Tag Archives: What’s on

Help us compile 2019 Toy Runs list

It might seem early, but we are already compiling a list of Toy Runs around the nation and need your help.

We have started listing several below, but this is in no way the complete list. In fact, we might have already missed some such as the Great North Brisbane Motorcycle Toy Run which was run last Sunday (27 October 2019)

Click here to send details to us via email and we will add your toy run to this article.

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 cops Grinch list
Ipswich toy run

Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes, 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 will film 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!

Townsville GoFundMe

Toy Run Townsville list
Townsville Toy Run

We have already published information about the 39th Townville Toy Run who have started 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.

Toy Runs list

(Click on the place name for more details)Christmas toy runs

November 16

Cairns: The fifth annual toy run starts at the cruise liner terminal at 11.30am, hosted by the Cairns and Tablelands Recreational Motorcyclists. This year the costume theme is “Beards and Blues”. Ride leaves at 1.30pm.

November 24

Port MelbourneThe Father Bob Toy Run has starting points in all directions from regional and outer suburbs heading to 1 Wharf Rd, Port Melbourne for 11am. The Father Bob Maguire Foundation feeds and supports many homeless, and families, facing financial hardship. Donations of new non-fluffy toys, non-perishable food (ring-pull cans), UHT milk, toiletries, new clothes, clean second-hand blankets and cash are needed.

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

Toy Run Newcastle superheroes
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.

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

Christmas charity toy runs

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.

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 the Winston Glades Shopping Centre, not Brassall as in previous years. 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

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

Melbourne: The 42nd Melbourne Toy Run is a week later this year with starting points all over the city heading to MCAS store carpark in Keilor at 10am.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Walcha puts on special show for visitors

The NSW country town of Walcha is putting on a special show for those who are still planning to ride there despite the last-minute axing of the Freak Show Festival of Motorcycles and national Harley Owners Group (HOG) rally.

Organisers for the axed events have gone into liquidation and refunds are not yet guaranteed for those who have paid for tickets and accommodation for the November 15-17 event.

However, we have spoken to MBW readers, a couple of HOG groups and other riders who say still intend to ride to Walcha for the weekend, even if just to ride the magnificent Oxley Highway.

Phoenix Rising

So the town has ensured there is something to them to do when they get there. They are calling their impromptu event “The Rising of the Phoenix”.

Walcha Royal Cafe owner Toni Keable says they had already organised entertainment for the weekend so that would simply to go ahead.

Oxley highway hillclimb
Toni and Brad Keable of the Royal Cafe, Walcha

On top of that, a host of other events across the weekend have now been planned, she says.

“We’ve had a meeting of council, the Mayor and the business houses in the town to confirm that the event will go ahead as ‘The Rising of the Phoenix’,” Toni says.

“People can be assured that this weekend will definitely go ahead.

“The overall feeling in town was disappointment that such a thing (cancellation) could happen this close to the event.

“But we’ve put all that behind us now and we’re just happy to have this many fabulous motorcyclists rolling into Walcha.

“Everyone is positive and we’re not going to let this opportunity to showcase the town slip through our fingers.”Walcha

Walcha weekend program

The town is preparing a special website to list the events. Click here for details.

Events and times are not listed yet, but click again in a few days and they are expected to be updated.

They include live music, a show and shine, a rodeo, markets, billy cart derby, art exhibition and more.

We have heard Harley-Davidson Australia will still attend with their truck, demo fleet, stalls and Jump Start, however it has not yet been confirmed.

Liquidation

The original twin events were organised by Inside Line Events International which was behind the aborted TT events planned for either the Oxley Highway or the Sunshine Coast.

Freak Show Festival organiser David Rollins sent us this formal statement:

The organisers of the Freak Show Festival of motorcycles regret to inform that the event has been forced into voluntary liquidation due to difficulties maintaining ongoing support from sponsors

The organisers are personally and financially devastated by this outcome, having poured considerable money into the event as well as time.

