There were just too many amazing photographs for us to publish here, however….
you can click here to see the shennanigans.
The quiet rhythm of Hazyview was broken on the 12th of October 2025 when the unmistakable hum of Honda Gold Wings rolled into town. The normally peaceful Lowveld hills echoed with the deep, smooth thrum of flat six engines as Wing Riders South Africa kicked off their 40th annual Wing Fling, a week long celebration of friendship, riding, and the open road.
Base camp for the milestone event was the Little Pilgrims Boutique Hotel, a perfect hub for a week of rides, laughter, and late night storytelling. Over the years, the Wing Fling has grown from a handful of passionate riders into one of the most anticipated events on the South African motorcycling calendar. The first gathering back in 1985 saw just 64 Gold Wings arrive at Rob Ferreira Resort near Christiana, no sponsors, no fancy programme, just the love of the ride and the joy of being together.
Four decades later, that same spirit still fuels the event. This year’s Ruby Anniversary celebration brought riders from every corner of South Africa, and even from Namibia, for a week in the Lowveld, riding through scenic routes, sharing stories, and keeping old friendships alive.
By Sunday morning, Perry’s Bridge Trading Post & Tourism Centre was buzzing with the sound of polished Gold Wings arriving in formation, gleaming chrome, custom paintwork, and proud smiles everywhere you looked. The locals stopped to take photos as dozens of these majestic touring machines lined up in the sun.
“This is far more than just a rally,” said WRSA national secretary Suzette Grobler. “It’s forty years of laughter, countless kilometres travelled, and friendships that stretch across the country. The Wing Fling is a living tradition, a family reunion on two wheels.”
And she wasn’t exaggerating. Each day saw the Wings head out on scenic rides through the Mpumalanga countryside, routes that twisted past lush forests, rolling hills, and the occasional curious giraffe. From Sabie’s waterfalls to Kruger’s edge, the rides showcased some of the most beautiful roads in the country.
Evenings were a different kind of adventure. Each night carried a theme, the Ruby Anniversary Dinner saw riders dressed in flashes of red, from scarves to jackets, while the Lights Parade evening was pure spectacle, rows of Gold Wings glowing under the Lowveld stars, LED strips and auxiliary lights turning the parking area into a carnival of colour and chrome.
One evening hosted the much loved Show and Shine, where owners proudly showed off their machines. Some Wings were immaculate, stock-standard examples of Honda engineering, others, rolling art pieces decked out with custom seats, sound systems, and the odd cheeky decal. The judges had their work cut out choosing winners, though, as always, the real prize was the banter and laughter shared around the bikes.
Throughout the week, the atmosphere was a blend of nostalgia and pride. Riders reminisced about early flings in the 80s and 90s, dusty campsites, long convoys through Karoo backroads, and friendships that have lasted a lifetime. Others, newer to the fold, soaked up the camaraderie and easy humour that define the Wing Riders’ community.
As one member put it, “You join for the bike, but you stay for the people.”
By Friday the 17th of October, it was time for the Gala Dinner and Prize Giving, the highlight of the week. Riders swapped their jackets for something a little more formal, but the smiles and laughter stayed the same. Awards were handed out to long standing members, best chapters, and standout bikes, with cheers echoing late into the night.
Albie and Jackie Eagar with Honda Wing Centurion, one of the event’s sponsors, received a certificate of appreciation for their ongoing support, and the room erupted in applause for all those who’ve helped keep the Wing Fling tradition alive. The evening ended on a high note with the singing of the Wing Song, a moment that never fails to stir a sense of pride and belonging.
The 40th Wing Fling was more than a celebration of a motorcycle, it was a tribute to a community. Forty years of shared miles, late night laughs, and lifelong friendships, all built around a machine affectionately known as “the bike that makes you smile.”
And as the last Gold Wing disappeared into the distance, one thing was clear, the tradition is still alive and well. The road continues, and so does the legacy.
