After a dreary summer, the Gulf Bike Week is back!
As the tire smoke died down on the exhibition area of Dubai Autodrome, two crazy bikers slowly came into view. Riding on two sports bikes, they did stoppies, wheelies and all sorts of stunts to keep the audiences roaring for more. Ladies and gents, this is the 2015 Gulf Bike Week held at the Dubai Autodrome last 22nd-24th October.
A wide range of motorcycle brands came out and play. There are newcomers to the UAE like MV Agusta and Royal Enfield, both known around the world as brands that projected an image of greatness, even creating legends in the motorsports world. And of course present also are community favourites like Yamaha, Harley-Davidson and Kawasaki who brought their baddest bike – the Ninja H2 to the show.
For the visitors, there were a wide range of activities available such as drifting rides, photo opportunities with various modified motorbikes and even the chance to win a fully modified chopper! All of this behind a backdrop of live music, tire-shredding, and the rumble of engines.
In comparison to last year’s event, the venue played a major role for this iteration as it allowed for more live exhibits, stunts, test rides, track days and more activities for rides and enthusiasts alike. The move to shift the venue to the Autodrome was a lucky one since the live exhibitions truly complemented the static displays from manufacturers. And what could be sweeter than to hear UAE’s three-time Drift King Ahmed al Ameri making his car wail and keeping the visitors pumped with adrenaline?
OutdoorUAE magazine was present to see some of the region’s biking communities come out and mingle with each other. Clubs, families, friends, there were a lot of activities going on during the days that it was rare to find someone not engaged in any sort of activity. Be it watching Ahmed drifting, taking selfies with the bikes or just plain old conversation with other riders.
The pleasant weather by late afternoon also paved the way for a better event with footfall multiplying by the tenfold as the sun slowly went down. The events became livelier with disco lights, rock music and of course more tire smoke.
While we were walking, we noticed some people enjoyed more than the others. There were several bikes on display modified to the core and with a kind notice indicating it was sold. It is quite nice to know that there are shows like the Bike Week where people can not only see but also if their finances allow it, even purchase their next set of wheels.
This year’s show even saw a portion of the track where riders had the chance to enjoy their bikes with Track Day rides around the clock. Some riders definitely took advantage of it with several riders clocking in at over 100 laps! Just situated at the back of the main show, one can hear the distant sound of engines
It was the last day of the show and the event didn’t see any sign of slowing down because the stage played even more loud music with a collection of UAE’s best home-grown acts playing their hearts out in front of the enchanted audience. Rider’s weren’t even done riding and we as a team finally knew what it meant to have a great event – when people want to stay hours after the event officially closed. So here’s to riding out again in 2016!
Words By: Keith Perena
Photos By: Michael Vosloo
