Into the Wind:
Two-Wheelin' with Harley-Davidson

by Christina Medvescek

A bushy beard hangs down past his collarbone, his bald head is wrapped in a purple bandanna and his face is impassive, almost menacing, behind his wraparound

But instead the crowd mobs him — and he throws up his hands and surrenders. As children in wheelchairs and leg braces clamor to sit on his bike, an angelic smile breaks over his face, and for a fleeting moment he looks just like Santa Claus would look if he carried his wallet on a chain and favored barbed wire tattoos.

Meet a Harley-Davidson rider. Tough as burnt steak on the outside, soft as lemon custard on the inside, especially when it comes to the children served by MDA.

MDA and Harley-Davidson have been best buddies since 1980, when the Milwaukee-based motorcycle company decided to reform the "bad boy" image of bikers by giving them a good cause to go along with their good times. In the 23 years since, Harley-Davidson dealers, riders and H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) chapters have raised nearly $40 million for MDA's programs.

This year, the company that started in a shed on a quiet street in Milwaukee turns 100 years old, and it's asked MDA to be guest of honor at its worldwide party. What follows is a look at some of the gifts Harley-Davidson riders -— secret Santas in black leather — have brought to MDA and the people it serves.

LOS ANGELES
The H.O.G. motto is short and simple: "Ride and have fun." But what if you could combine having fun with doing a good deed like raising money for MDA? Well,

LUBBOCK, TEXAS
Listen… hear that distant rumble? Is it thunder? No — the riders are coming! Last year, H.O.G. chapters roared into 68 MDA summer camps across the country, to the mutual delight of kids and riders alike. (See "Camp Wouldn't Be the Same,") Whether giving sidecar rides, applying temporary tattoos, hosting barbecues or just hoisting kids to sit in the saddle and dream, the H.O.G. riders are always the highlight of the week.

ATLANTA
The Harley-Davidson Open Road Tour, a 14-month birthday bash celebrating the company's 100th anniversary, kick-started in Atlanta in July, moved on to

BOSTON
OK, you can't ride forever. At some point you're going to have to stop, dismount, rub your backside and do something else, like … party. Harley-Davidson events like the Black and Blue Ball (as in black leathers and blue denim), barbecues, picnics, raffles, auctions and motorcycle contests are another way dealers put the fun in fund raising for MDA.

MILWAUKEE
What's it take to be a Harley-Davidson hero? Despite their tough-guy image, the heroes to be honored in the 100th anniversary Parade of Heroes are the tenderhearts who are busting their chaps to raise at least $5,300 (enough for 100 minutes of research) for MDA this year. Two hundred riders will be selected to ride in the Celebration parade in Milwaukee in August.

'Camp Wouldn't Be the Same Without Them' …The kids cheered and waved as my husband and I and about 25 other Harley riders came down the drive of their camp. Once we parked, the kids gathered around. They sat on the motorcycles and we had pictures taken with them…. The camp had a cookout for us and everything was absolutely wonderful.… I would do it again in a heartbeat, if it means making kids and adults with muscular dystrophy happy. Debby Johnson Lake Shore H.O.G. Waukegan, Ill. …Five bikes with sidecars gave all 64 campers rides around the campgrounds.… For about two hours, we just rode and rode. I would make the run around the camp with one person, stop and the next one would get on.… Everyone was laughing, yelling and running. Some of the kids got in line over and over to get four or five rides. Rick Skauge Kettle Moraine H.O.G. New Berlin, Wis. …One little girl remarked she was going to buy her one [motorcycle], and she already had a savings account. She was told that was a start, the hard part was keeping any money after you buy them. Bruce Moss Marion, Ill., H.O.G. chapter Last year we brought the kids lunch (just think about a week of camp food). We stopped at McDonald's and bought 200 Happy Meals. The kids, counselors and H.O.G.s had a ball!… We also brought some goodies like temporary tattoos, scarves, pins or other things to give to the kids. Ray Hart Fort Washington, Md., H.O.G. chapter …There were about 60 or 70 riders there with their bikes, and they gave the campers whose parents had signed a paper a ride in the sidecar.… The thrill of being able to do something that most people would think is impossible for kids in wheelchairs is awesome! Samantha Swearingen, 16 MDA camper Burton, Mich. …When I first met them I was a bit nervous due to not knowing what I was getting into. But when you really get to be with them and ride on their precious "steeds," you figure out that their hearts are as big as the Harleys they ride on.… I've bonded with some of the riders through the years I've attended MDA camp.… Camp wouldn't be the same without them funding or visiting. Gina Neill, 21 MDA camper Hesston, Kan.