That was St. Petersburg Harley Days 2017
It's crazy, the Harley-Davidson meet in Eastern Europe is one of the most beautiful and spectacular ever, with visitors coming from over 50 countries to the western Russian metropolis. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't quite as good this year, but luckily the temperatures were favorable, so it wasn't too bad.
According to the organizers, around 3,000 Harleys took part in the parade, but this figure felt like an understatement. Despite the rain, very few people missed the opportunity to take part in the parade.
We started on the palace square where the Alexander Column stands, directly in front of the Hermitage, more precisely in front of the Winter Palace of the Tsars. You won't find this unique backdrop and architecture anywhere else in the world. Surrounded by radio and television crews, we marveled at the machines and were always surprised at how modern the city is. The roads are getting better every year, some of the traffic lights are already equipped with LEDs and time displays. There are also many Harley-Davidson motorcycles to be seen here, the big conversions such as Rick's are less to be seen, but the Harleys are all very well maintained and in top condition. The few custom bikes are nevertheless very good and rather atypical conversions, some of them have curious airbrush paint jobs and most of them have a good sound anyway.
The highlight is the parade along the palaces of the UNESCO World Heritage city
Shortly after a heavy downpour, the parade started, at times walking four abreast through the city center, along the boulevards of St. Petersburg. This is an unforgettable moment, with people standing on the streets to the left and right and this view down the street to the front, where the next sight is already reflecting the first rays of sunshine after the rain. The parade ended at the festival site, where visitors were already waiting for the Harleys. The venue is in the middle of the city, so many onlookers come to see the great machines.
The event is very well organized, everything is clean and safe. There are no drunks staggering around the grounds, as alcohol is not served here. It is only available in the restaurants or in an exclusive tent provided by the organizer.
A good music program was presented on two stages, plenty of entertainment was provided, stunt shows, bike show and after the event the after-show party, where Ken Hensley, known from Uriah Heep, gave his best.
The conclusion for 2017: even more stands than in 2016, another great parade, a great event area and very hospitable Russians. The roads are now better than ours and, like last year, it was over far too quickly.
Unfortunately there was a bit too much rain this year, but even bad weather can't disenchant this magnificent city!
It's worth the trip!
Further information is also available at: www.greatestrides.de
