The first edition of Croatia Harley Days was held in the town of Biograd between 26 and 29 June, a great success of attendance with 65,000 visitors and 20,000 Harley-Davidson celebrated the 20th HOG Rally European, becoming one of the major European events free and open to everyone, had so far.
Over four days, the Croatian town became the epicenter of the universe Harley-Davidson, attracting thousands of harlistas from all over Europe. From Portugal to Finland, and even other continents like the United States and South Africa and from countries as diverse as Brazil or Saudi Arabia. Everyone enjoyed a host of free activities around the mythical mark of Milwaukee as the exposure of Harley-Davidson, free trials of new models, rock concerts, local bands, or clothing and genuine American brand, among others.
The highlight of this Croatia Harley Days was the flag parade which took place on Saturday May 28, parade that was attended by about 3,000 riders en route from Zadar to Biograd. Neither missed the original Custom Bike Show, the contest that rewards custom bikes with the most original and quirky designs, and which counted among its ranks with spectacular customized Harleys.The winner for best customization was Tomaz Capuder Slovak, who will participate in the prestigious World Championship Customization held annually in the city of Sturgis, United States.
Guided tours organized by the Croatian Pletes HOG Chapter was a good group of bikers on the road by the Krka National Park and the cities of Primosten, Trogis and Split, while women harlistas, the Ladies of Harley, enjoyed map “Paska cipka.”
Additionally, in the closing ceremony of Croatia Harley Days, held on Saturday 28, was granted several awards to members of HOG David Tasker of Saudi Arabia received the Furthest Traveled Award for being the rider who came from further away with his Harley, traveling 6,231 miles from Riyadh to Biograd.
The oldest rider award went to Ten Bruggencate, a 81 year Harlista the Netherlands.
As a climax, a fireworks show put an end to the first Croatia Harley Days. Nigel Villiers, director of International Customer Experience Harley-Davidson Europe, Middle East and Africa: “The Harley Days Croatia has exceeded all our expectations. We had a great time, many visitors and a great atmosphere. In addition, we are very grateful to have received treatment by local police who have cooperated with us at all times. Croatia has really been a great choice for the 20th edition of the European HOG Rally and this is confirmed by the amount of positive feedback we received from attendees. We can certainly say that Biograd is probably the best location for such events. “
Harley-Davidson has organized the “Harley Days” and the European HOG Rally in Croatia for the first time. Meetings like this are held in other European cities such as Villach, Vienna, Barcelona, ??St. Tropez, Berlin and Hamburg.
The next event after the Croatia Harley Days is the Ireland Bike Fest festival, from 3 to 6 June 2011.
