Motorcycle Event

NATIONAL THUNDER MOTORCYCLE RALLY TAMWORTH 30.09.22 – 3.10.22

Day 1 Thursday – 29.9.22

Woke up with the alarm at 5am, packed my bag (taking out the thermals cos…well…I won’t need them – famous last words…hohum!), packed my bike, had breakfast and then headed off to meet Kel (Ned Scooby) at Nudgee for a coffee and to discuss how we are getting there. Well seeing as I have a new Forcite Helmet with super dooper GPS, I thought we should just follow what the lady in the helmet said.

So off we go, me on my Harley 1200 Custom Sportster and Kel on her Scooter. The weather was overcast but I was confident that we were going to have a dry time. Everyone else wasn’t as confident but we were prepared so we were just excited to get there.

Kel, Dinosaur and I

Kel, Dinosaur and I.

While we were riding, I realised I couldn’t get the video to record in my awesome helmet (which turned out to be user error) so I didn’t get any footage riding down.

We ended up stopping at the border for some mandatory pics and somewhere along the line we stopped to take dinosaur pics.

State Border

Queensland – New South Wales Border

The ride down was so relaxing. We just moseyed along and when we got to Tamworth we decided to register at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre first where the whole event is held and get our goodie bag.

Welcome Signage

Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre

Once we registered and had a quick look, we got back on the bikes going back 20kms to my Hotel…Kootingal Hotel.

Kootingal Hotel

Kootingal Hotel

By this time it was about 6pm so we were ready for a drink, a feed, shower and sleep. Let me tell you Kootingal Hotel has the best food and the most wonderful staff. It isn’t 5 Star accommodation, but it is clean, comfortable and great people. I would say the food is 5 Star though.

This was my Parmigiana.

Parmigiana at Kootingal

We met Jack who was the Manager and soon to be taking it over. He was awesome and so helpful. I felt like I had been there for weeks.

While we were having our drink, we met more bikers who were there for dinner and one of them was Barry from Across the Ditch Motorcycle Tours.. He takes people from Australia to New Zealand and does bike tours. I knew I just had to interview him. Which happened on Day 4.

After food, yum yum. We went up to the room, had a shower and went to sleep.

The room had double bunks and really was comfortable, more comfy than my bed at home.

DAY 2 Friday – 30.9.22

Kel had booked a tent for three nights so she stayed last night at the Hotel. We headed off to the bakery for breakfast at “That Bakery Stop”. They did the best toastie sandwiches and coffee. If you are in Tamworth, check them out…they were really friendly too and busy.

We also stopped at the Golden Guitar. Couldn’t come to Tamworth without checking it out…great photo op! Golden Guitar Tamworth

Golden Guitar, Tamworth

The Big Golden Guitar is 12 metres tall and weighs half a tonne. When you are in Tamworth, have a stop-off and check it out. It stands outside the Tourist Centre which includes the Nathional Guitar Museum, Country Music Wax Museum and the Golden Guitar Cafe oh and a souvenir shop. Here is a link to find out more about it. Destination Tamworth.https://www.destinationtamworth.com.au/operator/big-golden-guitar/

The Golden Guitar Plaque

The Golden Guitar Plaque

We then headed to the camping area at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre to get Ned (Kel) set up. There we met Kyle who ran the camping area. A lot of work for one man but he was always smiling and accommodating (see what I did there, accommodation…accommodating…sorry. Lol). His business is Wallaroo Camping Hire and this is a pic of one of his glamping tents. This has two singles in but there are other options.

Glamping Tent

Glamping Tent

https://www.wallaroocampinghire.com/

We also went for a ride to the Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum. What an amazing place.

The wonderful Craig gave us an interview and tour and explained about the 50+ motorcycles. This is a private collection of all sorts of bikes and includes Ducati, Triumph, Velocette, Laverda, a 1924 Harley postie bike and a rare limited edition F4 MV Augusta and more. Such beautiful classics that have all been restored.

We then went back to the Venue for food and to listen to the Bands. The bands were awesome and there were lots of chairs for people to just sit and listen. And also to dance or in Ned’s case to do headstands. Hahaha.

Damnation

Tonight they had the Bands Absolute Creedence Experience, Tribute to Women of Rock (brilliant) and Damnation – ACDC Bon Scottt tribute band. I left about 10pm and rode the 20kms to the Hotel. Remember I said I took my thermals out of my packing? OMG!

DAY 3 Saturday – 1.10.22

Ned had booked us in to a guided ride to Barrabra today. Great ride and the silo art was just amazing. I had never really been into this but wow they really are impressive. Got to Barrabra and had some lunch then it started to rain so after lunch everyone found their own way back. There was more entertainment starting at 1pm but some of it was cancelled.

Silo Art at Barrabra

There were the HOG Chapter Games which I didn’t get to see. It was only for H.O.G members and I feel this should have been opened to all types of bikes to make it more inclusive.

Tonight was the Equine Spectacular. The animals were cute and the comedy was pretty good.

Day 4 Sunday 4.10.22

I was heading out to Gunnedah today. I wanted to go cos a couple of old friends used to live there and I wanted to go for a ride to see it, but I ended just riding local and went to visit the Harley Shop in town.

Then I went back to the Venue for the motorcycle display. I missed the Show and Shine! I really wanted to see that. Doh!

Found Barry and we did an interview regarding Across the Ditch Motorcycle Tours. If you haven’t ridden around New Zealand and you have always wanted to, check out our interview.

Also caught up with Ned and our new friends and listened to the bands again.

Day 5 Monday 5.10.22

Today was the National Thunder Run. There would have been about 300 bikes. It was a 35km ride around the town with people lining the street. To see the all the kids smiling faces and waving and screaming was definitely a sight to see. It was on the news and Ned was interviewed. Hahaha.

Courtesy Channel 7 News.

We picked up Ned’s gear from the tent and headed back to the Hotel for the final night here. There is a cool common room with a lounge, television, microwave, fridge, toaster and tea and coffee facilities. So we just relaxed in there, microwaved our dinner and then went to sleep.

Day 6 Tuesday 6.10.22

Well we got up early packed the bikes and headed home. We ended up having breakfast at Black Mountain Petrol Station. The bacon and eggs were awesome. Doesn’t look much from the outside but the food is goood.

Got home 10 hrs later and then the rain and floods started. We were so lucky. It was flooding before we got there. We had brilliant weather while we were there and then it went downhill when we got back.

CONCLUSION

I heard a few complaints from some patrons and I know some left early cos they were underwhelmed. I also know a lot of the stall holders and food vans cancelled due to the uncertainty of the weather which was disappointing but understandable. The bands were fantastic.

I heard someone say that it was advertised as a mini Sturgis which I didn’t see but I don’t believe it was ever going to be that wild.

I went expecting nothing and I had a great time. Yes, things can be tweeked to be better and I truly hope the organisers send everyone on their email list a feedback questionnaire so people can honestly say what they thought.

The amount of work and preparation that went into making this successful was huge. The security was on point. I don’t believe there were any major issues and there were no accidents that I heard of. Talking to the locals, I believe the majority were grateful that we were there supporting Tamworth and the surrounding country towns.

I am looking forward to going to their 2^nd event just to compare and hopefully the weather forecast will be better so more people attend.

So overall, for me personally, I had a great time and met some great people.

Thank you Tamworth for putting on a enjoyable few days. This was the first time I had been to Tamworth but I will be back. Such a beautiful town and wonderful locals.

This is a video of my honest opinion of the event.

Stay Upright

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Why? I hear you ask. ( I know I would ask!)

First: 10% off first purchase in our shop. (More products in the negotioation stages).

Second: Notification of new blog posts to read.

As we are a new business, we are in the process of sourcing discounts on motorcycle friendly accommodation, eateries, accessories etc.

There are also a whole lot of ideas that are waiting to come to fruition, but they are still in the planning stage. So will keep you up to date with them too.

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Candymans Badass Rides n Brew 14.5.22 presented by Deathwish Customs

What a wonderful day it was and for a great cause. The fun event was raising money for Safe Haven who is a not-for-profit charity and helps women and children to escape domestic abuse. I have included the link for anyone who feel they may want/need to check them out. Click here…

The threat of the weather fortunately didn’t keep everyone away. I believe it would have been huge if that pesky threat wasn’t there. But it is Queensland…lol

The day started off with me picking up my mate Dave and heading to Monte Alehouse in Slacks Creek where the event was being held.

