Category: Events

Derek’s Reflection: Indian-Pacific Cannonball Classic

Derek Sheppard Indian-Pacific Cannonball 2022
City Coast Motorcycles sales team’s Derek Sheppard recently travelled coast-to-coast aboard an antique motorcycle in support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Read Derek’s story in his own words…

The Australian Indian Pacific Cannonball Classic 2022 follows in the footsteps of the American version that is universally recognised as the most difficult antique motorcycles endurance event in the world. The “Cannonball” pays homage to long distance pioneer Erwin “Cannonball” Baker, and other historical figures that literally paved the way across both America and Australia in the early 1900’s.

Erwin Baker
The original Cannonball trailblazer, Erwin Baker. Image courtesy of Rideapart.com

My Indian Pacific Cannonball adventure began in early 2021 when my good friend and City Coast Motorcycles customer Michael Johnson mentioned the event. He explained they had been trying to get it underway for a few years, but COVID State lockdowns had prevented it.

A prerequisite for entry is that the motorcycle must be pre-1948. This date is universally accepted as being pre-hydraulic suspension, ie girder fork and rigid frame.

The entries opened in in June 2021 and were capped at 100 due to the resource limitations of the outback towns. Such was the anticipation and enthusiasm for the event that I registered the minute bookings opened and was entry number 62!

2022 start line
The 2022 start line ahead of the 2022 Indian-Pacific Cannonball Classic. Image by Tanya Chrystall

I entered owning a 1933 Ariel NH350 Red Hunter Twin Port that I had restored some 25 years ago. Whilst this bike hasn’t failed me, I knew it would be a tough event for the bike with the original manual recommending a top-end overhaul every 500 miles and a top cruising speed of around 65kph.

Once accepted, I steadily worked on preparing the Ariel but also started searching for a larger capacity pre-1948 machine. Eventually, my friend and past City Coast Motorcycles staff member Kevin Brown managed to track down a 1942 WLA Harley Davidson locally. The bike was previously owned by the late Tony Blain; a long-term Harley Davidson aficionado and owner of Redfern Motorcycles. He had sold the bike to a local collector 22 years prior to me buying it, and it was never started or ridden under his ownership.

Derek with his two antique motorcycles
Derek with his 1942 WLA Harley Davidson and 1933 Ariel NH350 Red Hunter Twin Port

Such was Kevin’s enthusiasm for the event that Michael and I were endeavouring to undertake, that he offered to be my support vehicle driver for which I will be eternally indebted. Without the help of Kevin and his wife Karen I would not have been eligible to compete (a condition of entry was that every bike entered must have both a dedicated support vehicle seat for the rider and a bike trailer spot).

I was now preparing two bikes for the event! Both were mechanically as good as I could make them without compromising the integrity of the proven miles they already had under their wheels. Immediately prior to the event I decided I would undertake a three-day 1500 km ride down around Victoria and back on the Harley as it was the least proven bike. This was designed to ensure that both me and the bike could do three successive 500km days as I knew that would be required during the event. I learnt a lot about riding antique bikes but both me and the bike survived the experience.

Derek on his 1942 HD
Derek tested his antique motorcycle on a 1,500km round trip to Victoria ahead of the big event. Image by Foot in Bowl Photography

The Indian Pacific Cannonball Classic started in Busselton, Western Australia on October 13 and ended 5000km’s later in Merimbula, NSW. I turned up in Busselton a few days prior to the start and was immediately welcomed into the antique motorcycling community. Everybody was very friendly and willing to offer advice, guidance and assistance as necessary.

One of the first people I met was Glen “Gunner” Foley; an antique motorcycle collector and long-term Harley Davidson mechanic. Gunner was riding an earlier civilian version of my bike and had similar objectives to my own, so we immediately developed a connection and would ride together periodically over the early stages until his buke suffered in the heavy rain. Gunner was truly one of the great characters of the event and was subsequently announced as the “Tony Blain Spirit of the Event” award recipient.

Derek and Gunner
Derek and new mate Gunner

The 2022 Cannonball consisted of 14 stages with the longest stages being around 500kms and the shortest stage being around 200kms. The display prior to the start was a seriously impressive array of well-prepared antique motorcycles. Some retained their original patina that clearly gave some insight into the journeys of their life to date, whilst others were immaculately restored to better than original!

