A Bavarian welcome

Germany’s Isartal Chapter made sure that a US serviceman wasn’t lonely for long in his new posting

Words by Karlheinz Wedhorn, Asst. Director & Photographer, H.O.G.^® Isartal Chapter, Bavaria

Carlos Trocherivera, a US Army serviceman stationed in El Paso, Texas, was not happy when he received PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders indicating a location in the South of Bavaria.

Google Maps showed him that his new home of Garmisch-Partenkirchen was not only in the middle of nowhere, but also in the middle of high mountains – great if you want to enjoy winter sports, but definitely not the place for Carlos, who grew up in Puerto Rico a stone’s throw from the sea and was way more into fishing, surfing and skateboarding. But orders are orders, so Carlos packed his duffel bag, said goodbye to his fellow servicemembers and his motorcycle friends, and set off on the long journey.

As a consolation, Carlos had shipped his Harley-Davidson^® Street^® Glide^® Classic to Bavaria; once he had settled into his new quarters, it didn’t take long for the container to arrive, so at least he could explore the area on his beloved bike and get acquainted with the crazy mountain roads. Where was the familiar I-10 or Montana Avenue, which ran straight through the city of El Paso and allowed you to reach your destination without the slightest steering motion? Garmisch is altogether different, and if it hadn’t been for the delicious Bavarian beer, Carlos would have certainly pulled every string possible to get away from the place in a heartbeat.

However, early one morning, as he rode to work on his bike, giving off the distinctive sound of those US pipes, I appeared on the scene. Going straight to the office was no longer an option for me – I had to first go and find out who this stranger was riding around on a Harley^®!

Carlos was packing his helmet away when I approached and started talking to him. I wanted to know what kind of guy he was to be riding around all on his own, not knowing about the fun and energetic local Isartal Chapter that is always happy to welcome new faces and riders on its weekend tours.

Carlos was thrilled about this option and wholeheartedly joined in with our weekend afternoon coffee tours, longer Sunday day tours, and ‘Stammtisch’ meetings with the regulars. He was quickly integrated into the chapter and soon wanted to put our Free-State-of-Bavaria patch on his biker jacket. Sure enough, Carlos went on to become a H.O.G.^® member, and after his trial period, during which we had a lot of fun together, he was presented with his H.O.G. rocker.

Proud of his new colours, Carlos rode with us to Prague Harley Days in the Czech Republic. The Isartal Chapter has been friends with the Praha Chapter for quite some time, and Carlos was welcomed by them with open arms. His Puerto Rican blood helped fire up the party in no time – the dancefloor became his, night turned into day, and JD and Coke sealed the bond. His friendly disposition makes walls crumble and biases disappear.

Carlos has also now become a specialist at riding curves and corners, and windy European mountain passes make him smile on his bike. But when cattle unexpectedly cross the street, the Puerto Rican Texan in him gets the better of him… and we have to remind him that these walking steaks are not for consumption!

Sadly, the 2024 season will be Carlos’ last here in Bavaria, since he has had his PCS orders summoning him back to the States. But before he finally departs, he will ride many a mile with us. And last but not least, the 2024 Prague Harley Days will be a special and memorable occasion, when the Isartal Chapter and the Praha Chapter will bid him a fond farewell.

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