loading

Kustom Kulture Forever (GER)

Days of Thunder Kössen/Tirol (AT)

Magic Bike Rüdesheim

19.-22.June2025

Magic Bike Rüdesheim

Three scenic Harley-stops riding from Hamminkeln/Germany to Ruedesheim/Rhine

Magic Bike Rüdesheim has been one of THE cult events for Harley-Davidson riders and motorcyclists of Germany for almost a quarter of a century. The Rhine Valley between Koblenz and Rüdesheim is always worth a motorcycle tour – and if you also want to “experience” the unknown and empty motorcycle roads in the „hinterland“ of the Rhine valley, this event is the place to be! The competition between events has become greater – and German event regulations more and more stringent. Yet, Rüdesheim is still worth a visit. Don’t be scared: Even if the town itself is fully booked by the regular visitors, there are so many places to stay in the surrounding area – and along the Rhine. You can still find something “last minute”!

Impressions from last year show a much smaller event than usual, because the whole of southern and eastern Germany was under constant rainfall and even flood conditions that week – a massive rain front that stopped just short of Rüdesheim in Wiesbaden! Which is why – except for the bypass of the traditional parade through Ruedesheim – Magic Bike 2024 remained surprisingly dry! That’s some of the highlights of the event mentioned: Rides, concerts, parade, bike show and a spectacular music fireworks display, all fixed program points of the “Magic Bike” and will continue for 2025.

Saturday’s parade is traditionally THE highlight of Magic Bike Rüdesheim. 2024 was one of the few years in which the weather didn’t work out as planned as light rain started just when the bikes approached Rheinstraße – what did not affect the riders. The 2024 route used side roads to the Eberbach monastery, where the rain already was „history“. 

Thunder on Saturday night: The music-firework is to be compared with any „Rhine in Flames“ event, except for duration. After 2 songs all rockets are shot and the party continues on all stages! One of the few European Events with genuine „Mainstreet Feeling“. The Bundesstraße passing Rüdesheim is limited to Motorcycles for 4 days to master the masses of motorcycles.

Ladies & Gentlemen start your Engines!

Foot down, first Gear: Kleve (845 km) , Xanten (825,5 km) Hamminkeln, Wesel (814,5 - 815,9 km)

Not just for Thunderbike customers, the iconic THUNDERBIKE store is THE starting point (or stop) for every Harley biker coming from the northwest of Germany or Holland. A lunch break in the Thunderbike Roadhouse or a quick look in the showroom to check out what new Custombikes and parts are available always make the detour from the A3 worth the way!! If you want to avoid the Autobahn at any costs, there are a number of options from the Dutch border for country roads worth exploring. To the right and left shore of the Rhine. Up here in „Lower Rhine“ countryside, the river is a well-established transportation route – and at the same time the focus point of nature conservation activists, who are trying to „renature“ as much area as possible and claim every bush and every tree as a nature reserve. Despite the well know historic facts that the Lower Rhine in particular has caused numerous floods in its history without today’s massive dykes and embankments. As a matter of fact, there is no continuous “riverside road” along the banks of the river all the way “down” to Bonn that can be used for anything other than bicycling.

THUNDERBIKE in Hamminkeln offers many cool event dates such as the famous Kick Off Party – and a great Thunder Roadhouse restaurant for a quick stop.

The castle of Kleve dominates a ridge Extension of the „Reichswald“ plateau – along with the „old town“. You can bypass the city, but you should at least have a quick ride directly through the Reichswald road.

The reconstructed gladiator-arena of ancient Colonia Ulpia Traiana with a south-east corner of the roman city wall. In the distance todays Xanten and the cathedral. A visit of the gigantic area and museum can take hours!

Ruins of the Wesel railway bridge. In 1945, Winston Churchill watched the Rhine crossings from here. On the east shore, the track still features aircraft hangars under the tracks and a local railway club is running trains.

