Well, the 2022 Mannum NatRally is done and dusted, and what a wonderful event it was. Because of Covid-19 restrictions, we have not had an OzSTOC National Rally for three years. There was a great air of anticipation for this event and about 75 riders and travellers converged on the riverside town of Mannum for a weekend of catching up with old friends and new, and exploring what this region had to offer. I think everyone stayed in the Big4 Breeze Mannum, which is right on the banks of the Murray River, from where we could watch the river boats gliding by, including the large and majestic stern wheeler, Murray Princess which runs a variety of cruises on the river.
Meet and GreetWe held the Meet and Greet in the caravan park camp kitchen, where we gathered around a fireplace and outside fire pit provided by PC, and shared nibbles and three years of stories. It felt like no time had passed since we had all been together, a mark of true friendships.
The DaysBefore the Rally, we posted on the Forum some documents that gave information about attractions and things to see and do within about a 70km radius of Mannum, as well as some beaut rides and lunch locations. Many took advantage of those suggestions and many stayed back to gossip and catch up. Highlights included the Sunday trip on the PS Mayflower, the Mannum Dock Museum the local Sunday Market, the Birdwood Motor Museum, Melba's Chocolate Factory and so much more.
The DinnerOur Saturday night dinner at The Pretoria Hotel was something special, with the staff exceeding all expectations. Part of the large dining area was separated off for us, tables were decorated in OzSTOC colours of black and orange, and we even had some black and orange helium balloons. It was a really busy night for the hotel as we weren't the only guests, but the meal orders came out quickly and the food was delicious.
AwardsOur annual awards were presented at the dinner, which is one of the highlights of the gathering. “Most Charismatic ST” went to Kev Murphy and we all know the struggles he's had to keep his bike on the road. “Furthest Travelled” went to Cerebral Knievel who travelled well over 4,000km to be with us. “Best ST” was judged by JD Biker and Chippy, being the previous recipients, and this award went to Wilco for his immaculate and well presented ST1100. “Member of the Year” went to JD and Chippy who attend RTE's all over the place and represent OzSTOC with grace and humility. They were popular and worthy recipients and this award, and my personal congratulations to all of you.
Stagglers DinnerOur Stragglers Dinner seems to be getting bigger each year, so this year is was a BYO event, and again we gathered in the camp kitchen for a final time, sharing pizza, fish and chips and whatever we brought to the party.
ThanksI want to thank
Team SA, who spent time at RTE's in discussion, makign suggestions and from which we came up with the strategies and location for the rally.
I want to thank my co-organizer
Shillas for his tireless efforts and support.
Thanks to Streak and
Toowoomba Hip Pocket for their support of the event and providing and printing the T-Shirts and patches.
Thanks to the
Mannum Big4 Breeze for hosting us
Thanks to the
Mannum Dock Museum for their generous support and discounts that they offered
Thanks to
The Pretoria who went above and beyond expectations, which made for a most memorable evening.
Thanks to all who attended and for your kind words.
I would encourage you to post your NatRally photos and coments in this thread to keep it all in one place
