“The rally is still happening this year,” said Robertson. “I can’t stress that enough.”

The directors who resigned Jan. 29 included two of Robertson’s brothers, Phil and Paul, as well as Neil Pothier, Richard Gaudet, Tony Chute, Brenda Melanson, John Soles and Andrew Maves.

Kevin George also resigned as a member. Bob Handspiker had resigned earlier and separately from the others.

“We had some differences of opinion,” said Phil Robertson, “and for the good of the rally, we decided to step down and let the rally go in the direction the other directors were heading.”

Before the resignations, the vehicles of many directors were covered in Wharf Rat Rally decals but those cars are conspicuously plain these days.

Phil Robertson and Pothier said they wouldn’t speak for all who resigned, but say the group that left is still “tight” and continues to meet regularly.

“We’re going to gyp rock one of the guys’ garages this weekend and then we’re going to spend sometime fixing up my bike,” Robertson said.

Both Robertson and Pothier said everyone hopes the rally goes ahead.

“We’re planning to ride in the rally this year and just enjoy it for a change,” says Pothier. “Peter’s got a lot of work to do but hopefully it all comes together.”

Remaining on the board with chair Peter Robertson are his wife Tammy, Sherri Oliver and Ricky Stewart. Shawn Doane has joined the board recently and the rally has received several other applications, which they will be voting on soon.

The chairman says recruiting new volunteers has become a priority.

“To stage an event of this size, we need bodies to help us. People in the area like what we are doing and now we need their help to make sure 2008 tops 2007.”

He says applications to become a volunteer or committee member are available at the Digby Sears store.

“We want to know how much time people have to help, what they are good at and what they expect to get out of the experience.”

The board is considering an incentive program for their ‘Rat Pac’ volunteers including t-shirts and other perks. Robertson is still ironing out details on that.

Robertson said he also has some events about ready to announce and is hoping for increased attendance this year.

“People are taking notice. The rally is drawing attention to Digby and people are coming here to participate.

“We’re widely recognized in Nova Scotia as a premier motorcycle event and we hope to spread the word through the Atlantic Provinces and New England states.”

Rally estimates put attendance at close to 40,000 people for the Labour Day weekend in 2007, the rally’s third year.

In early January in Toronto, the North American International Motorcycle SuperShow named the Wharf Rat Rally the best regional motorcycle rally.

Peter has only good to say about the directors who resigned.

“They were a dedicated group that helped make the rally the success it is. We wish them all the best.”