A liquidator has been appointed. All ticketing and trade enquires should be addressed to Wexted Pty Ltd, Level 12, 28 O’Connell Street, Sydney NSW 2000. E: [email protected]

He says there is “not much I can add to it for legal reasons”.

More than 1000 tickets had been sold and they claimed they were expecting about 5000 to attend.

HOG rally also cancelled

National HOG rally to return in 2019
HOG rally axed

The associated HOG Rally has also been cancelled.

Harley-Davidson Australia issued this statement:

Harley-Davidson Australia has been informed that Inside Line Events, event organizer for the “Freakshow of Motorcycling”, is in voluntary liquidation and will cancel the rally. The event was scheduled for November 15-17, 2019 in Walcha, NSW.

As a key sponsor of the event, Harley-Davidson Australia is extremely disappointed with this outcome. We are committed to delivering the very best experience for our H.O.G members and we’re focused on delivering an alternative event in 2020,” Keith Waddell, Marketing Manager for Harley-Davidson Australia, commented.

We are working with the event organizer on the refund process.

H-D will be looking to arrange an alternative in the coming year.

The loss of the HOG national rally will be difficult for members to take as the last was held in 2015 at Tamworth.

It was followed by open Harley Days rallies at Wollongong in 2016 and 2017 which did not impress HOG members unhappy with the open format.

There was no 2018 national rally.

Freak show

The Freak Show Festival was to include a flat track, a dirt hill climb, custom motorcycles, the Globe of Death, wheelies, stoppies and burnouts, a ride-in cinema playing motorcycle-themed movies, live music and food and beverages.

It was scheduled for one weekend after the Australian Motorcycle Festival (formerly the Sydney Moto Expo) in Wollongong from November 8-10.

The show and rally were also sponsored by NSW Tourism Department who expected it to deliver more than $1.7 million in visitor expenditure to the region.

Walcha Mayor Eric Noakes had said the town was “100% behind the Freak Show Festival of Motorcycles”.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoGP visitors urged to support Blue Knot Day

Riders on their way home from this weekend’s MotoGP have been urged to visit the Blue Knot Day site in Sale to help those affected by trauma, such as road accidents.

The Blue Knot Foundation acknowledge and celebrate their annual Blue Knot Day focusing this year on empowerment, recovery and resilience for those who have been affected by complex trauma.

That includes “road trauma” or crashes, whether directly involved or even as a witness; something with which many riders unfortunately have to deal.

Renowned motorcycle advocates, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, support the Blue Knot Foundation as part of the National Redress Scheme which is actually in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

MBL spokesman Lloyd Toffolon says they are helping out the team that look specifically after the survivors of institutional abuse.

“This year we are hoping we could encourage riders who are heading back through Gippsland on their way home after the MotoGP to stop in at our Blue Knot Day site in Sale,” he says.

“Maurice Blackburn has seen the value in developing pathways for people regionally and remotely have access to support and counselling to help heal. 

They can grab a coffee with us, have a rest and support a fantastic foundation working with those who have suffered complex trauma, not just through abuse but includes those who have witnessed road trauma, or family involvement post trauma.

“It also gives us an opportunity to celebrate all social, health and community workers, and organisations, in the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland region who work closely with those who have been affected by trauma.

Blue Knot Day

When : Monday 28 October 2019

Where: Bond St Centre – 10 Bond St Sale

When: 9.30am to 12pm

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Freak Show and HOG rally cancelled

The organisers of the Freak Show Festival of Motorcycles to run alongside the national Harley Owners Group (HOG) rally in Walcha, NSW, have gone into liquidation and the events cancelled.

We are yet to learn if refunds are guaranteed for those who have paid for tickets and accommodation for the event scheduled from November 15-17, 2019.

The event was being organised by Inside Line Events International who was behind the aborted TT events planned for either the Oxley Highway or the Sunshine Coast.

Freak Show Festival organiser David Rollins sent us this formal statement:

The organisers of the Freak Show Festival of motorcycles regret to inform that the event has been forced into voluntary liquidation due to difficulties maintaining ongoing support from sponsors

The organisers are personally and financially devastated by this outcome, having poured considerable money into the event as well as time.

