The first record of Beach Motorcycle Racing in Mackay was in 1926. When a group of friends with a couple of barrels decided to venture down to the Bucasia Beach. From here, it turned into a yearly social event, and was only ever suspended during the wars.
In the early 1950s, Mackay Motorcycle Club ran the iconic event at the Bucasia Beach as a charity benefit day. All profits from the event were kindly donated to the Crippled Children Foundation. Then, during the 1970s and 80s the club made the event an ambulance benefit meeting. It is no wonder the Beach Races have stamped themselves as one of the greatest family social events of the year.
From the beginnings of it all, one of the main cultures to stay prevalent is the community spirit and selflessness of the event organisers. Since 2016, each year the Gum Valley Veterans and Natural Terrain Motorcycle Club divide the profits amongst many local non-for-profit community groups. Previous recipients of the generous donations from the club include the Lions Club, Sarina Junior Rugby League, SES and Sarina Men’s Shed.
The success of our event would not be possible without the help of our continuing major sponsors including Bullet Bikes Superstore Mackay, our club volunteers and the many non-for-profit groups that come together on the day. A special thank you to the Lions Club for providing food, the Sarina JRL for providing the bar and to all of our amazing volunteers.
The Gum Valley Veterans and Natural Terrain Motorcycle Club has a strong history dating back to the early 2000s. John and Ann Hand, the backing of the club along with their family and valued club members, are renowned for running high profile quality events. At their home track, the club has previously successfully held Australian National Motorcross Titles, the Australian 4 Day Enduro and the Transmoto 8 Hour.
In the early 1950s, Mackay Motorcycle Club ran the iconic event at the Bucasia Beach as a charity benefit day. All profits from the event were kindly donated to the Crippled Children Foundation. Then, during the 1970s and 80s the club made the event an ambulance benefit meeting. It is no wonder the Beach Races have stamped themselves as one of the greatest family social events of the year.
From the beginnings of it all, one of the main cultures to stay prevalent is the community spirit and selflessness of the event organisers. Since 2016, each year the Gum Valley Veterans and Natural Terrain Motorcycle Club divide the profits amongst many local non-for-profit community groups. Previous recipients of the generous donations from the club include the Lions Club, Sarina Junior Rugby League, SES and Sarina Men’s Shed.
The success of our event would not be possible without the help of our continuing major sponsors including Bullet Bikes Superstore Mackay, our club volunteers and the many non-for-profit groups that come together on the day. A special thank you to the Lions Club for providing food, the Sarina JRL for providing the bar and to all of our amazing volunteers.
The Gum Valley Veterans and Natural Terrain Motorcycle Club has a strong history dating back to the early 2000s. John and Ann Hand, the backing of the club along with their family and valued club members, are renowned for running high profile quality events. At their home track, the club has previously successfully held Australian National Motorcross Titles, the Australian 4 Day Enduro and the Transmoto 8 Hour.
Photos courtesy of Mark Lange.