Last weekend, the Pooncarie Racecourse was the meeting place, for almost one hundred avid bike and horse riders.
The freezing temperatures, brisk wind and early morning frost, were not enough to deter the keen race goers, which was an undisputed delight for the committee, who spent many months planning the event.
With a fantastic turnout for the Gymkhana on the Saturday and a very credible sixty or more competitors in the Sundays Bikekhana, the weekend couldn’t have been better received.
Bikers and horse riders lined up in their droves, to compete in the ever popular Barrel, Bending and Keyhole races.
The Undie, Thread The Needle and Apple In A Bucket novelty events only enhanced the fun and excitement.
The decision to bring back the bush event was after the incredible success of last year’s inaugural gymkhana and bikekhana, which came about after COVID had crippled the usual field day event.
“Due to the way events had been disrupted due to COVID, we had to readjust our focus last year,” Committee Chairman, Angus Whyte explained.
Mr Whyte said that they were left with “little time” to organise the field days in it’s usual capacity and so the idea for the bike and horseback games came about.
This year, the committee worked extremely hard to make the weekend even bigger and even better.
On Saturday night, the fires were roaring, the bar was buzzing and music from country music artist Paul Costa, made for a wonderful evening of entertainment.
An auction, with raised some much appreciated funds was held after a hotly contested whip cracking competition, where kids and adults alike grasped the chance to showcase their targeted and freestyle whip wielding skills.
“The gymkhana and bikekhana was a fun community event that brought everyone back together,” said Mr Whyte.
“Collectively people had a fun and entertaining weekend that allowed them to catch up with people they mightn’t have seen for a while,” Mr Whyte said.
The commitment from committee members, all of whom are volunteers, is superb.
Such an event wouldn’t exist without them.
Secretary Jess Smith, commends their hard work and devotion and notes the “countless hours” they put in to ensure the event got off the ground.
“We have a dedicated core group of volunteers who pitched in to have everything organised for the weekend,” explained Ms Smith.
“We have plenty of volunteers who helped over the course of the weekend and their contribution is extremely valuable.
As with all regional events, it wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of the local community, sponsors and donors.
“The support was fantastic in the form of sponsors, larger businesses as well as local properties and small businesses,” said Ms Smith.
“We had an influx of businesses and stations wanting to support with financial sponsorship.
The bikekhana in particular, wouldn’t be possible without the help of Mildura Motorcycle Club.
“They came on board last year to run the bikekhana and they have continued to support the event this year, said Ms Smith.
“Without them we would likely not be able to run a bikekhana.
All sponsors have been incredibly generous this year, especially the major sponsors who allow for the big ticket idea’s to eventuate.
“BR&C Agents jumped on board early and their valuable contribution enabled us to secure the popular performer in Paul Costa for Saturday evening.
“We also had incredible support from our two gold sponsors, the Pooncarie Hotel and Pastoral Panels,” Ms Smith explained.
