Triumph has paid an undisclosed sum to feature in the 25th James Bond film, No Time to Die, but a Ducati Scrambler has stolen some limelight.
The price for product placement in a movie is up to about $A500,000, but for a Bond film it can be a whole lot more.
In fact, Heineken is believed to have paid $A65 Million to get Bond character Daniel Craig to sip their beer instead of a martini in the 2015 film, Spectre.
So we have no idea how much Triumph has paid, although boss John Bloor did confirm the partnership with the producers for No Time To Die, being released in April 2020.
The result is 007 riding a modified Scrambler 1200 in one chase scene.
Craig’s stunt double on the Triumph Scrambler 1200
So why is a baddy riding an 803cc Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled in the same chase scene?
Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
Bond film espionage?
Has Ducati snuck in some free screen time in an apt case of Bond film espionage or did they pay, too?
Or is this a deliberate effort by Triumph to make their scrambler competitor look bad by being associated with buddies while their Scrambler is associated with the hero?
Bond movies are usually associated with exotic cars, but motorcycles have also featured over the years.
Most have been BMW vehicles, although there was a run of Ford-owned cars for a while, including Aston Martin.
Good to see Bond back in an Aston Martin DB5 for No Time To Die (with a Ducati in pursuit)
Multi-world champions Valentino Rossi and Lewis Hamilton will temporarily swap vehicles on Monday (9 December 2019) when they take part in a promotional race at Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
But could the swap be longer term?
Rossi has long wanted to get into four-wheeled racing, especially rallying where he has already had some success.
After winning nine world titles, Rossi has little to prove on two wheels and likewise six-time F1 champion Lewis has little to prove on four.
While Rossi is contracted to MotoGP for another year, he had a poor 2019 season.
Last month Rossi tested the Ferrari 488 GT3 he will race in the Gulf 12 hour endurance race on 14 December 2019 at Abu Dhabi.
He’s pretty talented on four wheels and has won rallies before.
In 2006, he tested for Ferrari and was just 0.7 seconds off the times set by Michael Schumacher who also tried his hand at motorcycle racing after his first F1 retirement.
Meanwhile, Hamilton is doing a swap of his own switching from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2021.
He’s long shown interest in motorcycle racing and crashed last Saturday at Jerez preparing for the duel with Rossi.
Their “race” has been made possible by their shared sponsor, Monster Energy.
We can’t wait to see the video next week!
As for who will win, it is interesting to check the lap times at the Valencia circuit.
The lap record is held by Jorge Lorenzo with 1:29.40 minutes in 216, while Rossi is the fourth fastest with 1:30.13.
F1 doesn’t race at the track, but has tested there.
The unofficial F1 lap record is held by Anthony Davidson, set in 2006 in a Honda RA106, with a time of 1:08.54, more than 20 seconds faster than the MotoGP bikes.
So that seems to suggest that Vale has the upper hand in the F1 car!
This year a group of 3497 Harley-Davidson riders (pictured above) grabbed the world motorcycle parade record in Paris, Texas, breaking the previous record of 2404 in Patras, Greece.
Those records could be challenged by some of the biggest Toy Runs in Australia over the next couple of weekends.
Why do riders live a parade? They love to show off their bikes, make some noise, get involved and be a part of something big.
The greatest treat in riding in any parade is the smiles it brings to the faces of children … and many big kids!
Charities
Toy runs also do a lot of good for the community raising cash and donations (toys and non-perishable foods) for groups such as Lifeline, the Salvation Army and St Vincents de Paul.
Please do not send details via any other message as they can get lost.
Make sure to tell us where and when it starts, where it goes, how long is the ride and what should riders bring as gifts/donations.
Safe toy runs
Ipswich toy run
Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes in Christmas themes, but ensure they are still safe and roadworthy.
Lockyer Ulysses Branch which runs the Ipswich Toy Run warns riders not to throw lollies or high-five spectators as it could lead to a crash.
Police in several states have told us that anyone putting themselves and other road users at risk at these events “will be dealt with accordingly”.
So, no impunity at toy runs just because they aid charity!
Toy Runs list
(Click on the place name for more details)
December 7
2017 Hobart toy run
Hobart: The 40th MRA Toy Run starts at the Derwent Entertainment Centre at noon and finishes on the lawn in front of Parliament House.
