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Motorcycle enthusiasts revved up a storm around the kingdom this weekend as the inaugural Harley Owners Group (HOG) Bahrain Rally took place.
The event, organised by the bike enthusiasts’ chapter in the kingdom, saw more than 500 riders on 380 mean machines roar around the island, starting at Al A’Ali Shopping Complex in Seef and finishing at the Bahrain International Circuit at Sakhir.
Organisers at the BIC then provided an exciting day of entertainment, including a Jeep driving experience presented by Behbehani Brothers, a live concert by local band Likwid, motorcycle challenges, face painting for the kids and an expo showcasing the brand’s models and history.
Bahrain HOG director Shaikh Abdulla Ahmed Al Khalifa, 34, said: “We have been planning for this event since February, and I’m so pleased we could finally bring the HOG Rally to Bahrain after attending other rallies across the GCC.
“The turnout we have had is amazing, and what is even more special is that people have flown from all across the world to take part, for example, Italy – it has not just attracted Bahraini and GCC riders.”
There was indeed a multicultural vibe to proceedings, with both male and female riders from a variety of professions joining together to celebrate their mutual love of the iconic machines.
One such visitor, Margarita Zuniga, an administrator in Qatar, who also doubles as the Ladies of Harley officer of the HOG Qatar Chapter, was delighted at the opportunity to ride through Bahrain and was particularly impressed with the organisation of the event.
She said: “I flew into Bahrain since women aren’t allowed to drive through Saudi Arabia like many of the guys did, but the Bahrain Chapter arranged a bike for me to pick up on arrival and everything went smoothly. I’ve been really impressed by how friendly everyone is; the organisers are a huge credit to the Bahrain Chapter.”
The parade was particularly colourful, with a large number of Harleys displaying flags such as the Bahrain national flag, various HOG Chapters and those of charity organisation, Think Pink.
As a member of the Road Team, rally veteran Jerry Rahm, 69, an Ohio native who has been working in the Bahrain ship industry since 1996, was responsible for riding up and down the parade ensuring everyone’s safety and making sure traffic was stopped where it should be.
He said: “I have been riding Harleys since I was 10 and taken part in many rallies all over the Middle East. You can’t beat these machines, so it is great to bring a HOG rally here and also to contribute to the Think Pink Bahrain breast cancer awareness campaign, which is a great cause. I still have the original flag from 10 years ago when the charity first started!”
The Jeep experience provided the adrenaline thrills as a team of experienced drivers, led by Dubai Jeep Academy head Peter Gladstone, 56, took guests on a wild ride over a series of obstacles designed to showcase the famous 4x4’s features. On show were the iconic Jeep Wrangler and new Cherokee Trailhawk.