The Rhine leaves Germany at the Dutch border at river kilometer 865.5: rather unspectacularly, but here you can sense the power of the river: Up to the Reichswald, this area was almost completely flooded under water after the dykes were blown up in March 1945. If you take the Bimmen – Kleve – Kalkar – Xanten country roads, you will immediately notice that really old settlements and old farmsteads are built on elevations and hills. The Romans also built “their” Xanten, Colonia Ulpia Traiana, on a hillside. Todays Xanten of „Siegfried the Dragonslayer“ was built around the Roman cemetery. There are motorcycle „watering holes“ on both sides of the former Rhine ferry of Xanten (which today only ferries – surprise – pedestrians and bicycles), but the downtown of Xanten is also worth a visit. Wesel was almost completely destroyed in March 1945, but today it is once again a town worth visiting – with museums and remains of the old town fortifications. South of Wesel, the Rhine becomes very “industrial” and is only really “accessible” in the urban areas.

Legendary THUNDERBIKE bike show winners in the showroom of the established Harley-Davidson Dealerships.

Rather unspectacular, the waters of the Rhine leave Germany in Bimmen at river kilometer 865,5. The other shore are already Dutch territory. High dykes protect towns and castles.

Near Bislich (East shore) and on the Xanten side motorcycle watering holes and restaurants invite for a stop.

The Schill-casemats of the old Wesel fortifications. The mouth of the Lippe (and todays Wesel-Datteln canal) to the Rhine always marked a strategic position.

Bypassing Industry and Politics

Second Gear: Remagen (632,8 km) & the Ahr Rver Valley (629 km)

Bypassing the industrial and major cities of Duisburg, Düsseldorf and Cologne, the National Roads south of Bonn move a closer to the Rhine: Yet, there are scenic and historic detours worth seeing on both sides. The main roads also offer “sightseeing” close to the river, but a few extra kilometers can bring more detailed insights and – sometimes – stories and places that you won’t find in the media. Talking to local people “on the spot” – or seeing historical places “with your own eyes” may give new insights. This could be the famous „Remagen bridge“, where the Erpeler Ley is an impressive rock massif with its own history – or a short detour into the Ahr River valley, where the flood damages

of 2021 are still present and visible wounds. From the top of the Erpeler Ley, you not only have a view of the Rhine, bridge and town – to the south, you can see the crater rim of one of the biggest catastrophes to shake what today is modern-day Germany: The latest research dates the last volcanic eruption to 11,056 BC! Even back then, people lived in the area that is now marked out on maps as “Germany”. Also in the Moselle, Rhine, Brohl and Ahr river valleys. You really should see the current state of the Ahr Valley for yourself. All it takes is a quick ride to Altenahr, 32 km from the mouth of the Ahr river near Kripp. Then you can really make up your mind…

Erpeler Ley on the east shore of the Rhine has a bridgehead that lead into a tunnel. The „Ramp“ from „Cold War“ times underlines the importance of the Rhine crossing continues even today!

Remains of the bridge and railway track on the Remagen side: Inside the tower floors the „Peace Museum“ is home to artifacts, maps and images. Well worth a visit!

A change from west to east side of the river has to be chosen at Bonn – or using the ferry connection Kripp-Linz. Inside the tunnel, there are occassional Theather performances, re-enacting the march 1945 events!

Exhibition rooms in multiple floors exhibit documents, images and historic items found in the river. And literature.

In the middle of the romantic of the Rhine

Third Gear: Koblenz (592,29 km)

At the mouth of the Moselle and the Rhine lies a city well worth visiting: Koblenz. The largest fortress complex in Europe, now also accessible by cable car, on the east bank – and the “Deutsch Eck” have been a “World Heritage Site“ Tour destination for the “Magic Bike” several times, and the youth hostel in the Ehrenbreitstein fortress was even the venue for a still remembered “Ladies Of Harley” rally. The people of Koblenz have known the roar of Harley-Davidson’s for over 100 years: Following the First World War Koblenz was the headquarters of the “American Bridgehead”, stretching a 30 kilometers radius on the east bank.

One of the early “World Heritage Site“ Tours of Magic Bike reached out to „Deutsches Eck“ (= German Corner) in Koblenz. Visible from the memorial: The campground at the Mosel/Rhine shore where the US 3rd „Army of Occupation“ vehicles parked in 1919/20.

View on the „New Emperor“ from the Mosel-Campground. Die original Bronze was destroyed in 1945, a replica was introduced in 1993.

Dieter Hofem of Chem Tools and his 1946 Knucklehead at the Rhine river near German Corner and view onto Ehrenbreitstein. In the background the steep „Felsenweg“ into the fortress as used by the Magic Bike Tour visit.

