Navy Airman Matthew Guyette, of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 14, checks out a motorcycle at the newly opened Harley Davidson showroom at Naval Air Facility, Atsugi. This and many other bikes are on display. The showroom's grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. (Courtesy of U.S. Navy)
Hog lovers and easy riders, pack the kids and head to the new Harley-Davidson showroom at Atsugi Naval Air Facility.
The new store, relocated from Yokosuka Naval Base, opens Saturday with a daylong Harley Day grand opening celebration. Organizers will have games, giveaways and events for Harley-riding visitors.
Store officials are planning a slow-ride obstacle course competition to kick off events for the entire month.
“We want to invite the people with motorcycles, and the people who want to see motorcycles,” said Tony Kelley, general manager of Navy Exchange Atsugi.
The new store, called Hog Heaven, features more space than the Yokosuka locale and is more centrally located for other Kanto Plain-area base residents, Kelley said.
The showroom holds about 20 motorcycles, including roadsters and Buell racing bikes. Kelley said he’s working with the company to become an authorized Harley vendor so the store can carry replacement items, Harley-Davidson clothing and accessories.
The store is part of the Overseas Military Sales Organization under the Navy Exchange, which manages car sales. The company sells only American-made vehicles, which in this case means Harleys.
“There’s nothing like a Harley,” Kelley said. “It just takes you over.”
The store’s opening coincides with Motorcycle Awareness Month in May. Throughout the month, people can enter a drawing for a set of keys. One out of 12 winning keys will fit into a new $8,000 Harley.
During the month, people also can participate in a poker run — a scavenger hunt for playing cards. The best hand at the end of the month wins prizes.
The poker contest and motorcycle giveaway take place at a follow-up celebration May 29 at the store.
Hog Heaven is in Building 41, next to Club Trilogy. The grand opening Harley Day celebration kicks off at 10 a.m.
Kelley hopes the event attracts families and non-motorcycle operators to learn more about the bikes and how to safely share the road with riders.
“There’s a lot of riders in the Kanto Plain,” he said. “We want to open up the world of motorcycles. It’s a great pastime.”
