Biketoberfest roars into Leongatha

THE rumble of thousands of motorbikes will be heard in Leongatha when Biketoberfest rolls into town on Saturday, October 29.

People can wander along Bair and Lyon Streets exploring motorcycles of all varieties.

“We’re wanting all bikes to come,” one of the event organisers Cherie Pritchett said.

That includes dirt bikes, postie bikes, even trikes and motorcycles with sidecars, scooters, road bikes, and anything else people wish to bring along.

There’s also the chance to buy from around 30 mostly motorcycle-related stalls, including one devoted to Biketoberfest merchandise.

In addition to local hospitality businesses that choose to open on the day, a food court area will operate in the RSL carpark.

Attendees will enjoy music from Fiona Curram of Foster and Korumburra’s CCM.

A classic motorcycle display is set to feature in the Leongatha Memorial Hall, and there will be an SES demonstration in the Woolworths carpark.

Biketoberfest is supported by the Leongatha Business Association, with a small subcommittee established to organise the major event that runs on a not-for-profit basis with a strong community focus.

Subcommittee member Cherie explained the simple rationale behind holding the event, which arose from a chat about how to show off Bair Street.

“We love motorbikes, and we want to showcase the town,” she said.

Cherie, husband Graham, and Roz and Steve Busana were part of that initial discussion which sparked what may be Leongatha’s largest event, with John Burke the other founding member of the organising subcommittee.

Black Dog Ride is supporting the day, established in 2008 to create awareness of depression and since raising millions of dollars for mental health programs.

A speaker from the organisation will talk about mental health in the afternoon.

Part proceeds from the event raffle, drawn at 2.30pm, will go to the Black Dog Ride, with up to $3,000 worth of prizes up for grabs for those who enter.

Gold coin donations can also be made to contribute to the mental health cause. 

Biketoberfest runs from 9am until 3pm, with motorcyclists arriving and departing as they wish throughout the day.