Bikers revved up for Rumble under the Ben
THE roar of Harley Davidson engines will be heard across the whole of Lochaber this weekend as dozens of bikers are expected to descend on the area for a two-day celebration of the renowned motorcycle brand.
In what is Lochaber’s first Harley Davidson weekend spectacular, motorbikes and riders of all ages will make camp at An Aird shinty field in the centre of Fort William this Saturday, April 21, for a weekend of two-wheeled indulgence.
Organised by Fort William local Chris Jones, a member of the Harley Davidson Riders Club GB, the Rumble Under the Ben is being held to bring like-minded owners together for a weekend of biking fun in the glorious landscape of Lochaber.
The event builds on last year’s Harley Davidson day held at the Ben Nevis Woollen Mill which included a display of around 25 bikes, mainly by local owners, but a few from further afield.
Invites to attend have gone out all over the UK and Chris hopes there will a be good uptake from fellow members across the country looking for something different in a new location.
He said: ‘I am hoping for a good turn-out and that this will be the first of many. If all goes well, next year it may be an idea to link up with our newly formed Vintage Motor Cycle Club branch and coincide it with the 65s section of six days trial, but that is no more than a thought for consideration.
‘No matter how many or how few turn out, it still promises to be a great weekend for enthusiasts and another interesting event for Lochaber people to come and see.’
On Saturday morning there will be a display of bikes around the shinty club with about half a dozen vintage and classic bikes on show. Members of the public will be asked to vote for their favourite, with the winner being awarded a specially commissioned trophy.
On Saturday afternoon there will be a ride-out of all the bikes, taking them from the shinty club, through Middle Street, across the Corran Ferry, around Ardnamurchan and back.
Chris believes the famous roar of Harley Davidson bikes in the ride-out will be an experience to behold for local spectators.
‘Hopefully, it will create a visual and audible stir in the town,’ he added. ‘Whenever there are this many Harley Davidson riding out at once, the sight and sound is always impressive.
‘It’d be great to get the public out to have a look at the bikes and get everyone interested in what we’re doing.’