20,000 'hog' bikers hit the road

Up to 20,000 Harley-Davidson bikers will take to the roads of Kerry today in one of the biggest cavalcades of its kind seen in Ireland.

The huge convoy of leather and noise promises to be a spectacle as fans of the world-famous motorcycle cruise the enchanted highways of the Kingdom in the Harley Owners Group’s (HOG) 15th European rally.

Motorheads arriving in Killarney and who have not booked ahead could be left disappointed as hotels and bed and breakfasts have been snapped up weeks in advance.

Airne Downing, assistant supervisor at Killarney Tourist Office, said there was a palpable buzz as the town revs up ahead of the four-day celebrations.

“There is only one hotel and maybe four bed-and-breakfasts taking any bookings within an eight-mile radius of the town – that’s out of 35 hotels and hundreds of B&Bs in Killarney,” she said.

“There’s a great buzz about at the moment. We’re getting bikers from all over Europe coming into the office over the last few days looking for directions or buying flags for their bikes.

“We’re expecting a lot more today with the start of the rally. The bikes are beautiful,” she added.

A packed programme of events will keep the bikers entertained after exploring the Ring of Kerry, MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and the Dingle Peninsula.

Traditional musicians Dervish, rocker Bonnie Tyler and soul band The Commitments are among those performing.

For the non-bikers there will be demonstration rides on all the latest motorcycles, guided tours of the best local scenic riding routes and trade stands.

Nigel Villiers, director of HOG, believes Killarney has all the ingredients to make it one of the best ever European HOG rallies.

“(It has) great roads and scenery, quality hotels and camping facilities and of course, legendary Irish hospitality. Great craic is guaranteed, and we would urge anyone planning to attend to book their accommodation as soon as possible as demand is already extremely high,” he said.

Funds raised during the rally will be donated to Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, which provides support services and respite for people and their families who are affected by muscular dystrophy and allied neuromuscular conditions.

The climax of the rally will be the traditionl Sunday morning parade of thousands of motorcycles and flags.