We came here to party
From September 3 to 8, European Bike Week attracted 100,000 motorcycle fans to Lake Faaker See.
· Europe's largest motorcycle party fascinates visitors from all over the world
· 2014 Harley-Davidson models are the talk of the town
· Asia and the Leningrad Cowboys rock the stage with 18 other bands
· Largest motorcycle parade on the continent with around 25,000 bikes
Every year at the end of August, the area along the lakeside road in the small Carinthian village of Faak is transformed into an entertainment paradise for motorcycle fans.
Large event tents, a huge open-air stage and numerous stands will be erected on an area of around 40,000 m²: the Harley Village. In the first week of September, the time has come: the European Bike Week takes off.
In 2013, crowds flocked to the event for the 16th time. Faak – on two and four wheels, by plane, bus, or on foot – to enjoy the 110th birthday from Harley-Davidson to celebrate and honor that free spirit that only the brand from Milwaukee Around 100,000 people attended in 2013, enjoying the unique atmosphere for which Faak is famous in consistently sunny temperatures. They relaxed, set off on tours of the alpine surroundings, or simply indulged in the general party atmosphere.
Finally, celebrations took place around the lake, with the sound of around 75,000 V-Twins mingled with that of electric guitars and a Babylonian babble of languages at the party venues, as guests now come to Faak from all continents.
At the heart of the event, the Harley Village, Once again, the atmosphere was buzzing. Twenty-three Harley-Davidson dealers from Austria, Germany, and Italy, as well as over 50 independent traders, ensured that visitors could purchase everything from patches to complete custom bikes—anything and everything related to biker lifestyle corresponds.
In the big exhibition tent Right next to the stage, the latest 2014 models from Harley-Davidson – above all, the new „Rushmore“ Touring Generation - plenty to talk about. Those who wanted to get on and go straight away could simply book one of the free test ride appointments, while motorcycle fans without a license could get their eyes sparkling on an authentic driving simulator. Precious one-offs were presented by internationally renowned motorcycle tuners such as Rick's and Thunderbike presented in the Customizer Area. One eye-catcher lined up next to the other at the custom bike show on Friday.
More than 30 catering stands catered for the guests' physical well-being, and people chilled out at the bars into the evening. People danced to live gigs in the Hot Dot Café, Harley Bar and Choppers Bar tents until late into the night. 20 bands, including the British supergroup Asia and the iconic Leningrad Cowboys from Finland shone on the open air stage.
Following the Motorcycle show On Saturday, the big Parade around the Ossiacher and Lake Faak once again the highlight of the event.
Thousands of spectators lined the streets and cheered on the bikers, who made a visual and acoustic impact on more than 25,000 motorcycles.
Of course, the party will continue next year: From the September 2 to 7, the European Bike Week 2014.
If you miss them, you only have yourself to blame! Further information is available at: www.hogeuropegallery.com/ebw.
Text & photos: Copyright Harley-Davidson Austria 2013
