Albany Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Weekend: Enthusiasts ready to show-off bikes and tackle hill climb

After a hiatus in 2022, Albany Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Club’s popular event will return in full force this weekend with hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts expected to descend on the city.

The Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Weekend will kick off at 9am on Saturday with a bike display that will see hundreds of motorcycles, some more than a century old, line Stirling Terrace, along with coffee, food and entertainment.

All riders are invited to register for the rally raffle, which will take place later in the day with prizes and afternoon tea available.

On Sunday morning, about 100 riders will put their skills to the test in the iconic hill-climb event, which will start at 9.30am on Flinders Parade in Middleton Beach.

The timed 1.1km runs up Mt Clarence will reward riders for skill and consistency over speed — anyone who runs under 40 seconds will be penalised.

This year’s hill climb, which is open to pre-1980s bikes only, has already proved popular with nearly all of the 100 rider places filled within three days of the registry opening.

The oldest motorcycle registered for the climb is a 1912 Board Mach Racer.

Onlookers will be asked to donate a gold coin which will go towards Albany’s volunteer fire brigade. The last event raised more than $3000.

Coordinator Charles Walmsley said it was great that the unique motorcycle event had returned to the port city and encouraged people to come along.

“Everyone is welcome and we’re hoping for a really good turnout this year,” he said.

“It is a special weekend and there are only a couple of events like it in the country.

“It’s great to have it back and I want to see it continue.”

Mr Walmsley said the local community, particularly local police and the City of Albany, had been “really supportive”.

“I think because it had the year off and people want to see it take place for years to come,” he said.