For many locals, the improving weather comes with a renewed urge to hit the road and get their motors running.

At Northwest Harley-Davidson, located at 8000 Freedom Lane Northeast in Lacey, it is the start of the busy season - the 30,000 plus square feet facility will begin hosting weekly events, weekend rides and car and bike shows.

Yet the 500 or more people that come out to a large event know that they don't need to have a Harley to come out and hang. "You can ride whatever into the shop ... there's no need to own a Harley," said Tina Torfin, Northwest Harley-Davidson's Guest Relations manager. "We love everyone who comes in."

"My regret is that we didn't start riding 25 years ago," said Jordan Haines, owner of CoinForce.com, who began riding about a year ago. He decided to get a bike after being urged on by his friend, Joint Base Lewis-McChord Garrison Command Sgt. Major Matt Barnes. When Haines mentioned it to his wife, Donna, she said she wanted to ride, too. So they bought a large Harley Davidson and embarked on a new adventure.

In November 2010, Northwest Harley-Davidson started a new annual tradition with JBLM when it organized a Military Appreciation Day Ride with the Captain Meriwether Lewis chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA).  Despite some inclement weather, riders came out in full force and all of the proceeds were donated right back to the base.

This year's summer calendar is particularly full and includes the popular Thirsty Thursdays (from 5 to 7 p.m.) and barbeques every Saturday at the shop. There are also live bands most weekends and three large events and rides: on June 25, riders can check out the Hot Rods & Hot Bikes Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on August 20, there's a Big Bad Bike Show, and on August 27, close out the summer by attending the Hog Rally Event. No registration is necessary for most of the events, except for those entering a bike for judging.

For more details on events, visit www.nwharley.com/default.asp?page=xcalendar or call (360) 705-8515.

Bikers can also participate in a ride on Sunday, September 11, which will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the tragedies of 9/11. Co-sponsored by CoinForce.com, the event will include a two-hour ride that will depart from Spanaway, travel through JBLM and end up in Bremerton in time for a memorial dedication. It begins at 9 a.m., and organizers hope to recruit 10,000 riders and drivers. For updated information, visit www.9112011.org.

"We've made so many friends riding and talking bikes," Haines said. "I honestly want to go out and ride after just talking about it!"

"When you buy a Harley Davidson, you buy the lifestyle," explained Torfin, who spent her career in the automotive industry before moving to Harley-Davidson two years ago. "I mean people really just come here to hang out and relax or eat at our café, which is pretty great. I never mind coming to work. It's fun."