My major goal was to get across the Nullarbor on an antique hand-shift motorcycle. To this end I rode quite conservatively sitting on about 75kph. The bike is happiest between 45 and 50 mph but quite interestingly the exact happy point moves continuously as you ride. I think air temperature, moisture and fuel quality have a significant effect on the “feel” of older bikes. You have to learn not to worry about every new rattle or change in vibration!

Derek west of the Nullarbor
Derek soaking up the scenery to the west of the Nullarbor Plains

The bikes are not easy to ride and take considerable concentration as they have no effective brakes or suspension. You need to constantly manage riding to the road in terms of avoiding bumps, potholes and managing the terrain (assents and descents are undertaken in second gear with a maximum speed of about 40kph). Even the Nullarbor and 90 Mile Straight were never boring such was the challenge of the roads, road trains, weather and scenery.

Derek at the 90 Mile Straight
“The Nullarbor and 90 Mile Straight were never boring such was the challenge of the roads, road trains, weather and scenery,” says Derek

The bikes are old and take considerable maintenance. Most competitors would spend several hours at least each evening undertaking maintenance and repairs. Apart from breaking seven spokes in my front wheel necessitating a replacement, my daily maintenance consisted of checking and lubricating both the primary and final drive chains, checking the battery voltage and water level, greasing all bushes and bearings and checking the tyres and tyre pressures.

In crossing Australia the final drive chain was adjusted once, the valves were checked and adjusted three times (the exhaust valves closed up on most bikes due to the extended high speed running), the points were filed and adjusted twice, the generator reset once, the air filter oil topped up once, grease points lubricated every three days and wheel bearings twice, engine oil changed twice, gearbox oil checked and topped up every three days.

Derek maintaining his motorcycle
Valve adjustments are a part of the daily maintenance on the Cannonball Classic.

Two standouts in terms of repairs and maintenance were an Invincible JAP that seized with the owner attempting an overnight rebuild. After failing again, he drove home rebuilt the bike and re-joined the event in Victoria. The second was a 1922 four-cylinder Henderson that required between three to 10 hours maintenance each day and cruised at 60kph.Two other fine achievements were a pair of BSA M20’s that also completed the event.   

The most impressive achievement was that of Bill Brice, Malcom Brice and Peter McBride who rode from home to the start via Cairns, Darwin, and Broome without support. All then completed the event unaided and each completed their circumnavigation of Australia following the event.

Malcolm Brice and Peter McBride
Malcolm Brice and Peter McBride riding to the start at Busselton via Cairns, Darwin and Broome

The Cannonball winner is the oldest bike to finish every stage unaided and within the rather tight time limits set for each stage. The 2022 statistics were: 100 entries, 92 starters, 82 actually crossed the start line, 54 finished and 22 finished without assistance (of which I was one). Sadly, one of our riders Ken Phelps riding a 1948 Vincent HRD passed away following an incident with a Kangaroo near Deniliquin and another rider Mario Balatti suffered some significant injuries including a broken ankle after hitting a large pothole at the start of the Snowy Mountains. He is recovering well. The well-deserved winner of the 2022 Indian Pacific Cannonball Classic was Chris Wells on a 1924 Harley Davidson.

Chris Wells' winning motorcycles
Chris Wells’ winning motorcycles

Undertaking such an event is expensive and takes considerable time and effort, but it was up there with my best motorcycling experiences over the last 40 years. I think my words after finishing sum up the overall experience perfectly:

“We were excited, we were anxious, we were happy, we were sad, we laughed, we cried.
We fixed bikes, we watched others fix bikes, we lent parts and borrowed parts, we helped each other.
We met old friends and made many new ones.
We travelled some straight roads we travelled some curvy roads.
We rode in sunshine, we road in rain.
We raised some money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Most importantly of all we got to share an epic adventure together!”

Keep your motorcycling dreams and adventures alive. It’s a great way to see the country and meet new people.

– Derek –

Bikes on the Murray River
2022 Cannonballers lining the Murray River. Image by John Johnson

Your Ticket to the FIM WSBK Championship Season Finale

WSBK Champ Finale Tickets
Catch three action-packed days of non-stop racing featuring some of the best riders at one of the top racetracks on the planet!

