Dollars riding into town make cents

MARK Ryan manages Mitchell Adventure and has decades of experience with wholesale and retail trading in Dubbo.

He says he’s always looked at areas in the businesses he’s run to improve turnover and customer satisfaction but he’s also keenly interested in the big picture, when things outside his control can impact positively on sales.

One such case in point was the Dubbo Motorbike Rally. Mitchell Adventure is in Macquarie Street just around the corner from Talbragar Street, which was known as Bike Street for the duration of the event, and he said the thousands of locals and visitors in such close proximity to his shop paid big dividends.

“It’s best thing that’s happened to Dubbo, the (number) of tourists it brought to town and all the money it put into local businesses has certainly helped things along after Covid restrictions,” Mr Ryan said.

“People were just so happy – I went for a walk up the street twice and the vibe of the people, the friendship, the camaraderie was outstanding. It was probably the best mental health thing that’s happened to Dubbo for quite some time.”

He’s not alone in that thinking. Research from a neurobiological study released last year stated people riding motorcycles experienced increased sensory focus and resilience to distraction, while riding also produced an increase in adrenaline levels and heart rate, as well as a decrease in cortisol metrics – results often associated with light exercise and stress-reduction.

The study went on to say that changes in study participants’ brain activity while riding suggested an increase in alertness similar to drinking a cup of coffee.

“This rally really is an untapped market. The formula of the whole event was a real credit to the organisers and also to the people of Dubbo,” he said.

His one regret: he had to work rather than jump on his classic ZRX1200CC Eddie Lawson replica and get the wind in his hair.

“I enjoy riding but I have those responsibilities with my job, to my employer, but there’ll be more rides to come.”

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS Mark Ryan’s only regret about the Dubbo Motorbike Rally was that he had to work on the day, rather than play on his ZRX1200CC Eddie Lawson replica with the thousands of visitors in town for the day.