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Carols by Candlelight,,,,,,

Carols by Candlelight

It is called the ‘festive season’ as it is during this period that we come together to celebrate love and life and what better way to commemorate the birth of Christ than with a fun filled pack of Harley Davidson lovers. This year was no different when Harley Davidson was again invited as ‘the main attraction’ at the Umhlanga Carols by Candlelight. For a brief moment, time stood still as people from different backgrounds and walks of life, touched each other’s heart and souls in a spirit of giving and caring – sharing one common denominator - the freedom of riding a motorcycle on the open road. The air was filled with exhilaration as the pack of Harleys moved slowly down Umhlanga hill. The last reminiscence of peak hour traffic grinded to a standstill to soak up the majestic sound and shining chrome of the Harley Davidson’s, riding into the sun, slowly setting over the light blue Indian Ocean.

All the restaurants, pubs and coffee shops in Chartwell drive were filled to capacity and the slow moving pack with their distinct Harley Davidson charisma brought most of the holiday makers to their feet. The excitement and almost a yearning or desire for belonging, was written over some faces. A huge parking space was reserved for the ‘guests of honor’. Parking the bikes and being the focus of attention with people asking permission to take a photo or two and the astonishment on their faces when this leather clad bikers allowed them to sit on their bikes for that memorable photo, was priceless. One by one presents for the less fortunate were dropped at the bottom of the stage. Soon the vibrant singing and dancing started and a joint spirit of love, happiness and goodwill filled the air. Seeing the admiration in many eyes as they strolled through the parked Harleys, made you realize how fortunate you are to be part of such a special culture and an extraordinary way of living and most of all, the opportunity to express the essence of your individualism that can only be experience on a Harley Davison.

Denise Barnard - HOG Africa editor visits Durban

I recently had the privilege of riding with some of the Ladies of Harley Durban HOG. Their new premises are just breathtaking. Open space,natural light streaming in from two sides, displaying their bikes like I have never seen before. With a huge range of clothing, parts and dozens of other H-D nick-knacks, my host and DP Rob Saunders invited me upstairs to see their HOG area. Complete with big screen TV’s, a well stocked bar and dozens of friendly faces, even though the Boks were playing and sadly loosing the Australia at the time, I was given a warm welcome by all.

Ulrike van der Ham had arranged the ride and with great anticipation, a loan bike was put at my disposal for the morning – a brand new 2011 Sportster 48. Those of you who know anything about H-D bikes will know that this bike is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Sue Harborth, Gillian Scott and Andrea Palmer and I kitted up, ready for some KZN riding. I mounted the beast thinking to myself, “will I be able to handle this thing?” Apart from the riding position, which is a bit too “forward leaning” for my liking – what a ride! Taking the N4, the coastal road, we headed from Umghlanga to Ballito. Then onto the N2 to Salt Rock – what awesome sweeping curves on the well maintained roads – we stopped at a charming little coffee shop called SAGE. (I can highly recommend their cheesecake).

After spending a relaxing hour or more there, my new friends and I headed back, turning off at the Sibiaya Casino and back onto the N2 back to the Dealership. All too soon the fun-ride was over. Even though I’d only spent a small amount of time on the 48, its speed and power became addictive almost immediately.

Yet more coffee was enjoyed at the coffee shop adjacent to the dealership, meeting and making new friends. It never ceases to amaze me how, when like minded people get together, it’s like we have been friends for ages.

Thanks Durban LOH and Rob for the fabulous morning

Regards,

Denise Barnard

HOG® Africa Editor

HARLEY-DAVIDSON AFRICA

THE NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON FORTY-EIGHT IS A RAW AND RADICAL RIDE

PRESS RELEASE (January 21, 2010) – The new Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight motorcycle is a new factory custom in the legendary tradition of the hot rod Sportster line with the raw, elemental appeal of a Custom.