Magic Bike “World Heritage Site“ Tours on the plateau of Ehrenbreitstein in 2009. Adding to the superb view were re-enactments by museum staff and Miss Lorelei!

Roy Holtz also rode his Harley through the streets of Koblenz. Almost the entire US Army vehicle fleet – then neatly lined up opposite the „Deutsches Eck“ on the northern Moselle and western bank of the Rhine – drowned in the floods of January 16, 1920! Water level: 9.23 meters. Koblenz and the surrounding country roads are also always worth a visit. The museum in the fortress can still be reached by cable car if it is not dismantled, as planned, in 2026 – otherwise the Rhine Valley’s status as a “World Heritage Site” is „at risk“. The Koblenz “Rhine in Flames” event is particularly worth seeing when the grand finale lights up the fortress in flames.

Rhine Crossing 1813/1814: Go at it like Blücher!

Fourth Gear: Kaub (546/547 km)

In the middle of the most beautiful section of the Rhine Valley between Koblenz and Mainz, the Pfalz near Kaub is an unmissable „fortress“ in the Rhine and – like the „Mäuseturm” (Mouse Tower) near Bingen – an old customs toll station. Tip for Rhine travelers: It is also the fastest, shortest and most practical ferry connection across the river! The picturesque little town is very well preserved and is passed or crossed during almost every Magic Bike Tour. You can also visit and tour the „Pfalz” itself, but there is also a building in the town where world history is documented: The former “Mannheim Inn“ served as headquarters of “Marshal Forward” Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher when he crossed the Rhine here with his army on New Year’s Eve 1813 to pursue Napoleon after the Battle of Leipzig.

Like a fixed battleship in the Rhine river: Pfalzgrafenstein toll station in Kaub. Unfortunately, Rhine valley roads are now modernized with safety barriers like a F-1 racetrack. For bicycle riders! No complaints so far by „World Heritage“ preservers.

The Blücher memorial in Kaub points to the site of the crossing. Kaub is hidden behind the railway line embankment. Castle Gutenfels above town is a Hotel with outstanding view onto town and valley.

Dieter Hofem on his 1946 Knucklehead passing the Pfalz off Kaub during a “World Heritage Site“ Tour. 2009 the old and decent Rhine valley fences still existed.

A visit on the Pfalz is like a trip back in time: some times, historic re-enactments take place on the island. Here at normal water level of the river.

A risky undertaking that sent an advance party across the river in boats, followed by the construction of a pontoon bridge in icy conditions passing the Pfalzgrafenstein island. Worth mentioning: The western bank of the Rhine WAS France at the time. There are numerous dioramas in the Blücher Museum and the preserved original rooms document the history of the Rhine crossing. Bikers may be surprised at the accumulation of “Iron Crosses” on monuments and in the museum itself. The medal was awarded on March 10th 1813 by Prussia’s Willhelm III in the wars of liberation against Napoleon. Just 21 kilometers from Rüdesheim, Kaub is a short visit – and also rather quiet during the Magic Bike days.

Magic Bike History: Legendary Tours and World Heritage Status

Fifth Gear: Riding around Rüdesheim! (524 - 527 km)

Whether you go on tour with the Rüdesheim Harley Club or on your own is up to each Magic Bike visitor – but both the „World Heritage Tour“ on Thursdays and the Friday tours often take you along routes and to destinations that you would otherwise not be able to experience. For example, directly to the Niederwald monument, to the Lorelei concert stage or to the market square in Boppard. There’s nothing to stop you from exploring the most beautiful places on a tour again privately on Sunday.

Always a highlight when performed: Short visit at the „Germania“ atop the Niederwald-memorial above Rüdesheim. The Magic Bike Tour is allowed to ride an park on-site to create unique images. When Magic Bike Rüdesheim is running, nature in Rhine valley, Taunus and Hunsrück mountains is in full bloom. Touring this landscape on a motorcycle and sunny weather is the perfect riding experience.

Lorelei ahead! The impressive rock has defied erosion by the Rhine river for millennia and made ship transport dangerous. On this image, the transformation of the National road to F-1 racetrack has not yet reached Lorelei. Breathtaking: The view over Rhine valley, Bingen, the mouth of the Nahe river and – clear weather given – as far as Donnersberg mountain. An endless stream of Harley-riders roll onto the memorial.