I love this place. I had never been or heard of this place before but I can tell you they have the nicest staff with great customer service, the best food (at ridiculously good prices) and speaking to the Owner Tom and Manager Michael was like talking to people you had known for years.

Honestly do yourself a favour and check Monte Alehouse out….click here to go to their website……

It was a fantastic day of seeing some absolutely stunning paintwork (from Deathwish Customs), meeting great people and listening to some great music courtesy of Haylee Coulter.

There were also the Deathwish girls and the Jack Daniels (one of the major sponsors) girls, selling raffle tickets. The prizes were amazing. I won one of the Jack Daniels prizes which was a 4 pack of JD, T-Shirt and cap. But there were Harley Davidson packs raffled off, $1000.00 vouchers and $500.00 prize for airbrushing, etc, etc. The incredible prizes seemed endless.

BUT the reason we were all there was to see the bikes and cars. As well as to support Deathwish Customs and this wonderful charity.

Deathwish Customs who is Marcus Gautiere (and has agreed for an interview…thank you), Candyman and the team have built up a reputation for excellence and to see their work first hand and the detail that goes into it is breathtaking. Pictures just don’t do their work justice.

I also met Shaun, Dave and Justin from DB Kustomz. Thanks for the chat. Fun, crazy bunch of dudes who have a story I want to share. I will be going to interview them in the next few weeks about what they have been up to and their new nitro bike. So look out for that. See you at Dust Hustle guys.

Shaun, Dave & Justin

All in all it was a fantastic day and Deathwish Customs were able to hand over $1,700.00 to Safe Haven which is a fantastic effort. If you get a chance to go to the next Deathwish event, set the date and go. Awesome bunch of people.

Link: Deathwish Customs

For more pics of the awesome day click here for my You Tube mash up.

Link: You Tube Mash Up.

Why be part of the Life and Motorbikes Team?

Be part of the Life and Motorbikes team and register for our newsletter.

Why? I hear you ask. ( I know I would ask!)

First: 10% off first purchase in our shop. (More products in the negotioation stages).

Second: Notification of new blog posts to read.

As we are a new business, we are in the process of sourcing discounts on motorcycle friendly accommodation, eateries, accessories etc.

There are also a whole lot of ideas that are waiting to come to fruition, but they are still in the planning stage. So will keep you up to date with them too.

So fill in the newsletter form to the right to join our team.

Stay upright.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Smoked Garage Brisbane Re-Opening 17.7.20

I had heard so much about Smoked Garage Brisbane the last couple of years and I knew I would always get there at some stage to check it out. I thought it was just a motorcycle themed restaurant/bar. Boy was I wrong! It is so much more.

Shop front of Smoked Garage Brisbane

Last Friday night, 17 July 2020, Smoked Garage reopened to the public so I thought what better time to go and visit and see for myself.

We arrived at about 6pm hoping for a meal and we parked in a secure parking just up the street as we weren’t aware that there was parking behind Smoked Garage in Little Street.

Cool decor

Wow! It is a 3 level, 100+ year old building with a fully functioning workshop in the basement, showroom and café/bar/kitchen on the ground level and I am not sure if this is completed yet but a function space on the top level.

There is actually a Barber in there too, The Stray Cat Barber.

Entrance to Smoked Garage Brisbane

The staff were definitely following the safety protocols for Covid and we were unfortunately unable to eat there. I absolutely advise to book before you come if you are wanting food. I have heard rumours that the food is pretty awesome.

As I was editing the photos I noticed that they sell Smokehead Whisky! I can’t wait to go back and try that! I did an article on a collaboration of Smokehead Whisky and Tyler Lunceford. Smokehead challenged Tyler to create ‘The Smoker’, a one of a kind, customised, vintage racer inspired Ducati.

You can read the journey here….

