Nova Scotia's Wharf Rat Rally a Big Success Special

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."

Courtesy of Randy Perry Bike builder Randy Perry and his bike 'KLaR' image:56739:6::0

A couple of his favorite bikes were these pictured below.

Courtesy of Randy Perry Perry said,"This one actually looks functional. I'd love to ride it." image:56742:2::0

Courtesy of Randy Perry Perry said, "This massive beast produces over 1000 hp!" image:56743:1::0

Dan Haggarty, who portrayed Grizzly Adams in the TV series, and Alain Touring, the 2008 Canadian bike building champion made guest appearances this year. Rally executive director Peter Robertson said in an interview with the Courier, "The Wharf Rat Rally Motorcycle Association works with a budget of $500,000 and usually breaks even each year." He added that the town has picked up approximately $3 million in revenue over the past four rallies.