Bakersfield Harley-Davidson Blog

Bakersfield Harley-Davidson had the honor of being one starting point for the Healing Wall escort.  About 55 bikes staged here.  BHD supplied coffee and our very own Scott and Katie O’Neil supplies donuts and took these pics. 

“I was in Tehachapi when they arrived and it was very clear to me that they picked up several more motorcycles along the way.  The precession of bikes coming over the freeway seemed to never end.”

The group departed Tehachapi 120 motorcycles strong with a CHP escort.  We were treated to a fly over by the Kern County Fire Department’s Huey Chopper.  Six Bakersfield Police Officers joined the escort at Weedpatch Hwy all riding their Harleys.

A large crowd, waiving and cheering, met us as we pulled into Stramler Park.  This same group of volunteer riders set up the Wall and opened the traveling museum.

The Wall that Heals made it to Bakersfield safely and arrived in style thanks to the selfless community of riders.  Thank you all so much for being a part of this honorable event.  We’ll be disassembling the wall and escorting it for a part of the next leg of it’s ongoing journey Monday March 8, 2010 begining 8:00am.  With respect, Ben P.

Click below for more pictures!

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The Wall That Heals is replica of the Viet Nam Memorial Wall in Washington DC.  This is an opportunity for you to share in the experience of the Wall even if you are unable to journey to the Nation’s Capital. 

The official event will begin in Tehachapi, CA with an escorted ride to accompany the traveling tribute on the last leg of its journey to Bakersfield’s Stramler Park.  Sign in for the escorted ride begins: 9:00am at Holiday Inn Express, 901 Capital Hills Parkway, Tehachapi, CA, and the Escort Ride begins: 11:00

Participation in the Escorted Ride requires a$15 Donation which covers:  the ride, Event Pin, Assembly of the Wall and BBQ Dinner.  The funds collected will go to defray the cost of bringing the Wall to Bakersfield.

Please join us in saying thanks and honor our fallen American heroes from the Viet Nam war by participating in this event.

We have been asked whether there will also be an organized group ride  from Bakersfield HD to Tehachapi to meet up with the Escorted “Wall That Heals Ride.”  Well, the answer is yes.  Here is the information you need.

Date:  Wed March 3rd

Stage at:  Bakersfield HD

Time: 8:00 am to 8:45 am

Rider Meeting: 8:45 am

Kick Stands up:  9:00 am sharp to Tehachapi.

Coffee and donuts will be provided at Bakersfield HD.

Scott, Don. 

update:  Sandy and Gary lead nearly 75 motorcycles and 100 riders on a successful ride to the fairgrounds.  The weather is cool and clear, fantastic for riding.  Thanks guys and gals, Scott

Wounded Heroes Event.  Staged at Bakersfield Harley-Davidson 10:00 to 10:45 am.  The group ride departed at 10:45 for the Kern County Fairgrounds where Local Heroes are honored.  This is our 2nd annual Wounded Heroes Ride and we thank those who participated.  Guest speakers included Congressman Kevin McCarthy, KGET TV’s Jim Scott and music by Von Cotton.  $20 donations covered tri tip lunch, all programs and activities.  We’re asking you continue to help provide assistance for our wounded service members.  Scott and Ben. 

When the first customers starting strolling through the doors of Bakersfield Harley-Davidson this morning they were still laughing at some of the scenes in Wild Hogs.  I cannot tell you how many people came up to us and thanked us for putting on such a great event.  But the real people that need to be thanked is everyone that participated.  Without your enthusiasm the event would not have been as great as it was.

The Wild Hogs Movie Night was honestly one of the best times I have had in a long time.  Good ride in good weather with great people to see a darn funny movie.

The motorclothes department did an incredible job of decorating the showroom in a movie theme complete with Milk Duds, Jujy Fruits, Snowcaps and popcorn.  It really set the mood for the evening.
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On Sunday, Dec 3^rd The Hudnall Memorial Ride took place leaving Bakersfield Harley-Davidson benefiting the family of Kern County Sheriff’s Deputy Joe Hudnall, who died in the line of duty on November 14^th. Hundreds of bikes left at 11:30 am heading to Chuy’s restaurant on Rosedale.

“Incredible” is the only word I could use to describe the turnout of motorcycles for the Ride. Each Rider donated $20 each with proceeds to go to the family as they try to cope during this hardship.  Seeing the children of Deputy Hudnall really hit home with me and left a lump in my throat.

John Mason of the H.O.G. group knew him well and stated to me, “he is one of the greatest guys you’ll ever want to meet”. We at Bakersfield Harley-Davidson were thankful to be able to facilitate this event for such a good cause.

Bikers come from all backgrounds and different views but the strength of the biker in my opinion comes out when we rally together for great causes such as this.

Pictures to follow…
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On the morning of Sunday, November 19^th our local HOG chapter organized the last breakfast ride of the year. When I left my house in the morning it was cold and foggy with temperatures in the low 40’s. I figured it would be a low turnout (boy was I wrong).

Imagine my surprise when I pulled into the Chevron 20 minutes early and the lot was packed with bikes! In fact according to Bakersfield HOG Director Bob Courtney there were 68 bikes, a breakfast ride record!

We were headed to the Cook Shack up in Alta Sierra an approximately 1 ½ hour ride and what a beautiful ride it was.

The fog was pretty thick when we headed out. We took the China Grade Loop to Alfred Harrell Hwy through Hart Park. The fog disappeared completely about the time we reached the Rio Bravo Golf Course. From there we headed up the 178 through the canyon that was really spectacular as always. From there we hit Wofford Heights and up a short windy road up to Alta Sierra.

When we arrived at the Cook Shack it was cool but eventually would end up sunny and beautiful. We couldn’t have asked for a better day and

Thanks to Bobby, Budd and the rest of the HOG group who planned this unforgettable ride and the Cook Shack who provided us with a great venue.

Special thanks to Don Oldaker for the great pictures, which follow…

 
Join us on October 21st, on Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s California Dream Ride to benefit Operation Homefront.  Bakersfield Harley-Davidson is proud to be one of only six starting locations on what should be an incredible ride for a worthy cause.

We will be leaving at 9:30 sharp the morning of October 21st and riding to historic Cook’s Corner.  There will be live music by Michael John and the Bottom Line, BBQ and special guests such as Tom Arnold.  The event will run from 12:30pm to 4:00pm at Cooks Corner and a donation of $15 is suggested.

You can pre-register now at www.cadreamride.com and the first 800 to register will receive a free gift or you can register at Bakersfield Harley-Davidson the day of the event on October 21st starting at 8am.  For more information contact us at (661) 325-3644.