Tag Archives: tamworth

Tamworth Thunder Rally rescheduled

Australia’s country music capital, Tamworth, will host the inaugural National Thunder Motorcycle Rally in October 2021 based on the successful 2015 National HOG Rally, but open to all “breeds” of motorcycle.

The rally was planned for last year, but was postponed because of the pandemic lockdown.

Now, the rally is back on and registrations are open for the event held across the October long weekend from Friday 1 to Monday 4 October.

The rally will include bikes, music, food and entertainment and is open to individual riders, club members and organised groups representing all motorcycle manufacturer brands, says Barry Harley, National Thunder Event Manager.

“We’re really excited for Tamworth to provide the opportunity for riders to get back on their bikes and onto the road after a difficult year,” he says.

The event will feature live music on the Thunder Stage reliving the sights and sounds of the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, a National Thunder Horse Spectacular, trade sites, food stalls and licensed bars.

National HOG rally to return in 2019
2015 Tamworth HOG rally horse spectacular

A motorbike parade through the streets and surrounds called the National Thunder Rally Run will close out the event.

“Regardless of what club or brand you’re aligned with, National Thunder is about getting back out there with mates, sharing the passion of the motorcycle community and putting on a great show,” Barry says.

“To add to the excitement of our inaugural event, we’re thrilled to announce that the New South Wales Harley Davidson Owners Group (HOG) have indicated that they intend to hold their State Rally in conjunction with the National Thunder Rally.”

HOG Regional Director (NSW/ACT) Ken McDonald says the merger had been considered for some time.

“Harley Davidson enthusiasts and HOG Chapters are set to flock to Tamworth from all corners of the State to take part in one of the most anticipated events of our riding calendar. Riders will enjoy a phenomenal line-up of entertainment, Chapter challenges and guided rides,” Ken says.

Riders will again take over the Australian Equestrian and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) which was the successful venue for the 2015 national HOG rally.

HOG members enjoying Tamworth's tourist facilities
2015 HOG Rally in Tamworth

“Its sheer size means it’s the perfect space to offer up unforgettable entertainment whilst ensuring there’s plenty of room for patrons on-site as they move between scheduled offerings,” Ken says.

“Our HOG members had a blast in 2015 and we can’t wait to come back to AELEC for another memorable rally.” 

There will also be guided rides throughout the Tamworth region including Nundle, Bendemeer, Barraba and Manilla.

Registration is now open at $149, and includes rally merchandise, access to all rides and entertainment across the weekend, and an entry into the Rally Raffle supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW. 

Glamping and BYO camping options are available on-site.

Event organisers are planning for a COVID Safe event, and will continue to monitor State and Federal Government recommendations and regulations.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Tamworth Thunder Rally postponed by virus

Just before the pandemic was officially declared in March, Australia’s country music capital, Tamworth, announced it would host a National Thunder Motorcycle Rally in October 2020.

It has now been postponed until October 2021.

Only a few hundred tickets were sold and all will be valid for next year unless customers want a refund, organisers say.

The rally will be based on the successful 2015 National HOG Rally, but open to all “breeds” of motorcycle.

It will now be held from Friday to Monday 1-4 October 2021 at the state-of-the-art Australian Equine & Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) which also hosted the 2015 HOG Rally.

Organisers expected to attract thousands of riders descending for the long weekend of motorbikes, food and live music … and not just country music!

They are now aiming to carry over existing plans.

Tickets already purchased for the 2020 event will be valid for National Thunder 2021. Event organisers have made contact with all ticket-holders and other relevant stakeholders; those unable to attend in 2021 will be eligible for a refund.

The event was to include plenty of live rock music as well as a show especially produced for the rally featuring real horses and “iron horses” similar to the spectacular staged for the HOG Rally.

National HOG rally to return in 2019Tamworth HOG rally

Other highlights should include motorcycle and car displays, traders, guided rides around the district, more than 24 hours of entertainment and the giant Thunder Run through the streets of Tamworth.

Thunder Run HOIG Raly

The National Thunder Motorcycle Rally registration fee remains at $149 per person which includes all entertainment over the four days, a commemorative patch and t-shirt, rides and $50 raffle ticket.

Day passes may also be available closer to the event for those who can’t make the four days.

Tamworth hostsHarley HOG Rally Tamworth

The 2015 HOG Rally was a success mainly because of Tamworth, its welcoming people, great attractions, quality facilities and tourist orientation

It’s a great central location for riders all over NSW and eastern states.

There are also some terrific roads to get there and to explore while at the rally.

2015 HOG Rally - street 500Touring the Tamworth region

Because Tamworth hosts the annual Country Music Festival they have plenty of accommodation choices including camping at ALEC for as little as $21.94 a night

There are plenty of tourist attractions too. Apart from the iconic Big Golden Guitar and associated country music museum, there is also the popular Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum.

Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum in TamworthPowerhouse Motorcycle Museum

The HOG rally was held in February which was pretty hot, but October should be more accommodating with usually dry conditions and maximums in the mid-20s.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Tamworth hosts National Thunder Rally

Australia’s country music capital, Tamworth, will host a National Thunder Motorcycle Rally in October 2020 based on the successful 2015 National HOG Rally, but open to all “breeds” of motorcycle.

The event will be held from Friday to Monday 2-5 October 2020 at the state-of-the-art Australian Equine & Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) which also hosted the 2015 HOG Rally.

Organisers expect to attract thousands of riders descending for the long weekend of motorbikes, food and music.

And not just country music … there are several tribute shows to rock legends including AC/DC, Jimmy Barnes, Creedence and more.

Another highlight will be a show especially produced for the rally featuring real horses and “iron horses” similar to the spectacular staged for the HOG Rally.

National HOG rally to return in 2019Tamworth HOG rally

Other highlights include motorcycle and car displays, traders, guided rides around the district, more than 24 hours of entertainment and the giant Thunder Run through the streets of Tamworth.

Thunder Run HOIG Raly

Tickets are now available online.

The National Thunder Motorcycle Rally registration fee is $149 per person which includes all entertainment over the four days, a commemorative patch and t-shirt, rides and $50 raffle ticket.

Day passes may also be available closer to the event for those who can’t make the four days.

Tamworth hostsHarley HOG Rally Tamworth

The 2015 HOG Rally was a success mainly because of Tamworth, its welcoming people, great attractions, quality facilities and tourist orientation

It’s a great central location for riders all over NSW and eastern states.

There are also some terrific roads to get there and to explore while at the rally.

2015 HOG Rally - street 500Touring the Tamworth region

Because Tamworth hosts the annual Country Music Festival they have plenty of accommodation choices including camping at ALEC for as little as $21.94 a night

There are plenty of tourist attractions too. Apart from the iconic Big Golden Guitar and associated country music museum, there is also the popular Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum.

Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum in TamworthPowerhouse Motorcycle Museum

The HOG rally was held in February which was pretty hot, but October should be more accommodating with usually dry conditions and maximums in the mid-20s.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com