The first rally of its kind in Lochaber powered ahead at the weekend.
Enthusiasts from all over Scotland headed to Fort William on their prized Harley Davidson motorcycles to meet up, chat about their machines and enjoy a ride-out along the Road to the Isles.
Organiser Chris Jones, 64, who lives in the town, said the event on Saturday met all his expectations.
“A total of 30 people came with their bikes from the Central Belt, the East coast, Inverness, Thurso as well as from Lochaber. I’m a member of the Harley Davidson Riders Club of Great Britain and the Scottish region covers the whole of the country, so the rally was aimed at encouraging enthusiasts to come along and find out what we’re about.
“We went along the A830 to Mallaig and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. After we had a meal, we came back to Fort William where the regional AGM was held.”
The ever-popular Harley Davidson motorbike was first produced back in 1903 in Milwaukee, USA, and one of the machines brought along to the rally was more than 60 years old.
Mr Jones said: “Alistair Wardlaw from Roy Bridge brought along his 1950 Panhead Harley Davidson and I had my 1990 Softail with me. But I also have a 1930 model which was given to me as a wreck when I lived in Norway back in the 1980s.
“It took me 20 years to build it up again, but I have ridden that bike all over Europe and it performs just perfectly. I am quite fit and strong and I hope to be riding my bikes into my 80s. As long as you can still get on board, you can go on a ride-out.”
Mr Jones, the club’s regional rep for the north of Scotland, added: “Because this is such a widespread region, we have decided to split it into three, so there will be a west, east and north area. My objective is to encourage Harley Davidson enthusiasts to meet up more regularly and hopefully make the rally an annual event too.”
Anyone who would like to find out more information about the club can contact Mr Jones at cjoneshome@btinternet.com or by phoning 07768 268854.
