Harley Davidson- "Have a heart ride"

Hi everyone -
In my last post I had photos from last Saturday when I was invited to come down and do chair massages at the local Suburban Harley Davidson dealership here in town at the "4th annual Have a Heart" ride which raised money for the Cardiovascular Center at the  Medical College of Wisconsin. 


(here's the link on MCW's page - http://www.mcw.edu/cvc/partnersevents/HaveaHeartMotorcycleRide.htm#.T9o4sBf2aSo)

As I had briefly alluded to - both here and on facebook - I was first contacted on 6/7/2012 by the activities director of the local Harley Owner's Group (HOG) who was wondering if I would be interested in coming down to the event ("post-event" to be really technical) and offer chair massages - as it would be a great way to get my name out among the community - as I'm a new business in Thiensville. As everyone knows - I immediately said "yes" and frantically got to work to get prepared for the event - which happened to be 48 hours later!

After spending Thursday afternoon/all day Friday preparing for the event - including last minute shopping to make sure I had all the supplies needed - Saturday finally rolled around.

I headed down Saturday afternoon, arriving about 40 minutes before the riders were to return to Thiensville - they had started out in Menomonee Falls in the morning and were ending their ride at Suburban-Harley Thiensville. After getting some directions and checking in with one of the individuals in charge of the event - I got to work setting up (with dad's help of course!).  Everyone was so nice and helpful - and gave me the choice of if I wanted to set up inside or outdoors.

As the weather was *so* nice (it was pushing 90 degrees) - I chose to set up outside - in a little corner of the huge tent that was set up on the grounds - knowing that it would be a smarter move to be outdoors instead of inside as I have a greater access to the riders.

After setting getting everything set up - it was just a matter of time before the riders would return - which meant it was a little bit of a nervous waiting game for me.

But - I didn't have to worry - precisely at 1pm, the distinctive rumble of the Harley's could be heard as they thundered their way down Main Street and pulled into the parking lot. I must admit - there is something almost.. magical...(though awe-inspiring would probably be the better word) and the feeling of great anticipation spotting/hearing the first Harley Riders coming in, and seeing them for the first time.

Once all of the riders had parked - they went for lunch (on site food truck) and to chat with their fellow riders. As a non-Harley rider, it was interesting just watching the fellow riders interact with one another - swapping stories or catching up - was fun to listen to!


It wasn't long before people started signing up for chair massages - and I immediately got to work.  I kept the chair massages short - as they were starting to become popular - and also because of the heat as well. 


Throughout the afternoon - there were many different activities going on. Two different bands performed - providing musical entertainment for the afternoon. There was also a raffle and prize drawing which helped raise money for the cardiovascular center. All in all - it was a busy afternoon!


Soon 4:30pm rolled around - and it was time for me to head out for the day - knowing that the day had been a success. I accomplished a few goals that I had set out for myself - the main being using this opportunity to get my name out among the community, spreading the word that I was a new business starting out.  


Also - at the end of the day - I decided that I am definitely doing this event again next year!  I had such a great time there and got such a positive response from the riders who were glad that I was there offering chair massages!

Well - that about sums it all up about my experiences at the 4th annual "Have a Heart" ride at Suburban Harley Davidson. I had a great time and am  already getting ideas for working at next year's ride!

I also want to extend my thanks to Suburban Harley Davidson as well as the members of the local HOG (Harley Owner's Group) for inviting me to come down and who gave me the opportunity to allow me to get my name out. Allowing me to work at the ride was greatly appreciated!

Hope that everyone had a fun reading/seeing all about my experiences at the ride!

Thanks again - and have a great day!
Amanda@Phoenixrisingmx