Africa Bike Week 2011

At the annual Harley-Davidson® Africa Bike Week, 180 000 motorcycling enthusiasts, families and HOG members including 20 000 plus motorcyclists, descended on the well-known tourism holiday town of Margate.

The third Harley-Davidson® Africa Bike Week which took place from Thursday, 28 April to Sunday 1 May is renowned for being the largest Harley-Davidson® motorcycle festival in the Southern Hemisphere attracting both young and old to experience the ultimate Harley-Davidson® lifestyle.

“We are extremely proud to be associated with a festival of this nature and to give back to the motorcycle community by offering a top notch experience which is free and is suitable for the whole family,” says Michael Carney, Marketing Manager Harley-Davidson® Africa.

Denise Barnard, HOG Africa Editor gives her impressions of ABW 2011!

"What an amazing event! The superlatives that come to mind just cannot do this mega-event justice. The Africa Bike Week™ team arrived in Margate on the Sunday before Easter only to find that, amongst all the 1000's of holiday makers, the stage was being erected, tent framework and dozens of essential infrastructure contract were well under way – the holiday makers seemingly unaware of the goings 'on. Such was the professionalism of the contractors.

Rolling Thunder

"One by one, then 4 by 4, and eventually 1000's of motorcycles descended upon Margate. The weather was, once again, glorious. The curiosity of the visitors and holiday makers was willing met with enthusiastic conversations between riders and non riders. The atmosphere was one of friendship, fellowship on the one hand and on the other – partying, fantastic music by some of South Africa's top bands, good food and more partying.

"The orange and black coloured Harley-Davidson® bunting and branding adorned the town as far as the eye could see. The rumbling, roaring and revving of engines sent shivers down our backs. It seemed like only a few months had passed since Africa Bike Week™ 2010. I asked some friends about their impressions.

"The best came from a crazy half-pint, who is braver and rides with more skill than most men out there. "Take Microsoft as an example" she said." Just when you think their new version of Windows does it all, the next version is out – with better apps, add-ons and functionality that you had never known you needed". One can draw a parallel with Africa Bike Week™. We all had a blast in 2010 and thought this just CANNOT be improved upon. After 9 months of meticulous planning, brainstorming and meetings, Africa Bike Week™ 2011 rose up like a Phoenix out of the memories of last year.

Best of the Show

"Luis da Silva's new baby, the Harley-Davidson® Experience truck proved to be a huge crowd puller. Like a big black butterfly, she unfurled her "wings", revealing the most beautiful, out-of-the-box Harley-Davidson® 2011 models. 289 Demo-rides wowed the riders who just wanted the smell and feel of the brand new Harley-Davidson® models - 14 motorcycles ranging evenly across the 4 'families'.

"Harley-Davidson® Street was all but impassable to bikes with 1000's of visitors and riders alike taking in the spectacle. All the Dealerships from around the country put on their 'Sunday Best', one trying to out-do the next! Creativity and planning obviously started a lo-o-o-ong time ago for Africa Bike Week™ 2011.

"Dozens of enthusiastic vendors, selling a large variety of motorcycle related goods, were the cause of our cash reserves being seriously depleted and our credit cards maxing-out. The vibe was electric!

180 000 visitors, 20 000 bikes

The official attendance figures – 180 000 visitors of the course of the weekend, 20 000 bikes. Our guests from the USA, Nigel Villiers is H-D Director Customer Experience International and Ken Ostermann General Manager International Marketing Operations were enthralled and captivated by our country and especially the magnitude and success of this annual event.

Our Thanks...

Thanks must go to the Hibiscus Coast Municipality, Margate Business Association (MBA) and SA Police work closely with the Harley-Davidson® organising team, to ensure that there is minimal disruption to business owners during the set up of Africa Bike Week™.

Harley-Davidson® greatly appreciates the valued support and warm welcome from business owners, Hibiscus Coast Municipality, UGU South Coast Tourism and MBA for accommodating an event of this magnitude in Margate.

The Hibiscus Coast Municipality, Margate Business Association (MBA) and SA Police work closely with the Harley-Davidson® organising team, to ensure that there is minimal disruption to business owners during the set up of Africa Bike Week™.
Harley-Davidson® greatly appreciates the valued support and warm welcome from business owners, Hibiscus Coast Municipality, UGU South Coast Tourism and MBA for accommodating an event of this magnitude in Margate.