EUROPEAN BIKE WEEK® 2021 WELCOMES AND CELEBRATES RIDERS FROM 7-12 SEPTEMBER

 
 
 
 
 

OXFORD, UK (August 2021) – Harley-Davidson® confirms that European Bike Week® will take place at Lake Faak in Carinthia, Austria, from 7-12 September 2021. Working in close partnership with the local government, tourism team and authorities, Harley-Davidson has lined up a programme of events that welcomes and celebrates riders and brand fans who share a common passion for Harley-Davidson. The event will allow participants to get immersed in the Harley-Davidson culture and lifestyle in ways that offer opportunities to safely interact in small groups and in open settings.

“We are pleased to bring European Bike Week back for 2021,” said Kolja Rebstock, Harley-Davidson’s Vice President of EMEA. “After the disappointment of having to postpone the event in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are more determined than ever to have a strong presence at Faaker See this year. We are fortunate to have dedicated partners in Carinthia who have been very supportive in finding ways to hold a safe event, which remains our number one priority.”   

Event attendees are invited to participate in:

  • 2021 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Expo – an expo zone with the latest Model Year 2021 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including the all-new Sportster™ S and Pan America™. A showcase of custom motorcycles will also be on display.  
  • Demo Rides – visitors will have the opportunity to take test rides on the latest Harley-Davidson models from across the product lineup, including its iconic Grand America Touring models, Cruisers, and the all-new Pan America Adventure Touring Motorcycle. In line with COVID-19 guidance, demo riders will be required to bring their own helmet, riding jacket and gloves. Booking in advance is advised.
  • H-D Merchandise – shop and buy the latest Harley-Davidson apparel and gear.
  • H.O.G. Meet Up Zone – a dedicated area for H.O.G. members to meet, with special access to refreshments and merchandise on sale.   

 

Schedule of Events and Austrian 3-G Compliance
European Bike Week events are open 10:00 to 18:00 from Tuesday 7 September to Sunday 12 September. Proof of compliance with the Austrian 3-G rules (Geimpft, Getestet, oder Genesen) is required for entry to the Harley-Davidson Zone. Proof of vaccinated, negatively tested, or recovered from COVID-19 can be provided using an EU Digital COVID Certificate, an equivalent COVID passport, or an official test certificate. 

 

Note, for safety reasons, there will not be an official parade, evening entertainment or ride-in custom bike show for 2021. These programme elements are planned to return in 2022.    

 

Harley-Davidson will continue to responsibly review any new restrictions on gatherings or travel that may be reintroduced in Austria or surrounding countries.  

 

Follow @HOGEMEA on Facebook and visit https://events.harley-davidson.com for more updates as European Bike Week 2021 approaches.

 

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About Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture with an expanding range of leading-edge, distinctive and customizable motorcycles in addition to riding experiences and exceptional motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get Harley-Davidson riders on the road. Learn more at www.harley-davidson.com

 

About European Bike Week
First held in 1998 and run annually until 2020’s postponement due to COVID-19, European Bike Week is the largest free motorcycle festival in Europe – sponsored and organised by Harley-Davidson, but involving riders of all motorcycle brands. Its cultural resonance for the motorcycle community across Europe and the world combines with a significant economic impact in the Austrian region of Carinthia, making the event an important annual milestone.

  

Notes to editors / Frequently asked questions

 

Will the event be held at the same location this year?
Yes, the Harley-Davidson zone at European Bike Week 2021 will be in the same place, with two main entrances: one across the road from Faak am See railway station and one across the road from the A1 service station. Use Google Maps Plus Code HW77+R5 Villach, Austria.

 

Will Austria allow visitors at that point?
We cannot predict the situation on 7 September 2021 but, at the moment, Austria, like the rest of Europe, is opening up to local and cross-national visitors. Harley-Davidson will continue to responsibly review any new restrictions on gatherings or travel that may be reintroduced in Austria or surrounding countries. 

 

Do I need an EU COVID passport to access H-D areas?
Proof of compliance with the Austrian 3-G rules (Geimpft, Getestet, oder Genesen) is required for entry to the Harley-Davidson Zone. Proof of vaccinated, negatively tested, or recovered from COVID-19 can be provided using an EU Digital COVID Certificate, an equivalent COVID passport, or an official test certificate. 

 

Why will there be no official Harley-Davidson parade?
The parade is one of the elements that involves thousands of people travelling through several towns with public participation. For safety reasons, in the running of the 2021 event there will not be an official parade, evening entertainment or ride-in custom bike show for 2021. These programme elements are planned to return in 2022.    

 

Will the one-way system be in place?
The one-way system is not currently planned – but this is completely dependent on the local authorities and may be enforced by them closer to the date.

 

How will demo rides work?
Visitors will have the opportunity to take test rides on the latest Harley-Davidson models from across the product lineup, including its iconic Grand America Touring models, Cruisers, and the all-new Pan America Adventure Touring Motorcycle. In line with COVID-19 guidance, demo riders will be required to bring their own helmet, riding jacket and gloves.

To make sure you get the opportunity to ride the specific motorcycle you would like, please pre-register. Details on how to do this will be available closer to the event. 

 

Why is there no Custom Bike Show?
Like the Parade, the ride-in Custom Bike Show typically involves large numbers of people. For safety reasons there will not be a ride-in custom show this year. We will have a custom bike garage at Expo showcasing some more local creations and, rest assured, the ride-in Custom Bike Show and some other new programme elements will return in 2022! 

 

Will there be music and entertainment?
This year’s event is daytime only. It runs from 10:00 to 18:00 from 7-11 September and from 10:00 to 13:00 on Sunday 12 September. We are not authorised to host large crowds at music, entertainment, and bars.

 

Is there still a risk that the event will be cancelled?
Harley-Davidson and the local team in Carinthia are confident that the event will go ahead. However, both parties will continue to responsibly review any new restrictions on gatherings or travel that may be reintroduced in Austria or surrounding countries.