STOUGHTON, Wis. - Ruth Stewart celebrated her 100th birthday by doing something she always wanted to try: Taking a ride on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
'If I were 20 years younger, I would buy one,' said the retired music teacher. 'I think they're just beautiful, but I never could afford it.'
Richard Ireland, 62, of Deerfield, gave Stewart a three-mile ride through downtown Stoughton after being contacted by Stewart's nieces and nephews. They wanted their aunt to realize her years-long dream of riding a Harley.
Ireland drove her from her condominium to the Vennevol Clubhouse, where nearly 100 family members, friends, and Mayor Helen Johnson waited to celebrate with her.
Her top speed Monday on the back of the Harley was 33 mph and she wanted to go faster.
'It could have been a lot faster,' she said. 'Next time, when he comes back, I'll go 50. That will be fun.'"