VINTAGE motorcycles from as early as the 1920s are plotting a course for Tamworth this weekend in what’s become an important event on the calendar for bike enthusiasts.
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The annual bike run is in its seventh year and organised by the Tamworth and District Antique Motor Club.
When The Leader spoke to rally secretary David Smith early this week, there were 75 entries, including local participants, and visitors from across NSW and even Queensland, who are keen for the chance to show off their bikes and take them for a run around the Tamworth district.
Mr Smith said one of the earliest-model bikes would be a 1927 Indian, with the latest models dating back to the 1980s.
The action for the weekend will be centred on Paradise Caravan Park, from where rally entrants will embark on several rides.
Today, the earliest-model bikes will hit the road for a run, while the main rally is on Sunday, taking participants out and around Attunga, Somerton and Manilla.
Mr Smith said the best time for anyone wanting to take a look at the bikes would be prior to the 10.30am departure time for Sunday’s run.
A collector for many years, Mr Smith has a number of antique machines of his own, including a 1937 Ariel and BSA M20 army bike. He’s also in the process of restoring a 1952 WLA Harley Davidson.
Mr Smith said part of the appeal was the slower pace of the older motorbikes.
“Our idea is to just potter around and there’s no better way to do that than on one of these,” he said.
“When you take it a bit slower, you actually get to look around and see the countryside.”