October 9-11, 2009
The 28th Thunder Rally is proudly hosted by the Ducati Owners Club of NSW. 
The rally site is the picturesque Sheba Dams Recreation Area, Nundle, approximately 430 kms north west of Sydney.
Come and join us for the Twenty Eighth year of our rally to benefit the Moorong Spinal Unit, Royal Rehabilitation Centre, Ryde.
All motorcyclists welcome!
no cars or dogs please
The rally site is the picturesque Sheba Dams Recreation Area, Nundle, approximately 430 kms north west of Sydney.
A prepaid entry fee of $20 or a late entry fee of $25 will include a badge and a hot or cold drink upon arrival, upon reporting to the official tent. It is “BYO everything”, however the following is available in the Nundle township—fuel, food, basic supplies and EFTPOS. The Lions Club are providing a BBQ for Friday evening through to Sunday morning. Bring your fishing gear and try your luck in the trout stocked dam at the campsite.
If you would like to stay in Nundle you could try The Peel Inn (02) 6769 3377; The Hills of Gold Motel (02) 6769 3222; Nundle Caravan Park (02) 6769 3355. Other accommodation is available, check the phone book.
Awards
- Longest distance— Male, Female, Pillion, Single, Outfit, Club Plate, Stuffed Cat, American, British, Ducati, European (other than Ducati), Asia/India/Sub-continent bikes.
- Oldest combined bike and rider.
- Largest Club attendance.
- Hard luck.
All awards will be determined by the most direct route from postcode and any other relevant information off your pre-payed entry, to minimise confusion prior to awards being given, with the exception of the hard luck award. Those entering on the day that wish to contend in a specific category will need to notify the organisers at the registration tent and provide relevant verification (eg.: fuel receipts or log book etc.) to over rule a pre determined category. One award per entry only. All decisions made regarding the awards by the organisers will be final.
Ride towards Nundle, south east of Tamworth (37 kms off the New England Highway). From Nundle, follow the signs to the site at Sheba Dams Recreation Area (approx. 9 kms from town). The road rises 300m in 6 kms. It’s picturesque and has lots of corners, so take care! If you hit dirt, you’ve gone too far! Alternative routes include the Oxley Highway or via Gloucester/Nowendoc.
The standard of behaviour is left to the individual but don’t spoil it for others. Transportation of sleeping bags, etc., is available via the DOCNSW club trailer, leaving Sydney, Tuesday, 6th October. Please contact Panorkle to arrange drop off times.
History
With the second highest pre-paid entry list ever, and a sell out turn up on the weekend, the ’08 Thunder Rally set a new record for money raised to support the Moorong Spinal Unit, at the Royal Rehabilitation Centre, Ryde.
A major truck accident meant the New England Highway was closed for most of the Saturday afternoon, but riders were diverted through Timor and some dirt back roads. Situated at the beautiful Sheeba Dams recreation area, near Nundle, a feature of the rally was blues musician, Merewether Fats, and a visit from the Elders of the Kamilaroi Nation people, who gave a traditional welcome to country and farewell to The Flying Dutchman, Mark Van Heeswyk, who tragically lost his life whilst riding, in August. This year’s rally was dedicated to his memory.
Working with the local Lions Club of Nundle and local Police Sgt Brett Paulson, showed how everyone can have a good time as a community, and help one another as well. The Longest Distance prize was won by a couple from the UK! Lending the rally and international flavour. Many thanks to our wonderful sponsors, RJays, NFI, Ducati Penrith, Road Warriors Cafe, (nice trout Max!), Wynns & Pennzoil, Tj Automotive, Bikie Chick, AUSCO, Cycletorque and all our friends in the magazine industry. The Ducati Owners Club of NSW was proud to host the 27th Thunder Rally and invites everyone to come along again next year! All riders welcome.