Each year when Harley-Davidson unveils its new Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) motorcycles, we journalists wait with baited breath. These incredible CVOs are manufactured in limited numbers at a premium price and we get to ride them. Decked out with amazing paint, a powerful Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110, and adorned with absolutely every bell and whistle available from H-D (hot girl not included), this ’11 CVO Street Glide is an absolute stunner. Rich Maroon Rum paint set against a Gold Leaf eagle with an elegantly sweeping golden arc graces this top-of-the-line Street Glide. The extended saddlebags, sculpted cutaways for the large exhaust pipes, and flush mounted teardrop taillights allow the eye to enjoy the stylish design without a single interruption of contrasting paint or pinstripe—the rear end of this CVO screams custom class. Those that know what a CVO is look upon with envy, those that don’t look upon with wonder because somehow, instinctively they know this is not just another Harley-Davidson. Hammering the throttle launches this Street Glide onto the super slab with the G-force of a dragster. I can be at 100 mph in a blink of an eye—it’s a rush. This is the perfect ride, on a perfect day to start our cruise northward to the piers of SoCal and the West Coast. B
Pull Over
Hours: A curfew is enforced in the area from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m.
Parking: Some free parking is available on nearby streets. A parking lot at the foot of Imperial Beach Pier is available. All-day parking is $2. After 5 p.m. it’s only $1.
Restaurants: The Tin Fish
Facilities: Restrooms, fish-cleaning stations, benches, and night lighting.
Special Events: Loews Surf Dog Competition. The original surfing competition for man’s best friend features three heats, prizes, and even a canine fashion show. Loews Coronado Bay Resort invites dogs of all sizes to “hang 20.” Competition fees range from $45 to $50. All proceeds are donated to charity.
Lodging: Seacoast Inn, 800 Seacoast Drive, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
How to Get There: From I-5 take the Palm Ave. (Hwy. 75) exit and follow it to where Palm Ave. and Hwy. 75 divide. Follow Palm Ave. to Seacoast Dr., turn left and it will take you right to the pier.
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Modern lamppost with seagull spikes
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The original old wood shows its age
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