Smokehead Whisky Reveal Motorcycle Collaboration – Part 1

There was also a two piece band playing, Sunflower and the atmosphere was relaxing and welcoming. The music was perfect for the night. Both Lawson Doyal and Kahlia Furguson were perfect for the ambiance of the night.

Royal Enfield

You can tell the owners love motorcycles and Smoked Garage specialise in designing and building custom motorcycles. They do everything from complete builds to cosmetic work and everything in between.

Vintage Bike

• Eg. Frame / bodywork modification and fabrication
• Electrical
• Mechanical
• Upholstery
• Paint
• Custom Made Parts
• Bolt on Parts

CREDIT: Smoked Garage Brisbane – Harley Davidson 48

More decor.

To check out more about this incredible Motorcycle Haven, check out their Facebook page. Click here..

And their Website. Click here..

Smokehead Whisky Reveal Motorcycle Collaboration – Part 1

The Collaboration of Smokehead Islay Single Malt Whisky and Tyler Lunceford.

Come and follow the journey, through a series of episodes, behind the collaboration of Smokehead Islay Single Malt Whisky and world renowned biking sensation Tyler Lunceford, as he creates ‘The Smoker’, a one of a kind, customised, vintage racer inspired Ducati.

Smokehead challenged Tyler, who the New York press has dubbed “The Ducati whisperer of the tri-state area’, to create his boldest motorbike idea ever, for Smokehead to showcase at key events.

The bike is nearly completed and the project will run until September 2019. ‘The Smoker’ will then be unveiled and launched at Bar Convent Berlin.

Read more about this project in the press release below and follow the link to see the episodes.

SMOKEHEAD REVEAL MOTORCYCLE COLLABORATION

‘The Smoker’ will be a bespoke motorcycle expertly crafted by the Ducati Whisperer, Tyler Lunceford.

Smokehead Islay Single Malt Whisky has teamed up with renowned global biking sensation Tyler Lunceford (known as the Ducati Whisperer of the New York tri-state), challenging him to create his boldest motorcycle ever.

The project will follow the creation of a customised Ducati bike, captured through a series of episodes*.

US born, Tyler has a workshop in Brooklyn where he has customised bikes for many obsessive bikers and rock stars.

He recently moved to Scotland and opened a workshop in Leith, Edinburgh and will produce a custom Ducati, inspired by vintage racing motorcycles, for Smokehead to showcase at key events.

The project will run until September 2019, when the finished model, ‘The Smoker’, will be unleashed.

* FULL EPISODE NO. 1, 2 and 3: (click on 1/3 in upper right hand corner of video to see all three episodes.)

Commenting on the partnership, Tyler Lunceford, of North Motorcycle, said: “I’m excited to be involved with Smokehead. I love the idea of this brand supporting craftsmen and women, and it’s even better as I’m a huge Smokehead whisky fan.

Motorcyclists have an identity; they feel independent and different from other people. When you find something you like, such as a bold, smoky, outrageous whisky that is not for everyone, it gives you a sense of belonging when it is for you.

I’m literally building my dream bike; it will be something that’s never been seen before, something so bold, that even motorbike buffs will be blown away. It won’t be easy, but it’s a great opportunity to make something really special.”

Adding his thoughts, Iain Weir, Smokehead Brand Director, said: “We’re proud to be working with Tyler. His all-round attitude personifies Smokehead – bold, daring and independent.

We can’t wait to see the bike unveiled. Just like Smokehead, motorbikes are not for everyone, but that’s okay, and that’s why this partnership works so well.”

***Smokehead encourages everyone to drink responsibly, and not to drink and ride*.**

My Say:

We here at Life and Motorbikes, are excited to see the end result as we are lovers of whisky, motorcycles, passion and creativity. I for one, was pleased when Tyler suggested ‘The Smoker’ might be minimalistic and naked. After looking at the series and hearing Tyler speak, I think this is going to be one hell of a bike!

UPDATE: Part 2 of the collaboration is now out. Click here to see and read about “The Smoker”.

Stay upright.

To read more of our blogs, click here……The Blog.

Why be part of the Life and Motorbikes Team?

Be part of the Life and Motorbikes team and register for our newsletter.

Why? I hear you ask. ( I know I would ask!)