City Coast Motorcycles in conjunction with Pirelli is offering a 3 DAY WORLD SUPERBIKE GENERAL ADMISSION/PADDOCK PASS for the weekend of Friday 18th November – Sunday 20th November 2022 at Phillip Island.

STEP 1

Simply purchase a pair of Pirelli tyres at City Coast Motorcycles from the following selection between July 25th 2022 and October 31st 2022, or until sold out:
Diablo™ Supercorsa SP, Diablo Rosso™ IV Corsa, Diablo Rosso™ IV, Diablo Rosso™ Corsa II, Diablo Rosso™ III, Angel™ GT II, Angel GT, Night Dragon™, Night Dragon™GT, Scorpion™ Rally, Scorpion™ Rally STR or Scorpion™ Trail II

STEP 2

Complete your details at the link below with your proof of purchase to redeem your ticket.

REDEEM YOU TICKET HERE

Pass numbers are limited so see us at 262 Keira St Wollongong now to lock in your pass to one of the best motorsport weekends on the Australian racing calendar.

Pirelli_Angel-GT-II_Set

Pirelli_Scorpion-Rally-STR_Set

Pirelli_Diablo-Rosso-Corsa-II_Set

Terms & Conditions

Put the Future to the Test

Test Ride the All New CE 04 at City Coast Motorcycles
Full of energy, efficient and with zero emissions
The BMW CE 04 is launching into a new era to seamlessly integrate into your everyday life thanks to its intelligent connectivity solutions – from navigation to clothing. Quite simply #PluggedToLife. It sparks a passion with its revolutionary design, its technology as well as the resulting opportunities.

Ample, calm and minimalistic surfaces dominate the overall build
The design of the BMW CE 04 centres around the slim energy storage unit in the underfloor assembly and the compact drivetrain. The design liberties and solutions here have led to new aesthetics, for instance the charging compartment that folds out towards the side or the floating seat. The low centre of gravity represents a further benefit: for fun handling, surprising dynamism and timeless riding pleasure.

It charges up wherever you are
Start your day bursting with energy and your BMW CE 04 is already waiting for you with a charged drivetrain battery. It is simply charged at 220 V domestic sockets or your BMW Wallbox, or take advantage of the optional quick charger.

Be mobile and perfectly linked up
Thanks to BMW Motorrad Connectivity and the BMW Motorrad Connected app the BMW CE 04 makes new connections. The 10.25” TFT display featuring split screen option turns into the interface between the digital and analogue world. Be it performance data, range, charging time, the favourite playlist, next destination or a phone call: Mobility and communication merge into one.

Revolution meets evolution
In terms of comfort, convenience and safety with the can rely on BMW’s tried-and-tested technology. ABS and ASC are standard features, DTC and ABS Pro are optionally available. With Keyless Ride enables the seamless integration of the BMW CE 04 into your mobile life.

Try before you buy
City Coast Motorcycles is taking pre-orders the arrival of the BMW CE 04 later in 2022. In the mean time, have a taste of the future and take a test ride – DEMO AVAILABLE UNTIL JULY 4 – by registering your interest on the link below.

 

Triumph Motorcycle Prizes Awarded in Wollongong for DGR

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) hosts Tim and Jane Sim from City Coast Motorcycles were privileged to award a pair of new Triumphs to global top fundraisers, Phill Critcher and Ermond Morelli.

2021 DGR Prizewinners Phill Critcher and Ermond Morelli
Congratulations to 2021 DGR top global fundraisers Phill Critcher and Ermond Morelli (2nd & 3rd place)

Given the event took place in over nine hundred cities and two of the three prize winners hailed from the same location – Wollongong, Australia – it was a double celebration, marked by the presence of Founder Mark Hawwa along with Ramsey Sayed and Mikey Stojcevski from DGR HQ.

“What a fantastic day down here in Wollongong with City Coast Motorcycles giving away two new Triumphs – a Bobber and a Bonneville T120 – to Phill and Ermond for being the two highest fundraisers in Australia and two of the three highest fundraisers, globally,” said Mark.

“It shows just how well Wollongong punches above its weight in regard to the riding community, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and people helping other men in need.”

