Member story: Perry Givens
“A motorcycle is not just a two-wheeled car; it is a machine for living, a way of being. It changes the way you look at the world and the way the world looks at you.” – Robert M. Pirsig
This quote perfectly sums up the sentiment of my father, Perry Givens, a Harley-Davidson enthusiast who, after retiring to Florida, found a new sense of contentment in traveling the U.S. solo on his 2020 Ultra Limited Red Firefighter Edition he dubbed “Ginger.” As his son, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing his passion and adventures firsthand and have always been deeply inspired by his appetite to wander.
Dad worked at an aluminum smelter in Kentucky for more than 40 years. Growing up, what I remember most about him was his almost insatiable need to get out and explore. This hunger for the road started small, taking short trips around home. But soon he was planning longer trips and traveling to other states.
Despite his long hours and hard work, I can remember all the planning and researching, the conversations, the maps strewn across tables. I can’t imagine all the hours he spent looking into the best routes, accommodations, and must-see places to visit. All to make the most of the few weeks of vacation a year spent on the road with others. He has even maintained, to this day, a large wall-mounted U.S. road map highlighting the routes of his amassed bike travels, which cover all 50 states.
Just like real hunger, the hunger for the road had to be fed and has yet to be hungry ever since. I don’t think I can sit here now and think of a single major place of interest, national park or famous roadside attraction that he hasn’t seen. He racked up 100,000 miles on his latest bike before the warranty was up and has accumulated 600,000 documented miles as a H.O.G. Member.
But it’s not just the travel itself that has brought my father happiness. He also loves the community of fellow Harley-Davidson enthusiasts he has met through his participation in the local Daytona Beach H.O.G. Chapter. They share a common love for the brand and the lifestyle, and he has already formed many close friendships through these shared experiences; he also loves taking part in H.O.G. challenges, rides and contests.
Out on the road, he has found this Harley spirit to be reflected by H-D dealers, who have always gone above and beyond to help him get sorted quickly with oil changes, new tires and other maintenance, so he’s not held up on his travels.
As his son, I couldn’t be happier to see my father so content and fulfilled in his retirement. He has always been a hard worker and a dedicated father, but now he finally has the time to pursue his true passion. Watching him travel the country and make new memories is truly a joy for me. He often shares his travel stories and photos with me, and I can see the excitement in his eyes as he talks about his adventures.
First published in Vol. 107 Issue 01 of The Enthusiast®.
Etiquetas:
