HARLEY DAVIDSON: Harley on safari

MOTORBIKING

Morne Labuschagne | Photos & Video: DIN Media

On Thursday, 15 August 2013, more than 150 Harley Davidsons roared out of Harley Pretoria’s Menlyn store for the annual Harley on Safari ride to Sun City. This year’s ride also

coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Harley Owners Group, so it was going to be an extra special weekend for the hogs.

I was privileged to be a part of this group, riding a sweet Harley Davidson Street Bob that was on loan from Johan, the Menlyn store’s owner.

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As this was my first experience with the group, I had no idea of what to expect.

However, I have to admit that flashbacks from movies depicting the hard-core, freeliving lifestyle of the Hells Angels did cross my mind. But I was so far off it was scary.

These riders were probably the friendliest group of people I’ve ever met, all with a deep and common love for the open road and living life! My kind of people.

Leaving Pretoria on Thursday morning, I never once felt like I had to chase down the rider in front of me or ride out of my comfort zone. Everyone was just enjoying the freedom of being on the open road and eating up the black top with friends. Riding such a beautiful stead just made the whole experience that much more memorable.

This was my introduction to the Harley lifestyle – and I liked it, a lot! The only problem was that because the ride was so awesome, I was almost disappointed when we reached our destination.

What a magnificent sight (and sound) it was as the 'Thunder Parade' entered the gates of Sun City en mass; it was pure eye candy heaven! With models ranging from ‘couches’ to custom street rods surrounding me, I felt, and for the lack of a better word, like a real ‘bad ass’.

It was now time to get the weekend’s activities underway,

and what an amazing weekend it turned out to be!

You’ll understand why when I tell you that we were treated to a Custom Bike Show and Riders Zone Exhibition, demo rides, a music concert, a themed beach party with both international and local bands, golf, and outrides into the local communities.

The festivities kicked off off that evening with a Buddha Bar welcome party held in the Hall of Treasures and great fun was had by all.

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On the Friday, HOG Rustenburg hosted the group and took them on an outride to the Royal Bafokeng and Paul Kruger Farm.

The day ended off with a fantastic beach party at the Valley of the Waves, where 'The Blackbyrds' and the fantastic Scottish band 'The Bogus Brothers' kept everyone entertained well into the night.

Saturday saw a Flag Parade make its way through the Sun City grounds,

and this was made all the more momentous as it was the first time something like this has been done by the HOGS in South Africa.

Thereafter, I eagerly headed off to the Custom Bike Show. Here, I caught up with Dave Kriel, who explained to me how he had customised his bike and the challenges that went with it, and his experience with custom bike legends, Paul Junior Designs, from the hit TV series American Choppers. And as he spoke, he made me realise just how passionate a person can be about something as insignificant as a motorcycle. But then it dawned on me that it’s not the bike; it’s the lifestyle and freedom that this motorcycle represents, and the appreciation and respect his fellow enthusiasts give him that drives this man, who says he says he’s never ridden a bike in his life before this one!

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That night we celebrated the HOGÂŽ's

30th birthday and cheered on all those who were recognised at the Custom Bike prize-giving,

which all took place in the Superbowl Arena.

The winners, in the various categories, were as follows: Free Style Custom: 1. Leonard Myburg 2. Bob Bartholomew

H-D Big Twin: 1. Faan du Toit 2. Dave Kriel

H-D Sportster: Johan Botha

Modified Harley-Davidson: 1. Peter Schmitt 2. Brian Wood

Lady of Harley Big Twin: 1. Bettie Kloppers 2. Caroline Farmer

Trike:

1. Faan Botha 2. Don Conceicao

Antique:

1. Martin Smith 2. Phill Beckett

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The evening's entertainment was kicked off with the Bogus Brothers, with their offcentre way of performing cover songs and entertaining the crowds with dance moves from a bye-gone era. Next up was the international band Mike and the Mechanics, who belted out old favourites like ‘The Living Years’. We were fortunate to be in the Golden Circle and it was fantastic to be so close to these legendary musicians, as opposed to having to watch them from a distance and on a big screen. The band put on a great show, so if you ever get the opportunity to watch them, don’t turn it down.

But the night was not over yet and the after party was calling. It was great fun and for anyone who thinks that Harley riders are a bunch of old men and women who cruise around and drink coffee on breakfast runs, think again! Take a page out of my book and don’t try to take them on when it comes to partying, because they are sure to show you a trick or two!

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At breakfast on Sunday morning, new friends were greeted, war stories exchanged, and trips planned. Then it was time to head back to our normal lives. But for me, life will never be the same again because of the impact this weekend had on me and I couldn’t resist stopping at Harley Davidson Menlyn to buy and customise my very own Harley Davidson.

Thank you to the Harley Owners Group for the most amazing weekend,

to Johan for loaning me the Street Bob, and to Mishka Moller and her team for pulling off an event that entertained and sold the lifestyle and brand to me and I believe many more! •