Wisconsin nuns house motorcycle gang

A lively and loud crowd of more than 6,000 people recently descended on Milwaukee for the 110th anniversary of Harley-Davidson.

Every year on Labor Day weekend, Harley enthusiasts gather in the birthplace of their beloved and iconic motorcycle brand.

But when the hordes of Harley lovers hit town, accommodations become difficult to find. Some hotels are reportedly booked years in advance.

Some motorcycle gangs have turned to an unlikely host for the weekend: The Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida in Brown Deer, Wis.

For the past 10 years, WISN.com reports, the shelter run by a group of Catholic nuns has opened its doors to motorcycle gangs (i.e., clubs) that have been looking for housing during the weekend-long party.

"Motorcycle men and women are absolutely delightful," Sister Anne Mari told WISN. "We struck up a wonderful friendship."

According to WISN, 23 members of the Muskegon (Mich.) Motorcycle Gang stayed with the sisters this past Labor Day weekend.
"Their charter is much in common with what ours is -- helping others less fortunate," said Bill Carothers, a member of the Muskegon bikers.
Carothers told WISN that the tranquility of the retreat is something his group appreciates, especially after a deadly crash in 2012 that killed two members of the gang and injured eight others.

Read the full story at WISN.com