Harleys on Alki: HOGging the road, in a New Year’s tradition

What a New Year’s Day along the West Seattle shore. First the Polar Bear Swim (see below), then the Seattle HOG (Harley Owners’ Group) taking off from Don Armeni on their annual “Chilly Buns Run” to Federal Way:

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The cheering section outside the Alki Tavern was a nice touch.

Aidan Hadley January 2, 2008 (12:15 am)

Just what Alki needs….more thunderous, loud-pipe motorcycles. Some of us would prefer to be able to walk along the waterfront in peace.

acemotel January 2, 2008 (12:55 am)

Alki is growing. There are more people, more vehicles, more restaurants and more bars. There are more people out at night and during the day enjoying themselves in all seasons. Alki Beach is a public park and it is open to everyone. Alki Avenue is a public road open to everyone. Deal with it.

GenHillOne January 2, 2008 (6:45 am)

Pretty impressive – 138?? I’ll take the roar of a Harley over a bass thumping to the point of distortion any day! What was with the couple of sports bikes sneaking in there? Blasphemous ;)

bj January 2, 2008 (8:16 am)

I was wondering, who pays for the police motorcycle escort they had?

Todd in Westwood/S.Delridge January 2, 2008 (4:02 pm)

The motorcycling group that I belong to puts on a ride for vintage/cafe racers/ and scooters in June called Mods and Rockers. It is a yearly ride to remember the riots in England in the 60s between the working class motorcycling “Rockers” on their cafe’d out Triumphs and BSAs and the young hip “Mods” (modern) on fancy Lambretta or Vespa scooters.
Last two years we took over the Alki Tavern with 120 plus vintage bikes and scoots. Sure made the Harley crowd confused. :)

TheVelvetBulldog January 2, 2008 (9:03 pm)

Todd – I’d like to know more about Mods and Rockers. Are Vinos allowed??

Todd in Westwood/S.Delridge January 2, 2008 (10:09 pm)

Sure. Any and all. Even the Moped club, The Mosquito Fleet makes the ride.
read on:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mods_and_rockers

pics 2007:
http://scoot.net/gallery/2007/06/modsvsrockersseattle/

Near Alki January 3, 2008 (12:57 pm)

BJ…You don’t really think “your” tax dollar is paying for cops to escort bikers…do you? No, “your” tax dollar is put to better use…like painting a bicycle on the roadway every 100′ from Alki to Lincoln park ;)

Also, it should be pointed out HOG and their members generously support a great number of charities…Chilly Buns is just another one of those charity rides.

WSB January 3, 2008 (3:01 pm)

BJ, I am 99.9999999999999999 percent sure those fees are paid by event organizers but am checking with the SW Precinct to be sure my assumption is correct.