The 2023 Ballards Offroad Conondale Classic Weekend presented by Rat Racing was an event record with a sell out of 500 riders, 1800 vintage dirt bikes on display and with numbers far exceeding 5,000 people attending the event under perfect sunny skies.
The tracks and campsites were filled with incredible Pre-95 bikes with popular brands like Honda, KTMs, Husky, Yamaha, Honda, Indian, BSA, Maico and Bultaco grabbing everyone’s attention and bringing a thrill to all who rode them! Friday’s Swap Meet was busy with rare parts, bikes, fashion and nostalgia on sale from campsite stalls giving attendees a chance to find a bargain.
“What an awesome weekend. Hats off To the committee for an awesome event. Fantastic venue, run professionally with a friendly atmosphere. Brought back so many memories as a kid“ commented participant Scott.
The Classic Weekend’s success and fun factor was thanks to the non-competitive riding sessions, allowing riders to roll up and ride whenever they wanted throughout the weekend. This format, in addition to the many track options, made for a smooth weekend with very little wait times for the riding sessions each day. All riders showed respect to fellow riders of all skill levels and support to the team running the event. It wrapped up with no major injuries or issues over the two full days of riding.
The 5 tracks were flowing and had non stop action all weekend, plus the vinduro loops had over 20 kms of trails winding along the beautiful Elaman Creek and up into the hills. Ryan Jacobs was riding till the wheels fell off on the Ballards Offroad Pre-95 MX track getting more air than Michael Jordan on his 1990 CR125. The Shannons EVO natural terrain MX track was being lapped all weekend with everything from side-cars to Triumphs, Kawasakis to Suzukis, all enjoying the uphill jumps and big bends.
A highlight of the weekend was watching the DT175’s and TS185 farm bikes battle it out turn for turn, bringing a serious amount of fun (and bragging rights) to the Maico at Chippys Grass Track.
The Shannons Show and Shine featured over 90 immaculate showroom quality bikes that filled the Village on Saturday. Countless hours and money had been invested by passionate bike lovers, who were proud to show off their incredible craftsmanship to the thousands of spectators on Saturday.
Saturday night kicked off with the band Eighties Recall rocking tunes to over 1,000 people at the Young Henrys Bar telling tall stories of their riding adventures and ready to win the bike plus awesome sponsor’s products from Motul, Heatwave, Pirelli, TCX Boots and Ballards in the club’s fundraising raffle.
The Conondale Classic Weekend is the SCMCC’s premier event with all funds going towards maintenance, infrastructure and upkeep of the venue, and to continue running these community riding events, made possible by the countless hours donated by club members and volunteers.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
