This year BikeFest – the festival of all things motorcycle in the ACT and surrounds, was held as the finish to the years’ Motorcycle Awareness Week, held from 24 October to 31st October. The Motorcycle Awareness Week was launched in Ainslie Place, by Senator Kate Lundy, to a crowd of motorcyclists and some of the public who wandered over to see what was happening. The new ACT Rider’s Handbook, recently published by the ACT Government, was warmly welcomed and the MRA ACT encourage all new and returning riders in particular, to get to an ACT Government Shopfront and purchase one of these excellent books. Also at the launch. JOE Rider was set off again, riding around Canberra to raise awareness of riders on the road – and also to remind riders to take responsibility for their own safety. On Sunday the motorcycling community rode together in support of GoTM’s Pink Ribbon Ride.
On Thursday evening, a Fashion Parade of motorcycle clothing – both on and off road, riding and afterwards, was held at the Italo-Australian Club. Talks by the Snowy Hydro Southcare Helicopter Rescue Service and Eddie Wheeler of the ACT Road Safety Trust rounded out the evening.
Friday morning saw a large group of us on the shores of the Lake, having breakfast – provided by the Vietnam Vets Federation – and enjoying Ride to Work Day.
And to finish the week, BikeFest was held all day Saturday. This was well supported by the Motorcycle shops, motorcycle related retailers, and clubs. Girls on the Move sold cold drinks, Ulysses demonstrated how to ride and camp, the Vietnam Vets MC sold tee shirts and gear, Gay made many earplugs, and people moved and chatted. A band, BadCat, played under a hot October sun, raffles were won, a show and Shine was held.
And get ready for next year – BikeFest and the Motorcycle Awareness week will be back!!
A few photos from the day can be found here
