Digby Area Tourism Association
September 2009
By: Digby Area Press

Digby hosted the fourth annual 2009 Wharf Rat Rally once again this year and the rumble of motorcycles could be heard a long way off. Those who attended from all over the Maritimes had positive comments and enjoyed the weekend. Comments made about the event were: awsome, spectacular, good family event, good hospitality and many are booked to come back next year.

We heard that Privateers Sou’West representative Gary Dixon said he has chased rallies from Daytona Beach to New York’s Americade to Laconia and never experienced anything better than Digby’s Wharf Rat Rally. Wharf Rat Chairman and co-founder, Peter Robinson, said the weekend was fantastic with thousands more people and bike attending this year.

By mid- morning, Montague Row and Water Street was reduced to one lane of bike traffic as bikes lined both sides of the streets as well as he middle. Bikes were parked from Needs Conveninece down through to the end of Birch Street. Those traveling into town by car found parking places along the side streets. Traffic out of the downtown area was at a snail’s paceas both bikes and other vehicles attempted to make their way to the various events throughout town.

Saturday’s events included such activities as a biker’s breakfast, at the Digby Wesleyan Church, bike demo rides, Highland Games, Street Punishment and Motocross stunt shows as well as a “Moment of Thunder” tribute to celeberty bike builder Brad Ruel who passed away five weeks ago.

Vendors displayed their wares along the waterfront, in the marina parking area and beyond while music from various bands kept the crowds entertained at the marina.

Click here to view the article and photos from the Digby Area Tourism Association.

Cyril Huze Blog
July 15th, 2009
By: Cyril Huze

It is with sadness that I report that Custom Builder Brad Ruel has died yesterday of a heart attack. His shop “The Wrench” in Sarasota, Florida has been around since 1995 and Brad has been building radical custom bikes since 2000.

He became a familiar name in the industry through his custom work and custom parts. He was also one of my clients. Brad was one of the most approachable builders, just happy that people enjoy his creations. He was 43. My condolences to his family and friends.

Click here to view post and comments about the legendary designer ‘The Wrench’ from Cyril Huze’s Blog.

Belt Drive Betty’s Blog
September 7th, 2009
By: Belt Drive Betty

The Wharf Rat Rally in Digby NS has done it again!
Huge crowds, streets and exits jammed and the people there are happy for it.
They are loving the tourism dollars that are flowing.

Try what they are doing here in Alberta and you’ll get shut down so fast it will make your head swim! I did and it got me NO WHERE and fast.

Although the organizers faced a few hiccups along the way they are successful because they have the whole town and region working with them.

This is what happen when community works together – sweet success…
Congratulations Digby! You have done it again!

If you have a moment, I’d love your feedback on some additions to our web site.
Log in at www.beltdrivebetty.com tell me what you think…I’d love to know.

If you are riding today, please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you, stay hydrated, ensure your motorcycle is in good repair and please use respect with that throttle hand!

Click here to see article and video from Belt Drive Betty’s Blog of The Wharf Rat Rally in Digby NS.

The Digby County Courier
September 6h, 2009
By: Karla Kelly

A festive spirit prevailed as Digby continued to play host to the thousands of bikes, bikers and the steady stream of sightseers all day Saturday.

By mid-morning, Montague Row and Water Street was reduced to one lane of bike traffic as bikes lined both sides of the streets as well as the middle.

Bikes were parked from Needs Convenience down through to the end of Birch Street while tse traveling into Digby by car found parking places along the side streets of town.

Traffic out of the downtown area was at a snail’s pace as both bikes and other vehicles attempted to make their way to the various events throughout the town.

Saturday’s events included such activities as a biker’s breakfast at the Digby Wesleyan Church, bike demo rides, Highland Games, Street Punishment and Motocross stunt shows as well as a ‘Moment of Thunder’ tribute to celebrity bike builder Brad Ruel who passed away five weeks ago.

Vendors displayed their wares along the waterfront, in the marina parking area and beyond while music from various bands kept the crowds entertained down at the marina.

Click here to view the article and photos from The Digby County Courier.

The Digby County Courier
September 4th, 2009
By: Leanne Delong

What started off five years ago as a small event with 750 motorcycles has transformed into one of the largest motorcycle rallies in Atlantic Canada.

Organizers say 17,000 motorcycles and more than 50,000 people are expected at this year’s Wharf Rat Rally that began Wednesday and runs through to Monday, Labour Day.

Adults and children alike will be able to enjoy burnouts, Jet Ski stunt shows, motocross shows, and more.

“There is a kids’ bicycle show-and-shine, plus a rodeo,” said rally executive director Peter Robertson.

He feels the event draws large crowds because of celebrities who take part and everything is free to enjoy.

There will be a memorial for the late Brad Ruel, a well-known bike builder from Florida, Robertson added. Ruel attended the rally last year as a celebrity bike builder.

A number of bike builders from Florida will make the trip up for this year’s event.

The Jet-Ski stunt show takes place throughout the weekend, and freestyle motocross expert Paul Smith returns this year and will include flips in his show.

“He came second in Canada at the super-cross show in Toronto,” said Robertson.

Also making a guest appearance is Dan Haggarty, who portrayed Grizzly Adams in the TV series, and Alain Touring, the 2008 Canadian bike building champion.

Robertson is hoping the local community will show its their by coming to the event.

The Wharf Rat Rally Motorcycle Association works with a budget of $500,000 and usually breaks even each year, said Robertson. He adds that the town has benefitted by approximately $3 million in revenue over the past four rallies.

Schools in Digby are closed today, Sept. 4, because of crowds in town.

Click here to view the article and photos from The Digby County Courier.

Digital Journal Article
September 8th, 2009
By: Kevin Jess

Five years ago the Digby, Nova Scotia Wharf Rat Rally was just a small event with about 750 motorcycles. Today it is the largest motorcycle rally in Atlantic Canada.

This year’s rally held September 2 to 7, attracted 17,000 motorcycles and over 80,000 people, organizers say. Local radio news is reporting that last year’s event drew approximately 60,000 people.

This year, enthusiasts were able to enjoy burnouts, Jet Ski stunt shows, motocross shows as well as a kids’ bicycle show-and-shine, plus a rodeo reported the Digby County Courier.

This year the rally was dedicated to Brad Ruel aka ‘The Wrench’, a celebrity bike-builder from Florida who passed away earlier this year.

“He was one of the greatest bike builders/designers who garnered respect as an innovator and just an all around nice guy,” says the Wharf Rat Rally website.

Centreville, Nova Scotia bike builder Randy Perry and his bike ‘KLaR’ attended the rally this year and said he had a “great time.” He likes to build custom bikes with a theme. ‘KLaR’ features an actual horse saddle as a seat.
He said, “KLaR had many admirers,” and added, “If someone would like a Palomino or a Zebra, I can do it for them.”

Click here to view article and photos from the Digital Journal.