It’s not often you hear about a bike nearly 100 years old being able to tackle the Illawarra Escarpment.
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On Saturday, more than 80 classic motorbike riders took in the scenery between Robertson and Kiama as part of the 18th annual Red Scarf Rally.
The oldest bike on the tour was built in 1919.
Illawarra Classic Motorcycle Club president Peter Grimston took his father’s bike, a Matchless 500 built in 1958 and since restored.
Mr Grimston said the reason classic bikes were so popular was because they reminded people of their childhood.
‘‘These were the bikes we had when we were kids,’’ he said. ‘‘Now we’re older, we can afford to have them as weekend toys.’’
Riders from across the state attended the event.
Kiama Municipal Council Mayor Brian Petschler addressed the riders and a police escort was provided to lead them out of town.
The tour followed Jamberoo Mountain Road to Robertson, then to Kangaroo Valley, before returning to Kiama via Berry and Gerringong.
‘‘For a lot of people, they haven’t been through that particular ride and they really appreciate seeing the green rolling countryside,’’ Mr Grimston said.
He said the classic bike and car scene in the Illawarra was growing and the group was always looking for new members.
