Heaven is a place on earth
Around 10,000 motorcycle, party and music fans celebrated the Friendship Ride Germany on the Wasserkuppe
• Offers around bikes, test rides, stunt shows and live bands
• Kids area for younger visitors
Nowhere in Hesse are you as close to heaven as on the Wasserkuppe. “Simply paradise,” say sailing, motor, paragliding and hang gliding enthusiasts. But once a year not only they, but also motorcycle fans find their El Dorado on the 950 meter high mountain in the heart of the Rhön. From August 8th to 10th it was that time again: The Friendship Ride Germany opened its doors.
In predominantly sunny, warm midsummer weather, around 10,000 two-wheeler enthusiasts made a pilgrimage to the summit near Fulda over the three days. They came on motorcycles, bicycles, cars and buses, and on foot, and they had a lot of fun.
The spacious grounds were extremely relaxed. Shopping at the numerous motorcycle, clothing and accessories retailers as well as chilling in the catering areas and in front of the big stage were on the agenda for a fascinating long weekend.
Food and drink from the “Rhöner Charme” initiative pampered the palate, seven live bands ensured an exuberant atmosphere and four adrenaline-filled stunt shows took your breath away. The “demo bikes” were on the road from morning to evening: drivers’ license holders could test drive one of the current Harleys for free, and those without a driver’s license were able to hop on an astonishingly authentic driving simulator.
With gentle hills, lush meadows and deep forests, the Rhön lies at the feet of the viewer from the Wasserkuppe. A tempting sight that made bikers want to ride the small, winding roads around it day after day.
Five tour recommendations from the Fulda Rhön chapter, which was also significantly involved in organizing the event, helped them not to miss any highlights of the attractive region.
After the church service on Sunday, we went on tour together: With the big ride to Fulda, the bikers paid their respects to the hospitable Rhön population. Meanwhile, those who were still too small to get on a motorcycle were happy about the new offers for kids: there were no limits to creativity in the large play tent, and you could also try your hand at climbing, face painting and juggling until Sunday evening heavenly event was coming to an end.
Text and photos: Copyright Harley-Davidson
Photo credit: Henning Angerer
