As owner of Hollister Harley-Davidson, Dan Stern takes pride in
being affiliated with an American company celebrating its 100th
anniversary this year.
As owner of Hollister Harley-Davidson, Dan Stern takes pride in being affiliated with an American company celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
There were reminders of Harley-Davidson’s monumental birthday throughout Hollister during the rally weekend.
Thousands of bikers and Hollister residents wore commemorative clothing. Signs pronounced the accomplishment. And one motorcycle was garnished with 100 flags in honor of the anniversary.
The Harley-Davidson brand name – the motorcycles and clothing – is predominant in the biker culture, according to Stern.
“Far and above,” he said.
Customer demand has been steadfast in recent months for clothing and helmets that commemorate the 100th anniversary, according to Stern. In his Hollister store, he said “everything” currently promotes the company’s accomplishment.
“Well, not everything, but as much as we can fill in the store,” Stern said.
Stern has received calls from other Harley-Davidson dealerships throughout the state – stores that haven’t stocked enough 100th anniversary memorabilia.
Harley-Davidson and its admirers have been observing the anniversary throughout the year. The motorcycle company will host a celebration Aug. 28-30 in Milwaukee – the birthplace of the American bike.
“It’s an American product, the only American bike,” said Ray Jordan, owner of the 100th anniversary Harley-Davidson motorcycle adorned with the flags. He and his wife purchased the motorcycle in Portland five days before the Hollister Independence Rally.
Jordan, a duel resident of Oregon and Florida, is retired and travels most of the year. He and his wife, Jeanie, will ride the bike to Milwaukee in six weeks.
The special edition bikes have been in production for 13 months and are available only through August. Stern provided a 100th anniversary motorcycle to the Hollister Independence Rally Committee for its annual raffle drawing. He sold it for cost, but Stern will also provide insurance and other amenities – ultimately absorbing a loss.
“We’re trying to support the community,” he said. “Most people don’t know this is the only major rally for charity.”
Two employees of Hollister Harley-Davidson and several customers of the dealership will also trek to Milwaukee at the end of August. Stern will not take the trip because he is busy opening a Harley-Davidson store in Morgan Hill – slated for this winter.
“Like after your birthday,” Stern said of the anniversary, “it’s going to be a bit of a letdown.”
