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July 7 - 8, 2001.
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The 2001 Winter Rally: Part 1.
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By Peter Andrews, © 2001.
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It was reported the day before the United Tourers held their Winter Rally at Nerriga in NSW, that there was a big dump of snow in the Blue Mountains. So for myself who had last attended earlier versions of this rally in 1987, 1985 and 1983 at the old site on the Shoalhaven River, it would come as no surprise if there was going to be a low attendance at this event.
Sidewalk Shuffle performing a warm up number.
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After a 10 year break from riding bikes, this was only the second rally I had been to since restoring my 30 year old lawn mower with shims. With a late departure from the Gong, an absence of other bikes all the way to the rally was a little unfamiliar from the rally scene of the 80s. But getting there just before dark revealed that there was a decent size mob already there, set up and ready to party.
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Not long after the band performed a warm up number, a few guy's got into warming up their back tyres on a slab of concrete. The winner from that comp end up being Steve from the Illawarra's BRAT Tourers.
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Of course the above events happened quite early in the evening, but it wasn't long before the band was back up to pump out some great Paul Butterfield, and other blues tunes, well into the night.

While most hung around a huge fire at the centre of the venue, a few managed to get outside the ring of warmth to dance along with the band.

Having being outside the scene for such a long time, I'm quite happy to say that all the people I met were great. I can't remember all their names but a few that come to mind were Jonno from Kingswood, Tony from Newcastle and Frank and friends from Sanctuary Point. And of course there were the BRAT and Kobber Tourers who also had the welcome mat out at their fire.
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The Kobbers end up taking out the largest club in attendance award for the rally.
And the band played on!
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Considering the new layer of snow up on the mountains, it wasn't really that cold a night. But I think it would be fair to say it was a little too cold for a wet T'shirt comp. So in its place, the organizers conducted a no T'shirt comp for anyone who wanted to participate.
And a few managed to drag their feet away from the massive fire to dance along with the band.
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But due to Federal Government regulations and Senator Gall Stone, and in consideration for the wide demographic of audience to this site, I'm afraid I can't show you the photos. If you want to see stuff like that, you will just have to get off your butt and get to another bike rally.
Winners of the largest club attendance went to these guys, the Kobbers. The rest of the bunch were out somewhere enjoying the party.
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Peter Andrews ©2001. All Rights Reserved.
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