Motorbikers revved up for Calne meet

4:57pm Thursday 17th July 2008

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Organisers are revving up for this year's Calne Motorcycle Meet on Saturday.

More than 4,000 bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts are expected to flock to the town from across the country.

Last year Calne Rotary Club was forced to move part of the event to a car park because fields were waterlogged, but this year volunteers are hoping for dry weather.

Rotarian Howard Marshall said: "This is not just an event for burly bikers. It is a day for the whole family. For the children we have quad bikes and archery and there is a motorbike simulator donated by the police for adult enthusiasts.

"The spirit of the event is amazing. Last year two 90-year-old ladies were waiting by the roadside to go into the town centre.

"One of the bikers rode past and stopped and offered to give both of them a lift. They are still talking about it now. That is exactly the kind-hearted spirit we have on the day."

As well as vintage motorcycle and scooter displays, rock band Moondogs and tribute bands like Deep Purple will be playing in the town centre together with the Calne Samba Band.

This year marks the eighth motorcycle meet with more and more events being added to the programme each year.

Coun Marshall said: "We have so many trade stalls and displays. We hope everybody in the whole community can come along and join in the fun."

The fastest woman on two wheels, record holder Wendy Clutterbuck, will be displaying her new drag bike, which she has built herself.

The biking champion will answer questions from enthusiasts and fans.