For years, I had been waiting to experience the unique thrill of the biggest Harley event in Europe. Finally, the stars aligned! European Bike Week in Austria attracts over 100,000 motorcycles annually, and this year, with my work obligations pushed to late September, I managed to sign up. The excitement doubled as Om Bun, our ride leader, prepared a spectacular route—far from boring highways, instead taking us through the winding roads of the Balkans. I had no idea what to expect, but I felt it would be an unforgettable journey.
Day 1: Bucharest – Skopje, North Macedonia
I slept restlessly the night before, eager to join my group of eight friends. In the morning, still bleary-eyed, I headed to the meeting point where Om Bun, Nemu, Don Bila, MaiNea, Chuck, Hix, Adi, and Trikey were waiting. Even though everyone arrived on time, Trikey initially showed up at a different location. After reuniting, we set off for Skopje, North Macedonia, passing through Bulgaria.
The road through Bulgaria offered a mix of beautiful scenery and rough patches of road. At one point, Nemu's bike broke down, and despite multiple repair attempts, he had to return home on a tow truck. We parted with heavy hearts, but the ride had to go on.
Skopje is a city with a fascinating history, founded during the Roman Empire and later becoming a strategic point in the region. Today, it is known for its modern architecture intertwined with Ottoman influences. We arrived late at a hotel perched on a hill, giving us a stunning view of the city. After a hearty dinner in the old town, we relaxed with a glass of wine at the SkyBar and shared stories about the eventful day.
Day 2: Skopje – Fierza, Albania
The next day, we set off towards Fierza, Albania, passing through Debar, North Macedonia. Although the route was only 343 km, it was estimated to take us 7-8 hours. The road was full of surprises: construction zones and slippery asphalt that made us question if we had a flat tire at one point. But no, it was just the slick road.
Fierza is a picturesque village, famous for its artificial lake created by the Fierza Dam, an essential part of Albania’s hydroelectric system built during the communist era. The lake offers breathtaking views, especially for those who arrive on two wheels, like us.
Upon arriving at our accommodation at Bujtina Adora, we relaxed with a swim in the pool and enjoyed an authentic Albanian dinner, although a bit pricier than we expected.
Day 3: Fierza – Dubrovnik, Croatia
The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we set out for Dubrovnik, Croatia. The 321 km road was packed with curves, keeping us engaged the entire way. The incredible landscapes rewarded us for the challenging roads. Albania’s SH22 offered sensations similar to the Transfăgărășan, but on a grander scale.
Dubrovnik, often called the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is a medieval walled city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was a vital maritime and trade center in the Mediterranean, and today it retains its historic charm, attracting tourists from around the world.
In the evening, after a walk through the old town, we relaxed at a terrace, enjoying some juice and live music.
Day 4: Dubrovnik – Zadar
The road from Dubrovnik to Zadar, along the famed Dalmatian coast, is an experience every motorcyclist must have. With the sea on the left and mountains on the right, the roads are a feast for the eyes and for those who love curves.
Zadar is one of the oldest cities in Croatia, with a history dating back to Roman times. The city is known for the Roman Forum, St. Donatus Church, and modern innovations like the Sea Organ, an installation that uses sea waves to create unique sounds.
After a long day of riding through breathtaking landscapes, we dipped our toes in the sea and enjoyed a dinner of langoustines at a quiet restaurant. We also discovered how skillful Trikey is with his Harley trike, keeping up with us through all the winding roads.
Day 5: Zadar – Trieste – Palmanova
It was hard to leave the Dalmatian coast, but the ride had to continue. We crossed into Italy, where we were set to ride through the San Boldo Pass, but before that, we made a small detour to visit the Kravica Waterfall in Bosnia. The road was superb.
In the evening, we arrived at the agrotourism farm La Di Anselmi in Italy, where we devoured all the food they had. It was an excellent stop, affordable, and full of rural charm.
Day 6: Palmanova – Villach, Austria
The next morning, we prepared for the route to Villach, Austria. Rain chased us, and after about two hours of riding, we were caught in a downpour that stayed with us until late evening when we reached our destination. The ride through the San Boldo Pass deserves a mention: short, but extremely spectacular. Unfortunately, the rain kept us from fully enjoying the view, another reason to return someday.
San Boldo is an impressive mountain pass, famous for its tunnels carved directly into the rock and its tight switchbacks. Historically, the pass was built during World War I to facilitate quick movements of Italian troops.
Upon arriving in Villach, we were tired and soaked, but not too tired to miss out on exploring the Harley event that had already begun. Just before reaching our accommodation. We treated ourselves to some steak and a well-deserved beer.
Day 7 and 8: Faaker See – European Bike Week
European Bike Week is a dream come true for any motorcycle enthusiast. Thousands of Harleys, a vibrant atmosphere, and excitement at its peak. We spent two full days admiring bikes, buying accessories, and fully immersing ourselves in the experience of this massive festival.
On Saturday evening, true to our Hai Huian nature, we suddenly decided to leave, but not before seeing the parade. By 6:00 PM, we were already on our bikes, heading toward Gyor, Hungary, at MaiNea's suggestion—only he knows why he chose that route, but we followed without hesitation.
Gyor is a lively historic town, but Om Bun and I didn’t get a chance to explore it, as we arrived late, and the next day awaited us with a long 1,000-kilometer ride home.
Day 9: Gyor – Bucharest
The road to Romania was long and dull, mostly on the highway. Still, the monotonous ride gave us time to reflect on the memories we’d made. In the evening, as I unpacked in Bucharest, my thoughts were already drifting back to all the moments of this ride. It was a journey full of pure joy, freedom, and camaraderie.
This journey was more than just a road to European Bike Week. It was an adventure where we lived every day to the fullest. Every curve, every city visited, and every smile shared with friends turned this experience into a memorable ride.
This is Harley. This is HOG. This is the life of a Hai Huian – pure joy in the present moment, on a motorcycle, with your comrades by your side.
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