The Photography of Dr. Jeff Harper

The second biggest event of the year at the Grampian Transport Museum grounds, in terms of participants, is the CycleFest.

Although I am not a 'biker,' I am still a 'motorhead.'  Many motorcycle manufacturers brought their complete product line for display and sales.  The supercharged Kawasaki was amazing. 

Made-in-Thailand Triumph had a big display.

But Ducati was without a doubt the most popular motorcycle brand on the grounds.

It was a perfect early September day in northeast Scotland, so most of the crowd rode in on their cycles.  I can't remember seeing so many people dressed in leather in my life.

There was every kind of motorcycle present, even classic Vespas.

But I have to admit, my favorite cycles at the Cyclefest were the antique motorcycles . . . like this early Harley-Davidson.

. . . and this Indian colonial-era Royal Enfield V-twin.  These made me feel that I might be better off shooting the event in Black and White . . . so I did.

That's better.

All of these antique bikes actually ran . . . in fact they all went out at once on the track for several parade laps . . . much to the enjoyment of the gathered motorcycle lovers.  I was working the event as a volunteer marshal, so I did not have much of a chance to watch the event or take many photographs.

There were only a few Harleys on grounds, and only a couple of choppers among those.  Harleys are not a Scottish thing . . . they prefer the high powered road bikes.

Men in Leather.  I haven't seen this many men in leather since my last Gay Pride Parade . . . but seriously.

The modern bikes do not take to the black & white photography quite the same.

It was a day of Scottish bikers enjoying their machines, some on-track racing, and each other -- on a rare sunny day.  I was so taken with these motorcycles that I ordered a classis/nostalgic leather jacket for myself . . . with classic racing stripes.