Germany: This Weekend Is The Elephant Gathering from Bikes in the Fast Lane

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Germany: This Weekend Is The Elephant Gathering

January
2013

  File under
  Author: Mike Werner
  Location: Normandy, France

click to see where Germany is on the map

This weekend, 1 to 3 February 2013, will see very brave motorcycle riders gather at Europe's largest winter-biker-gathering, the Elephantentreffen

. It's the 57th time the event is organized, and this year it's held in Thurmansbang

in the Bavarian Forest.

The Elephantentreffen is an institution, a bit like Sturgis in the USA, since it's one of these things that should be on a European biker's bucket list. The event attracts 1000's of motorcycle riders from Europe, spending a weekend camped out in the snow. Because yes, it's snowing here in Europe (or at least in Germany), and it's ice cold. So the gathering is meant for hardened bikers, but it's not an event where you can expect live music, beer tents, skimpy clad ladies and show bikes. The gathering is meant to go riding, games, fun, drinking and mingle.

All other vehicles, are forbidden, including quads. It's motorcycles only, so you'll not even see delivery trucks.

The European Motorcycle Associations, FEMA

, is holding their annual meeting close-by, and they are the guests of honor for this event. To join in the fun, it'll cost you €20, unless you are a BVDM or FEMA member, then it'll cost you €12.

If you've decided, like me, that you prefer to stay warm, you can always look at the brave souls in the snow, since there's a webcam. Click here to see the Elephantentreffen webcam