RUBBER DOWNUNDER
2019 brought Sheila Shakedown to the little historic town of Ballan – set at Phoenix Park a tourist park set on 65 acres nestled 78 kms from Melbourne with a range of accommodation options from dorms rooms, powered camp sites and eco houses.
The female only motorbike festival did not disappoint. It was an all inclusive weekend welcoming to each and every woman of all types, riders and non-riders.
Remi, Jaz & Meighan, the organisers of Sheila Shakedown went above and beyond this year, bringing all that you could want, and more, to a sunny weekend away from the city smoke to an event filled with beautiful people. Tickets were reasonably priced at 75 bones which included x 2 drink cards and a voucher to enter the raffle.
They sourced some totally rad prizes from participating sponsors. This included tattoo vouchers, a slab from Young Henrys and loads of give aways from local and independent clothing labels, a getaway ride along the great ocean road and $1200.00 worth of merchandise from yours truely, including:
- Tobacco Motorcycle Wear - Kevlar Riding Jeans
- Black Arrow Label - Glory Jacket
- 78 Motor Co. - Leather Gloves
- REV'IT - Emerald Riding Boots
Photos: Melissa Butters
Dink your friend or stranger on your motorbike on a victory lap around Phoenix Park or watch the girls do some burn outs showing off their skills. Grab a rum and dry while meandering through the small array of independent stalls set up and chatting to bike owners alike.
Lucia and Biker Becca burning up a dust storm
There was loads of entertainment and so much to see and do even if you didn’t have a bike you were still just as welcomed.
"Sheila's gave me the confidence to give it a go and feel apart of something in an environment that I wouldn't normally find myself in. Everyone is super supportive and the event has a real comfortable vibe. Definitely hoping to be back next year on a bike of my own." ~Sarah (Photographer for Moto Femmes)
The smiles could not be wiped from anyones face when the Shakedown games began...
To start the games was a race, last one to cross the finish line was the winner (racing at your slowest is much trickier than you would expect!). After that there was some good ol' egg and spoon races, then next up was the ultimate crowd pleaser; the sausage fest!
Pillions were to catch the dangling wiener with their mouth, without the rider stopping or laying a foot on the ground.
Photos: Moto Femmes & Sarah Cadzow
Feeling adventurous grab yourself a tattoo, or get those nips out for some body paint action. All 'Free The Titties' donations go towards providing shelter for women seeking refuge from abuse and domestic violence.
Betty Rumbles car club makes an appearance every year so not just bikes classic cars too. Don’t have a bike there were free dragster push bikes to ride around the park also very amusing.
Thinking it's already a wild adventure... after sun down the live music began, bands & DJ's performed into the late hours of the night. From Rock n Roll, to Soul to “run the world (girls)” by Beyoncé, the dance floor was loose and on fire!
Photos: Shanny Higgins
The Sheila Shake Down food bar provided yummy hot food snacks dusk until dawn. Need a morning pick me up a fresh Bloody Mary, hot hash brown and Mexican bean wrap was just about all I needed.
There was also a boutique coffee van based in Tecoma which served a great expresso martini at night and the best hot cup of coffee in the morning. The two day festival was great. Such great vibes, no dick heads. Just really amazing women having fun and women doing what they do best supporting each other.
Thank you to everyone who was involved, this was truely a weekend to remember!
The ride home. Wearing: Hedon helmet & Tobacco denim
Photo: Sarah Cadzow
Want more of this festive biker goodness?
Missed out on this one and now dealing with fomo?
Your gender got in the way of you attending this time round?
It's all good, Dirt Daze is around the corner and is yet another massive moto campout not to be missed. Stay tuned for more info!
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