Wangaratta
4th Biennial Veteran M/C Rally
Photographs - courtesy Patrick - Pictures are hosted on his Web Site
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WANGARATTA
2003 4th Biennial Veteran Motorcycle Rally (Under
the auspices of the Antique Motorcycle Club of Australia Inc.) Wangaratta
consisted of 4 day runs that were set out by: Instead
of 1 person writing the entire rally report, following are individual
accounts of the rally. Monday 22nd.
Day 1. Today's run organised and led by Art had a total
distance of 73kms. The
shortest distance of the 4 day tour. As this was to be my first veteran rally, I
looked forward to the generosity of being loaned a 1913 Rover (single)
belt drive motorcycle. Entering
with very little experience in riding one, a short test ride previously
had proven me to ‘qualify’ as a capable rider. Ready to begin pedaling, surprisingly I was
given a quick push instead, the engine sprung to life. I was off over my first speed hump at the Painter’s
Island camp ground, around the corner to the starting point at Apex
Park. To my embarrassment I
unintentionally had the retarding control lever in the wrong position
thereby creating some very loud backfiring to stir up the assembled
crowd of riders and spectators. Yet
not quite as alarming as the ear piercing gun shot backfiring from
Graeme's BSA. Has John still retained his hearing? I was quite impressed to say the least at the
sight of 82 pre 1918 bikes lined up in orderly fashion awaiting
instructions from Terry and the official send off at 9am by Mayor Mrs Irene
Grant. With bikes coughing
and spluttering to life we all left the town without incident, heading
towards Everton. With the
temperature hovering around 20 deg C for most of the day and slightly
overcast at first it was a relief to ignore the weather bureaus, rain
and storms forecast. Just
think of the belt slippage. Anyway
strap on the waterproofs to be sure of a fine day.
Recent heavy rain falls appeared to have quenched the
countryside's thirst for water, riding alongside lush green pastures
certainly looked pleasing. Creating
an even better atmosphere than hot and parched paddocks. The roads in North Eastern Victoria definitely
suited these oldies with very little inclines to encounter on today's
run, cruising speed for me was approximately 50kph.
Even a few hills didn’t seem to deter the Rover.
I wondered about the outskirts and much earlier bikes on the
rally such as the 1904 Lewis and 1909 Minerva, (maybe much pedaling
required), and what about those bikes not yet run in like Matthews 1918
Powerplus single on its maiden outing, and least I not forget the
Bullock left behind in the camp ground in frustration and despair.
I’m not sure, but just ask Leon.
(Note, by the week's end this bike was run in entirely by the
push start method in the camp ground and that’s no exaggeration.)
So lets hope it ventures out in the next national rally in SA
under its own steam. For the morning tea break we stopped at Everton
Primary School which was above expectations and country style catering
certainly excelled itself. As
usual when leaving morning tea stops I hope that there is a long rider
before lunch as one can imagine. To lessen the embarrassment on the first day I
decided to leave almost last, that way observing other riders starting
rituals and run and jump tactics.
(Don’t laugh). With
competent marshalling at hand, thanks to those special volunteers, how
could anyone take a wrong turn? It’s
veteran motorcycling at best, especially around quiet undulating
countryside around Wangaratta. Arriving at the town of Eldorado in the early
afternoon for a few quiet moments in the main street to pursue the towns
museum then forwarding 1km down the road to the first lunch stop at the
Eldorado Memorial Hall. This 1km began as a rolling start, without
crashing into anyone, but such a large hungry contingent of riders it
proved to be more of a hasty rush to be the first.
Sometimes I only wished I had the voice of Lenny to clear the
road in front of me. We finally assembled in an orderly manner for
lunch and before long, with that over with, rode the 5kms to a famous
dredge site. History
tells us that gold (alluvial) and tin was extracted here in the rivers
and streams from 1844 to 1922.
The Eldorado dredge itself operated in Reedy Creek from 1936 to
1954, scooping up river soil using an endless chain of 110 dredging
buckets. In 18 years
winning 70,664 ounces of gold and 1,383 tons of tin concentrate before
succumbing to retirement due to increased costs. From here we basically ran the gauntlet back to
Wangaratta, mishap free the entire day,
(speak for myself here of course), with the fast freddies on
their V twin JAP’s thundering past, (not the Pasco), for a much
earlier return to camp, at approx 3.30pm An amazing first day experience with such a
vast array of veteran bikes including a contingent of some 20 Australian
made motorcycles. It’s
hard to report on them all understandably so I advise taking a camera as
well to these rallies. Now I must remember to meticulously clean the
bike each day as was the instruction from a certain somebody. Mark Tuesday
23rd.
Day 2. Today's run started on the lawns of the
Wangaratta police station. It was an ideal opportunity to take photos.
