The Bega Valley Motorcycle Expo is the brainchild of well-known local biker Glen Cotter. 

For five years Mr Cotter ran the Pambula Bike Show but this year he decided it was time for a change. 

He cancelled the Bike Show and instead created a bigger and better event with hundreds of bikes on show, hours of live entertainment, plenty of fun for the kids and a huge variety of food on offer. 

Mr Cotter said the focus for the event was to promote tourism in the entire Bega Valley as well as to support local riders and local charities. 

Volunteers from Merimbula Tourism Incorporated were there to promote Merimbula and the entire Sapphire Coast while the Candelo Rural Fire Brigade volunteered their services at the front gate. 

Talented Bermagui road racer Reid Battye had his own stall at the Expo and garnered a lot of support from attendees. 

The 15-year-old has only been racing for a year and a half but has already proven he is a natural and has recently been invited to try out for the Redbull Rookies in Spain. The Redbull Rookies is a unique international development program for young motorcycle talent. 

Reid said he is one of 80 riders from across the world who have been selected to attend the trial. 

The doors opened to the public at 10am on Saturday, September 17, but the fun kicked off much earlier. 

Amy Ubrihien, who was originally from Bega but currently lives in Canberra, came down specifically to help run and attend the inaugural event. 

“It has been absolutely incredible,” Ms Ubrihien said on Saturday.

“All of us who camped for the night were treated to an amazing feed last night and then another delicious meal this morning, on top of that we have met loads of friendly people and the musical entertainment has also been really good.”