Julia on a bike

To enter Patrick and Robyn’s home is to enter a world. And not just any world, but that of Harley Davidson. In the garage, I’m greeted by a playlist of ACDC competing with Led Zeppelin, and I watch helplessly as Patrick laughs at my wide eyes: « We may have five bikes, but we don’t have kids! » From the epoxy floor stained grey and white orange to the ceiling and walls, everything exudes the American brand. The walls are covered with pictures of several iconic models and two gleaming Harleys are perfectly positioned next to each other. And it’s almost incongruously that my gaze is drawn to the closed garage door, where a huge Our GS journey banner is hung, representing the name of the YouTube channel launched by the couple. Indeed, Patrick and Robyn may be passionate about Harley Davidson, but they are above all passionate about motorcycles, including motorcycle adventures. It goes without saying that each owns a BMW GS, Robyn’s 750, Patrick’s 850.

From decorating their garage to furnishing their basement, not forgetting their clothes and equipment, Patrick and Robyn live their lives to the rhythm of HD rides and rallies, which they sometimes organize. But also motorcycle adventures, let’s not forget it!

Patrick and Robyn are much involved in the administration of the Harley Davidson Chapter of Newfoundland, as Director and Events Planner. As I settled in for three, not two, days, I watched them number the tickets for the next HOG gathering on August 12, 2023, check the goodies and put away the tokens that will be given to each participant. I even finally understood how HOGs and Chapters work, and got a better grasp of the brand, which has as many fervent admirers as detractors. And yet, if there’s one thing I learned in Newfoundland, it’s that loving HD doesn’t mean despising other riders. Here, we’re far from stereotypes, and two-wheeled passion easily outweighs brand passion.

As you’ll have gathered, both breathe the biker spirit: the one that helps you get up in the morning to go to work, knowing you’ll be getting on your bike to get there; the one that puts a smile back on your face after a gloomy day; the one that puts a smile back on your face when you realize that many good people, ready to lend a hand or point you in the right direction, still roam the streets.

After a few years as a passenger, Robyn decided it was time for her to take to the handlebars. One of the best decisions of her life, if we are to believe her testimony. Along with her marriage to Patrick, but no one would doubt that for a second by looking at them. And like all bikers, she fell under the spell of a model that she rushed to get once she had her license. An intrepid Harley, sometimes gentle, but also capable of showing character. Sometimes it takes even more than that to cope with the comments of a few die-hard riders, who are always surprised to see a woman riding such an imposing Harley. But after all, isn’t it said that our bikes are like us? And more than with the GS, her taming was almost immediate. « Do you too feel that you and your new bike are one and the same on the road? » she asks me in the nick of time. Yes. As I write this article, double yes.

Patrick, for his part, has known the pleasure of motorized two-wheelers since he was a teenager. He had a number of models before his move to Harley Davidson, where, like (and with!) Robyn, it was love at first sight. As well as riding, Patrick enjoys sharing his passion, and so naturally decided to teach. He joined the Safety NL association, which not only offers learning courses but also refresher courses at the start of each season. Reassuring, teaching, correcting and encouraging – that’s what motivates him, so that every motorcyclist can live their passion in complete safety. Or at least, with all the keys in hand, between theory and practice. He even takes on this role during a conversation about my next ride, glass of wine in hand, and soothes my last apprehensions about unpaved roads, sand or pebble paths. In short. And he sends me to an accessible viewpoint on a gravel road, giving me the few missing techniques. « I’m sure you’ll have no trouble getting there, you’ll see, it’s worth the detour, » adds Robyn. Challenge accepted and successful for the Irish Loop and its off-road detours.

Patrick and Robyn, HD and BMW, before HD and Suzuki – did I tell you he previously owned a V-Strom ? If you’re passing through St John’s in Newfoundland on August 12, don’t hesitate to sign up for the rally. And if you see them, don’t be intimidated by the distinctive paint job on Patrick’s Street Glide*. With a bit of luck, he’ll be able to help you out if you need it, or point you in the direction of routes mostly taken by local riders. Even if it’s gravel.

*now a Road Glide Limited going by the name of Stallion – gorgeous and fierce black bike