This weekend, Eswatini’s biggest motorcycling festival, the Swazi Rally returns, and is ready to turn Rider’s Ranch at Sidvokodvo into the kingdom’s home of horsepower, two-wheel culture and pure adrenaline. From the roar of powerful engines to tyres screaming across the tarmac, this is one weekend where the word ‘spectacle’ is not being used lightly. Expect international riders, local talent, high-speed action, stunts, music, camping and plenty of opportunities to simply soak up the unique Rally atmosphere, and if you thought the motorcycles would have all the fun, think again.
Defying gravity and burning rubber
One of the major attractions will be the Jungle Rush FMX team, bringing international freestyle motocross riders who will take to the skies with backflips, jumps and gravity-defying tricks that will have spectators looking up, holding their breath and wondering how on earth they do it. Then there is drag racing, where speed takes centre stage as machines go head-to-head with engines screaming and adrenaline running high, but the rubber will not be reserved for the racing strip.
Local spinners will also be bringing their own brand of sideways entertainment, with burning rubber, precision driving and tyre-smoking displays set to keep crowds on their feet.
Meet the local man keeping it sideways
Among the local talent taking to the spotlight is Eddie Honwin of Team Brema, who will be showcasing his spinning skills in a BMW 330 Stroker Motor.
For Eddie, car spinning is all about controlling a vehicle while the rear tyres rotate and the car moves sideways. It is a craft he says has taken time, mistakes and plenty of practice to perfect. This year marks Eddie’s fourth consecutive Swazi Rally, something he jokes is proof that he must be doing something right and he is promising spectators nothing less than “mind-blowing stunts and precision driving.”
It’s not just for bikers
While the rally is built around biker culture, you do not have to own a motorcycle to enjoy the weekend.
There will be a Kids Day, giving families a chance to experience the fun, while live music, camping, entertainment and the unmistakable rally atmosphere ensure there is something happening throughout the weekend.
Four wheels, sideways and spectacular
For Eddie, the Swazi Rally is also about recognition for local talent. Being invited to perform at such a well-known international biking festival, he says, is an opportunity to showcase what local spinners can do alongside performers and enthusiasts from different parts of the world. “With the pressure to outdo yourself every year, I know the crowd will be expecting something special,” he said.
If you hear the tyres screaming, do not panic. Just follow the sound.
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