A SCOUT group of 11 motorcycle riders from Adelaide’s Bayside Harley Owners Group rolled into Mount Gambier on the weekend in preparation for their rally to the region in late September.
The group will be among around 400 Harley-Davidson riders to roar into Mount Gambier for a three-day South Australian state rally.
Hosted for the first time by the Bayside HOG, the 22nd South Australian State HOG 2017 Rally will be held from September 29 to October 1.
“We had a successful trip to the region on the weekend, meeting with various stakeholders including city council and the East Gambier Football Club,” Bayside HOG chapter director John Winkworth told The Border Watch yesterday.
“Things are going according to plan and everything is set for the end of September.”
Mr Winkworth said the group chose Mount Gambier and surrounds as a destination because of its many tourist attractions, good food and wine.
“I’ll be leading a ride to Port MacDonnell and Coonawarra on the Saturday afternoon on September 30 to showcase the region to fellow club members,” he said.
“It is a really picturesque part of South Australia and we hope to enjoy what it has on offer.”
On the Saturday morning, locals will be afforded a chance to have a look at the bikes during a traditional “thunder run” through the streets of the city.
Afterwards the bikes will be displayed behind Jens Hotel with Watson Terrace closed to traffic.
“We really appreciate Mount Gambier City Council hosting us and assisting with the logistics,” Mr Winkworth said.
“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.
“Many of us have been to the region before and are looking forward to returning.”
Mr Winkworth said the East Gambier Football Club will host the group on the Saturday for the AFL Grand Final.
“The rally as a whole will be a family-friendly affair with riders and their partners from all walks of life – including a large number of female Harley owners,” he said.
