Story and Photos by ITN European Reporter Herve’ Rebollo
Salut à toi American rider,
Have you ever attended one of the most important European HOG rally: the European bike week in Faakersee?
It took place this year from Tuesday 04 September 2018 to Sunday 09 September. Continue reading THE 2018 EUROPEAN BIKEWEEK
By Marilyn Stemp
Above: New contributor from France, Herve’ Rebollo, and ITN editor Marilyn Stemp
“Your magazine was better known here than you may know,” said my longtime friend, Motographer Horst Rossler from Germany.
It was 2014, and Horst and I were at the Custom bike Show in Bad Salzuflun, Germany looking at the rows of stunning bikes displayed. Horst was commiserating with me on the recent news that IronWorks, the title founded by my late husband Dennis Stemp and I, would cease publication.
A similar message came to me at that time from French rider and writer Herve’ Rebollo, who postd to a European riding forum about IRON WORK’s legacy. I was as surprised to read this as I’d been by Horst’s comments – but gratified to learn that IronWorks had enjoyed such reach internationally.
Ironically, the demise of IronWorks was the catalyst for Herve’ and I to connect, after he reached out by email and we met for coffee when I came through Paris in November, 2015. That’s when I learned what an avid rider he is and how often he rides for transportation as much as recreation. In fact, he arrived for our meeting on his motorcycle, removing his riding suit to reveal a businessman’s coat and tie, necessary in his professional life.
It has become clear that Herve’ rides – a lot! And he enjoys recording his rides in words and photos. So we’re delighted to welcome Herve’ as the newest contributor to Iron Trader News, offering our readers a look at the European V-Twin culture first hand. We expect you’ll enjoy his charming stories as much as we do.
As writers, we send out words to the world but we seldom know where they land. Apparently, sometimes they have an impact. Please enjoy Herve’s words on Iron Trader News.
The Mama Tried Show is not a competition but that doesn’t mean builders and visitors alike don’t make comparisons. It was apparent at the 2018 show that one bike stopped people in their tracks: the hand built motorcycle by Enrico de Haas of Hüttenberg, Germany.
In addition to its alloy, jewelry-like finish, what drew in most people was the super sanitary look and evident lack of connection between motor and drivetrain – unnecessary elements because the bike is electric! That factor also figures into the bike’s light weight: 80 kilos or 176.37 pounds. Super slight for a rideable running motorcycle by either measure.
You might notice words and letters carved into many of the bike’s metal elements, such as Soli Deo Gloria. What’s this about? It’s Enrico’s nod to artists of Baroque and Medieval times who often added them—or just the three initials “s.d.g”—to their work. It stands for Soli Deo Gloria, Glory to God Alone.
Learn more about Ricky’s Wannabe Choppers at:
http://www.wannabe-shop.de/gb/
https://www.facebook.com/thebestmotorcycles/
https://www.facebook.com/thebestmotorcycles/videos/1602389516510730/
If oil for you bike is something you take seriously, you might also take notice of this: German producer Liqui Moly has just released a new online presence, specific to U.S. markets: liqui-moly.us. “It not only looks more attractive, it also offers improved functions,” says Peter Baumann, LIQUI MOLY Marketing Director.“liqui-moly.us is our digital showcase,” says Peter Baumann. “It’s our communication hub.” The new website is entirely responsive and allows unlimited use on smartphones and tablets.
