The Captain’s Flat Hotel has long been a popular destination for motorbike riders and cyclists. Photo: Captains Flat Hotel.
The Captain’s Flat Hotel has been feeding and watering the region’s riders for nearly nine decades. As a popular destination for day-trippers on two and sometimes three wheels, the popular pub is taking that relationship one step further with its inaugural Blessing of the Bikes.
Taking place on 3 October, the event was initially intended to be a small blessing ceremony behind the pub. Publican and organiser Sharanne Witt says it quickly grew into something much bigger than expected.
“Within five minutes of announcing the event on Facebook our accommodation was booked out,” Sharanne laughs.
Publican of the Captains Flat Hotel, Sharanne Witt is the key organiser of the upcoming Blessing of the Bikes. Photo: Tenele Conway.
With word travelling fast in the country and motorcycle clubs from across the region showing interest, Sharanne significantly expanded the program, which will now spill out across the town.
“The day will kick off at 10 am with markets and food vendors in the park. The main event is the Blessing of the Bikes ceremony at 1 pm, which will take place on a stage in the park,” Sharanne tells Region.
“From 2 pm, things move back to the pub for the afternoon, where we’ll have a show and shine, live music and family activities, including an obstacle course.”
For those unfamiliar with the concept, Blessing of the Bikes is an established tradition within motorcycle communities in Australia and around the world. Usually held near the beginning of the riding season, the ceremony asks for safe travels for riders in the year ahead.
Some have grown into major events. The long-running Blessing of the Bikes in Baldwin, Michigan, attracts tens of thousands of people, while the annual Blessing of the Helmets pilgrimage in Fátima, Portugal, has drawn an estimated 180,000 motorcyclists.
As this is Sharanne’s first blessing, she’s making sure all bases — and denominations — are covered. She is also keen to emphasise that the event is not associated with any particular motorcycle club: it is hosted by the pub and all riders are welcome.
Regulars at the Captains Flat Hotel, The American Motorcycle Club will likely be coming to the blessing with larger bikes than those pictured here. Photo: Captains Flat Hotel.
In the inclusive spirit of similar events around the world, the invitation extends beyond motorbikes. People are encouraged to arrive on bicycles, trikes, or almost anything else they consider a cycling mode of transport.
When it comes to the religious side of the ceremony, Sharanne says the doors are open to everyone, regardless of their beliefs.
“We’ve got a non-denominational minister, a Catholic priest and a Anglican minister conducting the blessings and the event really is for everyone.”
For those who missed out on a room at the pub, free camping will be available along the river on a first-come, first-served basis.
With early interest suggesting the inaugural gathering could be a big one, Sharanne is looking forward to seeing how the region responds. If it proves popular, the Blessing of the Bikes will become an annual fixture on the pub’s calendar.
The Captains Flat Blessing of the Bikes will take place in venues across the town on Saturday 3 October. For more information head to Facebook.
