With a visit from National Dirt Track Champion Jake Schnieder, The Far South Coast Tattoo Show and the Vintage Rockabilly and Pinup Fashion Parade, organisers Glenn Cotter and George Parker say they hope to make the event a tourism drawcard for the region.

The pair are passionate about what they do, and say they were drawn at a young age to the “freedom” riding bikes can conjure.

“We always work on the theory that when you ride by yourself it’s therapy, but when you are with a mate it’s double therapy,” Mr Cotter said.

“At the end of the day it’s about the freedom, the camaraderie and the mateship.

“It’s just good fun.”

Now in its eighth year, the event showcases the best bikes in the region, with more entrants in the traditional Show ‘n’ Shine competition than any previous year.

Held on Saturday, September 1 at the Bega Showground, Mr Cotter said the event “promises a day packed with action and fun for all the family”.

Mr Parker, who started riding at 16-years-old, said travelling by bike is the ultimate way to see the world.

“It’s about not conforming, we all want something different from our bikes, and you smell everything while you’re travelling,” he said with a laugh.

Money raised during last year’s event helped “revamp” the play area at the South East Regional Hospital’s children’s ward.

“We are excited to be able to offer such a varied and full program of activities and displays this year, and we believe that we can continue to grow the Expo into one of the major annual events on the Bega Valley Tourism Calendar,” Mr Cotter said.

“We are very fortunate to have great support from Bega Valley Shire Council and local business, all of which are seeing the benefit with the return back into the local community increasing each year.”

The Expo opens at 10am to the public, with the Grand Opening Parade showcasing bikes and riders representing Far South Coast Motorcycle Club scheduled for 10.45am.

The parade will also feature visiting dirt track and speedway riders and drag bikes.