The annual RAT Rally will be held at the popular central NSW coastal destination of Coffs Harbour from August 22-24. This year it will be preceded by Triumph’s inaugural National Off-Road RAT Rally in the Flinders Ranges from August 4-8.
Triumph marketing manager Mark Berger says bookings are solid for both events, with about 80% usually booking at the last minute. “Who knows, we may even have some people who do both rallies, although the Flinders event is a mammoth ride and it will be a big ask to back up just a few weeks later. But who knows!”
The annual RAT Rally last year attracted more than 400 Triumph owners to Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains. Event organiser Darren Kersey is expecting a similar popular turnout for this year’s event. “Coffs Harbour has always been a popular location amongst motorcyclists and we’ve hosted a few events in the area over the years,” he says.
This year’s rally will be hosted at the Novotel Pacific Bay Resort with registration o the Friday where all riders will receive a commemorative RAT patch, event pin, T-shirt, stubby holder and a song. “Last year we thought we would warm into the event with a bit of karaoke. It was such a hit that we’re bringing it back again this year.” Kersey says.
“Saturday is going to be all about the bikes kicking off with a show and shine, some demo rides on our fleet of Triumphs, and a mystery ride in the afternoon to name a few. But Saturday night is the big one, so our Trumpy owners better pack their best footy shorts, their oldest bluey, their favourite flanney and grow the best mullet because it’s a night of nights with Bogan Bingo.” Sunday’s activities include a short ride for a barbecue lunch send-off. Triumph owners and friends can buy tickets at $150 a head online.
Triumph National Off-Road RAT Rally in the Flinders RangesFor those fans of Triumph’s new range of adventure bikes, the National Off Road RAT Rally will be five days of dirty fun organised for Triumph by experienced international tour company, Compass Expeditions.
The RAT Rally starts in Broken Hill on Monday August 4 and heads out to the spectacular Flinders Ranges, finishing at Rawnsley Station on Friday August 8. Cost is $650 per person and includes welcome and farewell dinners, event t-shirt, photo disc, support vehicle, lead rider, waypoint and route maps. Optional accommodation and meal packages: Camping $350 (BYO camping gear), hotel twin share $710, hotel single room $980, all of which include five breakfasts and four dinners.