More than $20,000 was raised on the day by organisers CRABs (Cancer Research Advocate Bikers) for cancer research and assistance to local families affected by cancer.

Thousands of people from as far afield as Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne attended the event held in the heart of Bermagui next to the sparkling Sapphire Coast water of Horseshoe Bay.

More than 100 bikes were entered in a variety of categories. Attendees covered a diverse range of ages, shapes and sizes, ranging from toddlers giving the jumping castle a workout through to bikers, bike enthusiasts and mums and dads. The day was a relaxed and happy event enjoyed by all.

During the day, CRABS president Peter Cox presented a cheque for $20,000 to Cancer Council NSW, the proceeds from previous fundraising efforts.

The loudest roar of them all

 Talking of roaring successes, the loudest roar of them all at the show was reserved for the legendary V8-powered Mongrel Racing dirt drag bike operated by Steve Henness of Narooma and driven by “The Stork”.

Steve cranked over the 5.7-litre Holden Commodore engine a few times, much to the delight of the crowd.

The Mongrel Racing guys continue to experience success on the track recently getting first place at Wakefield Park Dirt Drags event at Goulburn.

Prior to that, a trip down to the Tooradin Dirt Drags event in Victoria was washed out.

There was a chance to race the fastest dirt drag bike in Australia at that event owned by Beno from WA, but that match-up will have to come later when Steve and Stork plan a raiding trip to WA.

In the meantime, they will be competing at the North Queensland Dirt Drags event hoping to repeat their win from last year.

Earlier in the week, the big dirt drag bike was propped up inside O’Brien’s Hotel, Narooma, which is now a sponsor of the team.

Steve said he was stoked to have several local sponsors including O’Brien’s, Rapley’s Quality Midtown Meats and Joe Dirt Excavations.

The bike also recently made an appearance at the Bankstown Bike Show where it was a key attraction and was also the subject of more filming for the Blokesworld television show.

The Stork on the weekend meanwhile was competing in a dirt bike event down in Bega, but was due to stop in at the Bermagui Bike Show to see how things were going. 

Show a tourism boost

Major sponsor and Barmagui Chamber of Commerce president Scott Bradley of Bermagui Bait & Tackle said the event was great for Bermagui and brought another great crowd to the town on the heels of the holidays and other events such as the Seaside Fair.

“We are proud sponsors of the CRAB's biker group that remain strong research advocates always striving to deliver to cancer research based initiatives,” Mr Bradley said.

CRABs Bermagui chapter president Peter Cox meanwhile said the “Bikes on the Beach” event was now a major event on the Far South Coast calendar.

“We thought last year was good, but this year was even better,” he said.

“We are still counting the proceeds but it appears certain that the day will raise more than $20,000 for our ongoing commitment to Cancer Council NSW and CanAssist.

“So many people were involved in organising and running the day that it is impossible to thank everyone. However, all of us at CRABS wish to thank everyone who assisted, attended or in any other way made the day such an outstanding success,” Mr Cox said.

The Bermagui CRABs chapter, known as the Kingies, also raffled off its latest fishing boat package that was won by Cooma resident Martin Currie, who came down on Sunday to claim his prize.

Club founder Rob Grimstone met up with the winner at major sponsor Bermagui Bait & Tackle and said he had his own heartfelt tale.

“It was quite emotional,” Mr Grimstone said.

“He nearly lost his 2-year-old grandson to cancer three years ago, but fortunately he has made a complete recovery.”

The winning ticket was purchased from Pam’s Store at Tilba Tilba.

The Narooma News asked bikers at the Bermagui CRABs (Cancer Research Advocate Bikers) bike show why they thought it was important to support the event…

 “I rode my bike (a 1995 Harley Superglide) down. I am a CRAB and its great to see everyone get together and catch up with mates.”

Peter Hayden, Tilba Tilba

“I came down today to support a great cause and support all the riders who believe bike riding can be fun and support the community.”

David Young, Tumut

“We came to see all the different bikes and to help out raising funds for cancer research.”

Tracey and Tony Wasson, Nowra

“We’re members of the CRABs Hermits chapter in Victoria and wanted to show support for the NSW CRABs and the Bermagui Kingies. It was a beautiful ride up that we did over two days.”

Marcus and Bernadette McCartney, Mornington Peninsula