News
27 March, 2024
Riding into Somerset
Trike riders from around Australia converged in the Somerset region recently, as part of the United Trikers Australia group’s annual.
Sixty-five trikes were at the event while there were 127 members and guests, as the AGM ran from March 14 to 17.
Rides took place across all four days, with destinations including Maleny, Blackbutt, Crows Nest, Kilcoy, Fernvale and Glamorgan Vale, while passing the Somerset Dam was also part of the journey.
In Kilcoy, the riders stopped at Aston Park before having lunch at various eateries including the bakeries and Exchange Hotel.
The next day, the riders visited the Fernvale markets before having lunch at the Glamorgan Vale-based Bottletree Hotel.
Vehicles included Volkswagen-based trikes, Touroz trikes, Boom trikes, a Harley Davidson trike, an 8-powered Boss Hoss trike, and a Polaris Slingshot.
United Trikers Australia president Paul Gosling said the drawcard for trikes was different for most people, “from the security of having the three wheels under you, which reduces the possibility of falling off a motorbike”.
“The trikes also provide a stable platform for passengers, with a lot of members’ partners enjoying the stability of the trikes over that of a motorcycle,” he said.
Mr Gosling said the conditions were excellent, albeit warm and humid, which was ideal for riding while there was great support from the townspeople.
Mr Gosling said members came from Mildura (Victoria), Alice Springs, and NSW locations including Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, Dubbo, Coolamon and Cootamundra. Queensland-based members meanwhile came from Kilcoy, Carmoo, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Toowoomba.
“The members enjoy the different locations that we attend, with each year’s event bringing something new,” Mr Gosling said.
“The rides around the area, and visiting the small towns are a great attraction.”
While the Queensland members had previously been to Somerset, it was a new location for many of the interstate members.
“The event locations are selected by a group of locals who put up their hand to organise the event, with our members Colin Peake and Darryn Klein (both from the Toowoomba area) selecting Esk as the 2024 venue,” Mr Gosling said.
Many of the members stayed at Esk Caravan Park for the weekend, while others stayed at the Esk Wivenhoe Motor Inn.
The AGM and an accompanying dinner took place at the Esk Grand Hotel on the Friday night, before raffles were held at the same venue the following night.
On the Sunday morning, 118 people attended the farewell BBQ breakfast at the caravan park.
Mr Gosling thanked the organising team, the staff at Esk Grand Hotel, 2 Bears Studio staff Gordon and Darren, and the team from Brisbane Valley Roasters for their efforts.
With the AGM changing location each year, the NSW town of Armidale is set to host next year’s event.
