“The HOG’s” were a blessing

Bikers spent more than N$2.5 m in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund

Rudi Bowe

The 3rd Skeleton Coast Rally, hosted by the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) Namibia Chapter, saw hundreds of owners of these iconic motorcycles converging on the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. The Swakopmund Football Club (SFC) played a big role as the main venue for the event.

Riders from across Namibia and as far afield as South Africa turned out for the event. Coastal residents could marvel at the powerful machines during the “Thunder Parade” when the engines roared and the distinct thunderous whiplash by which a backfiring Harley expresses itself.
It spurred the imaginations of a road trip on one of these iconic machines and others were reminded of the mantra by which a Harley-owner lives: “don’t wait for life, ride to meet it”.
Then there were Harley games, a charity auction which raised N$38 000 and the gathering of people who share a passion and life around all things Harley Davidson.
On Sunday, a church service was held at SFC to bless the riders and to give thanks for the blessings of life.
The organiser of the Rally, Christian Knickel, said there is no doubt that this event once again had a momentous impact on the two coastal towns’ economies. It is estimated that the event culminated in the spending of more than N$2,5 million into the two coastal towns’ economies.
Said Knickel: “The Skeleton Coast Rally is presented every two years where riders from Namibia and South Africa get together to have fun”. He added that some of the riders entered the country at Katima Mulilo, via Botswana and Zimbabwe.