Harley-Davidson’s annual European H.O.G.
Rally returned in 2022 accompanied by the distinctive rumble of V-twin engines,
as Harley Owners Group® (H.O.G.®) members, Harley-Davidson® fans and riders of
many other motorcycle brands descended upon the gorgeous Slovenian resort of
Portorož from 9-12th June, 2022.
The sun-drenched coastal town was
transformed into a slice of motorcycle heaven, with nearly one kilometre of
shorefront road transformed into a free motorcycle parking zone, creating an unparalleled
vista of chrome and colour that will be remembered by attendees and locals for
a long time to come.
47,000 visitors attended the event and
more than 17,000 motorcycles, which had huge support from local government, businesses,
and the community in Portorož. More than 2,500 motorcycles also took part in
the Harley-Davidson parade on Saturday 11th June, which captured
some stunning scenery on its route via Koper, and the support and engagement from
the local people who lined the roads to wave riders on their way was immense.
Karen Davidson – daughter of Willie G.
Davidson and great-granddaughter of William A. Davidson, one of the four co-founders
of Harley-Davidson – flew in from Wisconsin, USA, to welcome riders and sign
autographs. Visitors were also treated to more than nine hours of musical
entertainment each day, with a truly spectacular fireworks display closing the
event on Saturday night.
The Custom Bike Show took place on Friday at
the historic Salt Warehouse, which was transformed into a motorcycle art
gallery, with 55 entries from eight countries. The ultimate winner was Mirko
Perugini from Italy, who won both Best in Show and the publicly voted People’s
Choice Award for his teal, uniquely customised classic Harley-Davidson 45.
Other attractions included the opportunity
to view and interact with the latest Harley-Davidson model year 2022
motorcycles at the Harley-Davidson Expo and take a free Demo Ride on the
spectacular surrounding roads. Harley-Davidson dealerships from five countries
attended the event, along with more than 25 retailers from across Europe.
Kolja Rebstock, Regional Vice President and Managing
Director of EMEA at Harley-Davidson said: “Thank you to all our
customers and to everyone who made the 29th Annual European H.O.G. Rally such a
spectacular and successful event. It was a joy to see Harley-Davidson riders
throughout Portorož, from the Expo, main stage, dealerships and other
attractions, to the thousands of our motorcycles that lined the main street.
The spirit and energy of our unique Harley-Davidson riding community was
proudly on display at this event in Portorož."
Images and tekst by Harley-Davidson