Puerto Vallarta Lifestyles Magazine   Order by Amex   Order by Check   Articles   Profiles   Search

Easy rider by Craig Caughlan winter-spring/2000 I had all kinds of clichés in mind before I turned the key: boys and their toys (what’s a middle-aged geezer like me doing here?); something sexual as in hot, throbbing steel between your legs and your woman’s arms wrapped tightly around; envious eyes peering from the roadside. Sigh… Surprise! They’re all true thanks to Harley-Davidson and the Iron Stallion Motorcyle Club headquartered at The American Legend Tavern, downtown Puerto Vallarta. The occasion was an invitation from Larry Price, partner and Director of Tour Operations to join him and two other couples on their Harley rentals for one of several half-day rides they offer. Larry, retired from the US Army, who hails from West Virginia and has been riding since 13 years of age had his dream come true when he hooked up with Barry Cohen a year ago to offer Harley rentals. (I think that was only part of his dream, the other had to be in hooking up with his Mexican beauty, Lara.) To be sure, you have to have had some riding experience behind you before they cut you loose on one of these babies. Larry confirms that beforehand in an interview, where you have to present a valid driver’s license (he may overlook the punchouts, staple marks, the red x’s, and the badly-taped photo) and sign an insurance form. Depending on whether you’re alone and the level of comfort you and your passenger want, you can choose from one of their six big twins or from one of their four Sportster- class, late-model and well-maintained bikes. Mine was their loudest Sportster, you know the type, the ones that set off your car alarm. Love those pipes. We took what they call their South Ride: two hours south down the coast and inland to a point about 25 kilometers past El Tuito, with some sightseeing stops and a descanso at the Altamira Hacienda in El Tuito. Needless to say, it’s a great way to experience the Bahía de Banderas and surrounds, and I had one heckuva’ good time. The American Legend offers other half-day rides to the north and longer full-day rides. Larry is presently expanding to offer custom rides and overniters, up to 3-5 days and 700 miles, to take advantage of the growing interest of Mexico as a riding destination. Three years ago there were about eight Harleys in PV, now, not including the rental bikes, it’s become hog heaven with about thirty. The Iron Stallion Club has about 45 members, with some members from the U.S., England and Ireland. There are clubs throughout Mexico that sponsor rides, one of the largest being in Mazatlan where 2,000 bikes gather every May. Particularly active are several clubs in Guadalajara. With this interest has also come maintenance and parts support so that in a worst-case scenario you and your bike aren’t stuck waiting for the sun to rise in the west. Check it out! Tel: (3) 222-2400, Fax: 222-5451 www.americanlegend.com.mx or Prices start at US$110

Back | Top of Page | Home | Free Newsletter | Search | Help | Tell a Friend

m3 © Producciones ViVa