Approximately 86 bikes in attendance.
We were escorted off the premises by the police and headed in a
south east direction through some rolling hills and quiet country roads.
Being a works rider for two teams meant a rest day for the Lewis
as I was riding for team Triumph today.
The morning tea stop was at Greta Valley Primary School. Chris
(school principal) and her team of teachers and parents put in a big
effort in preparing a delicious morning tea and craft market. Whilst playing in the school yard it was
interesting to hear some of the topics of the morning.
The most notable being that of fuel and fuel economy.
One being a Triumph running terrible.
The owner was asked, "What type of fuel are use using?"
"Shell was his immediate response."
"Well that's your problem, you should be using Caltex."
The other being the economy of an Abingdon.
"I generally get about 90km to a tank, but I barely made it
to here. Either crooks back
at camp or I forgot to fill her up." We departed school at 11:10am and continued our journey through some beautiful undulating country traveling through the Greta Valley, 15 Mile Creek, Boggy Creek to Moyhu for lunch. Along the way a hill tested many of the machines and the rider had the option of turning around and having a second or third run up, or to dismount and walk. Lunch was at the Moyhu Hotel, and once again a lovely meal had been prepared for us. Being Triumph day approx. 18 were lined up for a photo shoot. Leaving Moyhu at approx. 1:30pm we headed into Kelly country as our next destination was Glenrowan. We had the option of going to Ned Kelly's last stand theatre extravaganza or just looking through the town and making our own way back to Wang. The day came to an end with approx. 100 people enjoying a well earned drink & meal at the Wangaratta Club. Graeme Wednesday
24th. Day 3. The
AGM for the Antique Motorcycle Club was held at the Painter’s Island
Caravan Park at 10am, as the AGM was unable to be held September 12th on
the Bendigo Day Run due to not enough members being present. Bryce chaired the meeting and thanked those on the committee
for their efforts over the past year, and those who have held
rallies/day runs over the past 12 months.
The chair was handed over to Terry while committee positions were
declared vacant and the new committee were elected unopposed. Only change in committee was our Treasurer, with Don taking
over from Jeffs. Thanks were
given to Barry for his time as Treasurer.
At 10.30 the meeting was declared closed and the veteran rally
meeting was opened. Many
riders had their say about past, present and future rallies.
We learn something from every rally, which is of help to the
organisers of the next one. The
5th Biennial Veteran Motorcycle Rally will be held at Nuriootpa, South
Australia. Following
these meetings it was ‘free time’, where some riders ‘serviced’
their bikes, others visited Barry Hartnell’s, some visited local
wineries, and others visited Beechworth.
Two buses had been organised so we could visit the Historic town
of Beechworth and enjoy the delights in the famous Beechworth Bakery. Catrina
Thursday 25th
Day 4. Windy but overcast were the weather conditions but no
rain was forecast until late in the afternoon. Assembling at Barr Reserve over 90 Veteran Motorcycles
including Steven riding the 1906 Ladies Matchless running quite nicely.
Many thanks to Pat at the roundabout, pointing in the direction
of the Reserve, it was slightly confusing. Charlie appeared riding Margaret’s Excelsior,
the Pope having a rear suspension problem, a pity as the Pope had been
running well. Des also
turned up on a very nice 1915 single speed Ariel. Once again the Wangaratta Police stopped the
traffic to let us out for the off, very much appreciated. Heading north we had a short distance of 4 kilometres before
we stopped at well known identity Ken Lucas’s place. Quite amazing a most delectable collection of
racing machinery ranging from Manx Nortons, Matchless G50’s AJS
7R’s to Vincent Twins, but a rusty Australian built V Twin Jap powered
veteran attracted much interest. Leaving Ken Lucas’s place we traveled out
west of Wangaratta through a patchwork quilt of cherry blossom, canola,
wheat and other crops. There
was a strong head wind blowing making hill climbing very hard for some
bikes. Also causing a
problem were a few heavy vehicles throwing up large clouds of dust.
It caused John to swerve off the road, nearly losing the plot,
good skill prevailed and he continued riding. Thoona School was the destination for lunch,
all parking on the oval, the Indian Riding team taking the opportunity
to occupy the cricket pitch for photo session, - a good Harley could
have clean bowled the lot. Quite
a few locals spent some time looking at the array of machines also
appreciative was the store owner with the only petrol bowser in town. Riding back from Thoona we headed off toward
Wangaratta, this time with the wind at our side and eventually behind us
making conditions much more pleasant although black clouds were starting
to gather. Glenrowan was the next stop and at a local hall
John unleashed his surprise, George talking about the life of a most
unusual identity Reg Krash Kavanagh, whose traveling trunk with a wealth
of information inside, and a history of his exploits George shared with
us. Moving outside spots of rain began falling, and
with “the Stallion” impatiently pawing the ground, a decision to
move off quickly was made, and so we did.
