Sunday April 28th marked the 20th Annual Gathering of the Nortons. This long-standing annual rally has become the number-one place on the east coast, and probably in the USA, to see a large assemblage of vintage Norton motorcycles. The rally is sponsored by Delaware Valley Norton Riders (DVNR) and for many years has been held at Washington Crossing State Park (PA), right on the west bank of the Delaware River.

Each spring The Gathering seems to grow bigger and bigger. This year was no exception, as rally goers were treated to nearly perfectly sunny skies and warm temperatures. The Gathering is notable for the fact that most all attendees ride in on motorcycles. Only a few folks arrive on four wheels. This is truly a rider's event.

This year we saw in excess of 900 people visiting the rally to view the wide variety of motorcycles, catch up with old friends, and make some new acquaintances. The menagerie of motorcycles was impressive and included many unusual machines. European, USA, and Asia models were all in evidence. I'm a fan of British bikes so I took special note that BSA, Triumph, Velocette, Vincent, and Royal Enfield were all represented. They were, of course, in addition to the many fine Nortons. With bikes arriving and departing throughout the event it can be difficult to get a perfect count. Still, at one point, in excess of eighty (80) Nortons were on the field! I'm not sure if that is a record for The Gathering of the Nortons but it certainly must be in contention.

The local Boy Scout troop always sets up a food tent offering hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks. That's a nice win-win situation, with the riders getting a tasty lunch and the Boys Scouts making a bit of cash to support their troop activities. A few other vendors were also present this year offering a variety of motorcycle related wares. Of course, the DVNR had their tent erected and were selling rally tee shirts and club chachka. DVNR also signed up a handful of new members, helping to assure that The Gathering of the Nortons will continue to grow.

The entire event has a pleasant festival air about it, as can been seen in the attached photos. Everyone seems to have a pleasant time. I was pleased to see a good number of the folks on this email list at The Gathering, but not as many as I'd like. Hopefully more will attend next year. I know that many of you have Norton motorcycles lurking in your sheds. Perhaps next year more BritBikeBoys will follow the DVNR motto and; "Ride 'em. Don't hide 'em."

Chuck Davis
Davis Motorcycle Restoration