Biggest bike mecca heads for East London
THE continent’s biggest motorbiking event is coming to East London, and will be held at the city’s Esplanade from April 27 to 30 next year.
“YOU will hear us coming. It’s a huge noise,” were the words of Harley-Davidson Africa Bike Week project manager Carl Frayne, who made the announcement yesterday.
The massive family-style event, which has been hailed as an economic boost for the city, will see about 12 000 bikes thundering into the city and is expected to attract 60 000 visitors.
“All the hotels, restaurants and bars will be completely packed,” Harley-Davidson consumer experience manager Sue Nagel said.
“In six months and 10 days nothing will ever be like it was in East London.”
Bikers from all over South Africa and abroad, a large entertainment stage, stunt shows, two bars, a food market and Harley-Davidson displays will fan out over the grassy site in-front of the Osner Hotel, while the hotel itself will accommodate organisers.
A mass ride of about 1 500 bikes will rumble through the city on a route yet to be decided.
Africa Bike Week has been hosted in KwaZulu-Natal’s Margate for the last eight years but Buffalo City secured the event for a minimum of the next three years.
Speaking at the media launch at the Osner yesterday, Harley-Davidson marketing manager Aidan Johnson said East London was an “obvious fit” because of its association with the auto industry and its freedom-fighting heritage.
“Our brand has always stood for freedom and exploration and so there are parallels.”
Harley-Davidson Africa managing director Paul de Jongh said the move away from Margate was made following suggestions from attendees that Africa Bike Week relocate to another central town.
BCM mayoral committee member Mawethu Marata, who was standing in for mayor Xola Pakati, said hosting Africa Week would bolster tourism and the city’s economy.
Harley-Davidson club of East London member Errol Marais said: “. . .Africa Bike Week is going to be massive.” —