Hogs revved up to go into Battle

WITH fewer than 48 hours to go until the Battle of Flowers, the Harley Owners' Group has been busy putting the finishing touches to its entry. This is the second time it has entered and this year it is celebrating 100 years of Harley-Davidson. 'We've made a 30ft circular birthday cake decorated with 18,000 flowers, and four candles on top,' said Hog president Robert Steen. 'It also has a Captain America bike, decorated again with paper flowers in the centre of the cake, which revolves, and has smoke and is illuminated for the evening parade.' Two teams have toiled since April to put the design together. The construction was led by Craig Tulie, Alexis Zimny and John Ingrouille. Faye Corbin led the other team, mostly the female group members, who made all the flowers in 10 different colours. The North Show starts tomorrow, with more exhibit classes and entertainment than ever. One of the highlights in the evening will be a performance by top UK Rolling Stones tribute band the Rolling Clones. Other attractions include the Jason Smyth stunt show and the Kangaroos gymnastics display team. Show committee president Bob Marquis said it was difficult to make the show better each year, but was confident that there was something for everyone to enjoy. 'The exhibit tents are particularly up this year and the pleasing thing is the young people's section; it's a new section for the under-fives, which is highly subscribed,' he said. 'With the entertainment, there isn't five minutes to spare; as something goes out of the arena, someone else will be going in.'