Harleys rev up for centenary rally

Founder's grandson John Harley says the machines are in his blood

Thousands of Harley-Davidson motorbike fans have been gathering in a Fenland town to celebrate the grand hog of the road's 100th birthday.

Littleport in Cambridgeshire, is the birthplace of farm labourer William Harley, father of William S Harley, who founded the firm in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the United States in 1903 with the Davidson brothers.

Mr Harley senior went to the US in 1859 and enlisted in the Civil War in 1863.

Two grandchildren of William S Harley, Margo Manning and John E Harley Junior, both fans of the bikes and from Milwaukee, will unveil a statue in the town commemorating its links with the family during Littleport Harley 2003.

The first time I was on the road was when my dad put me on the bike in front of him with my legs dangling over the gas tank John Harley

John Harley said the machines had been in his blood since he was a child.

"The beauty of a Harley - it's a one of its kind machine. It has something that just grabs hold of you," said John Harley.

"The first time I was on the road was when my dad put me on the bike in front of him with my legs dangling over the gas tank and that's how I learned to ride - sitting between his legs."

Organisers of Littleport Harley 2003 hope the two-day event will become an annual feature in the town, said chairman Mike Clarke.

Thousands of bikers gather in Littleport

"If you see all the characters here you will see it's very much a way of life," he said.

"Each Harley owner treats his machine as very much part of his personality.

"It's also very much a family event bringing kids and wives along, so it's a weekend way of life."

The largest celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company takes place in Milwaukee in August.