Beer, motorcycles and rock and roll: the Bike Fest begins, under the guidance of Harley-Davidson

Over the years it has become unquestionably the most important European gathering of bikers and rock music enthusiasts, an often inseparable combination. We are obviously talking about the European Bike Week which this year celebrates its twenty years of existence and which is proposed again on the banks of the Faker See, in Austria. Born as a weekend dedicated to beer grills and a few live concerts by local or German groups, the European Bike Fest has turned into an extraordinary happening both for the presence of motorcycles from all over the continent and for its musical program that it has nothing to envy of the big summer festivals held in England, France, Holland, Germany or Italy.

The Festival has always been born under the Harley Davidson brand and is completely free: there is the possibility of camping, listening to good music, and taking part in the numerous collateral events. But the fundamental thing, especially if you have a Harley, the important thing - at least once in your life - is to be there. Last year the statistics spoke of 70 thousand motorbikes present and over 125 thousand spectators. This year we aim to raise the bar.

We start on Tuesday 5 September with the Wardogs, one of the most popular Ramones cover bands worldwide. On Wednesday 6 September there will be three bands on the programme, with the Reckless Roses (Guns 'n' Roses tribute band) closing the stage. Thursday 7th three bands again with Thorbjörn Risager & the Black Tornado headlining. From Friday 8th we get serious with Black Stone Cherry, a band much appreciated by the Italian public who are currently engaged in an exhausting tour throughout the USA. Cherry have been missing in Italy for some time, they were expected here at the beginning of the year but some problems within the band had forced the cancellation of the tour.

The Bike Fest confirms itself as the largest and most crowded musical and motorcycling event in Europe: this year we hope to go beyond the 70 thousand motorbikes present and 120 thousand people. The epicenter of the party will obviously be the Harley Davidson Village. There will be no shortage of test areas, stands for customizing your own vehicle and a Demo Zone where anyone can try out the most interesting Harleys currently on the market. In a specific area, the Dark Custom, the new Street Rod 750 will be presented.

Trevor Barton, Consumer Experience Manager of Harley-Davidson International, is optimistic in view of the now imminent appointment: “After a frenetic summer full of Harley-Davidson events and rallies, the Faaker See appointment is the best way to close the circle. It's a fantastic five-day party where you meet the nicest people, see the coolest bikes and listen to the best live music. We really enjoy bringing Bike Week to life, which after 20 years of existence continues to grow and confirm itself as an unmissable event to which motorcyclists and music enthusiasts love to go."