History, character and intention of the Horsepowerrun.

1981 – 2006 :  International Horsepowerrun 25 Years.

In 1981, the year  that the first were held, even the inventors of the event could have expected that in 2006, so twenty-five years later, had grown out till one of the leading veteran motorcycle events on the continent.

For the first edition 33 riders entered but only 28 started near the Castlehouse “Nienoord” at Leek, and they came from England, Germany and of course Holland.

Among the riders were 7 with machines which were built between 1915 and 1921.

This group of riders started in a “B”-class and was not only added tho give the event al little bit more “body”, as well that these machines were in fact motorcycles mostly built up from pré-war parts as during the War in fact ample new bikes were developped.

In the meantime this class became an important part of the event but still the only event where this class is added.

Over the years not only the count of countries where the riders are coming from has grown but we are also reaching the limit of entries.

This limit is 150 riders, to avoid problems with i.e. the available space at restpoints, finish,  etc.

Over the years, three riders have till now taken part at all the runs and they earn that their names are mentioned overhere. It are Jannes Huising from Rolde, as well Ginus Sloots from Borger and Willem Pol Norg, both members of the group inventors in 1981.

Due the interest of the newspapers and TV for the event, every year many of thousands enthousiastic spectators along the route watch the riders and their machines and have a marvellous day out.

So we may conclude that the Horsepowerrun is a region- and veteranmotorcyclepromotion in optima forma.

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The Horsepowerrun is an international event with motorcycles, sidecars, threewheelers and “ forecars” made in the early days of motoring. Participating in the event is only possible for machines as mentioned above which are built before January 1st. 1921

The event was held for the first time in 1981 and can be seen as the continental counterpart of the famous Pioneer-Run “London to Brighton” in England.

One of the reasons that the Horsepowerrun was established was the fact that many veteran-lovers felt the need for such an event on which they could ride only with early machines as well that many continental riders were afraid for driving on the left side of the road as well the rather high travellingcosts for taking part on the Pioneerrun.

There is a good co-operation between both organisers, i.e. dating of machines. To give the public the possibility getting aquainted with vehicles as mentioned above, a Run will be held every year on the last april-sunday.

This Run, with a length of about 50 miles. starts at the National Carriage Museum at the grounds of “Castle Nienoord” at Leek situated in the North of the Netherlands about 10 km. southwest of the city Groningen.

The half-way stop is at the “Gouverneurstuin” in the centre of Assen, just near the county-museum.
Along another route the riders will continue their Run back to Leek where at about 15.00 p.m. the “Endpresentation” will be held. During this presentation the prizes for the most wanted vehicles and others will be presented.