Stekene (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Over the weekend, 250 Goldwing riders from 24 European nations arrived in Stekene. As part of the 50th anniversary celebration, Goldwing was rewarded with a special parade of illuminated motorcycles, among other paraphernalia.
More than 250 Goldwing riders in 24 European nations converged on Stekene in the province of East Flanders this past weekend. The 50th anniversary of the famous Goldwing was celebrated with an illuminated motorcycle parade and other events, as reported by VRT.
“There are participants from Ukraine, Greece and Turkey, among others,”
says Rudi Vanweert, chairman of the Goldwing Motor Club Belgium.
“It is the first time that we organize this event in the Waasland. From here, the participants can easily reach cities such as Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges or even the coast.”
“A Goldwing is not just a motorcycle. It is a salon on wheels,”
says co-organizer Filip Dierickx.
“It is not a machine for racing, but for cruising. It is not cheap. You can easily spend 30,000 euros. But you get a lot in return. An average Goldwing rider is a bon vivant on 2 or 3 wheels.”
“I’ve been taking my Goldwing out for a few years now during the summer months,”
says Sigga Ben from Iceland.
“After Belgium, I’m heading south and Spain and Portugal are on the agenda. By the time I get back to Iceland, I’ll have covered about 20,000 kilometres.”
Her Goldwing is over 20 years old.
“I bought him in Florida when he was 10 years old. But he’s like a child to me.”
Why is the 50th anniversary of the Gold Wingimportant?
For over half a century, the Gold Wing has become synonymous with the epitome of luxury touring, has created a loyal following around the world, and has participated in many anniversary activities. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Gold-Wing , celebrations were held in Europe with a major celebration taking place in Stekene, Belgium, where more than 250 Gold-Wing enthusiasts from 24 countries gathered for evening activities such as an illuminated parade.
East Flanders is the home of Stekene, a town that is very much fond by virtue of its beautiful surroundings and history in the form of the 1703 Battle of Stekene in the War of the Spanish Succession. The historic identity and the beautiful surroundings of Stekene are merely the ideal setting for the celebration of such a corporate milestone anniversary.
