Around 165 riders made the most of the South West during the 41st Capel 200 Trail Bike Rally over the weekend.
Riders from across Western Australia headed to Capel for a weekend of thrilling trail-bike action.
After enjoying some South West hospitality and live music on Friday night, the riders woke up on Saturday morning ready for the event.
Following registrations and the riders’ briefing, competitors gathered at the Ironstone property – west of Ironstone Falls on the Capel-Donnybrook Road – and waited for the race to commence.
Member for Collie-Preston, and Minister for Sport and Recreation, Mick Murray flagged off the event and praised the large contingent of riders for their support.
Winding through the Capel-Jarrahwood area, the course stretched over 74 kilometres.
Participants rode through state and pine forrest terrain before heading back to camp to refuel at noon. Many riders completed the course multiple times throughout the day.
Organiser Ironstone Adventure Riding Club was greatly assisted by partners Yamaha, Healthway and the Shire of Capel.
The riders were aided by Ironstone Adventure Riding Club – club secretary Roy Carew, club president and sweep riders’ coordinator Darryl Coxall, club vice president and clerk of the course Rob Harvey, and club treasurer, event secretary, and owner of the property Jeremy Connor.
Mr Carew said the event delivered fun experiences for riders of all ages and skill levels.
“It was a very good event – there was a good atmosphere, the weather was good, and we didn’t have any serious injuries which was a bonus,” he said.
“It’s intended to be reasonably challenging without being overly daunting.
“We try to set a course that experienced riders will find interesting but the less-experienced riders will be able to negotiate.
“The feedback we had from the event was that everybody really enjoyed this year’s track. I think it was just the right mix of difficult and easy sections.”
Organisers said the event provided a safe, non-competitive environment for all riders.
Mr Murray praised the organisers and participants for helping to continue the event.
“It’s great to see events like these where you can go and have a blast through the bush,” he said.
“The coordination between the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions, the Capel Shire, and the organisers has been really good.
“It’s very well organised and everything is safely put into place.”
Read more:
