Harley harem revs up in Oliva

DIESEL dudes and biker babes will be in Harley heaven this weekend: Oliva's favourite two-wheeled rally is set to step on the gas again.

As every year, petrol-heads are expected from all over the Comunidad Valenciana and beyond – particularly the region's inland neighbour, Aragón – on their mean machines, so a colourful and noisy few days are guaranteed.

Check out the classic and modern open-air Harley Davidson exhibition this evening (Friday) from 17.00, and hear a demo of what the world-famous V-Twin engine sounds like – then, if you have a bike of your own, you can join the morning rally tomorrow round the town centre, the Vall de la Gallinera and the Vall de Laguar; national flags and funky costume optional, but encouraged.

Those who prefer to drink up the atmosphere at ground level will be waving at you en masse as you whizz past.

Bikers will return to Oliva for a slap-up lunch of traditional dishes, including some not heard of outside the town, after their spin round its picturesque neighbouring countryside.

At least 30 massive Harley Electras are due to descend on Oliva tonight, and motorsport die-hards will be falling over each other to get a glimpse and a good feel of these shiny, musclebound beasts – the Rolls Royce and Rolex and Royal Palace of the biker world, they weigh a whopping 460 kilos, or about the same as a large horse, and their 1.8L engine means they eat up the miles at giant strides and breakneck speeds, but feel like a giant mechanical sofa or a roofless Limousine.

Catch a pillion ride into the thick of the action in La Safor's southernmost town and give vent to your inner Hell's Angel.