1. When, where and what did you learn to ride?

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I grew up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and obtained my bike license when I was sixteen, before helmets were mandatory. Initially, I rode a Yamaha 50cc, and then progressed to the “big” bikes of that era, namely Matchless, BSA, Triumph & Norton. Prior to 1976, all British bikes were manufactured with the gear lever on the right, and the brakes on the left, so all my bikes were right hand gear!

 

2. When and why did you buy your first Harley Davidson?

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We had different priorities whilst our children were growing up, and riding was very much on the backburner. In 2003, our youngest child graduated from university, and it was time !

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I love the sound & traditional look of Harleys, so it was very difficult for me to walk past the old dealership in the Gateway circle, on the way to Primi Piatti. In 2004, we were walking past & a Dyna Wide Glide caught my eye. Unfortunately, it was sold & Theo, the salesman, talked me into ordering a 1200 Custom.

 

I really enjoyed that bike (the last with a carburettor) for commuting about town, but it was not suitable for touring, and I wanted my wife, Fiona, to enjoy riding with me.

The dealership, in those days, was proactive, and opened on Sundays, for the weekly ride. They provided free coffee, and of course you could shop !

 

I remember our first ride; before 8 o’clock in the morning, Fiona had bought a riding jacket at R5k (then !!), & on our return from the breakfast run (about 180kms), ordered a comfort seat (another R5k !). It was an expensive day out of the office !

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Thereafter, I upgraded to various Electra Glides, with all the comforts of home, and ideal for touring. I have had different models, ranging from an 88 cubic inch (ci), to a CVO 110 ci & currently, a CVO 114 ci.

To us, it is about the camaraderie, the fellowship and the journey, not necessarily, the technical characteristics of the bike !

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3. What has been your most memorable ride?

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We have been privileged to ride all over the world, and some of our trips have included :-

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- Route 66 US

- Sturgis US (twice)

- Daytona, Florida Keys, New Orleans, Miami

- New Zealand – Coromandel Peninsula (North Island), South Island, including Queenstown, Franz Josef Glacier etc

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