Motorcycle Church Service in Hamburg: Significantly Fewer Bikers Than in the Past at the Michel

MOGO pastor Ulrike Engler delivered the sermon on the motto "Achtung erfahren...", which, according to the supporting association, stands for respectful interaction on the road and in life. "Uns ist es wichtig, dass wir den Menschen in unserem Gegenüber sehen - mit Familie, mit Freunden, mit Kindern, mit Geschichte", said Engler. At the same time, she spoke out against prejudice: "Dass Biker nicht als fahrende Organspender, Raser oder Ähnliches abgestempelt werden. Es sind alles Menschen." With this, she took up a concern of the scene: "Die Bikergemeinde sehnt sich nach mehr Respekt."

Sermon Against Prejudice and for More Respect

Once again this year, there was no large convoy ride. Already last year, the planned procession, which was originally supposed to roll one last time, was canceled due to a lack of funding. According to the pastor, MOGO is no longer a mega-event like it used to be for financial reasons. "Dennoch bleibe der Mogo ein wichtiges Ereignis für die Community", said Engler. "Die Menschen kommen von nah und fern und sie sind einfach verbunden durch ihre Leidenschaft, durch ihr Hobby."

Convoy Ride Canceled Again

The proceedings at the Michel remained festive nonetheless. Blessing ribbons were distributed as a welcome, and saxophone and organ were played for the visitors. The service also included moments of remembrance for the bikers who most recently died in traffic. Participation in the group ride was voluntary: "Laut Veranstalter sind alle herzlich eingeladen, sich nach dem Gottesdienst 'eigenverantwortlich und Straßenverkehrsordnungskonform' dorthin auf den Weg zu machen."

Numerous bikers then met at the Vicelin Church of St. Jacobi in Bornhöved in Schleswig-Holstein for a joint barbecue. This meeting point has established itself in recent years as an informal draw for the scene, even when the official convoy ride is canceled. According to the organizer, the declining numbers of participants had already become apparent in previous years.

Meeting in Bornhöved as an Alternative

Overall, the 43rd edition of MOGO shows a balancing act: On the one hand, the organizers hold on to tradition, music, and remembrance; on the other hand, money and the big procession are missing. The pastor still sees the church service as an important date in the calendar of the motorcycle community in Northern Germany.