But let's start from the beginning... It was all initiated by our NSU-colleague Tomek, who had long felt the need for such a team-building event.He had previously made gentle introductions several times, discussing his vision during our trips together, which I initially didn't take seriously. But unlike other similar, talk-only initiatives, he took a consistent approach.I agreed to help, or at least explore the area and its possibilities together. "Why not?" I thought, since there wasn't supposed to be an NSU brand rally in 2025. Shortly after, another NSU-colleague, Janusz, was recruited, as Tomek envisioned a foothill region, potentially the most attractive for guests from the rest of the country's lowlands, so someone from that area was needed. And from there, things moved quickly. Tokarnia in Lesser Poland was chosen as the meeting location – an excellent base for trips to the Tatra Mountains. The previous year, there had been a very successful Izh motorcycles enthusiasts' picnic there, and establishing cooperation with its organizers and following well-worn trails helped us significantly. Having a nice place for 25 people, it became clear that this would no longer be just a trivial room rental for a group of friends... The news spread throughout the community, and the scope of invitations extended beyond the social circle. It was only assumed that we expected to arrive on pre-war or war motorcycles.
And with the participation of colleagues from the farthest corners of Poland, the event will be somewhat longer than just the weekend itself. Janusz mapped out the routes and organized most of the preparatory work on-site, which was undoubtedly a considerable burden (for him and his family). Tomek worked just as hard remotely, only occasionally visiting the battlefield, also supported by his family. For various reasons, I only modestly contributed a little support (and a bit of pessimism). As a result, participants were offered two days of motorcycle excursions, totaling approximately 300 km along the Beskid Wyspowy and Gorce mountain ranges, along with excellent accommodation and meals.
On Thursday, July 24th, all the participants arrived. A welcome, accommodations, and an evening socializing rounded out the day's plans. Looking around the fleet, it became clear that the vast majority of the participants would be pre-war British motorcycles from brands like BSA, AJS, Panther, Ariel, New Imperial, and Velocette, including the largest V-engined models. All of them were top-of-the-line models, with the highest level of restoration. Representing Polish motorcycling was a Sokół 600 RT. I made sure to include NSU motorcycles, of which only three arrived in the end (because, unfortunately, one of my colleagues was forced to swap his bike at the last minute for a also-German Victoria KR 35 WH Pionier). So, from NSU, my 351 OSL, 601 OS WH, and 501 T.
The first day of the rally began on Friday. A long, 185-kilometer stage route was planned: Tokarnia – Szczawa – Sromowce – Knurów – Ochotnica – Szczawa – Tokarnia. The main attraction on the route that day was a rafting trip down the Dunajec River from Sromowce to Szczawnica. The plan was fully implemented, and the weather was perfect. Only the oldest motorcycle, the NSU 501T, had to be withdrawn due to a slipping clutch, but after an evening resuscitation, it completed Saturday's rally without any problems. The service vehicle protecting the rear of the peloton and its vigilant crew performed admirably. Janusz had planned a more or less demanding route option – the latter via a high mountain pass with a rather steep climb and descent. The group temporarily split into two sections to ensure everyone had a route suited to their equipment, skills, and desire. Interestingly, our colleagues from the lowland areas coped very well with the realities of steep and winding mountain roads.
The second day of the rally, Saturday, featured a planned 120-kilometer route: Tokarnia – Chabówka – Kasina – Dobczyce – Tokarnia. This day featured less riding and more attractions along the route: a tour of the railway museum in Chabówka, a visit to the Moped Retro museum located at the upper station of the Kasina chairlift, and a visit to Dobczyce Castle. We were only partially able to complete the program because we were caught in a downpour on the way to Kasina. We managed to take the chairlift to the moped museum (fortunately, the chairlifts were covered). However, after visiting the exhibition, the rain didn't let up, and the forecast predicted even worse for the near future, so the decision was made to skip Dobczyce Castle and return directly to the base in Tokarnia. Dressed in all our rain gear and protective gear, we tried to squeeze in the short weather window that was about to arrive, in smaller groups. It drenched us mercilessly, but fortunately, there were no major casualties and everyone returned from the trip in good spirits. Only one local rider had a motorcycle breakdown en route, but he quickly arranged help and was soon able to host us at his place, showing off his impressive collection of wartime motorcycles. Interestingly, the weather cleared up completely shortly after everyone returned to base, and we could spend the evening enjoying the outdoors.

We can only hope that, as planned, the community has deepened its integration. I personally look forward to continuing the meetings between the "English" and "NSU" clans, especially since some models are significantly similar. Many friendships were made, people who previously only knew each other virtually met, and those who previously knew each other only by sight met in person – the value of this meeting cannot be overstated. It's impossible not to mention the warm welcome and support of local colleagues, both from Tokarnia and from further afield in Małopolska. Joining the rally with equally magnificent motorcycles (BMW R12, Horex T5, ​​Izh 49), they perfectly fit the atmosphere of the event.

Sunday was a day of farewells and returns. The organizers took a deep breath, participants expressed their gratitude, and left with a feeling of time well spent. And the unvisited Dobczyce Castle... remained the first point of attack if the event were ever to be repeated.

Those who couldn't have been there but could have been—let them regret it!

P.S.: And the NSU motorcycle rally did take place in 2025, thanks to the unexpected initiative of our colleagues from Płock. But more on that in another article...