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Prizewinners
(L to R): ) DGR Operations Manager Ramsey Sayed, 2nd global prize winner Phill Critcher, Team FC’s Ken Smith, DGR Founder & Director Mark Hawwa, 3rd global prize winner Ermond Morelli, Team FC’s Colin Carr, DGR General Manager Mikey Stojcevski and DGR – Wollongong Ride Host Jane Sim

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a niche event uniting classic and vintage style motorcycle riders all over the world. Participants raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention programs on behalf of charity partner, The Movember Foundation.

Phill and Ermond have participated since 2018 when they established their team of four, The FC’s (Four Cure). It has grown to seven-strong and in 2021 it ranked the third highest fundraising team worldwide.

DGR Fundraising Team "Four Cure"
Distinguished Fundraising Team “The FC’s”

2021 marked the fifth year our family-owned Triumph dealership has presented DGR – Wollongong. In that time the local ride has amassed some $350,000 (AUD) for men’s health. Dealer Principal Tim is humbled by the result:

“It’s been an honour having Mark, Ramsey and Mikey from DGR join us in delivering these magnificent Triumphs, today,” said Tim.

“Jane and I couldn’t be prouder of our local event which gets so much love and support from the Wollongong region.”

Tim and Jane Sim - DGR Wollongong 2021
Tim and Jane lead the 2021 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Wollongong. Image courtesy of Jay Dubbs for Keogh’s Vision

Phill Critcher who placed second globally said DGR 2021 was a terrific day for all:

“This time we started at Stanwall Park and finishing at the Mt Kembla hotel really topped it off. The venue and afternoon of good music, drinks and plenty of conversation with fellow riders was great. All I spoke to were impressed with the day.

“Firstly, thank you to our hosts Tim and Jane from City Coast Motorcycles and congratulations on the successful effort they put in to organising this day.

“A big congratulations to the Wollongong participants that put in, yet again, a great fundraising effort.

DGR 2017
The inaugural DGR – Wollongong held in 2017. Since then Ride presented by City Coast Motorcycles has gone on to raise $350,000 (AUD) for men’s health.

“To Mark and his team at Basecamp DGR, congratulations! I hope you guys are proud of the team you have, and the continual growing success of this fundraising event. The international attention this has created is phenomenal. An idea created by a ‘few guys in Sydney’, well done fellas!

“To all the sponsors that support this event, thank you. You are a big part of the success of this totally admiral charity event that I’m sure touches most in society today in some way.

Triumph DGR Partner
Triumph is the Global Sponsor of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and has now committed to another five years.

“Finally, to our team “Four Cure” – warm up your engine boys for 2022; we’re off again. I would like to thank the members that didn’t turn up to the presentation at City Coast Motorcycles last Thursday. Our team donation to start the fundraiser, commences at $4,000. Your generosity should be acknowledged.

“Anyone that would like to have a great little ride in good company with some vintage and classic bikes to look at, come and join us all on the 22nd of May and support prostate cancer research and men’s mental health.

Phill Critcher riding Bonneville Bobber
DGR Global Prize winner Phill rides his new Bonneville Bobber

Phill could not wait to take in our beautiful coastal scenery on his new Bobber and reported back within the hour:

“Just got to Kiama and it honestly feels great,” said Phill.

“The only road bikes I’ve ever ridden are the Z900 and Harleys. This is beautiful, I really am so happy with the bike!

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2022 will be held on Sunday May 22nd. Registrations will open on March 28th at gentlemansride.com

Save the Date for DGR 22 May 2022

Get Ready for Ride Your Motorcycle Week

Ride Your Motorcycle Week returns from Nov 29 to Dec 5. This year’s focus is getting riders back on their bikes after lockdown as the summer riding season beckons. The event will push for riders to dust off their motorcycles and get going whether they prefer dirt riding, race tracks, commuting or adventuring.

Ride Your Motorcycle Week 2021
Image by Keogh’s Vision Photography

Previously known as Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Week, the change of name is intended to broaden the appeal of the event. Throughout the week advertising will encourage motorcyclists to dust off their bike of choice and get busy having fun.

Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) Chief Executive Tony Weber explained the intention of the event was to remind riders of the efficiency and ease riding a bike offered, as well as promoting riding’s positive impact on mental health.

“When you’re on the bike, there’s nothing else like it. But life gets in the way. Ride Your Motorcycle Week is just a little extra push to get your bike serviced ahead of riding season, take the bike to work or take the long way home, take day the off and reconnect or just go and have an adventure. This is the week to start doing it.

“COVID has obviously changed the way Australians think about commuting, but the name change is about more than acknowledging working from home,” said Mr Weber.

The event also aims to draw attention to two-wheeled transport as a potential solution in COVID-19 recovery:

“Riding has a real role to play in helping Australia get back to work, offering socially distanced transportation and alleviating congestion and parking issues. As ever, our secondary goal is to capture the attention of policy makers who too often overlook riding in developing transportation infrastructure,” Mr Weber explained.

So what’s in it for you? Just two words: Solidarity and safety…

By joining this National Ride Your Motorcycle Week, you are joining a motorcycle fraternity in which thousands of people are active participants. That’s a lot of people power. The more people who ride, the more we are noticed. And that makes the public road a safer place for all of us.

Rider safety is an industry priority. That’s why before you take your bike out of its winter ’mothballs’, it is important it receives the once-over from your authorised dealer, City Coast Motorcycles. Because no-one (apart from you) knows your bike better and has all the factory-backed expertise to have your machine in tip-top shape for the long summer of riding ahead.

RIDE TO WORK WEEK OFFER

Mention “Ride Your Motorcycle Week” when booking a service at City Coast Motorcycles between November 11 and December 3. 2021 and receive a complementary $20 City Coast Motorcycles gift card. Call 4228 7392 or BOOK HERE.

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Wollongong Gallery

City Coast Motorcycles proudly presented Wollongong’s third Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. This worldwide phenomenon is for vintage and classic styled motorcycles and supports The Movember Foundation.

Our local ride feature’s Australia’s top fundraisers and in  2019 it has already raised $93,000 for men’s health… and counting! Fundraising continues throughout October. If you wish to sponsor our ride or a participant please click HERE.

Below are some images we captured on the day – click on the thumbnail to open the gallery. We are happy for you to share them on social media; please give City Coast Motorcycles a nod if you do so.

Professional photographs are available for sale from Keogh’s Vision Photography and The Illawarra Mercury.

DGR 2019 hosted by City Coast Motorcycles

No Images found.

OKTOBERFEST BMW DEMO DAY

MakeLifeARide
City Coast Motorcycles is celebrating Oktoberfest on Saturday October 5 with a BMW Demo Day and irresistible savings on selected models within our BMW Motorrad range.

BMW Demo Day at City Coast Motorcycles
This is the perfect opportunity to test a huge lineup of demonstrators, enjoy STOREWIDE DISCOUNTS on riderwear and accessories. PLUS… we have exciting giveaways including a pair of BMW gloves.

There’s an exciting range of models  for you to discover, including:
the BMW G 310 GS, F 750 GS, F 850 GS, F 850 GS Rallye X, F 800 GT, R 1250 GS, R 1250 RS, S 1000 R, R NineT Urban GS and K 1600 GTL.

First ride departs at 9am and final ride departs at 12 noon.

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL! Make sure you reserve a booking for before you head down to 262 Keira St, Wollongong so that we can ensure you get to experience the bike of your dreams! Call 42287392 or email our Sales Manager:  paul@citycoastmotorcycles.com.au

Australian Motorcycle Festival Promises Non-Stop Entertainment

Wollongong is hosting the highly anticipated and action-packed Australian Motorcycle Festival, thanks to Troy Bayliss Events. Here’s what you need to know…

Australian Motorcycle Festival

Troy, the Australian Motorcycle Festival has everything in place to become an internationally renowned event. Why have you chosen Wollongong as the location?

Over the recent years manufacturers have provided positive feedback in the direction they would like to display their products; this new layout allows them to do this. We’ve also listened to patrons who critique shows for being in venues that often cost more to park or eat than the entry into the show. We believe the Australian Motorcycle Festival will tick all the boxes.

How does the Australian Motorcycle Festival differ from other motorcycling events, like the Sydney Motorcycle Show? 

