Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
CLAYPOOL - "I opened it up and saw the parade pass and I was really excited. I was like, 'I can't believe it!'" said Rocky "Pappy" Lozano of Claypool.
Lozano was caught off guard when he opened his mail June 28. The package of tickets he ordered to the Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary Celebration also contained a pass allowing Lozano to ride his Harley-Davidson motorcycle in the festival's parade.
The anniversary, being celebrated Aug. 28-30 in Milwaukee, Wis., is expected to draw more than 200,000 Harley-Davidson enthusiasts from around the globe. Five thousand ticket buyers were selected at random to ride in the 10,000-motorcycle parade on Aug. 30.
A two-year member of Wabash HOG Chapter 1320 and a four-year member of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education, Lozano said, "It means a lot to be able to represent this area in the parade."
Lozano, 42, will ride his 2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom in the parade. He has customized his bike with ape hanger handlebars, a chank bra, a fender bib and an entire chrome package. It is the third Harley he has owned since he started riding motorcycles at age 20.
Harley-Davidsons are a family affair for the Lozanos. They own Pappy's Hawg Barn in Claypool. Among other items, the store sells Harley-Davidson leather items and Amsoil motorcycle products. Lozano's son, Ryan, 16, manages the store and said he plans to own a Harley-Davidson Road King someday.
Lozano's wife, Luanne, has had an interest Harley-Davidsons since her father owned them when she was a child. She will attend the 100th anniversary with Rocky.
