Jerkyl Etiquette at Deus Swank Rally

Got an old bike? Got no cares to give? Got nowhere to be on May 11? Well, now you bloody do! Let’s dive in and see what the crew at Deus have to say about their funky ‘Swank Rally’ event coming up…

Let’s talk about your gear, 14 front, 55 rear? No! Gear man, vintage leather or old denim. Fancy dress or dressing fancy? If you haven’t decided, it’s a week away so get to Vinnies. And as for your gearing, who cares as long as it runs but it’s gotta be pre-millennial or vintage bikes.
We may not be taken very seriously in the heroic world of motorcycle racing but we are as enthusiastic as any weekend privateer. The difference is style over substance and if it’s going to be a Deus event you can be sure it’ll have both with an accent on style. Yeah sure, you can wear those fluro mx pants and matching bib, but your picture will end up on the cutting room floor. The cowboy outfit or retro ’80s swans jersey may not be worn by the fastest guy but we don’t really care, do we?

The rise of the ‘casual’ fun style event has gathered a following both here and overseas. The basic customer group was meant to be a ‘has been’ or ‘wannabe’, but the reality is all levels of riders come. People just want to ride without pressure, chat with their mates and spend time outdoors with their pride and joy. What better way to show no pressure than a costume. Having said that I still advocate the use of protection, and we’re not talking rubber. Even if you plan to cruise around, the guy behind might have a plan b.

What is the plan you ask? Good question as this is the first Deus Swank Rally Australia. The M.O? A line of barrels makes the start grid, each with a stopwatch on top, you start the watch, ride a lap, return to your barrel and stop the watch. If your time is better than before, go write it on the board. If its crap, laugh and talk of tail-enders blocking your line, or your fuel line blocking at the tail end, either way, no one really cares as long as your there with a smile.

Each lap should take four-15 minutes which gives you plenty saddle time, you have to move around and you have to stay alert but all the hard bits have been ironed out and if you‘re still daunted by the gentle slopes or meandering meadows you can always take the chicken run. A purpose built escape track for the blind and infirm (can I say that?).

The course is a picture of Dargle’s finest bits, blending natural terrain MX with woody moist enduro loops and neatly trimmed grass tracks. If that didn’t sell it to you, there’s camping Friday and Saturday for the price of pie and chips. Beers by Young Henrys and the Jerkyls will be performing live drinking displays, both nights. What more could you want? FYeah.

Want a ticket? You can grab yours here: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/deus- swank-rally-australia-tickets