Robertson, Western Cape – This weekend sees the second annual Rally in the Valley, a biker party with a difference.
The valley in this case is the Breede River, the venue the Silverstrand resort just outside Robertson, and the twist is that it’s open to ladies only. No gents. No machismo antics fuelled by an explosive combination of testosterone and alcohol.
Just a bunch of girls who all happen to ride motorcycles, chilling in the summer sun, consuming improbable quantities of beer and enjoying a weekend of (relative) peace and quiet, away from the pressures of being wife, mother, career woman and biker chick, all at the same time.
Hosted by Lady Bikers SA, an informal sisterhood mostly linked by social media, an astonishing amount of preparation has gone into the event. The programme starts on Friday with rally registration from 2pm, a formal welcome from the mayor of Robertson, Alderman Diana Gagiano, at 5.30, a ‘meat and greet’ round the braai fire from 6pm and live music with Sharon Clifton from 7.30.
MASS RIDE
Saturday gets underway at 9.30am with a safety briefing before the mass ride through Robertson to the rally’s designated charity, the Institute for the Blind, at 10am, the Concours d’Elegance judging and a gentle ride back to the campsite for an afternoon of fun and games – tug-o-war, riding the mechanical bull, hula hoop, etc – culminating in the lucky prize-giving and the lucky draw for the main prizes at 5.30pm and live music from Sharon Clifton and rock icon PJ Power from 7.30pm.
Available on site will be demo rides with Harley-Davidson Cape Town, a VIP Pamper Palace hosted by Janie du Plessis and Cancer Vive, a variety of food and liquid refreshment stalls, tattoos, jewellery, biker gear and memorabilia.
The survivors will gather for a group photo and a very special closing ceremony on Sunday morning, before taking leave of friends old and new for the ride home.
RIDE UP PARTY
Entry costs R300 per lady; bring your own tent or rent a two-person canvas condo (with mattresses) for the weekend at an additional R160.
The entry fee includes free transport for your additional gear (tent, hairdryer, etc) from the Lady Bikers office at to Silverstrand and back - just be sure to drop it off at Suite 141a, Millennium Business Park, Block E, Edison Way, Century City by 6pm on Thursday.
There will also be a ride up party to Silverstrand, starting simultaneously from McDonalds in Kenilworth and Woodbridge Island in Milnerton at 1.30pm, to join up with more riders at the N1 Engen Winelands and depart at 2.30pm, en route to another rendezvous at the Shell Garage on the N1 at Worcester, and move on at 3.30pm.
A second ride up will leave from N1 Engen Winelands at 6.30am on Saturday.
At last year’s inaugural Rally in the Valley, a number of ladies admitted - with expressions ranging from embarrassment to elation - that it was the first time they had ridden that far without a male escort. This year they know they can do it – what’s your excuse?
For more information contact Sonja at 021- 824 - 3397 or register online at the Lady Bikers website .