The classic “Hog” that was parked in front of the Hotel Nevada for more than a month as a teaser for a fund-raising raffle went to a lover of Harleys who says he was fulfilling his “bucket list” when he bought two tickets.

This 1979 Harley Davidson Classic 80 motorcycle was raffled off to raise $10,000 for the Vietnam Veterans National Memorial. It is pictured on display in front of the Hotel Nevada.

The expression “bucket list” has been popularized by the 2007 film, “Bucket List,” in which Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman compile a list of things they want to do or accomplish before their deaths.

Kenny Stiles is a 58-year-old district sales manager for Little Debbie (snack cakes) from Kansas City, Mo. He also now owns four Harley Davidsons. Earlier this summer, he set off on his 2003 Harley for Yosemite National Park with his wife Juli on the back. The route was U.S. 50, the “Loneliest Road in America.”

“It was on my bucket list to do it,” Stiles said of the bike trip along Highway 50. Ely was the third overnight stop.

During that rest stop on June 8, they saw the 1979 Harley Davidson Classic 80 motorcycle that was on display in front of the Hotel Nevada.

“I'm into motorcycles. I took a picture of it that night we pulled in,” Stiles said. He spent two and a half hours looking at the bike knowing that he wanted it. Then he told his wife that he wanted to buy a couple of raffle tickets before they left Ely. He bought two for $10 and put his name on one and his wife's name on the other. That one was the winning ticket.

“I didn't win it. My wife won it and she keeps reminding me,” Stiles said.

The Stiles left Ely June 9, visited Yosemite in California and returned to Missouri. They were surprised when a telephone call came from Ely July 5 with the news.

“The bike could not have gone to anyone who would appreciate it more,” Stiles said.

“I'm making arrangements to have it shipped. It will be well taken care of,” he said. The Harley being shipped from Ely will be the fourth in Stile's garage. The oldest dates to 1965.

“I'm motorcycle poor,” Stiles said.

“We've never won anything like that in our lives. I'm usually never lucky,” he said.

“I'm just a hard working man who sells Little Debbies for a living,” said Stiles of the only job he has had in the 31 years since he graduated from college.

Stiles said he was pleased that the donation will benefit the Vietnam Veterans National Memorial located near Angel Fire, N.M. “It was a great donation. I wasn't there (Vietnam) but I still care,” Stiles said.