A liquidator has been appointed. All ticketing and trade enquires should be addressed to Wexted Pty Ltd, Level 12, 28 O’Connell Street, Sydney NSW 2000. E: [email protected]

He says there is “not much I can add to it for legal reasons”.

More than 1000 tickets had been sold and they claimed they were expecting about 5000 to attend.

HOG rally also cancelled

National HOG rally to return in 2019
HOG rally axed

The associated HOG Rally has also been cancelled.

Harley-Davidson Australia issued this statement:

Harley-Davidson Australia has been informed that Inside Line Events, event organizer for the “Freakshow of Motorcycling”, is in voluntary liquidation and will cancel the rally. The event was scheduled for November 15-17, 2019 in Walcha, NSW.

As a key sponsor of the event, Harley-Davidson Australia is extremely disappointed with this outcome. We are committed to delivering the very best experience for our H.O.G members and we’re focused on delivering an alternative event in 2020,” Keith Waddell, Marketing Manager for Harley-Davidson Australia, commented.

We are working with the event organizer on the refund process.

H-D will be looking to arrange an alternative in the coming year.

The loss of the HOG national rally will be difficult for members to take as the last was held in 2015 at Tamworth.

It was followed by open Harley Days rallies at Wollongong in 2016 and 2017 which did not impress HOG members unhappy with the open format.

There was no 2018 national rally.

Freak show

The Freak Show Festival was to include a flat track, a dirt hill climb, custom motorcycles, the Globe of Death, wheelies, stoppies and burnouts, a ride-in cinema playing motorcycle-themed movies, live music and food and beverages.

It was scheduled for one weekend after the Australian Motorcycle Festival (formerly the Sydney Moto Expo) in Wollongong from November 8-10.

The show and rally were also sponsored by NSW Tourism Department who expected it to deliver more than $1.7 million in visitor expenditure to the region.

Walcha Mayor Eric Noakes had said the town was “100% behind the Freak Show Festival of Motorcycles”.

Protestors line up at Walcha Royal Cafe business on the Oxley Highway
Riders in Walcha at the Royal Cafe

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Townsville Toy Run to aid flood victims

Townsville riders have started a GoFundMe page to increase the fund raising for their 39th annual Toy Run next month to help families affected by February’s floods.

Click here to donate.

The floods, caused by a slow-moving cycling, was one of the worst natural disasters to impact the region causing two deaths, one missing person, 10 injuries and millions of dollars in damage.

Organiser Dave Ross says they hope to raise $5000 through their GoFundMe campaign.

Funds will be used to buy items such as Christmas trees and decorations, personal grooming for young teenagers, educational toys for toddlers, etc.

“So many Townsville families have lost absolutely everything in the floods earlier this year,” he says.

“Many families are still struggling with their loss and hopefully we can make the whole family smile on Christmas Day.”

Townsville Toy Run

The Townsville District Motorcycle Riders Association 39th annual Toy Run will start at the Riverway Precinct with registration and breakfast from 7am.

The 90km ride will start at 9am.

Apart from raising funds through crowd-funding, riders are asked to donate educational toys and puzzles, clothing, sporting goods, fishing gear, toiletries and beach towels.

Riders are also asked to decorate their bikes in a Christmas theme and include a stuffed toy bought form the Salvos store.

“These donations are handed to our community organisation which are then sorted into age groups for the parents to choose a gift for their children, that they otherwise may not have been able to afford,” Dave says.

“Unfortunately we are unable to stop during the ride to collect more donations.

“However we have donation points in Townsville which are advertised on our Facebook page.

List your toy runBikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run salvos townsville flood

It might seem early, but we are already compiling a list of Toy Runs around the nation and need your help.

Organisers are urged to list their toy runs here. Click here to send details to us via email and we will add your toy run to this article.

Make sure to tell us where and when it starts, what where it goes, how long is the ride and what should riders bring as gifts?

Most toy runs accept gifts of toys and non-perishable foods which are distributed by various charities to needy families.

Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Is Charley and Ewan’s ride a PR disaster?

Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman are currently (pun) riding specially equipped Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycles in what some suspect could be a PR disaster.

Critics claim their choice of bike is ridiculous. 

After all, the LiveWire has limited range (about 150km highway and about 235km city) yet they are riding thousands of kilometres from the bottom of South America to ether LA or Alaska.

PR disaster?

While Harley must be hoping it will encourage people to ride electric motorcycles, we doubt it will.

In fact, it may be an unmitigated PR disaster for both Harley and electric motorcycles in general.

We can just see them running out of juice while riding up the Andes and having to wait hours for their huge contingent of back-up vehicles to arrive.

Then they will sit around for hours while their bikes are charged up using DC chargers on the backs of their support vehicles.

Yes, we can see that could be HUGE turn-off for potential electric motorcycle customers. A PR disaster, in fact!

So if Charley and Ewan want to motivate riders to go electric, it could be a big fail.

Charley and Ewan adventure on LiveWire

Entertainment boon

But if they want to entertain, it could be a huge boon for their Long Way Up series.

Their 2004 Long Way Round and 2007 Long Way Down series were entertaining because what they did was difficult and had minimal back-up.

These days, adventure bikes are much better equipped and accessories, cameras, intercoms, etc are so much lighter and cheaper, anyone can do the same.

That’s why Charley and Ewan needed to do something different, something difficult and something that we mere morals could not do.

They have done more than just strap on some dual-sport tyres and wire wheels.

The Long Way compatriots have cleverly organised a real adventure.

It will present heaps of dramas that will make great viewing.

In fact, we are interested to see how the cold temperatures will further erode the LiveWire’s range as batteries don’t like cold.

Tech and crew

The adventure started in September when some of the crew posted the Instagram images on this page.

Since then things have been quiet so we don’t know where they are.

There have been a few modifications to the bikes for this adventure and there is quite an extensive back-up crew involved.

Apart from new wheels, other bike modifications include: windscreens, engine guards, highway pegs, bash plates, auxiliary lights, saddlebags and fender bags.

They also seem to have removed the rear guard and plate holder.

The crew consists of two electric Rivian R1T pick-up trucks which have 650km of range.

They are also supported by two Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4WD vans and a Ford F350 pickup truck.

So we suspect they are carrying DC fast chargers with them. 

Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle
Mobile DC fast chargers at work

Harley claims their Fast Charge (DCFC) technology will recharge a flat battery to 80% in 40 minutes and full in 60 minutes.

Maybe the trip won’t benefit Harley’s LiveWire or electric motorcycles in general, like Long Way Round and Long Way Down did for adventure riding and the BMW GS range.

However, it should be hugely entertaining!

Harley disasterHarley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle

Harley certainly doesn’t need another PR disaster with the LiveWire.

It has so far experienced one disaster after another.

Firstly the bike was delayed a month going into North America dealerships.

Then several dealerships refused to pay big money to instal DC fast chargers in order to sell them.

Sales have also been a disaster as customers have baulked at the $US29,950 (about $A44,000) ticket price.

Harley then had the PR disaster of having to temporarily pull the plug on production to fix a problem with one charger.

Long time coming

disaster
Ewan heads off on his latest adventure

The long-awaited third Ewan and Charley travel documentary has been a long time coming.

Charley has been telling us they have been planning their Long Way Up America trip for about 10 years.

The problem has been that Ewan has been so busy with Hollywood movies he could not afford a few months off.

There was also the fact that Ewan is ambassador for Moto Guzzi and Charley is ambassador for Triumph.

The pair rode BMWs in their 2004 Long Way Round and 2007 Long Way Down.

In 2015, Ewan said he may ride from California to the tip of South America on a Moto Guzzi Stelvio. That never happened and the Stelvio was retired a year later.

Charley told us last year that Ewan’s relationship with Moto Guzzi would not necessarily foil their plans:

We’ve been talking about it a long time and if the stars align we will do something like a Long Way up from Tierra Del Fuego to Alaska in the next couple of years. It really is close now. Ewan’s always had a loose relationship with Moto Guzzi so there’s no conflict there.

