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Harlistas raising money to refurbish mural during 110th
Harlistas raising money to refurbish mural during 110th
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Milwaukee Harlistas are a group of Latin Americans with a love for Harley-Davidson, and they have big plans for Harley-Davidson's 110th Anniversary Celebration!
"I love just being out in the open and the sound of the motorcycle itself. It`s a feeling of freedom actually," Mike Ramos said.
Ramos is a "Harlista" -- a group of Latin Americans who are united in a mutual love for their Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
"Sometimes we take off on Sundays and ride you know, I could just ride and ride," Victor Camarillo said.
Across the world, thousands belong to the Latin American Motorcycle Association, known by its nickname, the Harlistas.
American Harlistas wear the flag on their right shoulder, and the flag of their home country on their left. Each person remembers falling in love with their first Harley.
"It came when I was a little kid in Puerto Rico. I used to play Little League and my coach was a policeman. He used to patrol on the highway on a Harley so I just fell in love with them," Ramos said.
This week, Harlistas are arriving by the hundreds, passing by a south side mural with a special meaning to the Milwaukee chapter.
"It is representative of Milwaukee and it is a Milwaukee landmark," Robert Miranda said.
During the Harley anniversary, the Milwaukee Harlistas are raising money to restore the Esperanza Unida mural on National Avenue.
Esperanza Unida Mural of Peace
With the eagle you have strength in community. The dove symbolizes that peace among us -- that unity. It`s basically a mural that many people use to get off the ramp so they can head over to Harley Museum," Miranda said.
The group hopes to raise $1,500 to restore the mural.
Their effort is a perfect example of the Harlistas values -- honoring their heritage on their Harleys.
"It is the bikers' life. It is that riders' life that really creates that brotherhood," Miranda said.
The Milwaukee Harlistas have 17 members, but say the number of Hispanic riders across the world is growing rapidly. The group is hosting a fundraiser beneath the mural on this Friday, August 30th from noon until 5:00 p.m.