First: 10% off first purchase in our shop. (More products in the negotiation stages).

Second: Notification of new blog posts to read.

As we are a new business, we are in the process of sourcing discounts on motorcycle friendly accommodation, eateries, accessories etc.

There are also a whole lot of ideas that are waiting to come to fruition, but they are still in the planning stage. So will keep you up to date with them too.

So fill in the newsletter form to the right to join our team.

Stay upright.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

10 Toes Brewery – Bikes, Beer & BBQ Review 12.5.19

Hosted by Bare Knuckles BBQ and 10 Toes Brewery – Sugar Rd Alexandra Hedland.

Today we went to 10 Toes Brewery to check out the Bikes, Beer & BBQ in Alexandra Hedland.

We got there a bit early and the first thing we saw were some pretty hot motorbikes parked up beside the Brewery. So of course we just had to check them out and take pics.

BIKES

$\"Harley$ Harley Davidson Knuckle

Once we had enough of drooling over them…..

$\"Triumph$

Triumph Rocket III

we went inside to check out the place. One more motorcycle pic…

$\"1974$

1974 Suzuki GT

To see more of the great bikes that were here, go to our Facebook Page here.

BEER

What a funky place it is! There is Street Art on the left hand wall when you walk in giving it that real Urban feel and really fitted in with the rest of the decor.

The atmosphere was welcoming, friendly and had that old school feel and hospitality. There was also live music but unfortunately we had to leave before we could hear too much. What we did hear was great and blended in with the atmosphere. Great choice of music.

Ok, time to taste the beer.

10 Toes Brewery have a great line-up of craft beers and they are brewed in their microbrewery . The Vats are sitting just behind the counter.

Annaliese served us and as I am a whiskey drinker, had no idea which beer I would like, so Annaliese gave me some samples.

After tasting three types, I settled on the “Pipeline Pale Ale” which is one of their best sellers. Tony ordered the “Longboard” and after tasting the “Longboard”, I couldn’t decide which one I liked best. Both were great.

Once we had the drinks in hand, next came the BBQ.

BBQ

The BBQ was cooked by Bare Knuckles Barbeque and what a character Jamie (Chops) is!. He had us laughing and he loves to chat.

$\"Bare$

We found out the Chops is the founder and runs the “Dirty Love Kustom Bike Show”.

For those that don’t know the Dirty Love Kustom Show” is:
“An Independent Australian Traditional Chopper and Vintage Motorcycle Show aimed at featuring as much as we can about the love of vintage and kustom era’ specific built motorcycles. A get together of like minded folks who love or want to own, build, maintain and ride the clappers out of them – The show also includes; a vintage pin-up pageant, lowbrow art show, live music, food & drinks, trade stalls, biker games and Sailor Jerry After-Party!”.

This description is taken straight from the website.
Check it out here.

This man has absolutely so much energy, he also has time to put out the “Dirty Love Magazine” which is a great Aussie Magazine which includes bikes, events, artists, products, business’s etc to feature. Chops has the same philosophy as me….promoting bikes and businesses.

For more about Bare Knuckles “Low N Slow\” Barbeque, check out Chop\’s facebook page here. I forgot to say how good the food was too. We both had brisket beef rolls with coleslaw. Fitted in perfectly with the atmosphere here.

I also bumped into Keith who builds custom choppers. His business is called BikeRidz Custom and is another wonderful character, full of life and passion.

Below is a pic of one of his creations. Very talented man with a big, big project about to happen. Look out for him.

$\"Custom$

BikeRidz Custom

CONCLUSION

Bikes, Beers & BBQ at 10 Toes Brewery was a success and we will certainly be visiting them again.

John and Annaliese, the bar staff, were so chatty and friendly and they can certainly show other businesses what Customer Service really is.

The atmosphere was really relaxed and enjoyable and we could have stayed for a few more hours.

There are so many characters that come here that you would never tire of the stories they tell and I love hearing people’s stories.

There are a couple of events coming up on the 1 June and 6 July so check out 10 Toes Brewery\’s facebook page here and follow them to hear all upcoming news.

Review: 8/10

More Motorcycle pics on our facebook here…