DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Jeff Down By The Minnesota River
"This motorcycle, I have dreamed of for 10 years. This is the one I always pictured myself on."
- The Ride
- The Driver: Jeff
- Car in Question: 2007 Harley-Davidson Road Glide
- Spotted at: Minnesota River, St. Peter, MN 56082
- Odometer: 22,000
- Car's Nickname: My Girlfriend, My Mistress
THE DEFENSE
Q: Great motorcycle! Classic and classy. When and where did you buy it?
A: Back in 2007. Harley-Davidson in Mankato.
Q: Is this the first motorcycle you've owned?
A: No, I owned two or three others, but that was long before I had kids. I always liked Harley-Davidson because they were American made. I liked the design of this motorcycle--always pictured myself on this bike.
Q: So why buy one now? Was the timing just right?
A: I have time to ride the motorcycle. I didn't have time before. I decided that I could have time to ride it.
Q: What is your bike's main use?
A: Joy rides--about an hour and a half to two hour trips.
Q: What is your favorite part about your bike?
A: I think it's my skull on the side of my air-breather that my wife and kids gave me.
Q: What is your least favorite part?
A: The seat. I plan on getting a new one.
Q: Have you gone on any road trips on this bike?
A: The Black Hills. I went to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and back down through Michigan and took the ferry back through Wisconsin. About a 2,000 miles road trip in five days and just small rides after that. I like the Black Hills, but for short rides around here, I like to go to New Ulm and St. Peter up to Carver in the designated scenic routes down by the river.
Q: Sounds liberating! What about a nickname for your bike?
A: My girlfriend, my mistress. That's what I call her. Either one.
Q: If your bike had a personality, what kind of personality would it have?
A: My bike would have a fun-loving personality.
Q: Do you have a favorite memory?
A: I think it was two years ago. Me and a friend took off and rode the Mississippi in the fall, taking off during the middle of the week and riding the Mississippi down.
Q: What about a dream bike, if money were no object?
A: I keep looking around and since I keep looking, I like the one I have. This one I have dreamed of for 10 years. This is the one I always pictured myself on. Until I find something that tricks my trigger and makes me smile, I'm going to stick with this one.
Photos and interview by Kelly Miller
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