Picture: LEON RADEMEYER
THE South East economy received a significant boost, conservatively estimated at up to $700,000, as more than 400 Harley-Davidson riders visited the Blue Lake city for a state rally over the weekend.
Rolling into the city on 380 gleaming machines on Friday evening, the last riders and their partners departed this morning after an early breakfast.
Hosted for the first time by Adelaide’s Bayside Harley Owners Group, the 22nd South Australian State HOG Rally was deemed a roaring success by chapter director John Winkworth.
“It’s estimated the group collectively spent between $500,000 and $700,000 in the region during its three day visit,” Mr Winkworth told The Border Watch.
“A total of 380 bikes with 420 riders and their partners should have made good economic sense to Mount Gambier.
“If one considers costs relating to venue hire, accommodation, petrol as well as meals and drinks, it quickly adds up.
“With that comes costs associated with visiting the wider region like Port MacDonnell and the Coonawarra vineyards.”
Mr Winkworth said the group “thoroughly enjoyed” their outing and was happy to report no mishaps along the way.
“We received fantastic support from Mount Gambier City Council and the local police, who assisted with many aspects of the rally, including the thunder run through the streets of Mount Gambier on Saturday morning,” he said.
“We specifically chose Mount Gambier and surrounds as a destination because of its scenery, many tourist attractions, as well as good food and wine.
“Last but not least, the community really came out to enjoy the weekend with us, which was a pleasure to experience.”
The police-escorted thunder run kicked off at around 10am on Saturday and included a ride around the iconic Blue Lake.
It was the perfect destination for the group to show off their machines – collectively worth around $11m.
“The bikes in our group range from around $10,000 to $50,000 each, which makes for a tidy sum considering the 380 we have here,” Mr Winkworth said.
The bikes were displayed behind Jens Hotel – with Watson Terrace closed to traffic – after the thunder run.
Later in the day, the group was hosted by the East Gambier Football Club to watch the AFL Grand Final.
“We ride for the fun of it, but also in support of several charities, including Operation Flinders, the Make a Wish Foundation and the Black Dog Institute,” Mr Winkworth said.
“For us, rallies like these are family-friendly affairs with riders and their partners from all walks of life, including a large number of female Harley owners,” he said.
