Thunder in Three Rivers as the bride arrives
VEREENIGING - You didn’t need to see them to know something extraordinary was happening on Saturday; you could feel it in the air.
The low, rhythmic rumble of Harley-Davidson engines announced the arrival of the Rebel Riders long before the flash of chrome appeared on the horizon.
In a wedding that traded traditional silence for the sweet sound of V-twin engines, the Harley Davidson Rebel Riders (RC) gathered at Three Rivers Lodge to witness their president, Neil Delpaul, tie the knot with the club’s new First Lady, Leslie-Ann.
The journey to the chapel was anything but quiet. The bride made a grand entrance in a Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 California Special, but the real “stutter” in the local traffic came from the thunderous entourage of Harleys.
Leading the pack with a poise that belied his age was Matthew Delpaul, the groom’s grandson. Seated atop his grandfather’s Harley-Davidson Tri Glide CVO, Matthew spearheaded the formation, guiding the leather-clad guard of honour toward the ceremony.
Born from passion
The Rebel Riders are more than just a weekend hobby; they are a fixture of the Vaal Triangle.
Founded in October 2020, the club was established by a group of local enthusiasts who wanted to turn their love for the open road into a formal brotherhood.
From designing their own official insignia to registering the organisation, the founding members built the RC on a foundation of “fellowship and service.”
While the roar of the engines might suggest a “rebel” spirit, the club’s heart beats for the community.
Beyond the social gatherings and the wind-in-your-face rides, the Rebel Riders have become a pillar of outreach in the Vaal Triangle.
The group regularly pivots from pleasure cruises to purpose-driven missions, supporting local charities and spearheading fundraising efforts for those in need.
The Rebel Riders welcome any Harley enthusiasts in the region to join their ranks, whether for a ride, a charity event, or the camaraderie of the road.
For more information on joining the network, contact President Neil Delpaul on 082 961 9878.
The leadership
President: Neil Delpaul
Vice President: Craig Johnson
Sergeant-at-Arms: Jackie Gerber
Treasurer and First Lady: Leslie-Ann Delpaul
Secretary: Renay Johnson
Events & Marketing: Marinda Gerber
