An estimated 180 000 enthusiasts, biker families and Harley Owners Group members - including more than 20 000 riders - descended on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast holiday town of Margate on the first weekend in May for the third annual African Bike Week, now officially the biggest Harley-Davidson rally in the southern hemisphere.
There were free demo rides, live stunt shows, lots of Harley merchandise on sale at official dealership stalls, displays of the latest bikes and accessories, and a mass ride (which included a parade of flags) that attracted 2218 motorcycles on the Sunday morning.
Visitors were entertained throughout the four-day festival with live performances from Prime Circle, aKing, Van Coke Kartel, Die Heuwels Fantasties and Black Era, while independent judges chose concours winners in the Free Style Custom, Ladies of Harley, Big Twin, Sportster and Modified categories. Visitors were also encouraged to support the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation of South Africa, the official charity of the festival.
Harley-Davidson Africa marketing manager Michael Carney said: “We're proud be able to give back to the biking community as part of a festival like this, which is free and suitable for the whole family.”
The Hibiscus Coast municipality and South Coast Tourism believe the four-day Bike Week has had a major positive effect on the region, and have invited Harley-Davidson bring Africa Bike Week to Margate for a further five years.
South Coast Tourism CEO Michael Bertram said: “KwaZulu-Natal and Margate in particular are now part of the South African motorcycle touring itinerary. Throughout the year we see increasing numbers of riders exploring our beautiful province - we can't wait for next year's Africa Bike Week.”