08/04/2026
The Harley Club of Victoria Committee would like to address the recent resignation of our newly elected President Riley Gilbert and three other committee members, as well as the email circulated by the former President on March 18, which we feel was not presented in a manner consistent with the professionalism expected within the Harley Club, and hence has prompted this communication.
Several committee members volunteered to assist with the promotion and delivery of the Classic Bike Broadford event, formerly known as the Broadford Bike Bonanza, which has been held over the Easter weekend since 2009. Many club members have helped at this event for a long time.
Initially, the committee agreed to permit the road track side of the event. However, due to limitations within Ridernet, Motorcycling Victoria asked that one club permit the whole event. As a result, a permit was applied for the whole event by HCV. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, this decision was initially made without full consultation with the committee. This was acknowledged and apologised for by those involved.
From that point on the committee became fractionalized regarding multiple points on the way the event was to be run and managed, and whether the Harley Club should permit the event or not. During this impasse the president and vice president suspended the permit, effectively stopping entries, without the knowledge of the committee and against the advice of Motorcycling Victoria.
After multiple communications with Motorcycling Victoria, Motorcycling Australia and the event organisers, the bulk of the committee considered that these concerns were more than adequately addressed, and at that point it was decided to vote on whether or not to move forward with the event.
The outcome resulted in the reinstatement of the permit, which by that time had been taken up by another club, and the resignations of the President Riley Gilbert, Vice President Barry Cogdell, Emma Hatch and Dan Fenech from our committee.
Riley’s March 18 email also raised allegations of bullying and threatening behaviour, along with claims that these concerns were dismissed. Firstly, the individual who these allegations refer to is not a member of the Harley Club. Secondly, the Harley Club of Victoria wishes to make it clear that under no circumstances do we condone such behaviour.
The entire committee were very supportive of Riley in his new role and were prepared to help him grow as the President as he gained experience. It is unfortunate the way this has played out, however the committee believe we did what was best for our 102 year old club and for motorcycle sport.
As you can imagine, all this has left us with a shortage of key officials and volunteers needed to run events, and already we have had to cancel one race day. We will regroup and bounce back from this setback, bigger and better than ever.
As a footnote, the event was a roaring success. Our thanks goes out to all the club members who helped out, the businesses and individuals who gave their support and of course the entrants, some of whom travelled long distances at great expense to be there.
A special shout out to the SSRAV for their help and to the Myrtleford Speedway Club-Msc who ultimately took on the permit at the 11th hour.
Remember, we’re all here for one thing, the sport of motorcycling.
