September 15th 2018 was a day for Harley Davidson enthusiasts to rally together and bring home the Guinness World Record for the largest parade of Harley Davidson’s in the United States! The US does currently hold the record for the largest parade of Indian motorcycles which is Harley Davidson’s biggest competitor. However, the American motorcycle, Harley Davidson largest parade record is currently in Greece with a total of 2,404 Harley Davidson motorcycles. A little over 8 years later, we attempt to bring this record home.
Saturday was filled with the rumbling sound of Harley’s as they make their way to Paris Harley Davidson (PHD) just northeast of town in Paris, Texas. Pre-registration was open and encouraged through parisharley.com as well as at the PHD Pre-Party Friday evening from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Riders could register as early as 8:00 am Saturday the day of the parade. The parking lot was already filled with lines of riders to register and take part in making history! Registration consisted of $15 fee including VIN of Harley, Driver’s License, and contact information. All of the proceeds were given to combat Veterans of Motorcycle Association (CVMA).
As thousands of bikes pulled out of the PHD parking lot and into the parade route; members of the Paris community and surrounding areas gathered along the parade route to wave and cheer on the riders. The parade started at 2:00 pm and departed PHD which lead the riders for 2.8 miles wrapping around the North Lamar campus for the Guinness World Record checkpoint. The riders then continued along until they reached Choctaw Casino and Resort in Grant, Oklahoma. Here at the Choctaw Casino and Resort, thousands of bikers awaited eagerly to hear the final results. Many high fives, hugs, and tears where shared as the news was announced that we in fact did not break the record. There were certain rules that needed to be followed and technicalities that were present. The total official click count of consecutive Harley Davidson’s was 1911. There needed to be at least 2,404 Harley Davidson’s back to back consecutively for the record to be broke. PHD had 2,200 motorcycles registered and the town of Paris estimated that there was between 2,500 – 3,000 motorcycles in town that weekend.
Regardless to breaking the record, the Parade and rally was in fact a success! There was a little over $32,000 raised for CVMA!! Until the next attempt, Harley Davidson’s enthusiasts will continue to rally and work together to bring the record home.
http://quickthrottle.com/DMAG/CA_November_2018/QTCA_NOV18.pdf