Hillside was buzzing last weekend as more than 120 riders and their meticulously maintained classic machines rumbled into town as part of a two-day Motorcycle Rally that showcased both passion and preservation.
Riders from 17 motorcycle clubs across New South Wales converged on Hillside Public School, where a warm community welcome — and an impressive homemade lunch — awaited them on day one of their annual event.
The Macquarie Towns Motorcycle Restoration and Preservation Club, established in 1981 by a group of Hawkesbury motorcycling enthusiasts, has long championed the love of vintage bikes. The club’s mission remains simple: to preserve, restore and celebrate motorcycles aged 10 years or older — machines with stories, history and heart.
Their annual rally is a favourite on the classic riding calendar, taking participants along some of the region’s most scenic stretches across the Macquarie Five Towns and surrounding villages. The event also includes a Saturday night awards dinner, where trophies — and the traditional King and Queen titles — are handed out before a shorter Sunday ride that allows interstate and regional riders time to begin the journey home.
This year’s outing delivered its share of postcard moments. The opening day route wound through Sackville, Ebenezer, Wilberforce, Windsor, Pitt Town, Kenthurst, Dural and Glenorie before riders rolled into Hillside Public School for a much-anticipated lunch stop.
And the school community delivered in style. Parents, staff and volunteers served up everything from barbecue favourites and homemade quiches to fresh salads and hearty soups, earning nonstop praise from hungry riders. Behind the scenes, a slick team managed setup, serving and cleanup with the kind of efficiency and enthusiasm only a close-knit community can muster.
It was a reminder that events like these thrive not just on shared passions, but on the people who show up to support them. Hillside’s community spirit didn’t just feed the crowd — it helped make the rally a standout success.
