MARION - Motorcyclist Rob Reynolds arrived Friday in Marion for a three-day extravaganza at Black Diamond Harley-Davidson before he continues his trek north to Milwaukee to celebrate the motorcycle company's 105th birthday from Aug. 28 to 31.

Reynolds, who resides in Alexandria, Va., is a service-connected disabled veteran who formerly served in the Army's Special Forces. He is also the past national commander for the DAV (Disabled American Veterans).

Reynolds said that he was on the road for nine days, starting in Las Vegas. He is also an advocate for the Harley's Heroes program, which recognizes all military men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice and those disabled in service.

"I traveled through 112-degree heat in the Nevada desert and a snowstorm in Colorado on my Custom 2006 Street Glide to get here," Reynolds said. "I'm going to visit the VA Medical Center while I'm here and then head north on Monday with stops along the way planned in Danville and Chicago."

Tim Haas is senior director for human resources administration for Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee. He said he pointed his bike north toward Marion from his starting point of Meridian, Miss.

"I expect to arrive in Marion Monday for the overnight party before heading toward Bloomington on Tuesday and then Milwaukee on Wednesday," Haas said. "It's not the destination but the journey. There's a lot of beauty to see."

Haas said he plans to spend time with Black Diamond co-owners Shad Zimbro and Rodney Cabaness and meet as many fellow riders as he can before leaving town. Sporting his 2008 copper and black Road Glide, Haas said he rides his Harley about every day rain or shine.

"To help us celebrate our 105the anniversary, we have bikers starting from 105 different points across the country before eventually reaching Milwaukee. I can hardly wait to get back, but first, I plan to enjoy the festivities in Marion."

Haas added that Harley-Davidson is also raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in concert with the company's anniversary party. More than $65 million has been raised in recent years.

Zimbro said the Marion dealership will kick things off today with a tribute to American veterans. Reynolds will host a pinning ceremony for a handful of selected veterans who participate in the Harley's Heroes Tour. There will be a DAV mobile service office to help veterans stay informed on health benefits and special vehicles on display courtesy of the Army, National Guard and Air Force.

There will be plenty of free food provided by the dealership courtesy of Great Boars of Fire and two live bands to entertain a crowd, which could surpass 1,000 if the weather cooperates. There will also be a Red Cross blood drive from 9 to 2.

On Sunday, the dealership will again provide music and food to anyone who cares to stop by. And on Monday, four bands will perform on a 20 foot by 40 foot lighted stage from 1 p.m. to midnight. Riders will then be invited to spend the night camping out on property owned by Black Diamond.

Cabaness said everyone is welcome.

john.homan@thesouthern.com

351-5805