Certainly, the atmosphere will be lifestyle-oriented – just like motorcycles are – with a huge range of new motorcycles, scooters, ATV’s, UTV’s E-bikes and jet skis, plus related products and services. There’ll be over 60 motorcycles available for licensed riders to test over the weekend. We actually know of people travelling from WA and Tasmania to the show to spend the weekend testing a full range of bikes to find what’s best for them. We’ll continue with live entertainment and that also includes activities such as Robbie Maddison riding the water bike. Jet ski test rides will also be available along with children’s petrol and electric bikes.

Sounds fantastic! Will this be an annual event?

Possibly, we believe it will be a big step forward to showcase the motorcycle industry to enthusiasts and the wider community. Wollongong Council and Destination Wollongong have been very supportive of the Expo and the Supercross taking place at WIN Stadium on the Saturday evening.

Robbie Maddison at the Australian Motorcycle Festival

Where in Wollongong will it be held?

Lang Park is the event hub with all the trade display and activations, while Marine Drive will host the test ride parking and Action arena featuring the stunt riders including the Hot Wheels team. Belmore Basin will also be used for the test ride departure and return location, plus as mentioned, some of Maddo’s stunts. The Supercross on the Saturday evening is next door within WIN Stadium.

What are the main events?

The features of the show are always the manufacturer bike displays. Visitors feel relaxed when able to walk from one display to the next and able to ask multiple staff questions of what bike may best suit their needs. The products and services on display are often either on a shelf in a shop or on a website, so to be able to touch, feel, try or have direct face-to-face contact with such services as travel companies is what really makes enthusiasts and future enthusiasts enjoy the atmosphere. The list is long for live entertainment – some we haven’t released just yet, but as mentioned the test rides, stunt shows, Supercross and multiple group rides going to and from the precinct will all make for a great weekend in Wollongong.

Supercross

Time to namedrop – what big names are coming to town?

To start with, every rider chasing the Supercross Championship will be onsite; Factory teams like Honda and Yamaha will be set up within the show. Visitors can meet riders such as Justin Brayton or the list of other Americans and Australians participating in the Supercross. There’s Craig Dack, Stephan Gall and this list goes on of past champions who will be around and always willing to meet fans. I have a few guests we will announce closer to the event but I’m sure everyone will enjoy it.

What are the best family attractions on the program? 

It’s the non-stop entertainment, bike displays, wheelie machines, Hot Wheels team, Stunt bikes, Maddo riding on water plus multiple activations such as the Harley Davidson Jumpstart where adults who don’t have licences can ride a motorcycle as you would on the road, changing gears and learning how to simply ride a bike all on the safety of a display. The Supercross stars will be happy to meet the kids, some Factory teams will do Factory race truck walk throughs. On Saturday night, Supercross, Freestyle Motocross, Speed & Style and the Hot Wheels off-road show will all take place between 6pm-9pm and that’s all family-friendly. Children can test ride Pee Wee’s or electric bikes all within the show, too. The Expo is designed for all ages.

Hot Wheels Street Bike Show

Do you expect any events to sell out?

Trade displays are almost sold out now. We have been overwhelmed with the response; there are a handful of smaller sites only available.

Tell us about the displays; what brands can people expect to see?

It’s a long list but I’ll give you a few examples: Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Harley-Davidson, BMW, MV Augusta, Ural, Sherco, SWM, Royal Enfield, Benelli, Super Soco, Ducati plus many more. Products like Innotesco, Dunlop, Fly Racing, EarMold, Moto Smart, Quad Lock, Rocky Creek Designs, MotorEx, Shannons Insurance, motorcycle finance companies, Rev It, Clutch Moto, Hear Link, plus many more distributors and products. Tour companies such as Nevermind Adventures, Compass Expeditions, World on Wheels and more. Sorry for all the others I haven’t mentioned… it’s a big list. A full list of exhibitors plus schedules will be released on MotoExpo.com.au one month prior to the event. It is such a massive show!

Moto Expo

Can riders get involved?

Absolutely. Test rides will be popular and never done to this extent before. Group rides are being organised from Sydney, Canberra and the South Coast on Saturday and Sunday. Group rides will also leave and return to the precinct each day in fact I’m actually about to announce a ride that I’ll lead. Adventure tours will also leave and return from the precinct. Plus, patrons are welcome on all the activations over the weekend.