But rather than Moto Guzzi and Triumph, the pair have opted for the new Harley-Davidson LiveWire.

While it was thought they would go all the way to Alaska, Charley recently said the ride would go from Argentina to LA.

Maybe they don’t want to cover the same territory through Canada and Alaska that they did in the Long Way Round.

Long Way Back

It’s been a long time between trips for Ewan and Charley.

From 14 April 2004 to 29 July 2004, they rode across Europe and the USA in Long Way Round and from 12 May to 4 August 2007 they rode from the top of Scotland to Cape Town in South Africa for Long Way Down.

With Ewan becoming increasingly busy with Hollywood movies, Charley squeezed in the 2006 Dakar rally for his series, Race to Dakar, and has produced several other travel shows.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Are motorcycles a work of art?

We riders reckon motorcycles are a work of art and this Gold Coast artist agrees with her “Cruising Chrome” exhibition.

Artist Sonia Farrell, whose exhibition is on display at Creative Hearts Art Gallery in Australia Fair, says she is inspired by motorcycles.

“The way light bounces off burnished chrome and beautiful paintwork is very inspirational for me,” the artist says.

While Sonia doesn’t ride, her husband used to ride and has many motor industry connections in her family.

“I appreciate the beautiful lines of motorbikes, especially the chrome,” she says.

“The idea of adventures, breakfast runs, long roads and the friendships formed are very appealing and are thoughts that have been going through my mind as I painted the artworks.

“I enjoy creating art that helps people celebrate what they love and appreciate in life.”

The Cruising Chrome exhibition was to end this week, but has now been extended to 3pm on Wednesday 23 October 2019, so get in quick!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Calling all riders for Aussie Ride Sunday

All riders on all types of bike are invited to take part in the third annual Ride Sunday on 10 November 2019 to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s mental health.

The event has been held in winter the past couple of years and had been scheduled for June, but it now moves to November which is apt since funds are collected on behalf of charity partner, the Movember Foundation.

The inaugural 2017 event, initiated by Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) founder Mark Hawwa attracted 1883 riders in 62 countries and raised more than $US65,000 for 55 charities.

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride founder Mark Hawwa ride sunday
Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and Ride Sunday founder Mark Hawwa

Last year, the event attracted 1300 riders to 239 events globally and raised almost $200,000 in funds for 59 charities.

Ride Sunday Pty Ltd kept 22% of donations as income in the first year, reducing to 0% over five years.

This year it focusses all fundraising efforts on the November Foundation and seems to be limited just to Australia.

Ride Sunday trebles charity funds
2018 Ride Sunday in London

DGR praise and criticism

DGR has been immensely popular, raising more than $US25m for Movember since it started in 2012 and this year attracted 115,000 classic and vintage styled motorcyclists in 678 cities.

However, it is not without its critics who claim it is elitist because it restricts the types of bikes for the event, although many organisers still allow them to ride.

So the organisers started Ride Sunday which allows riders on all types of bikes to attend.

Riders can either join one of the flagship rides, host their own ride, or joining an existing group ride via www.ridesunday.com.

Participants can use the Ride Sunday peer-to-peer fundraising platform to connect to local dealerships and riders, to create, share, and view ride maps, and join fellow riders.

Ride Sunday incentives

There are also significant prizes such as a Yamaha R1 for the best fundraising participants.Ride Sunday

Mark claims Ride Sunday helps to “positively change the global perceptions of motorcyclists by uniting motorcyclists around the world to collectively take to the streets for motorcycle awareness”.

He says the event “taps into the Australian passion for riding and is aimed to motivate those who own a bike to ride for a change”.

“Motorcycling is in our DNA. There is nothing else like it. No matter what riding niche you fall into, Ride Sunday is a day for you,” he says.

“Our vision is for every street in every major city to be packed with motorcycles. For one day, I want riders to be impossible to miss. For everyone in Australia to see our numbers, to notice us, and to see that there is more than just a rider beneath the helmet.”

