THEY’RE grandma’s and motorcycle mums who say you’re never too old to enjoy new things in life – and if you’re late coming to the world of riding a big bike, it really doesn’t matter.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Janeen Morgan, Alana Embleton and Annette Williams are three North West Harley Owners’ Group or HOG members, and like the rest are excited to be welcoming about 2000 Harley riders from around Australia when Tamworth hosts the 2015 HOG Australian National Rally this weekend.
The three say the camaraderie between riders is great and the feeling of freedom as you ride along is tangible.
Mrs Morgan, who owns a Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe, said: “The freedom, just the sense of community ... (everyone has) the same sort of passion – you’re able to communicate and have a laugh and talk.”
Mrs Williamson said many of her workmates were “very surprised” when she bought her Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail – but she says it was a great decision.
“I’m also proud to be a Harley rider, to be a grandma... you’re never too old to enjoy life. I’ve never had so much fun,” she said.
Mrs Embleton said: “You’re never too old to get your licence.”
They reckon that the women-specific rider clothing sold under the Harley-Davidson banner was great, too, because it wasn’t basic black in colour.
Harley-Davidson is changing the industry to suit women, so “it still makes a woman feel like a woman”, Mrs Williamson said.
They can’t wait for this weekend’s rally because they’ll be catching up with riders they haven’t seen since the 2014 rally.
Other riders, male and female, are invited to join the North West HOG’s Lady of Harley ride to Nundle on Friday, leaving the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) at 10am.
The 2015 HOG 24th Australian National Rally is on between Friday and Monday at AELEC.
Activities include a Sunday Thunder Ride, offering the chance for locals to be part of the action and come out in force to cheer on the procession as it heads up Peel St about 9am.
Although the rally is mostly open to HOG members only, Tamworthians can check out the Thunder Ride.
It will go up Peel St, go via Currabubula to Werris Creek, then Taylors Ln, and back through Quirindi.
With all 50 of the enthusiast club’s chapters set to attend, the rally is shaping up to be one of the biggest events of its sort in the country.
Headlining the opening night will be rock band The Screamin’ Eagles, before a real-life rodeo and Country Spectacular on Saturday afternoon.
Other festivities include more live music, bike games, a bike show and tattoo competition, and even several rock’n’roll and swing barn dances.
