Page 161 - A Life - my Live - my path

Harley-Davidson trips

The 1953 film "The Wild One" starring Marlon
Brando completed the picture, and the legend of bad
boys on Harley-Davidsons was born.
The new management team set itself the goal of
transforming Harley-Davidson from a "bad boy"
brand into a "family" brand. They therefore decided
to stop sponsoring gatherings which, for example,
continued to promote attractions - as was customary
- such as the election of woman with the largest
breasts.
In 2006, I took part in the 1st gathering
organized by Harley-Davidson Europe. Over 7,000
aficionados gathered at Port Grimaud in the Gulf of
Saint-Tropez. We went with 5 motorcycles. Harley-

Davidsons were on every road from Port Grimaud to
Sainte-Maxime. From 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 a.m. the
next day, the characteristic sound of Harley-
Davidsons echoed through the air. Shopkeepers were
delighted. For 3 days, not a slightest complaint.
When we went into the village built for the event, the
spectacle was imposing giant stages on the beach,
dozens of stalls, but the most remarkable thing was
to see so many couples with children. Dad on a
motorcycle would take the little boy as his passenger,
and Mom on a motorcycle would take the little girl as
her passenger.
Harley-Davidson's new management team had
undoubtedly succeeded in its gamble.

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