Dunedin to Brighton vintage car rally starts from the Octagon on Saturday.It is almost like a push bike but new owner Ron Gilbert was hoping his 1914 Triumph Baby motorcycle would go a bit quicker on its first run on Saturday.
Mr Gilbert's motorcycle was one of five to take part in the Brighton vintage car rally, which left from the Octagon on Saturday morning.
He bought the motorcycle at auction in Auckland last year after it had been in a museum since some time in the 1960s, but only got it on the road after the respoked wheels were fitted last week.
"We got it going on Friday for the first time and spent yesterday riding around in circles ... to learn how to ride it."
The bike handled quite differently from a modern motorcycle. It had no "springs to speak of, and the brakes are non-existent", and required "a bit of thinking on the go", he said.
It was supposed to go "40 miles [64km] an hour ... but I've got no speedo so I'll have no idea".
The motorcycle performed well, but needed a few pushes and rests when it overheated going uphill, he said.
Having ridden motorcycles for about 60 years, the retired dentist chose the Triumph Baby because it was light and small.
"I'm 78 so a little, light bike is good."
On Saturday, he was tempted to get out the old motorcycling gear so he "looked the part" but decided given he was still learning to ride it "the chance of falling off is high so I put all the good gear on".
Travelling alongside Mr Gilbert were 23 vintage vehicles, some from as far afield as Ashburton and Invercargill.
Some of the participants had chosen to dress in clothes from the era of their vehicles, with Diane Robb, of Ashburton, advising the most important thing was to have a hat that did not blow off.
rebecca.fox@odt.co.nz
Photos by Jane Dawber; prints available from otagoimages.co.nz.
