Mile High Bug Run--Tape, Bugs & Good Times

Way back in the year 2000, when Mile High Harley-Davidson was still fairly new to Colorado, the Mile High H.O.G. Chapter decided they wanted to have a nice putt out on the eastern plains. To make it interesting, the group put a piece of tape on the headlamps of their bikes and took off. Whoever came back with the most bugs on their tape was thee winner.

And so the tradition was born. That ride has evolved into one of the biggest single day motorcycle events in the Denver metro area each year.

The ride has become a warm-up for the party that comes afterward. This year, just under 300 riders took part in the run, which stayed out East—running to Elizabeth, Elbert, Parker, and back to the dealership in Aurora. There, another 1200 people already geared up for the party and going at it in the parking lot met them.

Music by the “Informants” filled the air, punctuated often by the pop-pop-pop of the many big twins rolling around. A $10 cover got you into the bash, and a fine summertime lunch. Miller Lite provided well-chilled refreshment, and naturally there were non-alcoholic refreshments on hand as well.

It’s a good thing there were cool refreshments available, too. The bikini contest heated things up pretty quickly, and provided some of the best scenery of the day. Of course, there was another pretty good view of thing to be had on board the helicopter that was standing by for rides all afternoon.

Of course, spending too much time up in the chopper, instead of down with the chopper,s would mean missing out on all the fun, and the prize give-aways. A pile of awesome prizes was handed out, including a pretty slick BBQ Grill and a bunch of camping gear.

As if all this wasn’t enough to keep a body occupied, the “Caddy Chicks” were putting around the party letting everyone know about their new golf service. It’s basically hooking golfers up with smokin’ hot caddies. Even if you’re not a fan of smacking a ball and chasing it through the grass (why do that when you have a motorcycle?), it was still fun to watch them walk around.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that all this joy-chasing behavior was just that. Mile High donated proceeds from the days’ events to Craig Hospital. While fun and a good time was the primary motivator, roughly $4500 was donated to the medical facility. So, by our logic, fun and good times benefit people and organizations that do good.

The party worked its way into the afternoon before winding down for another year, with everyone having a great time.

All this from a piece of tape on headlights nine years ago. Who’d a thunk it?