This year, the Punta Bagna event that was held in June, celebrated its 10thanniversary. The party extended over three days in Valloire in the French Alps. The event is organized by Wild Motorcycle Magazine, a cousin publication related to ours and Revolution magazine knows it well as both media and a friend.
Punta Bagna is a gathering in honour of new old schooltrends. From the bobber to the chopper, the Flathead to the Evolution, there is something for everyone. Gaby, the editor and organizer, and his team did an incredible job to create this rendezvous for fanatics. Of course, there are similarities and must-see items as with any other motorcycle event. The ambiance is amazing, with booths containing all types of items for sale, motorcycle exhibits, burn outand on-stage contests, several high-quality concerts featuring Nashville Pussy, Agnostic Front, The Spunny Boys, Washington Dead Cats and the charming Cecilia Pascal on acoustics! But the special feature and the charm of this event is the incredible location, in Valloire.
Valloire is a ski station in winter and a summer sports venue in the French Alps with a population of approximately 1,000 inhabitants. Since it is a tourist station, there is a vast choice of accommodations which is perfect for when you want to party. Other than the remarkable motorcycle exhibit, the greatest attraction for any motorcyclist is to get there, along the magnificent roads of the Alps. The peak of delight is attained by reaching the Col du Galibier at a height of 2,642 m with its perpetual snow cover, its hairpin curves and its breathtaking view of the Alps. Simply making this journey to the show will put a smile on your face that you are sure to keep all weekend.
Free events of this size are rare but that is the Punta Bagna. It is a positive point highly appreciated by visitors and it provides a good mix of motorcycle enthusiasts and villagers who come by out of curiosity or to attend the concerts.
Another very cool item was the chopper exhibit that displays motorcycles of top-level design. They come from all around Europe. By Saturday noon, all the motorcycles must be running and en route to the summit of the Col du Galibier in order to be classified. This is a good formula, since it is not only a matter of having a show motorcycle, it must also be functional. For this 10thanniversary, the organizers had invited the builders Bill Dodge of Blings Cycles (Daytona, FL, USA) and Matt Harris of 40 Cal Customs (Alcoa, TN, USA). They were on site to talk with the visitors. They are excellent builders who have made their mark over the years. Bill told me how much he loved coming to France and attending Punta Bagna organized by Gaby, one of his best friends.
I must mention that the bars present the Sexy Show Coyote Girls providing entertainment during the weekend. This always attracts an enthusiastic male clientele. Punta Bagna was my favourite event this year with both an amazing location and ambiance. I am already looking forward to the next event.
For motorcycle rentals, contact Harley-Davidson Grand Lyon at www.harley-lyon.com
Long live Punta Bagna.
