Africa Bike Week breaks records
All indications are that the event was bigger and better than ever before.
AS the last of an estimated 25 000 bikers rode out of town, bringing an end to the motorcycle mania that had gripped Margate for four frenetic days, everyone involved in Africa Bike Week 2014 could permit themselves a pat or two on the back.
This massive celebration of motorbikes, South Africa’s biggest free rally, had attracted thousands of biking enthusiasts from all over South Africa. It had been a resounding success.
Margate’s sixth annual Africa Bike Week, a feast of exciting activities and family entertainment, was jointly hosted by Harley-Davidson, Hibiscus Coast Municipality, Ugu District Municipality and Ugu South Coast Tourism. Sponsors Jack Daniels, Carling Black Label, Jeep and the Shelly Centre supported the event.
This year’s Africa Bike Week was bigger and better than the previous events, according to Michael Carney, marketing manager of Harley-Davidson® Africa.
“We bring a commitment of exceptional customer experiences to everything we do and have seen a great growth in the event attendance this year. It is always a powerful experience to see the excitement and camaraderie between all the Harley-Davidson owners, other motorcycle riders and motorcycle enthusiasts at Africa Bike Week. Our purpose and passion is to fulfill dreams of personal freedom and we are already looking forward to next year’s event,” he said.
Members of the South Coast’s tourism industry agreed with him. Louis Boshoff from the Information Centre has calculated that occupancy levels were up by as much as 70 percent in the Shelly Beach area.
Owners of accommodation establishments said many visitors had taken advantage of all the public holidays to extend their stays. In Margate, tourism-related businesses reported a 30 percent increase in trade compared to last year. The toll road was 27 percent busier than last year.
Ugu South Coast Tourism chief executive Justin Mackrory said letting agents had reported marked increases in booking volumes and restaurants and pubs had experienced big spikes in their revenues.
“Africa Bike Week has become the pinnacle ‘rainbow’ event for the greater South Coast and Margate,” he said.
Hibiscus Coast Municipality spokesman Nomusa Zulu said initial reports indicated the event had attracted more people this year.
“This has a positive impact on our local economy. The municipality thanks the people of Hibiscus Coast for the enthusiasm with which they continue to receive this biking festival,” she said.
For four days, there was non-stop action in and around Margate, as Africa Bike Week roared into top gear. Harley-Davidson® merchandise, accessories and motorcycles were sold in the Harley-Davidson® Village. The main Harley-Davidson Exhibition Tent showcased all the latest models, custom models and a preview of the Street™ 750 that will be launched early next year. Non-stop entertainment, on two different stages, rocked the crowd late into the nights.The Harley-Davidson Riding Academy was available for those who wanted to learn how to ride and free demo rides were on offer. Riders showcased their finest customised motorcycles at the Ride In Bike Show on Sunday afternoon.
The 34km mass ride, from the Shelly Centre on Sunday morning, was a highlight of this year’s event. Thousands of motorcyclists took part and spectators lined the route to support them. They were led by Mark-Hans Richer, the senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company in Milwaukee, and Hibiscus Coast mayor Cynthia Mqwebu. Mr Richer had flown from the USA to Johannesburg from where, accompanied by Japanese journalists, he had ridden via Swaziland to Margate.
Another VIP guest was popular radio personality Angie Khumalo, who is an ambassador for Harley-Davidson Africa. She was most impressed with Africa Bike Week.
“As somebody who attends a lot of events every year, I have got to say that Africa Bike Week was one of the best. Being in one place with so many people from all walks of life who are united by a common thread, their love for motorcycles, was an experience second to none,” she said.
Vicky Wentzel of eventing company Wozani Africa said visitors and participants had been highly impressed with the professionally-organised and very successful event. She thanked Ugu South Coast Tourism, Ugu District Municipality and Hibiscus Coast Municipality for their support, enthusiasm, co-operation and hard work.