Gippsland: The 20th Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run starts at Bobber Dave’s Bike Shop, Nefertiti Court, Traralgon, from 9.30am for a departure at 11am. Ride ends at Old Gippstown, Moe, for lunch. Toys and gifts go to the Salvos and Vinnies.
December 8
Brisbane Santa Ride: Riders muster at New Farm Park from 7.30am. All proceeds this year go to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Ipswich: The Lockyer Branch of the Ulysses Club holds their 23rd annual toy run from 8am at Brassall Shopping Centre. Remember not to throw lollies or high-five kids!
Adelaide: The 41str Motorcycle Riders Association of SA Toy Run will be held at the Clipsal Track in Victoria at 11am Park, finishing with a fete on Callington Oval.
December 14
Canberra: The 39th Annual Motorcyclists Toy Run from the Old Parliament House starts at 8am with a loop ride at 10am. Trophies for the club with the biggest attendance and the largest corporate group entry.
Sale: The 22nd Annual Keith Hamilton Toy Run starts at 9.30am from the Sale Clock Tower accepts non-perishable food, children’s clothes and toys in the sleigh at the GJ Gardner Homes office.
Gold Coast: Gold Coast Cruiser Club is hosting the Cruizing for Cruz Toy Run from the Salisbury Hotel from 1.30pm and partying into the night.
December 15
Toowoomba: Motorcycle Toy Run starts at various meeting points in Goombungee, Oakey, Nobby and Gatton at 10.30am and rides to Picnic Point.All others meet at Picnic Point at 10.30am. Ride starts at 12.30pm and finishes at the Downs Motorcycle Sporting Club at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. All donations go to the Toowoomba Hospital and St Vincent de Paul.
Richard Brown of Black Dog Ride Australia says they are “focussing heavily on making sure that people who come on the ride feel very welcomed, and that they have fun”.
“Positive social connection/social relationships are very important when it comes to maintaining our mental health,” he says.
“We want this experience to be a good example of the spirit of mateship for all who participate.”
10 years on
Brian says the 10-year celebration dinner in Alice Springs should be “a real hoot”.
He says they don’t have the money for a “lavish” dinner, but participants will feel “a great sense of accomplishment for having made the journey”, formed “some really nice relationships” and “feel part of something really special”.
The following ride groups will join the Red Centre Ride:
The NSW/ACT ride group will travel through inland New South Wales, south through South Australia, and up the centre to Alice Springs.
WA and SA ride groups will both travel through their respective states, then meet up in Port Augusta to travel the rest of the way to Alice Springs as a combined group.
The Vic/Tas ride group will be travelling north through inland New South Wales and Queensland, then across to the Northern Territory and south to Alice Springs.
The Qld/NT ride group will travel through inland Queensland, then across to the Northern Territory, picking up Territorians before heading south to Alice Springs.
To register, go to the Black Dog Ride Red Centre 2020 page and click on the state or territory group you’d like to join.
Primary focus
Black Dog Riders head north
“Our primary purpose is raising awareness of depression and suicide prevention, so we plan to focus heavily on this,” Richard says.
“That means riding into towns and either attending a pre-organised community events, or simply parking down a main street and talking with community. Often people wandering by will ask ‘what’s this all about?’ or ‘what’s with the stuffed dogs?’
“So our participants literally get talking about mental health. Between all our state groups there will be just over 160 different town stops along the way.”
There is no fundraising target and participants are not required to raise extra funds.
Over the past 10 years, more than $3million has been raised by Black Dog Ride with finds passed on to organisations such as Lifeline, Mental Health First Aid Australia and the Black Dog Institute, as well as many many small community based volunteer groups and not-for-profits.
Richard says they have new destinations in mind for future years, so 2020 could be the last opportunity to ride to the Red Centre for several years.
How would you like to star in a new six-part documentary TV series on the 13 greatest motorcycle roads in the world?
It’s to be called Crossroads and the Australian makers of the movie are calling for riders with a story to tell.
Motorcycle TV series
They hope to cover 13 roads on five continents in six episodes, so there is probably only one or two Aussie positions among that lot.
The film is being produced by ElkMark Films which consists of Cameron Elkins who directed the Stories of Bike and Roads We Ride series; Andrew Jones from Pipeburn.com; and 20-year commercial TV producer Adam Marks.
Film locations will also include Norway, South Africa and Japan, and the makers hope it will be the next big thing since Long Way Round in 2004.
Cam says that since it is an Australian production “we’ll be sure to showcase one or two Australian roads”.
