 A promotional poster for Oktoberfest to be held in Dongducheon, Gyeonggi Province, Saturday. |
By John Redmond
Contributing Writer
Thoughts of Oktoberfest conjure up images of lederhosen clad Bavarians clutching specially brewed beer filled steins amid the chaos of a stuffed to the gills ― with drunken revelers ― Hacker-Festzelt (a large tent used in festivals). With the exception of the leather pants, the American Steel Motorcycle Club (ASMC) plans to host a unique, cross-cultural Oktoberfest celebration.
The ASMC in cooperation with the Dungducheon City Council and Bar Owners' Association will host a bike and music Oktoberfest outside Mojo's Bar in Dongducheon, Gyeonggi Province, Saturday. The event begins at 9 a.m.
Oktoberfest originated in Munich, Oct. 12, 1810 for the commemoration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. A great horse race was organized. Since 1818, special beers, ``Oktoberfestbiers'' brewed by the Big Six breweries, have been served at the event.
American Steel was originally established on the Island of Okinowa, Japan, in 1983, with a Korean chapter being formed in 1989. Based on a love of riding Harley Davidson motorcyles, the group bonded under a standard principle: ``Family-Job-Steel.''
The day will begin with registration outside Mojo's Bar, near the pavillion. Registration fee is 15,000 per bike or 20,000 for a bike with a second rider. T-shirts will be given to the first 200 registrants.
In a recent interview in Groove magazine, Committee Chairman Paul Peenut Bell stated that although ASMC is a club for Harley Davidson owners, the event is open to all bike riders. ``I don't care if you come on your moped. As long as you can keep up,'' he was quoted as saying.
On the day, organizers plan to have about four hours of riding, including a ride up to Dungducheon Pavilion near Camp Casey.
Music will provided by live bands L.R.D. (paying tribute to Rock n' Roll era music), FADED, N-Style, Dog Soup, Soul Ju and Decadent Gonads. Band performances will start at 3 p.m.
Other events include a poker run beginning at 11:30 a.m. with cash prizes for the best and worst hand, a 50/50 raffle and trophies for the best and worst bikes.
ASMC also conducts a ceremony to honor the Korean and U.S. casualties of the Korean War on Veterans Day.
For more information, contact Paul Peenut Bell on 010-8742-7271, or for Korean, call Myung-sun at 010-7271-9069. Email asmc_paul@yahoo.com
To get there on public transport take subway line 1 to Dongducheon. The journey takes about an hour from Seoul Station.
redmond_john@hotmail.com
