By CHRIS WRIGHT news@algarveresident.com
The riverside gardens in Tavira provided the perfect backdrop for the town’s first ever Harley Davidson Convention at the weekend.
The event, organised by the Algarve Chapter of the Harley Owners Group, attracted more than 200 bikes and there was tremendous interest in all aspects of the gleaming customised motorcycles.
Harleys have a distinctive design and exhaust note, which was very apparent as a torch light procession of bikes paraded through Tavira’s historic centre and over the bridges on the Saturday evening.
Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, during the first decade of the 20th century, Harley Davidson produces heavyweight (over 750 cc) motorcycles designed for cruising on the highway.
In 1917, the United States entered World War I and it was the first time the motorcycle had been adopted for combat service with over 15,000 Harleys being deployed.
According to a recent Harley-Davidson study, in 1987 half of all Harley riders were under the age of 35. Now, only 15 per cent of Harley buyers are under 35, and the average age has risen to 48.
Mark Stephens, who has lived in the Algarve for 30 years, was delighted with the turnout.
“We are very social animals and next February will celebrate our 10th anniversary. We recently had a wonderful weekend at the Sevilla Horse Fair.”
The Algarve Chapter has more than sixty members and Tavira Câmara has given its backing to the event for future years.
For further information, please telephone 913 684 477 or email tavira@algarvechapter.com
The next major motorcycle event on the calendar is the Faro’s International Bikers Rally between July 15 and 18 that annually attracts more than 30,000 bikers and visitors. For more information, please visit www.motoclubefaro.pt
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