A minor shower only eventuated and in no time we were back in
Wangaratta negotiating the afternoon rush hour roundabouts successfully. The official Rally dinner was in the Pinsent
Hotel, and a sumptuous affair it was, with bottles of wine kindly
donated by our Western Australia friends.
Speeches, thanks and awards were handed out. Awards: Best
Single Cylinder
1914 Mostyn Best
Twin Cylinder
1915 Indian Best
Outfit
1914 James Most
Desirable
Bike
1918 Henderson Acknowledgements
went to Peter (Chief Marshall, the Marshals, Backup Drivers and all the
others who made this event the success it was. ArnoldFriday 26th.
Day 5. Once again the overnight rain had left its mark on
the roads, but by the start-time of 9-15am, most of this had evaporated
away in the wind and just the odd damp patch was left. Prior to the off, the Australian manufactured (or,
for the envious non-owners, assembled) machines were lined up together
for a photo shoot while cups of tea and coffee were consumed, and they
made quite a display. The
local police were again in attendance for the start, and assisted the
bikes to get out onto the road from the Painters Island Caravan Park.
After only a few hundred metres on the Highway, it was once more
onto those marvelous Victorian country roads where basically the riders
had the bitumen to themselves. About 85 brave souls tackled the elements this last day, as
some of the entrants had to leave early whilst others had succumbed to
machine failures during the week.
The first part of the day’s run was to Milawa, home of the
internationally famous Brown Brothers Winery, and some lengths of the
route were against a headwind that, to say the least, adequately
prevented the engines from overheating.
The undulating roads took us through beautiful country, with the
vines just coming into leaf and the fruit trees in blossom, along with
paddocks containing the most contented cows you could meet. On
arrival at the Brown’s complex, the size of the operation became
apparent. Beautifully
tended gardens and lawns were surrounded by both old and new buildings,
and everyone was treated to a magnificent morning tea of fresh cakes,
tarts and fruit, which most people would see only in the movies.
It was delicious. After
a suitable short break, to either make some wine purchases or just enjoy
the gardens, it was once more out onto the road and off to lunch at
Whorouly. The wind seemed
to have kept both its
strength and lack of degrees Celsius
during our rest, but with the
help of the inner man having been empowered by hot coffee, and so much
scenery to appreciate, the ride was
as enjoyable as ever. Being
involved in a relatively relaxed convoy of so many veteran motorcycles
is an experience I shall remember for a long time. On
arrival at Whorouly the urn was boiling and the sausages and burgers
already cooking, so once more, and this time for the last time, the
troops were fed. After
lunch and without too much delay, we were all soon sent on our way back
to Wangaratta to start saying goodbyes or to just enjoy a beer and sit
around telling lies for an hour or so.
Although we had seen very little sun in the course of the day, we
had seen no rain either. Cool,
breezy and overcast summed it up pretty well.
That is not to say un-enjoyable. With good company, good food,
good roads, good scenery and nearly 100 bikes traveling 100 kilometres,
how could you be disappointed? Mind
you, for some reason Friday seemed to be “National Drive-belt Day”
as about half a dozen riders experienced problems with slipping or
breakage. That brings us to comment on the general organization of the Rally. The back-up and marshalling was faultless, and all aspects of the Rally seemed to go off without a hitch. This can only be attributed to each member of the team doing just what was required of them and everyone involved should be congratulated. South Australia is in the hot seat for 2005. Let us hope we can do as well. Looking forward to seeing you there. Howard
Bikes
Included: (Bikes
ridden
by
Antique Motorcycle Club Members
in
Italics) 1904
Lewis 1908
Triumph 1909
Minerva 1910
Triumph 1910
FN 1911
Douglas 1911
Norton 1911
Service 1911
Triumph 1912
AKD 1912
Triumph 1912
Kerry Abingdon 1912
Triumph 1912
Triumph 1912
Triumph 1913
Pope 1913
Bullock 1913
Triumph 1913
Rover
1913
Champion 1913
Indian 1913
Carbine O/F 1914
Baby
Triumph 1914
James O/F
1914
Triumph 1914
Triumph 1914
Matchless 1914
Douglas 1914
Douglas 1914
BSA
1914
Champion 1914
Triumph 1914
Royal Enfield 1915
Indian 1915
P & M 1915
Pasco
1915
JAP 1915
Ariel 1915
Rover 1915
A.N.A.
1915
BSA 1915
Rover 1915
Indian 1915
Rover 1915
Triumph 1915
BSA
1915
J.A.P. 1916
Harley Davidson 1916
Indian 1917
BSA 1917
Henderson 1917
GCS
1917
Harley Davidson 1917
Douglas 1918
B & B 1918
Royal Enfield |