A Strange Day in Harley Davidson History

Harley Davidson bikes have long since made an indelible impression on preferred culture. There's a unique sense of freedom that these bikes provide and that is why so many of us have a love and fondness for "biker culture". Sadly , many of us have a negative opinion on bikers and this negative opinion can be traced back to one single event in 1947. Or, more accurately, the negative opinion can be traced back to the ott, wrong reporting of the event.

So, let's turn back the event.

So, let's turn back the clock in 1947 that changed the public's perception forever towards folk who love Harley Davidson bikes...

The Hollister Riot

The event has become called the Hollister Riot and it occurred on July, fourth 1947 in Hollister, CA. The event was a motorcycle rally that featured 4,000 members of the Yankee Motorbike organisation. Bike rallies had become popular in the post World War 2 time as more men were taking up the pastime of group motorcycle riding. In this example, the crowd organized to celebrate the Yankee vacation. But why did motorbike clubs become so popular?

The recognition of Harley Davidson

There were a range of reasons why motorbike riding became popular. Obviously, they are fun to ride and offer a different experience than riding in an auto. Most significantly, Harley Davidson produced excellent bikes that handled well on the road. This assisted in promoting their appeal in the marketplace. Also, Harley Davidson bikes had developed a unique, adventurous image over the previous decades. During World War I, many Harley Davidson bikes were shipped overseas to be used in combat scenarios. This forgotten piece of history helped in adding to the brave image these cycles achieved. All of these factors contributed to the growing popularity of the cycles and more and more folks started to purchase them.

The Harley Davidson myth

This led to a weird parable that circulated in the late 1940's about Harley Davidson motorbikes and the lads who enjoyed riding the cycles. This myth was the concept that the majority of the folks forming motorcycle clubs were lonely, dissatisfied men who rode the highways looking for their niche in the globe. While it is possible that a certain percentage of riders embodied such a delinquent image, the overwhelming majority were simply having a great time. However, stereotypes persisted and the Hollister Riots established the very negative (albeit) inaccurate opinion of such riders.

Really, there were no riots that occurred during the event. The main problem was lack of planning. The four thousand folks who showed up for the rally were much more than what was at first predicted. This led to disorganisation and overcrowding which, in turn, led to a little rowdiness, bladdered behavior and plenty of reckless motorbike racing. Sadly , the news media reported tales of biker's trashing the city, causing riots and committing acts of violence. Such exaggerations were incredibly incorrect but the damage from the reporting was done. It led to a stereotype of Harley Davidson motorcycle owners which permeates to a certain degree to this very day. So, for better or bad, the Hollister Riots were a major defining moment in Harley Davidson history.
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About The Author:
Jack might be an escaped lunatic with an infatuation for anything Harley Davidson. Check out the Harley Davidson forums for more Harley Davidson fans.

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Title:	A Strange Day in Harley Davidson History
Author:	Jack Travers
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A Strange Day in Harley Davidson History