Rumbling Begins Around Milwaukee

Rider's Ranch Starting To Fill Up

Thousands of Harley riders from all over the world are in Milwaukee to celebrate Harley-Davidson's 100th anniversary birthday bash and thousands more are on their way.

The four groups of riders from across the country "heading home" are getting closer and closer. They will be in the following locations Monday night:

• From Portland, Ore.: Sioux Falls, S.D.
• From: Las Vegas: Kansas City, Mo.
• From: Baton Rouge, La.: Indianapolis, Ind.
• From: Washington, D.C.: Dearborn, Mich.

All should arrive in Milwaukee Wednesday.

Some Harley lovers are already in town from as far away as Sweden.

"We are planning this for five years in Sweden. We are 16 motorcycles and 22 persons," said Swedish rider Leffe

Leffe said the best part of the trip so far has been "everything."

Parking

If you're heading downtown Milwaukee, you might want to pay attention to some new parking signs.

The Department of Public Works posted more than a 1,000 signs specifically designed for Harley riders.

They say, "cycles only" Tuesday through Sunday from 6 a.m. until 2 a.m. The DPW is also outlining the seven bridges crossing the Milwaukee River in orange lights.

Rider's Ranch

The official party doesn't start until Wednesday, but dozens upon dozens of RVs and campers are making their way to the Waukesha County Expo Center.

They'll camp at what's being called Rider's Ranch (pictured, left). The fairgrounds have transformed into a full operational village, complete with entertainment, shopping, restaurants and a spa.

Rows of Harleys are already parked in front of the arena.

The Rider's Ranch party could provide a little competition for the main bash on Milwaukee's lakefront.

Live music and the Globe of Death, a metal sphere which motorcycles race around, are on the ticket.

Previous Story:

• August 21, 2003: Thompson Kicks Off Harley 'Ride Home' From Washington

Copyright 2003 by Channel4000.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.