I’ve been reflecting on recent RA posts about events in Canberra (i.e whether or not Canberra is a boring place), and this prompted me to think what sort of event would put our fair city on the world stage.
Now, we already have Floriade and Summernats, the Balloon and Folk Festivals, various NGA exhibitions, the CIRC 24 hour and the Charny-Carny, just to name a few events thats draws local support and some interest from interstate. But what do we have that puts Canberra on the world stage?
Back in 2009 on RA I suggested hosting a Red-Bull style air race. It seemed to get some support from the RA regulars back then but alas, it seems our civic leaders must have missed that post….
Now, thinking about something more down to earth… how about a long distance motorcycle race, say similar to the TT race held in the Isle of Man??? the Canberra TT???
If you are not familiar with this race, then youtube is your friend.
It goes for over 300km and laps the island, taking in the quaint villages and island farmland /wilderness areas. Also, there are no barriers between spectators and contestants, which makes for some pretty thrilling experiences with the 1000CC bikes whizzing by at up to 300km/h.
Okay, spectators and contestants have died, but overall, it seems, the race is strongly supported by the majority o the island residents and the UK motorcycling community who swarm to the island in their droves – up to 50K visitors I’m led to believe.
I think Canberra would be ideally suited for the race… close your eyes and imagine (make sure you watch the video first), starting on the southern / eastern side of Anzac Parade as the start / finish line, up to the war memorial, sharp left then back down Anzac Parade again, right onto Parkes Way and out to Coppins Crossing, then out to Stromlo, down the Cotter rd, onto Paddys River Rd, Tidbinbilla Rd, through Tharwa, up the Tuggernong Parkway, right at the Cotter Rd, onto Adelaide Ave, left onto State Circle and then left onto Kings Ave, Left onto Parkes Way, right onto Anzac Parade…
So, brilliant idea or what…?
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