Revving up for the Whale Rally
“Why change a winning formula?” asks Paul Erasmus, public relations officer of Ulysses Garden Route (UGR) motorcycle club, which is about to host the 14th Whale Rally at the ATKV Hartenbos Resort from 15 to 17 June.
The Whale Rally has come a long way since about 100 biking enthusiasts gathered for the first one back in 2004 and now boasts a following of thousands from all over Southern Africa.
“Each year we analyse in depth where we may have failed previously or where we could possibly improve the rally. UGR are proud to state that while there is always some scope for constructive change, the basic formula of a good party and camaraderie with brothers and sister bikers and clubs and enthusiasts has always worked for the Whale.” “We have also worked hard on giving attendees value for money and this year’s Whale has only a nominal increase in entrance fees … much lower than most similar weekend events on the national biking calendar incidentally and despite the actual hosting costs which have increased dramatically,” says Erasmus.
“This year we have the Rock Doctor - Gary White from Knysna
FM and the band, The Tomboys, and a very full games programme with super prizes and giveaways galore. Its also a Whale Rally tradition that we still hand out braai wood, which costs the club thousands of rands. There are many new and improved stalls apart from the old and established favourites and we can safely say that we have met our very high standards with this year’s presentation.
As a registered non-profit organisation, UGR are proud of the four major charities we supported over the last “book year” - since last year’s Whale Rally which took place at the same venue in June 2017, Erasmus says.
The four charities are Crags Feeding Scheme outside Plettenberg Bay, Nolene’s Soup Kitchen in Hornlee, Knysna, ACVV Kenani in Mossel Bay and Little Angels Crèche in KwaNonqaba, while support is also given to charitable instances where no publicity is given due to sensitivities of a particular situation.
The club thanks fellow clubs and chapters from the South Western Districts Motorcycle Association (SWDMCA) for their support and will be publishing a list of donors and supporters after the Rally.
For any information on the Whale Rally 2018 contact Erasmus (082 697 3388 or wanadoo57cc@gmail.com).