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In truth, the parade began at the State Fair
grounds, about ten miles west of the downtown area. There were a number of
people stationed on overpasses, and ramps with signs or just waving hands,
as the bikers took the ten mile trip down the blocked off freeway. Still,
for most observers, this is where the start was, the freeway off ramp at
the western end of downtown.
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People line the streets, all the way up to the ramp.
Part of the freeway overpass system can be seen here. Many of the bikers decided
to watch, rather than ride in the parade, their bikes are lined up behind
the spectators.
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Spectators are not the only bikers on the scene.
Traffic officers of the Milwaukee Police Department are kept very busy controlling
the crowds, blocking off streets, and channeling the visiting celebrants.
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Crowds on the freeway ramp meet crowds of spectators
alongside the ramp. The scene was very crowded and noisy.
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People jam the sidewalks, and the streets when they
can get away with it. Police are stationed to protect the bikers from the
affections of the crowd.
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On and on they come. The ramp was full of bikes
for several hours. Thousands wished to ride in the parade, tens of thousands
lined the streets to watch.
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Police and sheriffs are stationed on the ramp to
keep spectators and vehicles from impeding the already slow progress of the
procession. The freeway is closed for the duration.
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More lonely guardians stand their vigil. These officers
are stationed at various parts of the parade route, but are particularly concentrated
at the ramp.
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A block or so down from the ramp, and the parade
is still just getting started. we are opposite the Milwaukee Insurance Company
building.
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And so it goes, spectators, bikers, camcorders,
and costumes in abundance.
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Flags MIA banners, and patriotic themes dominate
much of the pageant. Observers inch their way up onto buildings, gutters,
and past the police line tapes.
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Passing eighth street, we are approximately five
blocks into the parade route. City workers, auxiliary police, and volunteers
station themselves to keep the crowds back.
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They come, we watch, getting as close as we think
we can get away with.
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A very enthusiastic cheering section shouts encouragement,
and waves at the passing throng.
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Many of the participants are tourists too, and are
kept busy capturing their own memories of the event.
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The parade riders wave back at the jubilant crowds.
This is only the start, and the riders have several twists and turns to negotiate.
They are still unaware of just how many people are lining the route.
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Many of the parade participants dress up. Patriotic
themes are very popular in this celebration of the longevity of America's
sole remaining motorcycle producer.
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This man looks every inch a Harley rider. I do wonder
how he manages to keep the cigar lit.
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New age bikers. A bit of the sixties, mixed with
a bit of the new millennium.
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Old line bikers, just out to have some fun, and
do some riding.
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This couple seems to have picked up a extra
passenger. Perhaps he is there to keep the crowds at bay.
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