Pork Choppers

Here’s something you’ve never stopped to ask yourself: Why are the words “hog” and “motorcycle” often used interchangeably? You think it’s because revving choppers sound like snorting swine, don’t you? As poetic as that would be, it’s not so, as you’ll find out after visiting the Harley-Davidson Traveling Museum, a...

By Clay McNear

April 3, 2008

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Here’s something you’ve never stopped to ask yourself: Why are the words “hog” and “motorcycle” often used interchangeably? You think it’s because revving choppers sound like snorting swine, don’t you? As poetic as that would be, it’s not so, as you’ll find out after visiting the Harley-Davidson Traveling Museum, a modified 18-wheeler housing a movable shrine to all things Harley.

On display as part of Arizona Bike Week Cyclefest, the Museum houses rare bikes and related memorabilia spanning H-D’s history, as well as the answer to your question: Leslie "Red" Parkhurst’s famous 1920s racing team, which rode Harleys to 23 world speed records, had a live pig as a mascot, and carted the squealing porker on a victory lap after each win.

April 4-6, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., 2008

Clay McNear

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