TRAVERSE Issue 16 - February 2020 | Page 132

INDIAN GATHERING For the first time in Australia, plans are underway to gather the most Indian Motorcycles at one event, in- cluding an attempt to break the current world record for most Indian's on a parade. Event producer Chris Keeble, explains that recently the USA broke the inaugural record of 274 set in 2017 to the new record of 651. "This does set the bar very high," she says. "Two hun- dred and seventy four was an easy target and we abso- lutely would have smashed that ... 651, does make for a tougher challenge no doubt. "The world record would be icing on the cake, but we have other things to achieve," she grins. "First time in Australia, first time Southern Hemi- sphere of the largest gathering and parade; rider’s from all over Australia will gather in one iconic Aussie loca- tion to meet fellow enthusiasts who share a passion for the Indian Motorcycle brand. This is about comradery and community, just as much as making and breaking records!" Chris says the iconic 'ghost town' of Silverton (new South Wales) was chosen for a number of reasons; it has a terrific historical Aussie backdrop, Broken Hill is only 15 minutes away with its good infrastructure for acco- modation and eateries, the town can cater for a large N influx of people. Chris continues, "(The event) is taking traffic out to the country regions that need support for both morale and the economy. Short of doing a rain dance, coun- try Australia and locals are very appreciative of these events." Currently 280 entries have been taken for this event with riders coming from all over Australia. Chris points out that this is not so much a motorbike festival, with the focus on gathering the riders and com- pleting the parade. "While all motorbike riders are of course welcome to come to town to see the ‘Indian’s take over the streets of Silverton and Broken Hill, there is no festival activities happening. "After the Saturday morning parade other non Indian riders can join us in the streets of Silverton and enjoy the sights of hundreds of Indian Motorbikes and the pop up displays of Vintage Indian Motorbikes from passion- ate owners who are bringing them along!" For more information on the event, How to register, what you get, merchandise and running order of the times, etc can be found at - www.theaussie-theindian.com E W S TRAVERSE 132