MOSSEL BAY MOTORING NEWS - The fourteenth consecutive Buffalo Rally in Mossel Bay takes place next weekend from 12 to 14 April, but the silver dream machines will be hosted at the Hartenbos ATKV venue for the very first time.
According to event organiser, the Nomads Motorcycle Club of Cape Town, all available chalets and rondavels were already fully booked in December - a clear indication of the excitement about the change of venue.
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
Nomads Motorcycle Club President, Luderick Jacoby, says the mass ride will be following much the same route as always.
"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 says entries 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, but I assume the economy has something to do with that. However, motorcyclists from those parts of the country have a history of entering at the gate."
The organisers invite locals to join in the free fun at the Garden Route Casino, where the Le Riche brothers will perform their motorcycle stunts.
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.
Economic injection
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 at 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.
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 to arrange alternative parking ahead of time.
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