8TH MEP MOTORCYCLE RIDE
20 October 2004 - Federation of European Motorcyclists' Associations

On the 29th of September 2004, European motorcyclists met with their elected Representatives for the 8th MEP Motorcycle Ride, which has become an immensely popular event with the European Parliament (EP). Traditionally taking place in Strasbourg, this year''s MEP Ride was hosted by FEMA in Brussels'' famous Parc Cinquantenaire.

Organised by the Federation of European Motorcyclists'' Associations (FEMA), the MEP Motorcycle Ride has become an event that is very much appreciated and enjoyed by Members of the European Parliament, parliamentary staff and officials of other European institutions, including the European Commission.

This year''s participants were invited to gather in Brussels'' Parc Cinquantenaire to choose their favourite motorcycle for a ride, and to adjourn for refreshments in the historic ambiance of the Autoworld museum.

Dutch MEP Jules Maaten immensely enjoyed his ride, as well as his Danish colleague Mogens Camre who had chosen a Honda CBF600, and French MEP Patrick Louis, who had opted for the Moto Guzzi California. Also taking part were British MEPs Malcolm Harbour and Elizabeth Lynne. The event also attracted MEPs from the new Member States, and FEMA was happy to welcome Czech MEP Zuzana Roithová and Hungarian MEP Péter Olajos, who competently handled a Yamaha XJR1300. Due to an important Parliamentary Committee meeting over-running many other MEPs who had planned to be present had to be content with being represented through their Assistants. Still, many participants were able to join the event using the historic cars made available for the evening.

MEPs were accompanied by representatives of FEMA''s member organisations, coming from all over Europe to attend the event. The FEMA Secretariat also used the occasion to introduce their newly elected Campaigns Officer, who helped winners of the FEMA raffle to their presents offered by Harley-Davidson. As a souvenir of this memorable and unique event, gifts were also distributed to all participants.

The Brussels location also permitted Commission officials from six Directorates General to participate. Motorcyclists had the chance to network, exchange information with and give feedback on current legislative issues to representatives from DG Transport and Energy, DG Enterprise, DG INFOSOC, DG Competition, DG External Relations and DG Research.

Participants gathered around what proved to be a particular attraction of this year''s event, a riding simulator developed by Honda. The device is already in use as a training aid in Japanese driving schools, and participants were keen to test their riding skills and traffic awareness on it. The European bike manufacturers'' association (ACEM) was also present with an Information stand. A buffet dinner and entertainment were also organised throughout the evening.

Far from being content with an electronic ride, the participants having registered for a motorcycle of their choice, departed in two groups for a tour through Brussels'' most beautiful parks and the glamorous Avenue de Tervueren.

Referring to the vehicles of the past inside the museum, and vehicles of the present lined outside it, FEMA''s Secretary General Antonio Perlot said: ''The Brussels Autoworld Museum, has a stunning collection of historic vehicles. It is the ideal setting in which to establish and renew relationships amongst the people who have an interest and often a passion for Powered Two-Wheelers, which are both an answer to mobility needs in congested areas and an enjoyable leisure activity''.

This 8th MEP Motorcycle Ride was again a great success in its new surroundings, not least because of all who supported and contributed immensely to make sure that the MEPs and all participants enjoy this unique event around the experience of riding a Powered Two-Wheeler

FEMA wishes to thank the two main sponsors of the event, Harley-Davidson Europe and the Motorcycle Council Belgium, for financially supporting the dinner and hire of the venue, as well as providing the vehicles for the evening. Our thanks also go to all the other supporters of the event. The Motorcycle Action Group Belgium, the Belgian historic vehicle association (FBVA), the Belgian motorcycle industry association (FEBIAC), the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium (RACB). The motorcycle manufacturers for providing some of their models for the event: Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Honda, Moto Guzzi, Suzuki, Yamaha, Peugeot, Piaggio, Aprilia, TGB, SYM and MV Agusta, as well as to Hein Gericke and Lazer who provided respectively the rain suits and the helmets.

www.fima.ridersrights.org

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