Classic bikes help raise funds

CLASSIC bikes took centre stage at the fifth annual North Coast Classic Motorcycle Show and Swap at Alstonville Showground, an event that celebrates vintage motorcycles while raising funds for the Ballina Hospital Auxiliary.

This year, it brought in nearly $15,000.

Event organiser Col McAndrew said this year’s show featured an impressive range of classic bikes.

“The quality of classic bikes was up this year, we ended up with about 32 on display,” McAndrew said.

“We did have a lot of vendors getting around and the whole idea is to showcase some of the older bikes.

“There was a gap in the market when we first started, you just don’t have many events for the classics.”

The main pavilion was a hive of activity, with older riders making the trip from across NSW and south-east Queensland.

McAndrew said organisers were mindful of making the event accessible for older riders.

“It can be harder for some of the older riders of the classic bikes to get around, so we like to make it worth their while.

“It’s a lot of work to run it, but it’s worth it when you see all the people getting around with big smiles on their faces,” Mc Andrew said.