Newcastle Rally
Our Annual Rally saw a total of 81 pre-registered riders and a couple extra on the day. The three-day event saw a couple of entrants arrive earlier in the week and took advantage of the weather and our roads to explore the region together. The Rally started with the Friday ride heading towards Lemon Tree Passage and the waters of Port Stephens. Back at the caravan park, as further riders began to arrive, a welcome BBQ was held and registration packs handed out ready for Saturday’s big ride. With the skies completely clear, but a chilling breeze in the air, the riders set off from Stockton. The first leg of the ride took everyone on the outskirts of Raymond Terrace to the back roads of Hinton and Phoenix Park, arriving at Morpeth for Morning Tea. With soup to warm the belly and coffee and cake to feed the soul, Tim Glasson got up and gave directions for the next leg to Vacy. With the riders being split at Bolwarra, the short ride took the entrants through Tocal, Paterson and onto Vacy. The Long ride headed behind Maitland, through to Elderslie and onto Gresford before arriving at Vacy Fire Station. As always there was plenty of food on offer and dessert to match. The Rally slowly made its way back to Stockton for Presentation and Dinner at the Stockton RSL Club. Bruce Cruickshank put on a great Trivia Quiz and a surprise visit from the HUGS (Happy Ukulele Group Stockton) who did a musical performance.
After a couple of years of rainy Sundays, we finally had a beautiful day to show off our beaches. The riders enjoyed the “Beaches Run”, exploring Newcastle’s biggest draw card. The riders ended up at Bar Beach before heading back for an early lunch and home. As always, lots of volunteers to thank for making the Rally weekend run smooth and the organisers who tirelessly put together the weekend that was greatly enjoyed by all.