Saturday morning saw a brilliant and cloudless blue sky and crisp mountain air. I knew then it was going to be a top day for a Rally - The annual Biker's Australia  ' Brass Monkey ' Rally at the Rydal Showgrounds. Knowing I was under ' certain ' instructions to attend I headed off in the cage ( not one word OK ! ) with the heater going full blast . At least long enough to melt the ice from the screen. I proceeded to endure a grueling and arduous 55 k's to the site. Heading down via Lithgow and past the magnificent blue waters of Lake Lyall , through the ' in a blink ' village of Rydal -  I soon enough arrived at the Showgrounds.  The day was beginning - the BA men all as busy as ten cats getting set up to put on a top show for all.

 

I was obvious that a great deal of effort had been put into making the event yet another BA success.

Huge fires were already built awaiting the torch - the bar was well stocked and ready to swing into action when the clock struck twelve - the kitchen already cooking up a storm of fresh tucka and campfires smoking from the previous night's fun. - A really fantastic atmosphere , setting the stage for the day's events. 

 

 

Noon saw the amber flow and the stage being set up by Steve BA for the night's entertainment of two bands to assist party the night away. The two o'clock bell sounded the start of the day's gymkhana events - competitors came a plenty to join in for the traditional slow race - the keg roll and a couple of twists being - the Chunder Run Awards - eg., - Chugalug a tinnie of ale - run 25 mtrs - Scoff down a cold pie - run 25 mtrs back and swallow a bottle of soda to wash it all down - a worthy event ! - and the women had their turn as well - Christine took the ladies prize and when told their was no trophy uttered simply   " no matter - a bucket will do " - And of course -  the 25 mtr drags - some interesting and unusual riding techniques being witnessed. Side by side duels - flat strap to the end of the run.  Not to forget a special mention to a young rider ( of maybe ? 8yrs old ) on his trusty steed , who proceeded to put to shame some of the big cc. players. Another Casey in the making ! - check out his pic. 

 

The bike show entrants had already lined up their treasures and there was some great Metallica on show. Peoples choice award went by a whisker  to an HD Sporty - a well deserved and strongly applauded victory. Now you can't beat local knowledge and it was pretty obvious that the air was soon to chill - Three o'clock hit and out came the petrol and dieso to soak the timbers and black coal bonfire mounds in readiness for the torch. They were soon ablaze and would be a certain blessing on dark.

 

Five o'clock saw me head out - waylaid for a bit at the Rydal pub - Hotel Alexandra - there were a few late arrivals warming their bodies with the amber and the word ' cold ' seemed to be on their minds. An enjoyable day with traditional Biker's Australia hospitality being shown to all. As I knock out these words I know that there'll be some cold arse out Rydal way tonight - but then that's gotta be part of the fun , the fun of it all.  Thanks " Biker's Australia " for another Five Star event.  *****