years ago, Eddie Houghton started selling Harley-Davidson motorcycles in downtown Atlanta. WOW! I was still living “up north” and was only 10 years old. My father owned Harley’s in his youth and much to my delight, around this time in my life he brought home a used Harley panhead.
I was hooked! Now, my little bicycle riding buddies, at the time were going gaga over the big bad Honda 305 Scrambler. Whoopie, I thought, 305cc vs. 1200cc. Bigger is better, so I’ll stick with the “hog.”
When the time came, I bought a brand new, shiny black, 1977 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra-Glide from Karl Kegel at Kegel Harley-Davidson in Rockford, IL. Kegel’s is the world’s oldest Harley-Davidson dealership still in the same family. But that’s another story. Come to think of it, my ’77 was very similar to my current ride, (minus the batwing fairing), a 2007 Harley-Davidson FLHR Road-King … my ‘07 being a completely different and much-improved bike. But they sure do look alike.
Moving to the Atlanta area in October 1985, it wasn’t long before I was looking for a Harley dealership. And what better place than Atlanta Harley-Davidson, I thought. So, I ventured down to the dealership on Sylvan Ave. and met Eddie and his right-hand man at the time, Wayne. What a couple of ‘nice guys.’
As a bonus, they knew what they were talking about! I like that. Then, as now, they base their work ethic on “truth, honesty, and integrity.” That’s the kind of people that I like to deal with. They treat their customers as part of their extended family, and they treat them with respect.
My kinda place to do business!
So now they are celebrating 55 years in business. Eddie, along with co-owner Jeff Eubanks really put on a great 55th-anniversary party. Of course, they couldn’t have done such a good job without the much-needed help from Dondra and Renee. From the time that I pulled into the parking lot, that was quickly loading with Harleys, it was “party” all afternoon.
Again, I like that!
I learned something new that day … that the band “Block Party Atlanta” puts on an awesome show. On stage, off stage, around the stage … they kept on jammin’ with the best classic rock of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. That’s a lot of vintage rock ‘n roll right there, and they continued to rock-out for hours of enjoyment. I hope that you were there, and able to enjoy their sound!
Listening to the music, also gave me lots of time to shop thru all the venders. If anything had to do with motorcycles or motorcycle people, there was a display all set up for my viewing enjoyment. Cigars and campers also joined the crowded parking lot. Our buddy Mark from Creative RV put on a really nice display.
There was plenty of food available all afternoon. And, of course, they offered your choice of cool beverages to help cool us down during that hot afternoon.
And then it happened. “On the Border” took stage … Bam!
It was off to the races, err … racing to dance your butt off to the sounds of the “ultimate Eagles tribute band.” Dancin’ in the streets, parking lots and grassy lawn areas lasted all during the rest of the hot afternoon. Man, they were good!
So now I’m celebrating 34 years of hanging out at Atlanta Harley-Davidson. They know their bikes, service, and accessories. But most of all, they know how to party! So, I’m just gonna keep hanging out and see what comes next. I have a feeling it will be GREAT, whatever happens.
Since we’re breaking heat records here in Atlanta, I gotta go now. My Road King and I like to get out in the mornings and go for a ride. It just gets too darned hot in the late afternoons, so gotta run.
I hope to see and talk with you at an event during this month.
Until next month, “keep your knees in the breeze and stay ridin’ free!”
JP Ramblin’ On
