The Norton 0wners
Club Victoria INC extends an
invitation to all Norton owners, enthusiasts and
their families to the
2008 International Rally.
(Rally dates 7th March to the 16th
of March.)
LOCATION
The rally
will commence at
Axedale which is 15 kms from Bendigo one of
Victoria’s largest provincial cities. This area of the state is
famous for
the gold rushes of the 1850’s. This part of the rally will conclude on the
10th of March. The second part of the rally will consist
of a tour through
the ranges to the east stopping three nights culminating with a ride up
the Kiewa valley to Lake Hume the site of the final part of the
rally.
Lake Hume Resort and the adjacent Lake Hume Tourist Park are 15 kms from
Albury and Wodonga. These two large cities are situated on the
main rail, road link between Melbourne and Sydney.
ENTRY
FORMS
The
Entry Forms can be downloaded by clicking
here (
Rally notes can be accessed by clicking here
)
Given the duration of the event it will be
possible to enter whichever section you want. For instance riders from N.S.W. the A.C.T. and
Q.L.D. may find the extra distance to
Axedale too far. Likewise riders from S.A may decide Albury
is too far.
Some entrants have to work and are unavailable for the tour. This rally
offers several choices.
ELIGIBILITY
All
enthusiasts of Norton motorcycles. Nortons ridden to the event are
especially welcome. If riding your Norton to the event is
difficult, bring
it on a trailer. Bikes other than Nortons are also welcome.
WEBSITES
A good general site is --
www.tourisminternet.com.au
Another is –
www.visitvictoria.com/pigd
Lake Hume, the final part of the rally. www.lakehumeresort.com.au
Also see --
www.lakehumetouristpark.com.au
(There isn’t a site for Axedale however pictures of the area can be
seen Here)
ACCOMMODATION
As can be
seen on the two websites for Lake Hume there is something to suit
every budget. To be close to the social activities,
the resort is a better option.
The tour will
stay overnight at Mansfield and Harrietville. Accommodation will be at
pre-booked motels; or at camping grounds if
that’s your preference.
Axedale
accommodation is at the Rotary Youth Camp. Here once again there is
a range to suit every budget. Camping, powered sites,
dormitory and units. For other accommodation available in Bendigo
see www.bendigotourism.com
Axedale accommodation update:
(17 Dec. '07)
-
All modern units are now booked
- 50% of dormitory beds are taken
- 50% of the 'Nissan' Hut rooms are taken
update:
(11 Feb. '08)
The Tour & lake Hume
As some entrants have booked
as individuals for Motel rooms, There is the possibility to
rationize the numbers,ie fill the rooms.
If you are told the accommodation is fully booked, this may not be the
case. If in doubt ring Westy on 03 97234440.
Some cabins at Lake Hume Resort are not full. Ring before looking for an
alternative.
Further listing of possible
accommodation around Axedale click
here
update:
(29 Feb. '08)
Axedale accommodation is
now full..
ACTIVITIES
At Axedale
short rides to tourist sites will be arranged along with ‘free’ time
to allow participants to explore the region at their own pace.
A brief look at the relevant web site will give you some idea of what is
on offer.
The Tour part of the rally will take in the best roads in the northeast of
the state. Short stops at places of interest will be scheduled;
however
this part of the event is essentially about riding.
For details of
the Tour click
Here
At Lake Hume the Activities will centre around the resort with free time
allocated for you to explore the region. A ride of about 100 kms
around
part of the lake will be programmed along with a shorter ride for older
bikes if needed.
BACK
UP VEHICLES AND LUGGAGE TRANSPORT
A trailer
will be available in the unlikely event of a Norton breakdown.
Transport of luggage will be provided to and from both sites and on the
Tour through the week.
Day rides before and after the rally will be arranged. Possible
destinations include the following.
Sovereign Hill, Ballarat -
www.sovereignhill.com.au
The
Great Ocean Road -
www.greatoceanroad.org
Phillip Island -
www.visitvictoria.com/pigd
Yarra Valley - see above site.
MEALS
At
each section of the rally a group meal will be organized.
At Axedale all meals will be available with the exception of meals which
will form part of a ride or a free day where you will have forage
for yourself.
At Lake Hume the resort has a bistro, while the Tourist Park has take away
food and provides breakfast.
On the tour, stops will be arranged so as to maximize your choice of food.
A group meal may be put on if a suitable venue is available.
Every effort will be made to cater for people with special dietary needs
eg. Vegetarians.
Rally
Regalia
Rally Regalia details
(Click Here)
HIRING A BIKE IN VICTORIA
Garners in Melbourne
www.garnersmotorcycles.com.au
