LETTER FROM NATIONAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
We continue through tough times due to Covid 19 Coronavirus, personally, state / territory wide and Australian wide.
Being conscious that the ride is symbolic to many, and in the spirit of the Wall to Wall Ride, remembering the fallen, catching up with mates and in the capacity of safe motorcycling, the following decision has not been made lightly. But more to the point of keeping everyone safe.
As a result of these COVID times, acting upon the strong ACT restrictions, other state and territory border closures, restrictions and limitations, we have listened to advice concerning active social distancing and duty of care to all participants and the community. With heavy hearts the Wall to Wall Committee has decided to:
Cancel the National ride in Canberra which includes the pre-ride mustering at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), the form-up on the Federal Highway outside EPIC, the mass ride through Canberra to the National Police Memorial, and rider participation or visits to the National Police Memorial.
Note: Included in riders packs you will receive a starters pack booklet – this letter cancels the sections relating to the National (afternoon) Canberra sector of the ride – from pages 4 ‘WHERE TO MEET FOR THE RIDE’ through to page 5 ‘AT THE NATIONAL POLICE MEMORIAL – KINGS PARK’ and page 6 map.
The restricted Wall to Wall Ride Memorial Service will still be conducted at the National Police Memorial commencing at 4:00pm Saturday 18 September, but with strictly limited invited attendance in line with ACT Health advice.
Current restrictions remain in place for an outdoor gathering, and as such only invited guests may attend the memorial service.
Therefore, we ask that you do not attend the afternoon memorial service.
The afternoon memorial service however will be live streamed to enable you, your small group, family and friends to continue to be part of this year’s ride. No matter where you are, be it at home, somewhere on your own state or territory satellite ride, standing next to your bike, or somewhere special to you, you can watch the live stream through Facebook and still be part of the memorial service and this special time.
In all cases, arrangements are being made to ensure that the Ceremonial Batons from each state and territory are transported and present at the National Police Memorial.
Throughout your ride, no matter where you are, wearing a mask is encouraged and, in some cases, mandatory. Use your local QR ‘Check In’ code. Be always mindful of safe social distancing and stay away if you’re feeling unwell.
State coordinators and organisers are planning various rides in each individual state or territory. Some are working towards formalising state satellite rides. Note that ACT morning service currently is planned to go ahead. Watch the web site for updates should they occur.
For any update state / local information please refer to your state / territory coordinator or visit the Wall to Wall Ride web site www.walltowallride.com – State Updates.
Finally, as there will not be an opportunity to purchase your merchandise in Canberra this year, on-line merchandise sales open 1 August and will remain open for two (2) weeks after the ride. Last sales for merchandise will be 1st October 2021. Wall to Wall Shop (fineprint.net.au)
Raffle tickets can be purchased on-line until midday Saturday 18th September 2021 https://www.raffletix.com.au/walltowall2020
Thank you for being part of this year’s 12th ride and thank you for your understanding.
Be safe
John Laird – Chairman
Wall to Wall Ride Committee