Just Friends
From August 12 to 14, 2011, the Friendship Ride Germany took place on the Wasserkuppe for a good cause
On other weekends, it belongs to pilots and hikers - but once a year, it's the bikers' turn on the Wasserkuppe. From August 12 to 14, 2011, it was that time again: in their search for a break from everyday life, around 20,000 motorcycle and party fans found what they were looking for over the three days despite the mixed weather - at the Friendship Ride Germany in the Rhön. H.O.G. chapters, motorcycle clubs, young people, families and numerous onlookers made the pilgrimage to Hesse's highest mountain, marveled at the colourful hustle and bustle and were infected by the gleaming chrome bikes and the exuberant mood.
Whether they arrived on a Harley, another bike, by car or bus, it didn't matter, the Friendship Ride welcomed everyone. People strolled past the sales stands, where everything to do with the most beautiful hobby in the world was on offer, found out about the latest Harley models and fortified themselves with food and drink from the high-quality range on offer from the „Rhöner Charme“ gastronomic initiative.
Rund 300 Führerscheinbesitzer nutzten die Gelegenheit zu einer Probefahrt auf einer neuen Harley-Davidson. Für atemberaubende Momente sorgte Stuntman Rainer Schwarz, der in vier heißen Shows den Asphalt zum Glühen brachte.
The unspoilt and varied „Land of the Open Faraway“ immediately captivated every biker. For a long weekend, the beautiful roads belonged to the two-wheelers. It goes without saying that the rules of the biosphere reserve were adhered to!
The relaxed evenings were all about good music: Harley-Davidson provided plenty of variety in the form of nine strong bands. Top act Patricia Vonne from the USA thrilled the audience on Saturday. One day later, the motorcycle fans thanked their hosts with the big parade. Around 1,500 bikes rode along in the parade to Fulda.
As in the two previous years, the net proceeds of the event are earmarked for a good cause: 75 percent will go to the German Society for Muscle Diseases (D.G.M. e.V.), while 25 percent will be donated to local charitable organizations. This will not change next year, when it's time again for the Friendship Ride Germany on the Wasserkuppe from August 17 to 19!
Text: Harley-Davidson
Photo: (Photographer Schibäus for Harley-Davidson)
