After a podium finish in Qatar last week, MotoGP rider Brad Binder returned to South Africa to compete in the DJ Classic Bike Rally.
He and his brother Darryn, another premier class international rider, joined just over 100 riders on classic pre-war and vintage motorcycles on a two-day ride from Hillcrest in KwaZulu- Natal in Benoni.
The route follows similar roads that were used when this event was held as a road race between Durban and Johannesburg, between 1913 and 1936. All bikes competing must be 1936 or earlier models.
The convoy arrived at Benoni Northern Sports Club on Saturday afternoon to be greeted by a few hundred spectators.
Vintage bike enthusiasts cheered as Brad rode into the hall on his 1935 Sunbeam 500, followed by Darryn on a 1936 Ariel 500.
After crossing the finish, the two headed straight for their van, which was parked away from the crowds, and hastily packed up their bikes. That didn’t stop a small group of fans from approaching the Binders asking for photos and autographs.
Both were accommodating, although Brad admitted he was very tired from the long ride on a machine not as comfortable or fast as his usual Red Bull KTM Factory Racing bike.
They signed a variety of accessories ranging from helmets to shirts, posters, caps and even people wearing T-shirts.
The brothers will join the MotoGP circuit for the next race on March 20 at the new Indonesia Grand Prix track in Pertamina.