“We don’t have any fixed road in mind, but we’re looking for something that might not get the attention it deserves and a rider story that can bring this road to life,” he says.
“Just in the 24 hours since announcing the show we’ve had close to 100 riders from around the world in countries such as Italy, Germany, Brazil, US, UK, Japan and India sharing their roads and stories for a chance to be a part of the show.
“But we’d love to hear from riders from remote locations like Mongolia, Africa, Scandinavia and Central America too.”
Ewan and Charley pack their LiveWire electric bikes
“It may sound ambitious, but we’re aiming to create something bike-related that will make a similar impact on the world’s audiences,” Andrew says.
“It’s well and truly overdue.
“It’s a pretty simple idea; it’s just fun bikes, great roads and engaging stories.”
Crossroads crew (from left) Adam, Andrew and Cam
Cameron says the series will not just feature bikes and roads, but human stories.
“Deep down, what drives all great content is great stories and connectivity,” he says.
“And in today’s political climate, I think we could all use a little reminder that we all have more in common than our differences.”
“Forget what you think you know about motorcycling TV. This will be different to anything that has come before it.
“We aim to inspire and energise the global motorcycle scene so that non-riders are become new riders and old riders will become motivated to ride even more than before.”
Final negotiations
The team is in final negotiations with broadcasters and sponsors and hope to start shooting in late February/March soon for a release in August 2020.
Cam says they are funding the production through a combination of private investment, government funding, sponsorship and broadcaster investment.
“The great news is that the motorcycle industry is fully behind the show,” he says.
“All the major manufacturers we’ve spoken to see this as an opportunity to inspire a new generation of motorcyclists around the world.
“Likewise, with broadcasters and streaming partners, they see Crossroads as something both broadly appealing as well as filling a big gap for motorcycling content.”
Motorcycle rides raise millions for various organisations all year, but the biggest events are the annual Christmas Toy Runs which aid various charities.
Among the biggest and oldest is the Newcastle Bikers for Kids Toy Run.
Charities
Charities to benefit from these toy runs include Lifeline, the Salvation Army and St Vincents de Paul.
Many rides also give toys, non-perishable food and cash donations to local charities.
Please do not send details via any other message as they can get lost.
Make sure to tell us where and when it starts, where it goes, how long is the ride and what should riders bring as gifts/donations?
Safe toy runs
Ipswich toy run
Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes in Christmas themes, but ensure they are still safe and roadworthy.
Lockyer Ulysses Branch which runs the Ipswich Toy Run warns riders not to throw lollies or high-five spectators as it could lead to a crash.
Police in several states have told us that anyone putting themselves and other road users at risk at these events “will be dealt with accordingly”.
So, no impunity at toy runs just because they aid charity!
Toy Runs list
(Click on the place name for more details)
December 1
Superheroes theme in Newcastle
Newcastle: The Bikers for Kids Toy Run is one of Australia’s oldest and arguably the biggest. More than 12,000 are bikes expected for the 42nd running of the event, from 8am, leaving from Stockton to Wickam Park. Click here to register. This year’s theme is again superheroes!
Sunshine Coast: Ulysses Toy Run starts at Kawana Shoppingworld from 8am and ends at the surf club.
Bendigo: The Bendigo Toy Run, organised by Allies Motorcycle Club Bendigo, meets at Lansell Plaza at 8 for an 8.30 ride to Lake Weeroona for a barbecue lunch, activities and prizes.
Mt Lindesay: Register from 8am at the Middle Green Sports Club, Greenbank, for a ride leaving at 10am. Cost is $10 ($5 for pillion) which includes water, patch and a lucky draw prize entry. All proceeds go to Beckey’s Place which supports children and adults with special needs to develop a relationship with miniature horses. Bring unwrapped toys for children. There is a trophy for the best decorated bike.
Fraser Coast: Assemble from 7am for a 9am start from the Brolga Theatre in Walker St, Maryborough. The Independent Riders Australia run ends at Torbanlea with a sausage sizzle, live music, raffles and more.
December 7
Hobart: The 40th MRA Toy Run starts at the Derwent Entertainment Centre at noon and finishes on the lawn in front of Parliament House.
Gippsland: The 20th Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run starts at Bobber Dave’s Bike Shop, Nefertiti Court, Traralgon, from 9.30am for a departure at 11am. Ride ends at Old Gippstown, Moe, for lunch. Toys and gifts go to the Salvos and Vinnies.
