Suit-and-tie
international conventions and trade fairs are nothing new in Panama,
but the recent regional gathering organized by Asociación Panameña
de Motociclismo (APM) was definitely an attraction in its own right.
Scores
of leather-wearing bikers from Mexico, Central America and Brazil
made their way to the Isthmus to take part in the event January 19-21.
The highlight of their activities was a parade covering the Bridge
of the Americas, the Centennial Bridge and the Canal’s Pedro
Miguel Locks, ending with an exhibit at the new Brisas de Amador shopping
center, located on the Amador Causeway. The convention also included
special meetings and dance parties at Panama City’s Hotel El
Panama.
Asociación
Panameña de Motociclismo was officially founded in 1983 by
a group of 10 bikers who were fond of organizing trips to the interior
provinces in their fancy, name-brand bikes as early as 1979. Today,
the association boasts a membership of 56 in Panama City, with chapters
in the Azuero peninsula and the province of Chiriquí. Besides
touring the country, the group also organizes a party for underprivileged
children each year and donates supplies to their local school.
The headquarters
of APM are located behind the Balboa Theater, in the Balboa neighborhood.
