BODHI CUTLER
Thousands of motorcycle fans descended upon north Brisbane’s Micky Doohan Raceway over the weekend for the Ellaspede Dust Hustle 7.
The amateur motorbike event began in 2014 and features amateur riders competing on a dirt track in a series of heart-pounding challenges to become king of the dirt.
Riders can build, customise and bring their own motorbikes to the event to showcase their skills as both a mechanic and as a rider.
Dubbed “Brisbane’s inappropriate dirt days” by organisers Ellaspede, last weekend’s action was the event’s biggest turnout since its inception four years ago.
Event organiser Hughan Seary, who has overseen the previous six events, said the fans were major contributors to Dust Hustle’s continued success.
“After seeing the crowds get bigger and bigger every year, it’s no surprise to us just how much positive feedback we get after each event,” Mr Seary said.
Mr Seary said he believed the sponsors had also played an important role in the event’s success.
“We’ve aligned ourselves with some incredibly well-known sponsors and groups in the past, all of which have stuck by us since the first event brought in maybe twenty people,” he said.
One of those sponsors is Sailor Jerry, a Brisbane based alcohol distributor who joined a long list of other major sponsors for the event.
Sailor Jerry marketing boss Nicholas Myles said their brand and the Dust Hustle events went hand in hand.
“Our brand is great here as we fit the demographic perfectly,” Mr Myles said.
“We are popular with men and women, and the event really caters to us well,” he said.
“The event itself is a wonderful and safe environment, there are no issues with troublemakers and all of the fans are polite when they approach us at the bar.”
Fans of all ages are encouraged to attend Dust Hustle events, which also boast a range of shows, demonstrations and family-friendly activities, including motorcycle safety demonstrations by local police, mechanical demonstrations and motorcycle-themed rides for children.
Amateur rider and Dust Hustle fan Lee McCreddan, who took part in his fifth Dust Hustle event on the weekend, said the day out was a chance to showcase his passion to his friends and family.
“This year, I came with my parents and three friends, all of whom are riding in the event too,” Mr McCreddan said.
“We get to have a great day out together, we get to ride against other bike lovers and we get to wear ridiculous costumes, it’s the perfect day out!”
If you missed the event, don’t worry; Dust Hustle events are not over for the year.
Dust Hustle organisers are partnering with Red Bull to present ‘Day in the Dirt Down Under’ from September 7 to 9 at Queensland Moto Park, Boonah.
The event is being held outside of the USA for the first time, and Queensland Moto Park will construct a Dust Hustle ‘TT Track’ especially for the event.
Races at the event will cater to all levels of riders, from beginners to professionals, to ensure that everyone gets a turn.
Riders can register for the event online via the Day in the Dirt website.