December 8
Brisbane Santa Ride: Riders muster at New Farm Park from 7.30am. All proceeds this year go to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Ipswich: The Lockyer Branch of the Ulysses Club holds their 23rd annual toy run from 8am at Brassall Shopping Centre. Remember not to throw lollies or high-five kids!
Adelaide: The 41str Motorcycle Riders Association of SA Toy Run will be held at the Clipsal Track in Victoria at 11am Park, finishing with a fete on Callington Oval.
December 14
Canberra: The 39th Annual Motorcyclists Toy Run from the Old Parliament House starts at 8am with a loop ride at 10am. Trophies for the club with the biggest attendance and the largest corporate group entry.
Sale: The 22nd Annual Keith Hamilton Toy Run starts at 9.30am from the Sale Clock Tower accepts non-perishable food, children’s clothes and toys in the sleigh at the GJ Gardner Homes office.
Gold Coast: Gold Coast Cruiser Club is hosting the Cruizing for Cruz Toy Run from the Salisbury Hotel from 1.30pm and partying into the night.
December 15
Toowoomba: Motorcycle Toy Run starts at various meeting points in Goombungee, Oakey, Nobby and Gatton at 10.30am and rides to Picnic Point.All others meet at Picnic Point at 10.30am. Ride starts at 12.30pm and finishes at the Downs Motorcycle Sporting Club at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. All donations go to the Toowoomba Hospital and St Vincent de Paul.
Tickets are now available for the third annual Black Dog Ride to the World Superbikes at Phillip Island in 2020 to promote mental health issues.
Black Dog Ride Australia Victoria co-ordinator Bernie Garvey says riders get to see some spectacular scenery, participate in a parade lap of the circuit and promote mental health issues.
2019 World Superbikes at Phillip Island (Image: Jamie Morris/Geebee Images/2SNAP)
“In past years we had riders come from Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, WA, NT, QLD NSW and ACT,” Bernie says.
“Numbers build each year and we expect to offer 150 registered riders the experience this year.”
One of their more recent activities is the ride to the WSBK, costing $200-$440, depending on how many days you attend the event. Click here for the full details.
“There are two starting points at Marysville, Victoria, and Queanbeyan, ACT,” Bernie says.
Bikes line up in Marysville
“Both ride groups leave the Tuesday before the weekend and meet in Sale for a group dinner the Wednesday night before our group ride to Philip Island Thursday.
“The NSW group, takes a route over Mt Kosciusko through to Wodonga for a group and community dinner, and then over Hotham down to Sale. A wicked ride with some of the best roads and scenery.
“The Victorian group comes around Eildon, down through the King Valley to Bright.
“After a group and community dinner at Bright Hotel the next morning they head over the gap to Falls Creek, stopping at The Blue Duck Inn, before continuing down to Omeo, and then to Sale. Endless corners for the day.”
After lunch on Thursday at the Inline 4 Cafe, riders have exclusive access for a parade lap on the racetrack in the afternoon.
And who knows who they will meet!
Riders meet WSBK legend Troy Corser
Promote issues
Bernie says it is a “great mates’ escape” and fundraising is not their priority.
“Promoting a positive experience and facilitating an awesome group ride environment for riders is our goal,” he says.
“We also have a stand in the expo tent where we promote our rides and our charity message of raising awareness of depression and suicide prevention with positive messages and encouragement.
“We do a little tin rattling at the track over the weekend.
“Above all else, this ride’s priority is to promote positivity, an adrenaline injection, and a ride experience like no other.”
The latter also has a GoFundme page to raise $5000 to aid people still reeling from the February floods.
Organiser Dave Ross says many Townsville families lost “absolutely everything in the floods earlier this year”.
So they started the GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to buy more items such as Christmas trees and decorations, personal grooming for young teenagers, educational toys for toddlers, etc.
Join our Christmas list
We’re making a list and checking it twice, so make sure your Christmas toy run is included.
Please do not send details via any other message as they can get lost.
Make sure to tell us where and when it starts, where it goes, how long is the ride and what should riders bring as gifts/donations?
Most toy runs accept gifts of toys and non-perishable foods which are distributed by various charities to needy families.
Safe toy runs
Ipswich toy run
Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes in Christmas themes, but ensure they are still safe and roadworthy.
Also, the Lockyer Ulysses Branch which runs the Ipswich Toy Run has warned riders not to throw lollies or high-five spectators as it could lead to a crash.
