On June 5, 2011 Zien appeared at the Graybeard Promotions Bike Show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Always eager to help out where he can, his appearance helped boost attendance at the show that raises money for Children’s Hospital. He was kept busy all day autographing photos of himself on his record winning FXR for well wishers. This was his first major outing since his crash and it did him good to be among his family of bikers again. It was also a treat for the many riders who stopped by to shake his hand, pose for a picture or thank him for all he has done for the motorcycle community. We wish Dave the best and whatever he chooses to do in the coming months, he has the support of tens of thousands of admirers.
On March 13, 2011, former Wisconsin State Senator Dave Zien was involved in a horrific crash. He was in Florida for Daytona Bike Week and he took a side trip to visit an old Marine buddy near Panama City.
While traveling on Highway 10 just outside of Mariana, Florida, a SUV overturned in front of Dave’s motorcycle and in an instant his life changed dramatically.
Dave survived a tour in Viet Nam (’68-70) after his unit was overrun. He received the Purple Heart for his service. He also survived several crashes involving deer, the most recent in 2009. He’s logged over 2 million miles riding a motorcycle, earning the name "Million Mile Man" for his achievement of accumulating 1,000,000 miles on the same motorcycle, his 1991 FXR. Harley-Davidson Motor Company presented Dave with a brand new 2009 Road Glide on April 6, 2009 when he retired his FXR to the Sturgis Museum. He was riding the Road Glide when he crashed in March, 2011. He had over 230,000 miles on the bike at that time.
Zien holds 117 world records for long distance riding, including 31,068 miles in 31 days. He has three 100,000 mile years under his belt and in 2000, he rode 11,225 miles in 11 consecutive days. He’s survived the USA Four Corners Motorcycle Tour, completed the first Hoka Hey Challenge and did three back to back crossings of the U.S.A. from Jacksonville, Florida to San Diego, California. He was on his world record fourth consecutive return to Jacksonville when he broke down just outside of Yuma, Arizona.
His long distance riding adventures are legendary. On March 13th, that all came to an end. Or did it? That crash almost took Dave’s life, but he’s a survivor. Hupy and Abraham S.C. sponsored Dave’s attempt to reach his goal of one million miles on his FXR. We’ve represented him in the past and are representing him for this latest crash. He suffered the loss of his left leg, a fractured pelvis, broke his wrist and his spleen was removed. Still, he wonders how long his rehabilitation will take and if he’ll be able or willing to ride again. Only time will tell, but he is a survivor.
As a legislator in Wisconsin, Zien authored every piece of positive motorcycle legislation during his 18 years of service. Inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame in 2000, Zien takes a philosophical view about his love of riding. He calls it "a spiritual transcendence." He said, "I’ve got a Bible on the front of the motorcycle and I believe it’s my shield. Riding is a connection with all those who ever loved and honored freedom. There’s a oneness with God and the Holy Spirit."
