“Epicenter of the Drive” is the name of a festival that took place last weekend. Billed as a “Motorock Party,” the name was fully justified, as any on entering the Epicenter Hypermarket was made instantly aware of free thinking and iron horses. The festival was attended by bikers from Ukraine and Poland and countless biking, rock, and show buffs.
According to festival organizer Valeriy Chuikov, the director of the mag azne Motodrive, the event was basically aimed at distracting youth from drugs and booze, because “biking isn’t just a pastime; it also means work in hard on yourself. That way, there’s no time for fooling around,” Mr. Chuikov underlined. This is the first festival of its kind in Ukraine and its organizers hope many more will follow.
From the moment the festival opened attendees instantly became aware of the organizers’ crazy mood. Everyone was drawn to the various contests and sports competitions, especially one knightly competition in which the winner, Sir Galen, received a kiss from a fair lady. There was also a black smth show. Ivan, a potter, enjoyed teaching visitors how to operate his wheel.
Several hours later the main event took place: the bikers’ entrance and parade. The organizers kept the bikers occupied with all kinds of contests, while popular rock groups filled in during the breaks, among them guest stars, such as Sean Carr, leader of the British Death Valley Screamers. For those who don’t recognize the name, he is Yulia Tymoshenko’s future son- in-law. Visitors to the festival weren’t the only ones to see the bikers, as the riders raced through the streets of Kyiv.
The main attraction of the motorock party was Ukraine’s 2nd Stunt Riding Championship. Contest participants had to demonstrate something more than what a bike is designed to perform. The contestants showed their skills in the rear-wheel, front-wheel, and freestyle standings. The youngest contestant was a 14-year-old with nine years of biking behind his belt.
The festival program also included a stunt by Yuriy Mykhalchyk from the U.S., who completed a 40-meter jump on his bike over a cart at a height of 10 meters. Mr. Mykhalchyk’s son and future champion, 8-year-old Illia, already shows extraordinary riding skills.
The most interesting event took place that night: a dance and a bon fie. The rock concert, traditional for such events, lasted until dawn.
