Harley Davidson rally brings bikers into town

BOWLING GREEN Ky.- Motorcyclists from all over the country are gathering at the Beech Bend raceway, for the Harley Davidson Summer Shootout and Drag Race.

The event brings riders together from Bowling Green as well as other places. Rider Joe Perry came to the Bluegrass state from Kingsport, Tenn., all to show his passion for riding.

“I watched the pioneers of this sport like Jim McClure, Ray Price in their 60s and 70s riding thousand horsepower nitro bikes, and I always told myself, ‘if I can stay healthy, I should be able to street ride till I’m 90,’” Perry said.

Perry said he feels like he hasn’t aged a bit when he’s on his bike.

“Always tweaking on the bike and everything, I feel like that’s what keeps me young. A man has to have a passion,” Perry said.

For some, riding is a hobby. For others, it’s a way of life.

Rider Jeff Gregory said there’s no feeling like jumping on his bike and revving down the roads.

“It’s freedom, like a bird when you’re flying. You’re there, you have the wind in your face, the sun to your back. It’s therapy,” Gregory said.

Events like this introduce bikers to the public.

“We all ride for good causes (such as) charities, the teddy bear run, veteran runs, stuff like that. It’s all a good life,” Gregory said.

Gregory said the experience and freedom of biking is something unique to itself.

“With this, you have the freedom of the air, the view, everything. Sometimes, it’s explainable,” Gregory said.