A NICHE assortment of vintage motorcycles will be on display this weekend as petrol heads gather to raise funds for a significant cause.
Over 50 pre-1985 bikes are expected to surround City Hall Saturday and Sunday for the fourth consecutive Mount Gambier Classic & Vintage Motorcycle Show.
Event founder Tyrone Mustey said inspiration for the event grew from his passion for motorcycles and previous visit to Flinders Medical Centre.
“My passion for bikes is a bad habit of mine which started when I was around 16 years old,” Mr Mustey said.
“I had my bike license first and my car license was just something I picked up later down the track.
“I grew up in an era of muscle bikes, just like those who did with muscle cars.”
After spending time “wandering the wards” at the medical centre, Mr Mustey came up with a fundraising idea for the Cancer Council.
“I just thought there were many people out there which are a lot worse off than me,” he said.
“Cancer Council is a great foundation and just seemed to fit the picture.
“Drawing a long bow I spoke to Main Corner coordinator Talie Teakle and the council was behind my idea the whole way.”
Mr Mustey said the venue was “critical” to the event.
“If I was not able to get the city hall, I do not think I would have actually went ahead with it at all,” he said.
“If it is not in the right space, people will not visit and a sufficient amount would be raised.
“I was also trying to start something without forking massive amounts of money as it is all about raising funds – this was made possible by the City of Mount Gambier.”
Mr Mustey said 1985 was the era cutoff as it was the year before chrome and steel turned into plastics and fiberglass.
“I have just been on a merry-go-round of collecting bikes, cars and old stuff,” he said.
“The older I got, the older the toys become.”
Mr Mustey said the event was also a great social way which allows people to come together and share their passions.
“It was just a niche people were not looking at,” he said.
“It is also a good excuse to drag the toys out of the shed which have been hidden for years and years.
“People are able to catch up which may have not seen each other for decades.”
The avid motorcyclist said the two-day event was always held in winter for good reason.
“In summertime everyone wants to ride or race their bikes,” he said.
“When you talk to anyone in winter, you ask them where their bikes are and they always say in their shed.
“In winter, the weather can be hit and miss but when it is nice we often have people come and park their bikes outside to create another come and go display.”
Mr Mustey said it did not matter whether the bike was something “out of the barn” or in “immaculate condition” as everything has its own uniqueness.
“You do not know what will come out of the woodwork,” he said.
Around 800 people are estimated to walk through the door of the Mount Gambier City Hall from 9am to 6pm on Saturday and from 9am to 2pm on Sunday with a $5 door entry fee.
Mr Mustey said the fundraiser was expected to add a further $3000 to $5000 to the already raised $15000 fund from the past three events.
Contact Tyrone on 0418 802 687 for more information.
