Mild2Wild Rod and Custom

Mild 2 Wild Rod and Custom Club is located in Tocumwal, NSW, halfway between Albury and Echuca, on the Murray River. Mild 2 Wild Rod and Custom Club came about as a due to an idea from Tracey Baldwin. Tracey and David Baldwin spoke with Paul McCallum about the idea of a club in the local area (as both David and Paul are longtime members of Albury Street Rodders and attending club functions and mon

thly meetings is sometimes difficult as Albury is 150kms away). Paul thought that it was a great idea and flyers were then drawn up and displayed around the district. The first unofficial gathering was held at Farmer’s Arms Hotel, known also as Kelly’s Pub, in Tocumwal, with an over-whelming number of people attending. It was a Wednesday night in May of 2005. During this gathering the Power went out as people were arriving. After various discussions a date was set for the second meeting and Mild 2 Wild was formed. The committee consisted of President – David Baldwin, Vice-President – Peter Haley, Secretary – Paul McCallum and Treasurer – Ken Williams. At this stage the club had 24 financial members; this was how it remained for 12 months, or so. After a few low key club get togethers it was decided to have a Rod Run and the legendary ‘Murray River Rod Run’ was born. The Murray River Rod Run is an event held every second year, with the first being held on the Victorian Labour Day Long Weekend in March 2007. A total of 168 entrants enjoyed the first club hosted Rod Run and it was a great success for both the club and the town with the eye-opener for some being the look through Shane Rowes ‘Southern Rod and Custom’ workshop in Deniliquin. March 2009 Murray River Rod Run was an even bigger success with 198 entrants coming from as far away as Newcastle, Adelaide and Parkes. With the event now growing even bigger a new venue has been sought to hold the 2011 Murray River Rod Run, at Crawfords Heritage Centre on the Newell Highway, Tocumwal.