A NORTH-EAST motorcycle enthusiast will be stepping back in time when he rides a machine dating back almost 100 years in a historic race.

Wallace Holmes, from Darlington, will climb aboard a 20-geared 1912 Rudge TT Multi at the 100th anniversary of the Isle of Man TT mountain challenge on Sunday.

In 1911, 104 bikes set off on the original race and this Sunday the same number will embark on the 37-and-ahalf mile course with all riders wearing period dress.

Mr Holmes said: “It’s not going to be a race, more a celebration of this great course and the great bikes that have graced it over the years.

“It takes a lot of work to keep the bike running, but it really is worth it. It’s a beautiful machine.

“You definitely need to be a mechanic though. I needed a replacement wheel last month and obviously they’re not readily available.

“I had to build one up. It had about 100 parts and took me a month to put it together.”

A plaque commemorating the centenary of the challenge will be unveiled at the grandstand at the bottom of the course.

“I’m not just looking forward to the event, I’m also excited about seeing some of the other beautiful bikes which will be on show,” said Mr Holmes.

“I would imagine mine will be one of the oldest there, as earlier bikes might struggle to tackle the mountain.

“It’s certainly one of the oldest of its kind in the world. It was registered in February 1912 and Rudge only started doing these bikes that month.

“It handles really well and is very comfortable to ride.

“It may be old but it’s certainly a classic. A fantastic piece of design.”

Mr Holmes has endeavoured to keep the bike, which was built on the Isle of Man, in its original condition and has not had it restored.

He said: “People don’t realise how old the bike is.

“I asked a group at a service station the other week and they thought it was built in the Seventies,” he said.

“It will handle the mountain course no problem.

“It’s 500cc and can reach a top speed of 80mph so I’m sure it will be fine.”