The Hamburg Harley Days attracted 600,000 fans
From June 24th to 26th, Hamburg was in a state of emergency: black and orange dominated the streets, the gentle thunder of around 65,000 V-twins filled the air, the Hanseatic city mutated into Harley City. Even though the summer that had just begun had one or two refreshing breaks, 600,000 fans, bikers and guests visited the 40,000 m² event area at the wholesale market with free admission over three festival days.
Seeing and being seen was the name of the game on Main Street. One of the most famous faces was actor Axel Prahl – aka Chief Inspector Thiel in the Münster “Tatort” – who traveled from Berlin on his Harley. He also enjoyed strolling and shopping at the over 150 vendors who presented everything that fascinates people with gasoline in their blood, from biker scarves to complete motorcycle conversions. 
Right next door, the current Harley-Davidson model range could not only be admired, but even tested extensively - an offer that was as tempting as it was free, which around 400 guests took advantage of. People fortified themselves with food and drinks at numerous stands, because the program was as extensive as it was hot: five daredevil shows by stuntman Rainer Schwarz made the asphalt glow, and no fewer than eleven bands rocked the stage.
With hits like “Davy's on the road again” and “For you,” headliner Chris Thompson, ex-voice of Manfred Mann's Earth Band, scored big on Friday evening. The following day, around 90 bikers presented the most beautiful of the beautiful custom bikes that had come to Hamburg from all over Europe at the Ride-In Bike Show on Mönckebergstrasse. They were chosen by a strict jury under the eyes of hundreds of onlookers.
On Sunday, the Hamburg Harley Days were guests at the traditional MOGO motorcycle service. Actor Till Demtröder and Keith Wandell were among the 3,000 to 5,000 US bike riders who joined the massive MOGO convoy. The boss of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company came from the USA especially to be able to take part in the Hamburg Harley Days.
It's logical that it will continue next year - and the years after that too: organizers, authorities and the wholesale market agreed that the Hamburg Harley Days will be allowed to take place on the wholesale market site for the next four years. From June 22nd to 24th 2012 it's going to be happening again in the Free and Harley City. Harley-Davidson recommends: Be there!
Text & Image: Harley-Davidson Press 2011
