Wharf Rat Rally revving engines for fifth year

Published on September 4, 2009

Published on January 31, 2010

Leanne Delong/Digby

The Digby Courier

Photos by Karla Kelly

What started off five years ago as a small event with 750 motorcycles has transformed into one of the largest motorcycle rallies in Atlantic Canada.

Organizers say 17,000 motorcycles and more than 50,000 people are expected at this year’s Wharf Rat Rally that began Wednesday and runs through to Monday, Labour Day.

Adults and children alike will be able to enjoy burnouts, Jet Ski stunt shows, motocross shows, and more. “There is a kids’ bicycle show-and-shine, plus a rodeo,” said rally executive director Peter Robertson.

He feels the event draws large crowds because of celebrities who take part and everything is free to enjoy.

There will be a memorial for the late Brad Ruel, a well-known bike builder from Florida, Robertson added. Ruel attended the rally last year as a celebrity bike builder.

A number of bike builders from Florida will make the trip up for this year’s event.

The Jet-Ski stunt show takes place throughout the weekend, and freestyle motocross expert Paul Smith returns this year and will include flips in his show. “He came second in Canada at the super-cross show in Toronto,” said Robertson.

Also making a guest appearance is Dan Haggarty, who portrayed Grizzly Adams in the TV series, and Alain Touring, the 2008 Canadian bike building champion.

Robertson is hoping the local community will show its their by coming to the event.

The Wharf Rat Rally Motorcycle Association works with a budget of $500,000 and usually breaks even each year, said Robertson. He adds that the town has benefitted by approximately $3 million in revenue over the past four rallies.

Schools in Digby are closed today, Sept. 4, because of crowds in town. ldelong@digbycourier.ca