Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson (R) arrived June 23 on the
National Mall in Washington, DC after riding from the Capitol
in Madison, Wisconsin. The governors ride is in celebration of
Wisconsin's Sesquicentennial and to showcase state pride and the
world renowned Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Displays will be part
of the 1998 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
The Governors trip included stops at state capitols in Springfield,
IL; Columbus, OH; and Harrisburg, PA. Due to problems with a parade
permit for downtown Indianapolis, the meeting with the Governor
of Indiana took place at The Speedway, home of the Indianapolis
500. Participants on the ride were treated to 'a lap around the
track'.
The tour also visited the Motorcycle Heritage Museum and AMA
headquarters in Westerville, OH, and the Harley-Davidson Plant
in York, PA. The last stop on the ride, before the finale on the
Mall, was at the Vietnam Memorial. A somber and reverent group
of bikers paid homage to the names etched on the Black Granite.
Approximately 150 riders left the Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin
and over 250 took part in the ride that concluded at the corner
of Maryland Avenue and Jefferson Drive on the National Mall. The
governor stated how proud he was of the entire group particularly
of the Road Captains who managed to keep the group safe from trouble
caused by traffic hazards. Considering the extremely bad weather,
safety was a factor on many of the riders minds. When the Governor
asked the assembled group would they ride with him again, every
voice in the crowd said yes.
Steve Zimmer of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation presented a plaque
to the Governor on behalf of motorcyclists around the country.
Zimmer said, "This plaque is only a small token of our thanks
for what you do to improve motorcyclists' public relations with
those who don't ride. Your work for Rider Education and Public
Awareness is truly appreciated."
For further information contact Steve Zimmer at 202-546-0983 or
by E-Mail at <steve@mrf.org>
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