Experience the magic of Harley

DAWN De BUSK/Frontiersman reporter

The brilliant shine of chrome blinds you at first, that overwhelming silver luster of handlebars, exhaust systems and tire spokes.

Rows and rows of beautifully crafted Harley-Davidsons, the best-known name in motorcycles, catch the eye immediately.

If you can get past the bikes, turn away for one second from the main attraction, you'll see a very organized and seemingly endless supply of Harley-Davidson merchandise - from riding gear and motorcycle parts to dog collars and biker T-shirts for infants.

You've not only walked into one of the Valley's new businesses - the Denali Harley-Davidson Shop - you've entered a culture within the Mat-Su community.

"This is a lifestyle," said general manager Paul Ramage, a 22-year resident of the Valley. "That's the magic of Harley-Davidson. The company not only provides a great motorcycle, but when you purchase one of their bikes, you automatically become a member of the Harley Owners Group. Suddenly, there's a group of people to ride with you," Ramage said. "It's a culture."

The shop, located on Hyer Road near the Parks Highway, opened its doors Dec. 1. Immediately, business was brisk - especially for wintertime.

Those who could afford it bought a Harley for themselves or for a loved one for Christmas. Most of the holiday shoppers selected gifts from the clothes and accessories Harley-Davidson offers. The same sales trend occurred prior to Valentine's Day: Most customers purchased accessories.

The most popular Valentine's Day gifts have been drinkware and jewelry, Ramage said. Drinkware includes shot glasses and wine glasses with the Harley-Davidson logo.

"The community has been very supportive of our business," Ramage said.

Formerly, the building housed Alaska Animal Food Warehouse, a business that relocated to the Palmer-Wasilla Highway, but the entire building was gutted to bring to life a dream of owners Barry and Karen Matthisen, to provide Valley residents with a Harley-Davidson shop.

The Matthisens also own the House of Harley in Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula Harley-Davidson Shop in Soldotna, and they've been talking about building a motor-bike shop in Mat-Su for about 10 years, Ramage said.

The immaculate building reflects the glint and streamlined flow of the Harley-Davidson products. Even the computers seem to be constructed from chrome. The layout invites customers with areas to just hang out and talk Harleys, with a customer lounge, observation deck and free coffee.

In front of a window offering a view of the repair shop and bike-wash bay, bar stools shaped like motorcycle seats, with black leather coverings.

There's a kiddie corner with inter-locking foam mats and a rocking-horse-style motorcycle for toddlers.

"Loitering encouraged," he joked, adding that many Harley owners do stop in just to chat.

"This is a rider destination because we're located right off the Parks Highway," he said. Ramage expects bikers to stop in during road trips this summer during the traditional motorcycle riding season.

Ramage doesn't just talk the talk, he rides the "ride." He and his wife own luxurious Harley-Davidson touring bikes. Ramage straps a pet carrier to the back and brings along his poodle, coincidentally named Harley, on their road trips.

"I'm excited for summer, when it's busy and there's rallies," said salesperson Tosha Cypher of Palmer.