MOTORBIKES built before or during the First World War will be taking to the roads around Wensleydale this weekend, for the first ever Northern Pioneer Road Test.

The vehicles taking part in the Sunbeam Motorcycle Club’s event on Sunday, July 1 all pre-date 1915 and many were used by despatch riders during the First World War.

The motorcycle club is well-known for its annual London to Brighton road test, but this is the first time the race has travelled North.

The new race will be starting off from Tennants Auction House in Leyburn and the 52-mile route will take in some of the Yorkshire Dales’ most well-known scenery and picturesque spots.

The well-known race has been brought to the North thanks to organiser Wallace Holmes, from Darlington.

“We have fantastic countryside up here,” said Mr Holmes.

“Everything happens downs south, so I thought ‘why don’t we have a northern pioneer road test’?”

After leaving the auction house in Leyburn at 9.30am, the race will pass Jervaulx Abbey, Middleham, Redmire, Bolton Castle, Carperby, Askrigg, Hardraw, Hawes, Bainbridge, Aysgarth and back to Leyburn.

“We had to pick a veteran-friendly route which avoids hills and traffic lights.

“I’ve included some sights including Richard III’s home at Middleham Castle and Bolton Castle where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned.

“It’s a social event and it’s all about stopping off and enjoying the route - riders are encouraged to stop off anywhere they wish.”

Mr Holmes, whose son lives in Hollywood - where he creates specially customised motorbikes for blockbuster films - said riding such early motorcycles is a skill in itself, as many of the early models have no clutch or gears.

On previous similar races, breaking down often involves rebuilding the early motorbikes at the roadside.

“Generally when you’re riding one of these you come to a road junction and turn left – because to stop you have to slow down and cut the engine off with many of the bikes,” he said.

“They have brakes of a fashion, but they’re just like bicycle brakes. There’s certainly some unique machinery going to this event.”

Veteran motorcycles which will feature in the race include Connaughts, Sunbeams, Premiers, Royal Enfields and other models by Bradbury and Kynoch.

A 1912 Harley Davidson and a 1913 Triumph are also due to be entered into the event.

Beamish Museum, near Stanley in County Durham, has also loaned its 1912 Dene motorcycle, made locally in Newcastle, which usually can be seen on display in the open air museum's garage.

Other bike-owners will be bringing their motorcycles with them from across the UK, including Brighton, whilst others are travelling from Holland and Germany for the event.