Tamworth to host more than 2000 motorbike riders for National Thunder Rally at AELEC

The roar of motorbikes will be loud and clear on Friday as enthusiasts from every state and territory roll in for the National Thunder Rally.

Tamworth Regional Council events coordinator Michaela Stevens said the event was being held in the city for the first time and she was anticipating success.

"Tamworth is a great spot because geographically it's a great location and AELEC is a wonderful venue to host these people," she said.

The four-day event is expected to pump up to $1.2 million into the region.

"We're encouraging ticket holders to head out to our cafes and the shops, enjoy the region and spend some money, which will be a great boost to the economy," Ms Stevens said.

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General manager of the Powerhouse Hotel Daine Cooper said the rooms weren't fully booked yet, but he expected them to be by the time the long weekend arrived.

"People can still come through and try to get some rooms," he said.

"We'll try and squeeze them in."

With a motorcycle museum on site, Mr Cooper said he was expecting a busy weekend.

"Hopefully they'll wander up and have a drink and a feed and go explore the rest of the town as well," he said.

The event will kick off at the AELEC on Friday afternoon with live music, motorbike displays and rides set to take place until the brakes are put on Monday afternoon.

Day passes will be available for purchase online or at the gate.

A spokesperson for Transport for NSW said with the extra traffic on the roads drivers should take extra precautions.

"Motorcyclists are over-represented in serious injury and fatal crash statistics, and we don't want what should be a great weekend marred by tragedy," they said.

"Riders need to be aware that the high rainfall through 2022 has resulted in road damage in various locations so they need to be alert and ride to the conditions."

'Thunder runs' will be held along Goonoo Goonoo Road, Burgmanns Lane, Duri Road, Gunnedah Road, Goddard Lane, Goonan Street and Jewry Street.

Motorists may experience delays as riders leave the event site and should also be careful of spectators near the roads in those areas.

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