A Dream Fulfilled

In 2024, Croatian member Nino Gakovic achieved a lifelong ambition and jumped straight in at the deep end

Owning a Harley-Davidson^® motorcycle was always a dream of mine. Yet, as life unfolded, other priorities always seemed to take precedence. Now, having entered my 40s, I realised it was finally time to turn that dream into a reality. My wife and I had often talked about getting a motorcycle for travel, and we agreed that if we were going to buy one, it had to be a Harley^®. And so, my journey began…

The first step was to take a motorcycle course. I’d never ridden a motorcycle before, but I was determined. It ended up taking almost a year before I was able to complete the course – I still remember the sense of accomplishment. I was ready to take the next step towards ownership, but fate intervened. My work took me to Bordeaux, France. At that moment, I thought, why not buy my bike there? I could enjoy riding it while I was in France, and then bring it back to Croatia. After all, my wife and I wanted a touring bike, something comfortable for long trips.

I knew I wanted my first motorcycle to be something highly maneuverable, so my choice was clear: the Harley-Davidson Road King^® Special. I’d done my research, and the Road King was exactly what I needed for long-distance touring. However, and soon summer autumn, then winter, then spring. It would soon be time for me to return to Croatia, yet I still hadn’t bought the motorcycle! Looking back now, everything feels a bit hazy, but at one point, I simply walked into the dealership in Bordeaux and placed an order for a brand-new bike.

The staff at the dealership were incredibly friendly and helpful. They assisted with all the paperwork I needed for the export, ensuring everything would go smoothly. Now, it was time to plan my journey from Bordeaux to Zagreb – a ride of around 1,800km. I decided to take the scenic route: south through Toulouse, Nice, Genoa, Milan, Venice, Ljubljana, and finally Zagreb. I planned the journey over three days, and I was checking the weather forecast in every free moment I had. The early spring weather could be unpredictable, but everything seemed to align perfectly.

Two weeks later, my Road King Special was ready, and I couldn’t have been more excited. It was love at first sight. The staff at the dealership were somewhat surprised when I told them it was my first motorcycle, and that my only riding experience came from the motorcycle course I had taken nearly a year ago. And I was to set out for Croatia the very next day…

That evening, I rode to my hotel and spent some time practicing my handling skills in an empty car park nearby. It was a nerve-wracking experience, but there was no turning back. The doubt crept in, and I couldn’t help but wonder: can I really do this? That night, I barely slept. The next morning, at 8am sharp, I set off.

Day 1: Bordeaux to Arles (560km)
As I hit the road, every kilometre helped to dispel my doubts. The weather was perfect, the routes was quiet, and with each passing hour, my confidence grew. By the time I reached Arles, I was feeling more at ease with the bike. The Road King Special was a dream to ride: smooth, powerful and surprisingly agile for its size.

Day 2: Arles to Milan (570km)
The second day was a bit of a challenge, as I moved from the French countryside into the urban landscape of Italy. The roads were busier, and I had to be more cautious. But the Road King Special handled the transition effortlessly. With each stop for rest and refueling, I grew more in tune with the bike, becoming familiar with its quirks and strengths. Riding through the French Riviera was an unforgettable experience, and by the time I reached Milan, I knew I was capable of much more than I had initially thought.

Day 3: Milan to Zagreb (640km)
The final day was a mix of excitement and relief – I had made it! The last leg of the journey was the longest, but by then, I had truly bonded with my Harley. I rode through the picturesque landscapes of Slovenia, crossed the border into Croatia, and finally reached Zagreb. It was a moment of triumph and the feeling was indescribable. It was a personal victory for me and a realisation that, sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone leads to the most rewarding experiences.

The first thing I did after getting home was take my wife out for a ride. We spent the summer traveling together, riding through the beautiful Croatian countryside, and covering more than 4,000km by the end of a year. It was everything we had hoped for and more. Buying that Harley-Davidson was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. Not only did it fulfill a lifelong dream, but it also brought us closer together, creating unforgettable memories on the open road.

Looking back, it’s hard to believe that just a few months ago, I was a complete novice, unsure if I could even ride such a powerful machine. Today, I am proud to say that I am the owner of a Harley-Davidson Road King Special, and it has exceeded every expectation I had. This motorcycle is not just a machine, it’s a symbol of perseverance, a reminder that dreams are worth chasing, no matter how long they take to achieve.

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