Harley-Davidson group takes Stillwater seniors for a spin

Senior citizens aren't usually found in the fast lane, except for the residents of Linden Healthcare Center in Stillwater.

Tuesday, the New Richmond (Wis.) Harley-Davidson Group came to Linden Healthcare Center to give the seniors rides on their motorcycles. Each of the residents who wanted to, and was able, was given a ride in the sidecar of the motorcycles. For the last three years, Linden has hosted "Harley Day" for its residents.

For some of the residents it was their very first time riding in a motorcycle, but for Marilyn Oliverius it was just a trip down memory lane.

"I used to ride in motorcycles way back in my 20s," said Oliverius, 83. "All of my friends had one, and even though my parents disapproved, I just loved riding them."

Oliverius may have ridden on a motorcycle before, but this was her first time in a sidecar.

"At first I wasn't going to do it. I was like, 'Am I crazy or something?' But when I finally decided to, I just couldn't wait to tell my daughter. She is going to love it," she said.

When Oliverius saw some of the other motorcycles that were on display, she said, "83, who cares! I want one."

Oliverius mentioned how beautiful Stillwater is and how that made the ride so much more fun. She talked about how the ups and downs of the hills surprised her in a good way and how that, in addition the beauty of the city, made the ride unforgettable.

"We wanted to start a Harley Day because we knew a lot of residents had owned a bike and we wanted to help bring back old memories," said Jenny Schoenecker, executive director for Linden. "It's something everyone can enjoy, so we love doing it."

The staff dressed up in Harley attire that included vests, hats and sunglasses. The residents were all given bandanas to wear for the day. They were also given helmets to wear when they went on a ride.

Harley Day is normally held during National Nursing Home Week, which falls May 9-15. This year Harley Day was held back because of rain, but it was still celebrated.

This is the second year the Harley Davidson group has come to town and it is planning to make it a tradition.

Each of the rides Tuesday lasted about five minutes. The residents were taken around Main Street, up and down some of the hills downtown, and around the block of the health care center.

After the residents, and some of the employees, got back from a ride on the sidecar, the drivers were all greeted with big smiles and lots of thanks.

"It was so much fun," said Deloris Wilmes, 89. "I'd definitely do it again."

Current Rating: 4 of 1 votes!

Rate File: Select Rating: * ** *** ****