KTM Adventure Rallye 2017-The Blue Mountains

Another Roaring Success.

- Craig Hartley

Every time we get off the bike many of us are heard to mutter it was the best ride we’ve ever been on. It’s hard to say if the second KTM Rallye was better or equal to the first – the 2016 Jindabyne High Country Ride – but in the eyes of everyone who rode this event, it was as good, if not better.

Preparation for the Rallye started when the first information was sent out through KTM dealers to customers before the news went public. Not surprisingly, within 36 hours the entry list, capped at 150 riders, was full.

Within another 48 hours overwhelming demand meant entries had blown out to 190.

Meet the crew

The 2017 KTM Blue Mountains Rallye started at the Wisemans Ferry Caravan Park on the banks of the Hawkesbury River in NSW. Final documentation, GPS loading and last-minute preparation for the five days ahead were dealt with. As usual, Rosie Lalonde, KTM Marketing Coordinator and Event Organiser, had everything nicely lined up and in place. The KTM support vehicles for documentation and machine inspection were set up directly opposite and very handy to the bar and lounge area.

That evening the riders’ briefing set the tone for the week. Support staff were introduced and KTM Managing Director Jeff Leisk explained the Rallye was all about the riders, and was one-third riding and two-thirds socialising.

Next up was route coordinator Nick Selleck of Maschine and his marking crew, most fondly known as Sprocket, Grego, Huffy and newcomer Con Thermos from Otway Trail Tours.