(AUSTRALIA, SYDNEY) 16th July 2018: Harley-Davidson's 115th Anniversary celebration in Prague was one hell of a party. The event, held over four days between the 5th - 8th July kicked off with the Rolling Stones on the night of the 4th and didn't stop rocking.
110,000 visitors from 77 different countries were welcomed to the event by Bill and Karen Davidson. And they really came from all over; the Rides-In – sponsored by Dunlop – had over 100 H-D dealers participating from as far afield as Moscow, Lisbon, Naples and Trondheim. 67,500 motorcycles flooded Prague and 4,000 Harleys took part in the Parade (one of many highlights). And over 3,500 accreditations were issued for people working or performing at the event.
One of the biggest attractions was the Harley-Davidson Historic display, which took event-goers on an interactive 115-year tour of iconic machines and memorabilia. The Custom Gallery was an extremely popular attraction that saw 45 stunning custom bikes from Europe's best bike builder beautifully displayed, likewise the opportunity to demo ride the 2018 H-D range – including the new Forty-Eight® Special and Iron 1200™ – and visit the H.O.G Village. There was also the chance to explore the Central Bohemian region with local guide riders and the over-subscribed excursions took in Kutná Hora, Krivoklát, Ceský Štemberk or Konopište.
The Central Bohemian region also helped riders with recommended routes on the official website or mobile app. Thousands travelled around Central Bohemia and participated in the Czech Bohemia Challenge, a tour of the most beautiful places in the region. The first thousand received commemorative coins from a special limited series.
As an extra treat the 115th Anniversary in Prague coincided with the European Championship in Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) and a series of major title matches, sponsored by the Czech Muay Thai Association, sanctioned by the Thai governing body and featuring Thai superstar Buakaw Benchamek, culminated at H-D's Gala Muay Thai Party on the Friday.
Sunday's action centred mainly in Holešovice for families with children; the organisers reserved one special day to celebrate the 115th Harley-Davidson Anniversary for even the smallest fan, and admission for locals was free on presentation of an ID card.
The Jeep® brand – a key partner and official sponsor of selected Harley-Davidson events – were in attendance throughout with the Jeep®/Touring Zone, offering the opportunity to get behind the wheel of one of the iconic brand's products.
All event-goers were greeted by the sight of a stunning all-new Jeep Wrangler displayed on a striking raised structure at the main entrance and were offered the unique chance of test driving the new generation of the iconic Jeep vehicle. The undisputed off-road champion which is equally at ease on city streets also opened the Parade in the heart of Prague that played a key part in the celebrations, alongside the new 2019 Renegade. The new Jeep Cherokee - the most recent version of the Jeep mid-size SUV offering a refreshed style, advanced connectivity and premium technology - was also on display in the Jeep®/Touring Zone.
H-D has a 100-year history with Czechoslovakia and Prague itself is home to the world's oldest H-D club – Harley-Davidson Club Praha, has been in existence for 90 years – a fact that was celebrated at Czechoslovak Island. Martin Hermanský, EMEA Harley-Davidson Managing Director of Strategic Growth Markets was pleased to show off the area: "The biggest attraction for the public was Saturday's ride of 4,000 Harley-Davidsons to the centre of Prague. And around the Central Bohemian Region seven organised excursions and countless individual trips took place."
Jarda Vavrina of Harley-Davidson Prague and head of the local organisational team: "The feedback from the local community has been fantastic! Everybody has welcomed Harley riders with open arms, so much so that the most popular question from our international visitors is – when can we come back."
Trevor Barton, EMEA Harley-Davidson Customer Experience Manager was equally a very happy man as the event wrapped up: "It was amazing to see Harley fans from 77 countries across the globe come together to celebrate 115 years of Harley-Davidson in Prague. Everybody had a great time and we really surpassed our expectations on attendance – by 10%! All motorcyclists were welcome and it was four days of fun, music and riding in and around beautiful Prague. What a great feeling."
To find out more about the beautiful scenery, delicious food and drink, cities, villages and amazing experiences the Czech Republic has to offer visit: https://czechandslovakcentury.com/en
For an insight into Harley-Davidson's 115th Anniversary celebrations in Prague visit www.h-dprague115.com
–ENDS –
For all media requests, interviews and imagery, please contact 303 MullenLowe:
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Shannon Peakman
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About Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Since 1903, Harley-Davidson Motor Company has fulfilled dreams of personal freedom with cruiser, touring and custom motorcycles, riding experiences and events, and a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise, riding gear and apparel.
For more information, visit www.h-d.com.au.