Day 17: Lansing, IL to Milwaukee, WI (120 miles)
 
We made it! Over 700 of us checked into the final destination and officially became the only group of motorcycle riders (and biggest group on record) to ever traverse the Lower 48 together.  We all met at the Visitor’s Center in Pleasant Prairie, WI, south of Milwaukee to stage for a 40-mile, police escorted group ride into the Harley Davidson Headquarters on Juneau Avenue. Other parades paled in comparison as the freeway was more or less shut down for our entire journey, with all 700 plus bikes in staggered formation making an impressive site.  At the Juneau plant we were allowed to go into the Harley Davidson archives where the average person is normally not allowed. It was quite an honor.  We then went to the House of Harley Davidson dealership for our last dealership party together.  Our final evening included a dinner at the Hyatt Hotel where we received our Sterling Silver Posse badge and bullet to commemorate our two-year journey.  It was a very emotional night saying goodbye to friends we had spent the last two weeks with on the road and knowing that the two-year Posse Ride was over.  This was a once-in-a-lifetime ride that included hundreds of small towns, 11,000 miles of gorgeous roads, personal challenges, local people who touched our hearts, and other Posse Riders who we will never forget.  
 

Chicago skyline was a welcome sight.

We made it!  Wisconsin was our 48th state.

 
The big bad biker image is ripped to shreds as many male riders bring along stuffed animals as companions.  

 
Finding a place for 700+ bikes can be tricky, but the Pleasant Prairie Visitor’s Center worked fine.

 
John from Maryland searching for fellow Posse Riders. We first met John at a Texas diner on the Route 66 ride four years ago.

 
Catherine and Jay from Sacramento

 
Our good friend Rick from Ventura.

 
Cherry and Bill from our own home town.

 
The first riders arriving at H-D Headquarters in Milwaukee.

 
Always an impressive sight.

 
Barbara and Nelson from our own home town.

 
Our good friend JT. Hasley, Regional Manager for H.O.G.