2010 Rallies & Events
Verona Bike Expo Part 1
Season Starter at Verona Scores Again
Story and Photos by Horst Rösler
For the second time, the Motor Bike Expo held their show on the same weekend as a similar event in Padova, Italy barely 55 miles away. Looking at the crowds at Verona, there was no doubt that the show was a huge success. With three halls full of custom bikes and an international lineup of custom bike legends in attendance, Verona lived up to expectations. When the gates closed on Sunday, show organizers Francesco Agnoletto and Paola Somma could proudly announce that there were more than 100,000 visitors at their event. They organized stunt shows, two bike shows, and participated in the World Championship of Custom Bike Building.
Motorcycle fans had more than enough reason to crowd into the trade fair halls at Verona, as there was a lineup of well-known customizers which may never be seen again in Italy: Russell Mitchel, Roland Sands, Marcus Walz, Cole Foster, Jeff Decker, Indian Larry Legacy, and the complete Ness family: Arlen, Cory, and Zach! There was plenty of opportunity to snap pictures and catch autographs. Not to forget the Italian customizers who have clearly presented some of the most stunning custom creations Europe has to offer and who should have a big showing again in this year’s European and World Chamionships of Custom Bike Building.
Verona is a city that would be high on the list of any tourist, especially when approaching the city from the north. The city of Romeo and Juliet of the Shakespearean drama sits on the shores of the river “Adige” – or “Etsch” in the German language. The town is listed on UNESCO’s World Hertitage List, as much of the medieval character of the town has been retained. The main means of transportation inside the almost intact city walls are foot, bicycle, and scooter. The streets were originally built for mule and ox cart traffic. When approaching the city through the arches, the huge Roman L’Arena, makes a big impression. It was built in the first century A.D. and the function was the same as the one in Rome, gladiator games. Today’s summer festivals of music and opera draw thousands of visitors into the stone-walled oval, now surrounded by buildings. A walk through town reveals plenty of medieval charm hidden in courtyards and back lanes. With the town situated on the border of the Alps and the Upper Italian plains, and today’s crossing two major Italian motorways, the location was well chosen for the event. Fortunately, the Verona fairgrounds are situated well outside the city walls, equipped with adequate parking for the huge motorcycle crowd.
(To be continued Thursday)