They say Ipswich Police they will access video of the event and fine offending riders or pillions.
We are unaware of any similar warnings at any other toy runs.
However, police in several states have told us that anyone putting themselves and other road users at risk at these events “will be dealt with accordingly”.
So, no impunity at toy runs just because they aid charity!
Toy Runs list
(Click on the place name for more details)
November 23
Tabelands: The 23rd annual Tablelands Toy Run starts with breakfast from 7.30am at the Tinaroo Rural Fire Brigade on Tinaroo Falls Dam Road. The ride starts at 9am starts and finishes with a barbecue at the Tolga Salvation Army Store on the Kennedy Highway. Prizes for best decorated bikes and riders.
November 24
South Melbourne: The Toy Run for Father Bob departs 10.15am from Seaford, Noble Park, Ringwood & Ring Road East service centre to 204 Gladstone St, South Melbourne for 11am. Donations – age appropriate – tots to teens, youths and families. New unwrapped gifts, plush (not fluffy) stuffed toys, books, puzzles, indoor/outdoor games, musical instruments, novelty accessories, festive season edible treats, gift vouchers, fun park/event/cinema tickets, and cash. Unavoidably they have had to scale down the event activities this year. 2020 we will be back at 1-7 Wharf Road, Port Melbourne, with food, stalls, raffles, music, a mystery main ride, and prizes.
Townsville: 39th Salvation Army Christmas Toy Run Appeal on Sunday November 24 at Village Boulevard Riverway Park under the trees with a 90km ride from 9am. Donations can be dropped at North Shore Woollies or Toyworld.
December 1
Superheroes theme in Newcastle
Newcastle: The Bikers for Kids Toy Run is one of Australia’s oldest and arguably the biggest. More than 12,000 are bikes expected for the 42nd running of the event, from 8am, leaving from Stockton to Wickam Park. Click here to register. This year’s theme is again superheroes!
Sunshine Coast: Ulysses Toy Run starts at Kawana Shoppingworld from 8am and ends at the surf club.
Bendigo: The Bendigo Toy Run, organised by Allies Motorcycle Club Bendigo, meets at Lansell Plaza at 8 for an 8.30 ride to Lake Weeroona for a barbecue lunch, activities and prizes.
Mt Lindesay:Register from 8am at the Middle Green Sports Club, Greenbank, for a ride leaving at 10am. Cost is $10 ($5 for pillion) which includes water, patch and a lucky draw prize entry. All proceeds go to Beckey’s Place which supports children and adults with special needs to develop a relationship with miniature horses. Bring unwrapped toys for children. There is a trophy for the best decorated bike.
December 7
Hobart: The 40th MRA Toy Run starts at the Derwent Entertainment Centre at noon and finishes on the lawn in front of Parliament House.
Gippsland: The 20th Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run starts at Bobber Dave’s Bike Shop, Nefertiti Court, Traralgon, from 9.30am for a departure at 11am. Ride ends at Old Gippstown, Moe, for lunch. Toys and gifts go to the Salvos and Vinnies.
December 8
Brisbane Santa Ride: Riders muster at New Farm Park from 7.30am. All proceeds this year go to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Ipswich: The Lockyer Branch of the Ulysses Club holds their 23rd annual toy run from 8am at Brassall Shopping Centre. Remember not to throw lollies or high-five kids!
Adelaide: The 41str Motorcycle Riders Association of SA Toy Run will be held at the Clipsal Track in Victoria at 11am Park, finishing with a fete on Callington Oval.
December 14
Canberra: The 39th Annual Motorcyclists Toy Run from the Old Parliament House starts at 8am with a loop ride at 10am. Trophies for the club with the biggest attendance and the largest corporate group entry.
Sale: The 22nd Annual Keith Hamilton Toy Run starts at 9.30am from the Sale Clock Tower accepts non-perishable food, children’s clothes and toys in the sleigh at the GJ Gardner Homes office.
December 15
Toowoomba: Motorcycle Toy Run starts at various meeting points in Goombungee, Oakey, Nobby and Gatton at 10.30am and rides to Picnic Point.All others meet at Picnic Point at 10.30am. Ride starts at 12.30pm and finishes at the Downs Motorcycle Sporting Club at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. All donations go to the Toowoomba Hospital and St Vincent de Paul.
