MOSSEL BAY NEWS - It is two weeks to go to the fourteenth consecutive Buffalo Rally in Mossel Bay, although this year the iconic event will be hosted at the Hartenbos ATKV venue for the first time.
The organiser, the Nomads Motorcycle Club of Cape Town, has indicated that all available chalets and rondavels were booked in December, soon after bookings opened - a clear indication of the excitement about the change of venue.
Taking place from 12 to 14 April - unlike the previous rallies that were hosted in March - residents can expect to soon hear the reverberating roar of big and small bikes as bikers from across the country, Namibia and even from abroad ride into Hartenbos.
The ATKV Resort campsite is close to the beach, making it ideal for campers. On offer are excellent ablution facilities, a conveniently located shopping area, live bands, a great variety of food and stalls, big screen TVs as well as great prizes for rider and pillion.
The grand prize is a whopping R135 000 in cash. As usual, local residents are welcome to attend at a fee, payable at the gate.
Mass ride
Mossel Bay residents will again have the opportunity to enjoy the mass ride. President Nomads Motorcycle Club, Luderick Jacoby, said the mass ride will be following very much of the old route.
"The difference this year is that we start at the ATKV Resort, follow Louis Fourie Road, turn left into George Road and then go around the Point.
"Then, as we descend from KwaNonqaba, we turn left into Louis Fourie and return to the resort. We depart from the ATKV Resort at 11:00 and should reach the Point area by 11:25, depending on the traffic."
Jacoby added that the entries for this year are slightly up from last year. "I notice there are a greater number of people attending for the first time.
"Entries from Namibia, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Mpumalanga are fewer than last year. I assume the economy has something to do with that. However, motorcyclists from those parts of the country have a history of only entering at the gate."
Free stunt shows
The organisers invite locals to join in the free fun staged at the Garden Route Casino, where the Le Riche brothers, Brent and Bruce, will again impress with their skills and stunts on the Saturday at 12:00.
There will also be lots of free promotional giveaways. Also popular is the annual showcase of shiny motorcycles at the Show and Shine, hosted at the casino.
The rally's sizable financial impetus for Mossel Bay not only stems from job creation through the employment of several locals, but also from the many Buff visitors who return to holiday with their families at other times of the year.
Even during the rally, many participants prefer to stay in local hotels and bed and breakfast establishments, thereby augmenting the tourism industry.
The Nomads annually also generously contribute to local NGOs and the Mayoral Fund.
However, the organisers warn that the Buffalo Rally is a motorcycle-only rally. As usual no cars will be permitted into the camping area and it would be best - even for locals - to arrange for alternative parking ahead of time.
The chairman and leadership of the Nomads Motorcycle Club annually donate a sizable amount of money to the Mayoral Charitable and Relief Fund after the popular Buffalo Rally.
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