To register to ride and make a donation, please visit the Ride Sunday website.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Holy Harley auctioned for charity

A Harley-Davidson signed by Pope Francis is the holy highlight of the Bonham’s Autumn Stafford sale in the UK on 19-20 October 2019.

The 2016 Custom Cycle “White Unique” is estimated to fetch up to $A180,000 when it is offered for sale on 20 October, 2019, with all proceeds to be donated to charity.

White Unique was created at the suggestion of Dr Thomas Draxler, founder of the Jesus Bikers group in Austria, as a fundraising vehicle, to be donated to the Pontifical Mission Societies (Missio), the official support for Catholic overseas missions.

Pope with holy Harley custom for auction
White Unique

Bavarian-based Harley Davidson dealer, Würzburg Village, supplied the Softail and collaborated with the Jesus Bikers on its customisation.

As the name suggests, the machine is finished in pearlescent white, with Chicano (Mexican American) style detailing, numerous gold-plated components, a Dorne wreath ornament, a sunken cross and Pope Francis’ signature on the tank.

The Harley Davidson was unveiled to the public in Würzburg on 29 June 2019 before being accompanied by the Jesus Bikers to the Vatican, via Assisi, where the ‘Pope Bike’ was handed over to the Vatican at a ceremony with His Holiness in St Peter’s Square on 7 July.

Holy bikes

Pope Harley
Holy Softail

The holy Harley is the latest in a short succession of holy motorcycles and cars donated to the Papacy and sold on for charity.

In 2014, a Harley-Davidson owned by the previous Pope sold at a Paris auction for the “bargain” price of $67,700.

The Harley Heritage Softail was one of two Harleys gifted to Pope Benedict XVI to celebrate Harley-Davidson’s 110th anniversary in 2013.

When he resigned, Pope Benedict was replaced by Pope Francis who decided to sell the bikes for homeless charities in Rome.

Pope Francis with the Harley Dyna expensive motorcycle holy
Pope Francis with the Harley Dyna

The first bike, a Dyna Super Glide, sold for $364,476, while a Harley leather jacket also sold for an astounding $86,829.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Industry boss is learning to ride to work

Putting his body where his mouth is, Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries boss Tony Weber is learning to ride in time to take part in the third annual Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Week (7-11 October 2019).

When it was announced earlier this month, Tony said “we are traditionally a country mad for motorcycles”.

Yet, he admitted he is not a rider: “When the motorcyclists I know start explaining their love for it, I have to admit I am tempted to ask for lessons.”

Learning to ride

Tony is certainly a man of his word with his first training session at motoDNA Riders Academy, Sydney Motorsport Park.

“I was hesitant at first, but I got a feel for it quickly. I must admit, now I see why my colleagues and motorcycle industry members get so excited about motorcycle riding,” he says.

“It’s one of the great experiences – it’s just so enjoyable! I can’t wait to take it to the next stage.Tony Weber prepares to learn to ride

“Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Week is a brilliant opportunity for riders to share their passion and make sure their bikes are prepared for the summer.

“I would encourage anyone to get out there and have a go, take your first steps as a rider. It’s just magic.”

MotoDNA founder and CEO Mark McVeigh says Tony took to the bike quickly.

Tony Weber prepares to learn to ride
Mark and Tony

“He was unassisted in under an hour. Initially he was a bit nervous, but once he got a feel for the bike, I could see him falling in love with riding, just like I did, just like everyone does when they try it,” Mark says.

We suggest riders encourage their friends to start learning to ride during Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Week which also corresponds with the NSW Motorcycle Awareness Month

Ride to work

Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Week aims to unite riders, celebrate taking the ‘long way home’, and showcase the small moments in a journey only riders notice.

The event is an initiative of the FCAI, supported by Aprilia, BMW Motorrad, Can-AM BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Husqvarna, Indian Motorcycles, Kawasaki, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa and Yamaha.

To support the week, a selection of Australia’s motorcycle dealerships will offer a free Ride-Thru 10-point inspection of their bike to make sure it is safe and road ready.

Riders are also encouraged to share their favourite sections of their long way home on FacebookInstagram and the official website.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com