National Thunder Motorcycle Rally cancelled due to COVID-19
Friday 13 August, 2021
The National Thunder Motorcycle Rally has been cancelled due to the ongoing high levels of COVID-19 cases in NSW. Current lockdown orders in many parts of NSW and in neighbouring States along with associated border restrictions have brought about this difficult decision.
A decision has been made at this time to in order to provide plenty of notice to ticket holders, many of whom will be travelling from interstate, as well as other stakeholders such as contractors, performers and accommodation providers.
Event Manager, Michaela Stevens said it was an extremely tough decision to make and one that had always been a possibility in this current climate.
“We were confident that the event could go ahead safely and registration numbers were really solid. Unfortunately, with the developing COVID-19 situation we were left with no option but to cancel this year’s event.”
“Our priority is the health and safety of the Tamworth community as well as the rally attendees. We want to hold an event that is safe - one where people can comfortably mingle with mates and ride through the regions without concern, at this time this is not something we can guarantee.”
Tamworth region Mayor, Col Murray said it is an unfortunate blow to the region.
“The cancellation is a difficult one for the region because it was going to bring many people here for a great event and inject a significant amount of money into the economy. Unfortunately the event is completely unfeasible under the current circumstances but we look forward to having it next year.”
The event was scheduled to take place 1-4 October, 2021. More than 1,700 people registered to attend the event with many coming from Queensland and Victoria as well as all over NSW and each of the other states and territories.
The H.O.G. NSW State Rally was to be held in conjunction with the National Thunder Motorcycle Rally and at this time HOG will look to maintain this partnership for 2022. Ken McDonald, Harley Owners Group Regional Director Australia N.S.W/A.C.T. endorses Tamworth Regional Council’s decision to cancel this year’s event agreeing the health and safety of the motorcycle community and Tamworth residents is the greatest priority.
Additional information for ticket holders:
What happens next?
The National Thunder Motorcycle Rally will be rescheduled to be held from 30 September to 3 October 2022. All tickets sold will remain valid for the 2022 event. If ticket holders are unable to attend in 2022 a full refund will be issued.
I want to attend next year
If you would like to attend the rally next year and have already registered no further action is required at this time.
If you have not registered and would like to attend the 2022 event, registrations will reopen for the event in October with a new registration closing date of Friday 8 July 2022. The registration fee will be unchanged for next year’s event at $149 per person.
I am unsure if I can attend next year
If you need some time to determine if you can join us in 2022, there is no need to take action immediately. Registrations for the 2022 rally will remain open until Friday 8 July 2022. Anyone who has registered will have until Monday 11 July 2022 to cancel and receive a full refund. Updated Terms and Conditions with key dates will be available on the rally website (www.nationalthunder.com.au) in the coming days.
If you would like to cancel your registration and receive a full refund please contact the event organiser via email, info@nationalthunder.com.au, advising you would like to cancel your registration. Please also supply your name, address and if possible your registration confirmation number that was emailed to you the day you registered.
I have booked on site camping
If you have booked a tent at the National Thunder Camping Grounds, Kyle, the rally camping coordinator, from Wallaroo Camping will contact riders via email to arrange a full refund or will transfer your booking to the 2022 event.