What local Wollongong businesses have you got on board?

Local companies have also confirmed participation with brands such as Clutch Moto and others. We’ve also secured the best food trucks, such as locals Two Smoking Barrels to ensure the food available onsite is quality. We’re also working in with venues outside the precinct such as the Illawarra Brewery who will host multiple functions along with many cafes.

Limited tickets are available for Round 3 of the Australian Supercross Championship. What kind of passes do people need to purchase for the Australian Motorcycle Festival? 

The Australian Motorcycle Festival is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday between 10am – 4pm. We’ve kept entry price at a minimum: $5 for kids (5-15 years) $10 for Seniors $15 for Adults – all single day passes. VIP and Premium Supercross Tickets also allow free entry into the festival, or if you want to go to the Supercross tickets start from $30.

Troy Bayliss Events

Do you have any special transport arrangements in place for the crowds?

We’re running buses free of charge from Wollongong to North Wollongong Train Stations with multiple pickup points along the way and drop-off just 50 metres from the event precinct. Three dedicated motorcycle parks will be available on Saturday and Sunday: one on Marine Drive and two on Flagstaff Hill. All details will be placed on the website one month prior to the event.

What a sensational program. This will surely be Australia’s greatest motorcycle spectacular to date!

Thanks for your time, City Coast Motorcycles. The team and myself are extremely proud to bring such a premium motorcycle event to Wollongong; the Festival will generate millions of dollars into the local economy and we can’t wait to welcome visitors from all over Australia to enjoy a full weekend in the Illawarra.

Connect with Australian Motorcycle Festival on Facebook
Connect with Australian Motorcycle Festival on Instagram

All images supplied and reproduced with permission of Troy Bayliss Events.

Santa’s Helpers Ride for The Salvos

City Coast Motorcycles and The Litas Wollongong have dressed jolly in their second Santa Ride for Charity. The social event held on December 8th kicked off the 2018 Santa Pub Crawl for Charity from North Wollongong Hotel. Participants raised $335 which will help The Salvos support families in need, this Christmas. Thanks to Noel at Wollongong Images and Josh Lynch Photography for taking shots out on the road.

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Wollongong’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Triples!

DGR Wollongong

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Wollongong has more than tripled its inaugural total. Fundraising closed on October 31 and the official figure raised is $65,215, compared to $20,568 in 2017.

On September 30, scores of dapper ladies and gents donned their finest attire aboard classic and vintage motorcycles. The annual event raises funds to support research into prostate cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention programs via the Movember Foundation.

Organiser Jane Sim with husband Tim. Image: Sylvia Liber for The Illawarra Mercury

Organiser Jane Sim from City Coast Motorcycles says the result is testament to the way the motorcycling community will band together for an important cause.

“In the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, we ride with a purpose. We want to help stop men dying too young.

“We had 227 registrations. 648 rides were held around the world and Wollongong ranked in the top 20.

“Caps off to participant Phill Critcher who raised over $12,300 and placed 15th globally,” said Jane.

DGR Wollongong top fundraisers Ken Smith and Phill Critcher

The Wollongong ride also places the Illawarra on the map as a fantastic motorcycling destination.

“It’s not hard to find beautiful scenery, but I also try to come up with a new route every year so that the participants have a different experience each time.

“It delivers the ride to new spectators and spreads the message, further. We were honoured to feature in the global wrap-up video once again,” said Jane.

View 2018 Global Wrap-up Video

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Wollongong
Image by Keogh’s Vision Photography

City Coast Motorcycles would like to thank the following individuals, community groups and businesses that assisted with planning, sponsorship and publicity:

Triumph Motorcycles
Zenith watches
Merlin Bike Gear
Coal Coast Emporium
Towradgi Beach Hotel
Illawarra Café Racers
Illawarra Classic Motorcycle Club
Wollongong City Council
Destination Wollongong
Wollongong Local Area Command
The Illawarra Mercury
96.5 Wave FM
Coal Coast Magazine
Keogh’s Vision Photography
Sarah’s Coffee Van

Aaron Huisman

View 2018 Photo Gallery