Africa Bike Week countdown begins
This popular event is a four-day celebration of all things two-wheeled.
FASTEN your seatbelts as the countdown begins for the sixth Africa Bike Week, Margate’s most popular annual festival and the biggest free motorcycle rally in South Africa.
Hosted by Harley-Davidson, Hibiscus Coast Municipality, Ugu District Municipality and South Coast Tourism, this mega event takes place from May 1 to 4. It is supported by sponsors Jack Daniels, Carling Black Label, Jeep and Shelly Centre.
For the four festival days, Margate is all about motorcycles as thousands of bikers and biking enthusiasts from all over South Africa roar into town. While Margate is the hub of the bike action, the bikers spread their wings and everywhere there are beautiful mean machines to admire, even on the smallest of the South Coast’s back roads. For everyone living on or visiting the South Coast Africa Bike Week is a glorious celebration of all things two-wheeled – and the vibe is second to none.
As usual, a bumper entertainment programme offers all sorts of bike-related happenings, many of them family orientated, at the Harley-Davidson Hotel, Village and Main Stage that will be set up in Margate. Certain roads will be closed to traffic and filled with stalls. Harley Davidson will set up a riding academy there as well as dealer tents and an expo and official merchandise tent.
The official opening takes place at the main stage on Thursday, May 1, at 6.45pm.
One of the most popular activities every year is the ‘Jump Start’, where one of Harley’s iconic and powerful motorcycles is placed on a stand for anyone to try. It is a great way to get the feeling of riding a Harley without having to worry about balance. Free demo rides will be available for riders who want to try out one of the newest models. A Ride In Bike Show a the Harley-Davidson Hotel on Sunday, May 4 at 12.30pm, will allow anyone to register their customised bike and to take part in the competition.
Plenty of live music and other entertainment will keep everyone rocking well into the night. This year’s line-up of entertainers includes Dozi, Nova Rise, Madison Band and DJ Fistaz. From a spectator point of view, however, the most thrilling Africa Bike Week event is the spectacular massed ride. Thousands of bikers take part, doing a 34 km circular route. It starts at the Shelly Centre on Sunday, May 4 at 10.30am.
The event attracts everyone with a passion for freedom and motorcycles and, best of all, it’s free. For more information you can visit www.africabikeweek.co.za or follow the hashtag #ABW14 on Twitter @HarleyAfrica and Facebook www.facebook.com/HarleyDavidsonAfrica.
