The Gerzurgans were formed 35 years ago when a group of friends including Wayne Honeysett, James “Tree” Merrett, and Ross “Shelby” Denney got together to share a common love of motorbikes and have a bit of fun. 

“Some of the fellows had come out of bike clubs and they were sick of the negative image,” said Gerzurgan Hank Roest. 

“We just want people to know that not everyone who rides a bike and looks a bit rough is a bikie,” added Wayne Honeysett. 

With a name that just ‘floated out of the atmosphere”, the Gerzurgans  describe their mission as “The Relentless Pursuit of Exhilaration, Pausing Occasionally for Fun”. 

But there’s a also a serious side to the group, which has given money over the years to Mudgee Public School’s Special Education Unit, the Mudgee Ambulance Station and bushfire and drought relief, as well as assisting families with medical and funeral costs. 

The funds come from donation tins at the Gerzurgans’ gatherings at the group’s Avisford property, which have become a club tradition. 

On Saturday, the Gerzurgans marked the anniversary of the death of their founding member, “Tree” who died of in January, 1988, at the age of 31, of complications in surgery following an accident. 

His fellow Gerzurgans have observed the anniversary every year since, remembering not only “Tree” but other mates and family members who have passed on. 

“We remember them every year and tell new members who they were and why they were important to us,” Hank said. 

“We have four main parties a year and we have family members who come out here and sit next to their loved ones and take in the beauty of this place.” 

Up to 200 people attend the “parties” at the Gerzurgans’ 40 acre  property, many staying as long as a week. 

Thanks to regular working bees and  Gerzurgans with trade skills, the property boasts an impressive undercover bar and shed for parties. 

The property is also used as a retreat for people who are down on their luck and need time to get themselves together. 

From its small beginnings, the Gerzurgans continue to find new friends, often mates of current Gerzurgans but also children and grandchildren of the founding members. 

“People bring their mates and then we can’t get rid of them,” said Wayne. 

Although most of the Gerzurgans were born in Mudgee or have Mudgee connections, the “tribe” has spread across the state as members move to other areas. 

“You can virtually go north, south or west in the state and find a Gerzurgan with a day’s ride,” said Gerzurgan Chris Roberts.