Thousands turn out to see Harley-Davidsons roar on ride-out

Hundreds of bikers joined the ride, part of the Shipley Harley Rally, which set off from Baildon yesterday afternoon.

Video: Brett Parker

People lined the route all the way to Ilkley and Otley to watch the ride-out, which raises funds for the Haworth RDA and Martin House Hospice.

Thousands of bikers gathered in Baildon

Crowds had also gathered on top of the Cow and Calf rocks to get a better vantage point as bikers rode the iconic route.

The ride-out went from Baildon to Otley, then through the centre of Ilkley, up past the Cow and Calf rocks, before heading back to Baildon.

One biker who took part said: “It was a brilliant day for it, after two years off because of the pandemic. It was great to see many people turn out.

Thousands of people turned out to watch

“The roundabout at Baildon and all of Baildon was rammed with people.

“On the route, thousands of people were at the side of the road waving. Care home residents were out in their wheelchairs, and families were out with their children.

“There was a fantastic atmosphere.”

Earlier in the day, residents at Glen Nursing Home in Baildon were given a thrill when gleaming Harleys visited as a special treat.

Magnificent bikes were on display

Elaine Pullan, who works at the home, praised the “big hearts of the bikers taking time to give a little joy to the elderly”.

She sent her heartfelt thanks and added: “What a treat it was for our fabulous dementia residents, words cannot explain how much they enjoyed it.

“The bikers have a heart of gold and did a fabulous deed.”

The event roared back after two years off because of the pandemic

The Harley event has swung back into action this year after a break because of the Covid pandemic, with bikers from across the country and further afield making the journey.