See the 'Big Boys' on Wednesday Nights in Downtown Royal Oak

If you own a Harley-Davidson, one of the best ways to cool off on a hot summer night — especially a Wednesday — is to head to downtown Royal Oak. That’s what many who ride the “Big Boys” like to do, anyway.

Motorcycle enthusiasts, or "bikers," come from throughout Metro Detroit to park their bikes and chill out on the streets. 

“Bike Night in Royal Oak started over 16 years ago,” said Dave O'Leary, manager of Mr. B’s. O’Leary and his staff love watching them gather in front of his restaurant. He said there are all kinds of Harley riders from every age group, but most seem to be older than 40.

In fact, Bike Night has gotten so popular it now includes and on Thursdays.

Michael Gleeson of Royal Oak, who has worked for the city of Royal Oak for more than 52 years, and his friends Louie DeLuca of Farmington Hills and Ron Rose of Sterling Heights have been riding together and hanging out on Harley Bike Night since about 1994. They often travel the country together and just returned from a trip to Wisconsin.

“We love the camaraderie here,” Rose said.

Many bikers said they simply love to look at other bikes and hang out.

Bikers beware, though. Anyone hanging out in downtown Royal Oak needs to put money in those parking meters. If more than one motorcycle is parked in a parking spot, every motorcycle in the spot will get a parking ticket when the meter expires. 

Harley Bike Night usually kicks into full gear around 8 p.m.

Whether you own a bike or are simply taking a stroll down Main Street, you’ll enjoy the view.

Come back to Patch on Friday for pictures of Thursday's Sport Bike Night.