They are apparently called hogs. Yet they sound more like lions. And I thought hogs was a synonym for pigs. My surroundings sure have me confused today.
Then I heard mom and dad talking and it all came together. H.O.G. stands for Harley’s Owner Group, which is widely known and respected as the world’s largest motorcycle club. These motorcycles roar loudly like lions. And these “hogs” taking over our city this weekend are not pigs. They are people coming in from all over the world to celebrate the 110th anniversary of Harley-Davidson. They’re coming to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where it all began. They’re coming home.
I have to admit, these motorcycle contraptions appear to be a lot of fun. They are loud, fast, and no two bikes look alike. Beyond that, their owners are incredibly passionate about all things Harley. And I know dogs are learning how to drive cars in Australia, so I’m not sure what that means for our future in motorcycles.
I don’t suppose it matters all that much, especially with a little person on the way. But all of this noise got me to thinking about noise in our lives. It can be actual noise, like the constant roaring I am hearing outside my forever home tonight. Or it can be figurative noise, like when our brains can’t focus because there is simply too much happening in our minds. I think mom has this kind of noise in her head at night sometimes when she can’t sleep.
Being still amidst the noise isn’t always easy to do and yet I think that makes it even more important. The noise around the neighborhood tonight reminds me of the importance of pawsing to be still. Quiet. Peaceful.
“See how nature – trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence,” suggested Mother Teresa. “We need silence to be able to touch souls.”
This is not to say there is anything wrong with enjoying the roar of motorcycle horsepower. In fact, I know some Harley lovers who would argue the sound is one of the most important markers of a Harley compared to other motorcycles. But those moments in between the noise are special too. I think these moments of silence amidst the noise are a big part of what this anniversary celebration is really about – passion. History. Culture.
They might be called hogs and roar like lions but they sure have a whole lot of heart. Welcome home.
Wiley's Wisdom 
I am afraid of motorcycles. I usually yell at them when they go by. Most of the rest of the time I am quiet. Mom loves TV, so it’s rarely quiet around here. For about 15 minutes a day, she shuts the television for meditating. I help her with that by leaning against her. But she says NO LICKING. Apparently, that’s a meditation rule….
Love and licks,
Cupcake
No licking during mediation? How on Earth do you survive those 15 minutes, dear Cupcake? Good thing we have our moments of selflessness, otherwise that would be a real struggle. 😉
Lots of love,
Wiles
I don’t like this rolling noisemakers, they are scary :o) But my dad is a fan of this bike-thingies and he would like to see this event. have a grea weekend, Wiley. I think we better walk on 4 paws than on two wheels :o)
I think you’re right about us being better on four paws than on two wheels. Though I do like being in four wheels. 😉
Ah, Wyles, you have to experience being at an Indy 500 – the four wheel version of what you’re experiencing this weekend. Now that is LOUD! Find the moments between. Love HuntMode
I love being at the racetrack! Every September I go with my people to something called the “runoffs” at Road America….hey, that’s coming up! Thanks for the reminder. 😉
-Wyles