SOUTH African biker Ryan Jarley from Cape Town is the winner of Swazi Rally’s grand prize, a Suzuki Boulevard motorbike.
He was announced the winner after the raffle draw during the rally, which was held on Saturday at Riders Ranch.
He could not contain his excitement and said he had wanted to win this year’s competition, but had not expected the big prize.
After the raffle draw by Swazi Rally organiser Carlos Paiva, Jarley could not hold himself but simply mount the stage with excitement written on his face.
The draw took place at around 9pm and those in attendance assembled in front of the stage hoping to win.
On the other hand, during the day, the spinners’ track was the place to be as different biker clubs were fiercely competing against each other.
It was not only about the bikers but local and international car spinners also performed stunts that drew a big crowd.
As it was still women’s month (as celebrated in South Africa), there were different women biker clubs. Women basically showed up at the event.
There were different DJs spinning the deck throughout the day in the marquee and in the main hall. During the evening line-up Dusty and Stones stole the show with their sounds of country music. fun lovers who were part of this year’s Swazi Rally could not contain their excitement as they kept screaming for an encore a number of songs that were performed by the country duo.
This year’s rally was one of those that would go into the books as it was the 30th anniversary.
Paiva thanked Extreme Trading for sponsoring this year’s bike.
He once again sent his appreciation to the ministry of tourism and environmental affairs for their continued support in hosting the rally and making this one of the most important events, which benefits the country financially.
“We would also like to thank and appreciate the ministry of home affairs who also plays a major role as we receive visitors from different countries each year during the rally.
Fraternity
“The rally welcomes over 10 000 visitors each year through the borders,” he said.
Paiva further acknowledged SMVAF for what they do for the biker’s fraternity.
From spinning to drifting and racing, all the activities showcased left one at the edge of their seat as the sound of different roaring engines were the order of the day.
As the soon as the sun set, bikers entered the Riders Ranch Castle and they were served with electrifying performances.
Different spinners on the ones and twos served good music, which was mostly house fused with a of hit urban music. The music left bike lovers yearning for more.
“Eswatini is beautiful, it is mountainous. I am definitely coming back next year. This was my fourth time attending the event,” said one attendee.
Thibaens Tlalego also said he had a great time and was attending for the fourth time.
“Swazi Rally is one of the best rallies you would want to attend. It is always epic here and we love it,” he said. Swazi Rally is an international motor cycle event held at Riders Ranch Castle in Sidvokodvo.
Swazi Bikers in collaboration with Swazi Rally handed over donations from proceeds of a raffle draw to deserving recipients short-listed by various motorcycle clubs.
Shipped
The first Swazi Rally at Riders Ranch was held in a shed, which had no walls situated where the hall is now a permanent structure.
Toilets were hired and water was shipped in with water tanks.
From humble beginnings the venue has grown in leaps and bounds all under the supervision of the owner, Carlos Paiva.
This year once again, patrons were pleasantly surprised at yet more changes, including more ablution facilities and a professional drag strip and skid pad.