I’ve always been a sport bike guy. I was completely oblivious to the joys of riding a Harley-Davidson^® motorcycle until the PROFIT Ride weekend. Usually after a few hours on my sport bike, I get twitchy nerves, a sore back, and I’m exhausted. But after six or seven hours on a Harley^® bike in the bitter cold and pouring rain, I was ready for more. The Fat Bob^® bike was great, but I think the most emblematic Harley^® ride is the Heritage Softail™ model, soon to be the new addition to my collection.

The business insight and networking this weekend was overwhelming. Trust and chemistry are hard to come by in business, as is true passion. Many of us choose to compromise doing what we love in favour of what pays the bills. It’s quite clear that the Deeley Harley-Davidson^® Canada team loves the sport, loves the riders, and loves the bikes. The lessons learned are as much about life as they are about work.

One goes through life with some dreams and aspirations that you begin to think may never be realized... then along comes the opportunity of a lifetime! Dream: ride a Harley Davidson^® motorcycle; dream: visit Niagara Falls on a motorcycle; dream: share your business ideas with the successful CEOs of major companies.

It’s amazing how one weekend and a whole lot of luck can fulfil your dreams! The PROFIT Ride was a weekend of exhilaration, laughter, camaraderie, and of the fulfilment of many dreams! What I learned is that owning a Harley-Davidson^® motorcycle isn’t about owning a bike, it is about a lifestyle. I had the pleasure of riding eight different Harley^® bikes, and each one had its own unique and sensory stimulating lifestyle experience. Who says that you can’t mix business and pleasure anyway?

A dream fulfilled. For me, Harley-Davidson^® has always meant serious motorcycle riding. To have the opportunity to hop on a traditional Heritage Softail™ Classic bike and then switch it up to the FLHX Street Glide^® model delivered an enjoyable comparison. Comfort, manoeuvrability, and balance provided me with a unique Harley-Davidson^® riding experience. I came to appreciate why Harley-Davidson^® is known for delivering quality, performance, and sophistication (self-cancelling turn signals, as an example). But it was combining the essence of motorcycling and business discussions with Deeley Harley-Davidson^® Canada executives that exceeded all of my expectations. Getting a glimpse of what really makes the Harley-Davidson^® Brand so successful in Canada has helped me to understand the power and prestige of this iconic Brand better. Clearly, there is truth in the statement, “It’s more than just about motorcycles – it’s about creating and living the dream”. It’s a dream I hope to enjoy for many years.