By: Dave Abrahams
Cape Town – Hundreds of riders gathered at each of the 10 Harley-Davidson dealerships across South Africa on Saturday 1 November, to fly the flag in aid of male cancer research.
The first Snors for a Cause motorcade threw a little, light-hearted, light into a dark corner of the male psyche - and it was surprising how many ladies stuck on a false ‘tache and joined the ride in support of their guy.
Mostly, however, it was about getting together with fellow riders, making a little noise and having a lot of fun in a good cause. The riders included a representative of the Harley Owners Group Mauritius, bringing a donation of R1000 to support the cause.
And it wasn’t just for Harleys, either; a surprising variety of cruisers and bobbers turned out for the ride on a perfect early summer day at the Tyger Valley dealership north of Cape Town, in addition to sports bikes - Japanese, English and Italian – and a number of big adventure tourers, not all of them German.
MAKING SOME NOISE
After a quick route briefing from the road captain of the local HOG chapter, 108 riders set off, flags flying and moustaches bristling in the wind and escorted by local law enforcement, to make some noise on the highway before cruising back to the dealership for snacks and cold drinks.
But not us; we headed off to central Cape Town, where we arrived shortly after an even more varied group of riders who’d gathered in Hout Bay for a relaxed ride along one of the most spectacular scenic routes in the world, and where the party was just getting into its stride, with live rock music and a working barber’s shop on the showroom floor.
Once again, there were moustaches of all levels of authenticity on display – not all of them under the noses of their wearers! – as the usual rivalry between rumbling American V-twins and high-revving Japanese sports machines was set aside in favour of a cause that affects every rider who’s capable of growing a moustache.