WHAT a success! The 2014 Australian Motorcyclist Magazine Bombala Bike Show just narrowly missed being washed out on Saturday, instead attracting a big crowd of 2,000 people, and being crowned the best bike show in years.
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Clouds threatened the worst at times but spirits were high, with a happy crowd pushing through a changeable day and chilly night to the tune of great bands, more attractions and bikes, bikes, bikes!
Once again Bombala welcomed hundreds of visiting riders to the area for the annual event, with many roaring into town on the Friday to take advantage of free camping and a big night out.
Of course it was all about Saturday, and there has been nothing but praise for the Bike Show itself, with all agreeing that the committee provided plenty to see and do throughout the entire event.
The number of bikes judged was up on last year, with 97 being entered into the formal categories, while hundreds of others were simply parked around the showground for all to admire.
And the crowd was certainly left impressed, with everything from rustic vintage bikes to stunning painted and shined machines grabbing everyone’s interest.
The winner of the Overall Best Bike was Daryl Cuddy, whose Harley Davidson Duo Paw also took home the trophy for the Best American bike on show.
Mayor Bob Stewart made the presentations, which included handing over the Brian Dumper and Peter Hall Memorial Trophy to the Best Vintage Bike, entered by Peter Marshall.
Of course the fantastic Yamaha MT09 raffle was also drawn, with former local, Merv Rayner being the popular winner of the brand new bike provided by Mick Cole Motorcycles.
There was much more to the day than the show bikes, however, with one of the main features again being the incredible trials demonstrations put on by the riders of Flair Action Sports.
This skilful team crossed the boundaries between trials, BMX and freestyle motocross action, wowing all with stunts that included everything from the ultra popular backflip, to jumping over riders lying on the ground!
A larger number of stalls and food vendors than ever before offered their wares, while various special displays were set up, including our emergency services, historic engines, vintage vehicles and even a local art exhibition.
The kids were happily entertained, with the giant slide and Zorba bumpa balls earning rave reviews, along with face painting and the junior bike activities.
Then there was the brand new Lemans competition that had riders racing to don their gear and start their bikes, and the Holden vs Ford trial that saw the two battle it out with no oil or water. Ford won, by the way.
And finally we get to the highlight of this year’s Australian Motorcyclist Magazine Bombala Bike Show – Angry Anderson! The committee paid big bucks for him to come, and he certainly didn’t disappoint once on stage.
His meet and greet with fans in the afternoon was only brief, but in the meantime the crowd enjoyed great local music from Ben Fuiono, the Slippery Boys and Angus Rump & Chips.
Numbers were at their highest for Angry’s late night showing, however, and he hit the stage with Rockhouse to belt out an awesome performance that echoed across the town and thrilled the excited crowd.
It was the icing on the great big cake that was this year’s Bombala Bike Show, and the fact that the rain held off until just after the stage went dark was probably the cherry on top!
All agreed that there were more bikes, stalls and activities on offer at this year’s event.
Top line performer, Angry Anderson travelled to Bombala on Saturday to rock the Bike Show crowd with a late night Rockhouse band performance. (Photo: Sam Dyer).
The Flair Action Sports team wowed the crowd with their stunts.