This narrative addresses the topic of suicide. If you or someone you know is facing suicidal thoughts, please reach out by calling or texting 988. For additional resources, click here.
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden, R-Prairie du Chien, is known for making an impression on Capitol Hill each day as he arrives for work.
The new Republican in Congress is thought to be the only one commuting by motorcycle. On his initial journey to take his seat two years ago, he rode his Harley from Wisconsin to Washington.
“This is a 2019 Harley Davidson Softail Slim, manufactured in Milwaukee. So this is indeed Milwaukee iron,” explained Van Orden.
Van Orden, who just secured his re-election from a predominantly rural district in southwestern Wisconsin, said his bike symbolizes America.
“It was built by hardworking tradesmen and women,” he elaborated. “And we need more of that here. We need individuals who are connected to their constituents.”
Having served as a Navy SEAL with multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, he treasures his experiences with his Harley.
“I enlisted in the Navy at 18, and I have held significant responsibilities throughout my life. As I began deploying frequently to combat and lost many friends in training and warfare — 21 of them, to suicide, of the SEALs — finding time to disconnect from everything became increasingly crucial as I grew older and took on more responsibilities. Riding gives me the chance to put those worries aside for a few moments.”
For Van Orden, riding his motorcycle is the essence of freedom. He joked that while he’s on the road, even his staff cannot reach him.
(Spectrum News 1/Charlotte Scott)
Currently, Van Orden takes pride in teaching his grandchildren how to ride. Although he once could simply pack his belongings in a bag and embark on solo adventures, he now jokingly says he would require 15 sidecars for his family, as “I’m not leaving them behind.”
However, Van Orden did express a desire for another motorcycle.
“I would like to personally appeal to you and your audience to contact Mrs. Van Orden and support the ‘Derrick Van Orden needs another motorcycle’ caucus. I would greatly appreciate that,” he said with a grin. “I would love to have a motorcycle with a sidecar to take my grandkids along for candy distribution at parades.”
Whether or not he gets a sidecar, he plans to keep commuting to Capitol Hill as he has for the past two years: donning boots and riding his beloved Harley Davidson made in Wisconsin.