Germiston - The Classic Motorcycle Club's annual 1000 Bike Show, on this weekend (Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July) at Germiston High School, is as much about being seen, as it is about seeing the motorcycles 'officially' on display.
So, before you even enter the display marquee, take a stroll around the reserved-for-bikes parking on the school's rugby field; you'll be astonished by the number and variety of motorcycles and trikes that have been ridden to the show, most of them polished to within an inch of their lives.
But that's just an appetiser for the main event, with about 400 classic motorcycles on display, grouped mostly by brand, although there will also be specialised displays such as off-road motorcycles. Several dealerships will be supporting the show, including Triumph and BMW, and their stands will feature both modern and classic machines. There will also be many customised modern machines on show.
Judging for the Concours d'Elegance awards will be done on Saturday and the various classic awards will be handed out early on Sunday afternoon.
In addition to the motorcycle displays there will be about 95 stalls outside the marquee, selling anything biker-related - from speciality clothing and accessories to food and liquid refreshment, as well as live bands for added entertainment.
Every entrance ticket bought and paid for will be entered in the draw for a Puzey 150 scooter valued at more than R10 000, as well as many smaller prizes; the winners will be announced on Sunday afternoon.
The first 1000 Bike Show was held in 1983 at the Carlton Centre in the Johannesburg CBD and it has grown in stature with the rising interest in classic and vintage cars and motorcycles.
More than 10 000 people are expected to attend this year's 1000 Bike Show - the 32nd staging of the event - and among the charities and organisations that will benefit this year are the SPCA, Germiston High School, Think Bike, the Toy Run, Rotary and the Boy Scouts.
WHERE, WHEN AND HOW MUCH?
Germiston High School is opposite Rand Airport on Rand Airport Road.
The 1000 Bike show will be open from 8am to 5pm each day.
Entry costs R60 per person per day, including a commemorative cloth badge. Children under 16 accompanied by an adult get in free.
For more information contact Hamish Ireland on 082-772-0141.