Two-wheeler pilgrimage site

500 motorcyclists rolled through the villages of the Eibenstein parish

After Holy Mass, the motorcyclists rode through the villages together.(Bild: ZVG)

The parish of Eibenstein is now a well-established pilgrimage site to which motorcyclists return time and again. Not only is there a tree trunk in memory of the deceased, but the motto is also upheld: Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly.

The Jubilee Meadow in Eibenstein near Raabs an der Thaya in the Waldviertel region is traditionally a meeting place for many motorcyclists once a year to celebrate a Holy Mass together. This year, more than 500 riders of mopeds, quads, trikes and motorcycles gathered to ride together through the six villages of the parish.

180 souls live in the villages of Eibenstein, Unterpfaffendorf, Reith, Zabernreith, Primmersdorf and Trabersdorf. Almost half of the residents - led by the fire department, which alone has around 60 active members - were on their feet for the big biker festival.

"The meadow has now become a year-round pilgrimage site. Pictures on a tree trunk commemorate deceased bikers," says one organizer of the almost 1,000 guests catered for. The prevailing motto there is very important: Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly!

The parishioners baked 50 cakes for the day, from which 600 portions of pastries were available for sale.