Hildegard von Bingen Abbey is in plain view of the Eventsite and can be visited during the event.

Magic Bike History: The legendary Show-Friday

Sixth Gear: OVERDRIVE on Rheinstraße!

Sad but true: there are times that won’t come back! These pictures give an idea of the extent of freedom and light-heartedness that the Magic Bike has lost in the years since December 19, 2016. Friday afternoon at 5 p.m., Rheinstraße was closed from the railroad crossing to the Harley demorides and an action program for visitors and residents amazed the children in particular: Police Vehicle Owners Group and the unforgettable Harley stunts by Rainer Schwarz, Erdös Csabas – once the Berlin police squadron – and most recently in 2019 Maciej “DOP” Bielecki, got the audience going wild. Safety regulations, the ever-increasing need for barriers and rising costs of post-COVID health requirements caused this popular part of the program to disappear without a trace after the COVID years. Perhaps forever? Only time will tell – Magic Bike Rüdesheim has reinvented itself time and time again…

Hungarian stunt-pro Erdös Csabas was still active at Harley-Davidson’s 120th anniversary in Budapest. Here he is seen „sweeping“ Rheinstraße, just before his „Firewall“ stunt „excites“ the city’s street cleaning department!

Many years ago! Spectators to both sides of Rheinstraße celebrate Rainer Schwarz and his stunt action. German Bundesbahn forced the closing of the railway track side for security reasons, cutting available visitor space in half.

DOP performs his „Sportster Jump“. Since 2019, the Poland-based Harley Stuntpro has expanded his machine park and and performs spectacular stunts with Harley touring bikes.

The „Pyro Glide“ was the most spectacular ride of Rainer Schwarz! Wheelies onto the crashbar. Visible are the tubes to shoot firework from the topcase in nightshows.

Harley & Kustom Events

19.July2025

The 101 Run (GB)

New Old School Meeting on the Thames Estuary. Margate, Kent / England

View Details more infos from the organizer
19.-20.July2025

Motorfest (IT)

Riding a custom bike in the shadow of Mount Etna? It's possible from Sicily!

View Details more infos from the organizer
25.-27.July2025

Dresden Harley Days (GER)

The Harley event in the overflow of the Elbe. Dresden, the Elbe Valley and Saxon Switzerland within throttle range. Worth a tour. It's the jewel of eastern Germany.

View Details View Details
1.-10.August2025

Sturgis Rally & Races (USA)

The most beautiful rally in the USA in one of the most diverse landscapes. Events until you drop and tour options at their very best! Concentrated in just under 10 rally days, there is so much to see and experience that you can never see it all. Here are just a few ideas what to see...

View Details View Details
1.-2.August2025

Custom Nationals Geiselwind (GER)

New formula for the summer event in Germany: Top-class indoor bike show with US Car & Hot Rod Meeting outside. Plus live music. AMD approved bike show with numerous classes. Geiselwind, Autohof Strohofer, Motorway A3 between Würzburg & Nürnberg

View Details more infos from the organizer
2.-8.August2025

Speedweek (USA)

The "classic" Speedweek for cars and motorcycles on Utah's Salt Lake. Salt flats permitting. Bonneville Salt Flats, Wendover, Utah.

View Details more infos from the organizer
14.-17.August2025

Leba Bike Week (PL)

Relaxed event with bike show, concerts, parades and a seaside resort on the Baltic coast! Excellent tours to Hela, Gdansk and the Polish coast.

View Details more infos from the organizer
14.-17.August2025

Ladies of Harley Meeting

The ladies of Harley in search of chips in the Netherlands and the border triangle D-NL-B on the Meuse.

View Details more infos from the organizer
LOAD MORE  loading
Newsletter

Stay up to date with the Thunderbike newsletter. In our free newsletter you will find news on our custom bikes & parts, information on Harley-Davidson models, all important dates & events, used vehicles, accessories, clothing, promotions and much more! The subscription can be terminated at any time by unsubscribing in our newsletter. We refuse to disclose your data to third parties. You will receive an e-mail confirmation after the subscription. So we make sure that no unauthorized person can register you in our newsletter.

Support
loading