As we all know, motorcycling in South Africa needs a bit of a kick up the backside if the industry is not to slump further, despite the best efforts of everyone involved and those efforts need to not only maintain the relationship with existing motorcyclists but also encourage new riders into the fold.
Luckily there are many players in the industry who go the extra mile to do just that and two of the unsung heroes are Pat Draper and his daughter Beverley of V-Custom Motorcycles in Centurion. For many years, Pat and his team have been turning out some of the most incredible custom bikes – I was fortunate to be able to ride his completely faithful re-creation of Easy Rider’s Captain America Harley-Davidson chopper on last year’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – and Pat remains a tireless promoter of everything motorcycling, be they standard off-the-showroom-floor bikes or one-of-a-kind custom creations.
Pat is always determined to give back to motorcycling what he has gained from it – as if he doesn’t give enough already! – and his latest gift is the Motorcycle Appreciation Show, a celebration of everything motorcycling that takes place Friday to Sunday this coming weekend – 16th-18th June, at the Royal Elephant Hotel, Cnr Willem Botha & Wierda Rd, Eldoraigne, Centurion.
The first such show celebrated the art of the custom motorcycle builder but this year, Pat and his daughter Beverley have determined that the show will be a celebration of all motorcycles.
There will be displays of not only some of the best custom creations in South Africa but also a line-up of classic bikes to help you kick yourselves for selling yours back in 1982 for about R50…! For the first time, all the major manufacturers will be present with displays of their current models, with staff on hand to give you any information you might need.
Naturally, there will be food and drinks available on all three days, and there will be live music from Reborne on Friday, Anton Van Rooyen and Johan Fourie on Saturday and The Morning After on Sunday to keep you entertained.
The Royal Elephant Hotel will be selling drinks and burgers and there will be additional food vendors: Mucho Nacho, Stripcheez (chicken and wraps), Graces Corner (Shawarmas), Shana’s Indian Delight, Pronto Pizzas, Wowwee Waffles, Game Changers boerewors rolls and Toulas Greek food.
The Motorcycle Appreciation Show runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Bring the family. Bring friends. Bring your neighbours – maybe they’ll begin to understand why you wake them up every Sunday morning as you set off on your breakfast ride! Bring anyone you can think of and let’s make this a weekend to remember.
The cost of entry will be R100 per person if you book in advance via www.thecustombikeshow.co.za or www.tickets.tixsa.co.za or R150 on the door, with proceeds going to various animal welfare shelters in the Pretoria area.
Last year, pet food and supplies were collected but the task of distributing nearly six tons of food proved to be too much. A cash donation might not be so romantic but it will be of more use to the charities involved. The generosity of South African motorcyclists is legendary and we know that you’ll all support this fantastic effort.
We all have a responsibility to make sure that motorcycling in South Africa continues to grow and, with the help of people such as Pat and Beverley of V-Customs and shows such as the Motorcycle Appreciation Show, not to mention your support, we can hopefully give it a boost and inspire more people to take up this fantastic sport.
