INDIAN RIDERS FEST
Indian Motorcycle has announced official support for the 2023 staging of the Indian Riders Fest ( IRF ), which is expected to be the world ’ s largest gathering of Indian Motorcycle owners following the impressive attendance at the 2022 event . Located in České Budějovice ( Budweis ), Czech Republic , the festival will centre around a large event village in the city exhibition grounds and will see a rich programme of events from June 9-11 , 2023 .
The IRF was born from the desire of organiser Jean- Marie Guyon to bring riders from Europe and beyond to Budweis , regardless of language or cultural background , to share their passion for the iconic Indian Motorcycle brand and have an incredible weekend . Expectations are high that 2023 could set new records after IRF 2022 saw more than 2500 motorcycles attend the festival and the celebratory parade featured 1200 Indian Motorcycles . “ IRF 2023 will include all the elements that made previous editions successful , beginning with freedom and friendship ," said Jean-Marie Guyon . " The Indian Riders Festival is undoubtedly an international event , with attendees from over 37 nations and the organisation team is thrilled to welcome Indian Motorcycle again as a main partner ."
“ Our Indian Motorcycle Riders groups throughout Europe have really gained momentum in recent years and the desire for special destination events is evident from the outstanding success of IRF 2022 . Interest in the festival has only continued to grow and I feel certain that the 2023 event will again be the largest gathering of Indian Motorcycle owners anywhere in the world . We ’ re delighted to continue and expand our support for the IRF and I really look forward to being among the riders in June ,” said Grant Bester , Vice President International for Indian Motorcycle .
Just a short walk from the city centre , the event village will welcome riders with a large Indian Motorcycle area and , to kick-off the weekend ’ s events , a big live concert followed by a DJ led afterparty will be held on the Friday evening .
With a genuine apparel shop , the Indian Motorcycle Roadshow truck offering test rides on the latest models , an official Indian Motorcycle Dealership presence providing full servicing and maintenance , festivalgoers will also have plenty of entertainment and shopping opportunities from more than 100 exhibitors and stands , plus the chance to win a customised Indian Challenger in the big prize raffle .
In addition to more live concerts throughout the weekend , creative talent will be on display in the Custom Indian Motorcycle Show , heritage on show in the Vintage motorcycle exhibition while The Lucky Daredevils defy gravity on the famous Wall of Death , Martin Krátky performs stunts on his Indian FTR and expert riding of a different kind thrills in the regular rodeo shows .
The Saturday parade has become a famous highlight of the festival and has grown from 465 Indian Motorcycles in 2019 to 1200 last year . Now , organisers are preparing a new 25km route on roads closed especially for the ride in anticipation of breaking the 2000 Indian Motorcycle mark . The ride will also put a spotlight on women bikers with the Ladies First group heading the parade following the success of this initiative in 2022 .
After a ride through the beautiful Bohemia area , the parade will finish at the heart of the city in the Přemysl Otakar II square providing a spectacular photo opportunity as the Indian Motorcycle Riders groups lay their flags in the centre of the historic square surrounded by their motorcycles .
For those who ’ d like to attend the festival but can ’ t ride to the event , there is the option to hire an Indian Motorcycle onsite over four to six day periods through the official rental partner , ZM-Moto .
Rentals will be available onsite from as early as Tuesday 6th June and there is a choice of 17 Indian Motorcycles across the Scout , FTR , Chief , Chieftain and Springfield model ranges .
Prices start at € 184 per day based on a six day rental of an Indian Scout .
The Indian Riders Fest has become an essential date for European riders , welcoming everyone regardless of motorcycle brand , and tickets are selling fast . Interested riders should head to the festival ’ s website to secure their tickets for a great summer weekend with like-minded people .
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