If it weren't for Brent Alberts, I'd probably still be in Stevens Point today.

       Brent picked up the phone one day in December of 1981 and called me with a job offer--he asked me if I'd be willing to become the news director at WQFM in Milwaukee.     At the time, I was a staff reporter at WSPT/WXYQ in Point, an operation that cranked out any number of outstanding radio personalities including Dallas Cole (former WKTI program director/station manager), Chris Shebel (WLS), Tom Carr (former TMJ traffic reporter), Terry Gibson (longtime QFM afternoon drive host), Jim Gilles (current TMJ production director), and others too numerous to mention.

        I took the job--I had no reason to stay.     My SPT news director wasn't going anywhere, so I couldn't move up.     My girlfriend had moved to Boston.      Many of my buds had left town for greener pastures, including one of my best friends, Jerry Gavin, who was already at QFM and mentioned my name to Alberts.      Brent would be my boss until he left QFM for parts unknown, as is often the case in radio.      We never talked again.     But without him giving me a shot, who knows where I'd be?

       What a shock it was the other day when I found, in my in-box, an e-mail from one B. Alberts.    He's in Milwaukee for Harley's 105th, helping friends at Milwaukee Harley as they stay open 24/7 for five straight days.     Brent wants to get together sometime during this busiest of weekends, and it would be way cool if it happens.     If nothing else, it would give me a chance to say "thanks for the chance."

       I realize how big the Harley celebration is for Milwaukee, but it's always felt to me like a club that doesn't want me as a member.     The attitude among riders is, and rightfully so, that someone who doesn't straddle a Hog doesn't get what it's about.     Some may call that cult-ish.    I accept it as a reality.    I respect the culture.    I understand why I don't make the cut.

       But Brent wouldn't be here without Harley, and the reach wouldn't have been made without the 105th.     Even those of us who live Hog-free lives can be touched by an event that's bigger than all of us, because it all boils down to people.         Ride, schmide.      This can be a giant class reunion, if only we allow it to be.     I'm sure there are more stories like this, where the Harley party gives folks a chance to reconnect, whether they ride or not.      And for that alone, the celebration is more than worth it.

       I know many of you remember Brent from his Milwaukee radio days, both at QFM and at it's rival WLPX.       For a trip down memory lane, and for a chance to reacquaint yourself with a guy who transformed this city's album rock radio landscape in the late 70's and early 80's, log onto Brent's website.        

      And thanks for making the calls, Brent.    The one in '81, as well as the other Wednesday afternoon.