The Walcha Motorcycle Rally is back for its third year and bigger than ever. Held on Friday the 17th and Saturday the 19th of November, the rally combines all things motorbike with some good old-fashioned rural staples and hospitality.
Early bird tickets are now on sale for what is shaping up to be a high-octane, entertainment-filled weekend. Passes for the whole weekend are $60, with $35 day passes also available.
Walcha Tourism Coordinator, Lisa Kirton, says, “Walcha has long been recognised in the motorcycling community as being a real hub for great motorbike rides – we have the Oxley Highway and Thunderbolts Way for road riders, and countless excellent gravel roads for the adventure and dirt bike riders.
“Walcha is at the crossroads of all these fantastic roads and stunning high-country scenery and motorcyclists have become a huge part of our economy.”
The Rally seeks to tap into not only these great rides but also what the town of Walcha itself has to offer visitors.
“A lot of people travel from Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra to attend this event,” says Ms Kirton, “so we see it as a great opportunity to offer them some genuine country hospitality and the chance to be a part of the community for a few days.”
In consideration of this, the weekend is split into two categories: the town, and the showgrounds.
The morning of Friday and Saturday offers visitors the chance to either book a guided road or adventure ride or head into town to check out the markets and shopfront displays.
From midday on both days, the showgrounds become the hub for all activities, with things like motorcycle skills demonstrations, dog jumping, live music, trade exhibitions, woodchopping, a demolition derby, and postie bike events all on display to name a few.
This year’s headline guest is the Niki Zak Racing Team. Ms Zak is a professional drag bike rider and holds three world records for being the fastest and quickest woman. Ms Zak and her bike will be making an appearance on both Friday and Saturday.
Saturday will also feature the hugely popular motorcycle street procession, leading into the motorcycle show and shine. This year the bikes will also be joined by a vintage car display, so there really is a little bit of something for everyone.
Even the kids can get involved. After the grown-ups get their fun with the Multi-Bike Challenge race, kids are invited to take to the course on their small balance bikes for the Kids’ Strider Race.
For those really wanting to immerse themselves in all the action over the weekend, camping will be available at the showgrounds. The cost is a flat rate of $30 per person for a 3-night stay from Thursday night and includes access to the amenities and showers.
There will be a free shuttle bus running around the town loop all weekend so that ticketholders can take in all the sights without having to worry about moving their bike or car. Tickets and camping passes are on sale now via the Walcha Motorcycle Rally website.
To keep updated on everything that’s planned for the weekend, visit the Rally’s Facebook page.
Like what you’re reading? Support The New England Times by making a small contribution today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Support now