Wheels and Waves 2018 Edition, more and more bikes, more and more atmosphere - should we regret it?
Gentlemen’s Factory and friends of the brand have participated in all editions except the first, and frankly, a lot has changed. Even if we miss the intimate and family atmosphere of the first two editions, which were reserved for custom or vintage motorcycles, the success of this gathering has allowed the W&W program to expand. Flat track races, now a vintage enduro race, skateboarding… Fun things that make us drive the 1000 km between Lille and Biarritz every year.
It’s true (and I shouldn't bite the hand that feeds me) that brands are extremely present at the event, and we would have liked niche or up-and-coming brands to be more prominently featured.
The same goes for small custom builders... where are they?
But manufacturers and luxury textile or watch brands don't allow us to compete... In short, it’s not that important in the end!
Why we love going there: Firstly, the Basque Country is an island of beauty, and the diversity of its landscapes promises incredible walks for those who love to wander. The charm of Biarritz, Bidart, Guéthary, and Saint Jean-de-Luz is enchanting when the sun deigns to show itself. The proximity to Spain is a definite advantage; on the other side, it's a complete change of scenery. We recommend a stop in San Sebastian and taking an exceptional mountainous road towards ORIO, with the sea on one side and valleys and mountains on the other, no one on the asphalt, ideal for taking beautiful photos. We love Flat Track races; El Rollo is an event, Gentlemen's Factory races its bikes there, and it's the sexy rendezvous of W&W. because the participants are well-dressed, the bikes are insane, and Flat Track racing is a feast for the eyes and the heart! We love Wheels and Waves because we meet our customers there, and every year it's a blast to chat and share a beer with you. We love the tapas, breakfasts in Biarritz's covered markets, local products, and the thousands of bikes, sometimes more interesting than the ones on display. There are real gems, rarities from all over the world, 70s MV Agusta, old Harleys, Ariels, Velocettes, Triumphs, Nortons, BSAs... We love the "safe" and open atmosphere of this gathering, even if, for my part, too many recent Harleys, full leather, goatees, and patches are super numerous and not in the spirit of surf, custom DIY... Why do people feel obliged to scowl when they wear a black fringed jacket or an eagle on their back? I assure you, the atmosphere is cool among all biker communities, and that's great! Well, we'll let you look at some beautiful pictures. We'll probably see each other next year. We recommend you make your own trip there and also enjoy the week's program, where your iPhones will be working overtime! A little dedication to Louis and Antoine from the team who launched the first burnout contests in front of "Chez Miguel" cafe and all over the old port square last year, and this discipline seems to have become widespread! It's not very Gentlemen's... Maybe it's our Factory side taking over sometimes! Article & Photos Laurent Scavone [caption id="attachment_1194" align="aligncenter" width="1700"]
Wheels and Waves - Biarritz on vintage or custom motorcycle - Triumph BMW R100 - Gentlemen's Factory - the Basque coast by motorcycle and surf[/caption]
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the Basque coast by motorcycle and surf[/caption]
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Laurent Scavone, creator of Gentlemen's Factory[/caption]
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Anvil Motorcycles, Indian motorcycle[/caption]
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Dimitri Coste on the Flat Track race at El Rollo Wheels and Waves[/caption]
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Gentlemen's Factory race jersey and rider at El Rollo[/caption]
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Hubert Bastié on Bultaco at El Rollo, winner of the event in his categories.[/caption]
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Wheels and Waves - Biarritz on vintage or custom motorcycle[/caption]
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Wheels and Waves - Biarritz on vintage or custom motorcycle - Triumph Bonneville - Gentlemen's Factory[/caption]
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Wheels and Waves - Biarritz on vintage or custom motorcycle - BSA - Gentlemen's Factory[/caption]
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Fotozino on BSA Trackmaster 750 Flat Track[/caption]
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Wheels and Waves - Biarritz on vintage or custom motorcycle - Harley Davidson - Gentlemen's Factory - the motorcycle event of the custom scene and character bikes[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1168" align="aligncenter" width="1700"] Fotozino on BSA Trackmaster 750 Flat Track[/caption]
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Wheels and Waves - Biarritz - skate at Les Cents Marches[/caption]
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Wheels and Waves - Biarritz on vintage or custom motorbike - Triumph Bonneville - Gentlemen's Factory - the Basque coast by motorbike and surf[/caption]
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Laura on a 900 Yamaha, a creation by Frédéric Antoine Atelier Zeppelin 787[/caption]
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Honda 360 Four[/caption]
