Community bike bash revved up for return

EVERYONE is invited to the return of a social get-together centred around coffee and love for the motorcycle.

On Saturday, 1 October, Ballarat Bike Night is set to return for the first time since April in Delacombe, led by new coordinators.

Casey Bandy reignited the event with his social riding group called the Coffee Club after the Ballarat Bike Night was established last year by the Geelong incarnation’s founder.

Mr Bandy said community support, appreciation and understanding is an integral part of the get-together.

“The car and bike culture are huge communities, so when they get together it’s a very empowering situation,” he said.

“For me to go to this and have someone appreciate my bike, that’s a huge boost. So, this is really about community mental health and giving everybody a good time to chat.

“It’s about appreciating each other’s company and showing everyone that not all of us are hoons or criminals.”

A raffle fundraiser is being introduced to the new Ballarat Bike Night, and Mr Bandy said this will tie in with the upcoming date as the 10-year anniversary of the death of his friend Ben Lopes.

Mr Bandy had previously run the Benny’s Mob fundraiser in commemoration of Mr Lopes, which collected about $40,000 for the Leukemia Foundation over four years of events.

Funds raised for the Bike Night will also go towards the Leukemia Foundation, with prizes donated by local businesses like Eureka Automotive and Velvet Alley Tattoo.

Jimmy Pfarrer, a Coffee Club member, attended the previous Bike Nights, and said he’s excited to see it return.

“I like the fact we can all get together and catch up and there’s no barriers,” he said. “Sometimes you’ll go to shows or something and there’ll be this group or that group.

“There’s none of that at Bike Night. Everyone looks at each other’s bikes and they’re happy to have a chat. You can approach anyone.

“I’ve got pretty bad anxiety but I really look forward to Bike Night.”