Melbourne: The 42nd Melbourne Toy Run is a week later this year with starting points all over the city heading to MCAS 16A Keilor Park Dr from 9am to 6pm. All proceeds go to the Salvation Army.
There are various motorcycle-specific first-aid courses offered around the country, but Tweed Heads Council is offering a first-aid workshop for free next weekend (Saturday 23 November 2019) at the Pottsville Beach Community Hall.
Not only is it free, but participants will receive a Towards Zero tool kit, neck warmer, wiping cloth and reusable coffee cup. Afternoon tea during the four-hour course will also be provided.
You don’t have to be a Tweed resident as all riders who ride the area’s beautiful roads are welcome. Bookings are essential as they only have room for 40 riders. You can book by emailing Alana Brooks [email protected].
“The trainers are all keen riders with a combined riding and instructing experience of more than 60 years, as well as professional job experience as paramedics,” she says.
“Pulse Start Training Solutions has tailored its motorcycle first-aid course for Tweed Shire Council so we can offer the workshop to more riders free of charge through our Local Government Road Safety Program.”
The usual cost of the full course is $140.
This workshop is non-accredited and only covers first-aid for motorcycle crashes.
“More than 180 riders have participated in the various motorcycle safety workshops we have offered over the past three years,” Alana says.
“For this workshop, we can take up to 40 riders each session. Pulse Start has four trainers delivering the course.
“There is no riding component but the first-aid course is very hands-on with helmet removal training, CPR practice dummies and crash scene management scenarios.”
The workshop also gives participants advice on the latest safety gear and safe riding practices.
Harley-Davidson has pulled out of the Walcha Motorcycle Festival due to the current bushfire threat, but the event will still go on from Friday (15-17 November 2019).
Walcha Royal Cafe owner Toni Keable says HOG members from Perth have already arrived and many more have said they are still coming.
“There’s no change at Walcha. We’re still going ahead with the festival,” she says.
Earlier this week Walcha Tourism said the event would go ahead despite the current bushfire situation.
Harley pulls out of festival
However, late this afternoon Harley-Davidson Australia issued this statement:
The bushfire situation across New South Wales and the progressive dangers across the state has meant that Harley-Davidson Australia has made the difficult decision not to attend the Walcha Motorcycle Weekend this coming weekend, 15-17th November.
Harley-Davison Australia have been monitoring the bushfire situation and have been in ongoing contact with the Walcha Council and NSW Rural Fire Service to understand if it is safe for Harley-Davidson and our H.O.G. members to attend.
Since Tuesday 12th November 2019, the NSW Premier has declared a State of Emergency with dangerous conditions across New South Wales, advising motorists to delay all non-essential travel with many highways and motorways closed.
All H.O.G. members planning to attend the event have been contacted.
From everyone at Harley-Davidson Australia, we ask all riders to remain safe and alert.
Toni believes the statement is a “safety precaution”.
“It is probably for insurance purposes not to leave themselves in a position of danger if something happens,” she says.
“We’ve had people arriving all week. We’ve also had people ring and say ‘we’re coming, we’ll get there, we will find a way’.
“Some of the roads are closed but some are still open. Everywhere there is a closed road, there is an alternative route.”
Riders should check www.livetraffic.com.au and www.google.com/maps for road closures before attempting to ride to Walcha.
“We met some Harley riders who said they had to ride 400km further than they expected.
“If they had rung us we could have told them about a safe shortcut.”
The Royal Cafe number is (02) 6777 1117.
Oxley closed
Just abit of the Oxley this morning, don’t see it being open this week.
Publiée par Gingers Creek sur Lundi 11 novembre 2019
Meanwhile, the main attraction in getting to Walcha is the Oxley Highway which remains closed, not by fires but the high risk from falling burnt limbs after fires earlier this week.
Official advice is that motorists should avoid unnecessary travel and be prepared for conditions to change quickly and roads to close suddenly.
Riders should make sure they have water, food, supplies and a full tank of fuel. Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged before you set out.
If you’re already travelling when a bush fire starts, follow the directions of emergency services personnel.
Harley was planning to bring its truck of merchandise and demo bikes including a LiveWire electric motorcycle for “demo rides” on their Jumpstart Experience.
Harley offers non-licensed people a demo ride with their JumpStart
However, there is still a host of other entertainment across the three days, including stunt shows, a rodeo, guided rides, Harley demo rides, a Steampunk motorcycle gallery, markets, music, food stalls, a billy cart derby show and shine and more.
