Wet and dry in WA
Indian-Harley Club 2 Day Rally
Upon arrival for the start in Bunbury, it was evident the weather wasn’t as forecast. Rather than a few “light showers”, conditions were rapidly deteriorating with a darkening sky signalling that rain was closing in. By the time bikes were assembling for the start, the rain was steady and it didn’t look like clearing. But that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of most of the 180 participants, many who’d travelled from far afield, including Albany and Perth, to participate in WA’s premier rally for old bikes. Many were heard to comment later that the conditions made for an “interesting” ride that was quite different to previous years and which they really enjoyed. By afternoon, the rain was easing, allowing riders to make the most of sweeping roads throughout the course. The Club went to a lot of trouble to make sure that the courses were interesting and satisfying to ride. On Saturday, two courses were run. A long course took participants through some of the best country for riding in the southwest, heading out through the Ferguson Valley, across to Nannup for lunch, and then along the Nannup to Balingup road; certainly one of the nicest rides in the southwest. The short course also travelled some beautiful country, meandering through both the Ferguson and Wellington Valleys.
Once again, the Indian Harley Club’s hospitality was appreciated by all the visitors and participants enjoyed the company of other old bike enthusiasts over a bbq and a few beers on the Saturday night. By Sunday, the weather had cleared, with sunny skies and beautiful riding conditions. While the number of veteran bikes was down on previous years, due to many attending the National Veteran Motorcycle Rally in Tasmania, organiser Bert Sykes said it was pleasing they still achieved their cutoff of 180 bikes and that there were around 25 first timers, including younger riders, which augers well for the future of the event. Club President, Bill Pike, expressed his gratitude to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the event so successful. This included all the ladies who did such a great job with the catering.