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BALLARAT RALLY
8th and 9th Feb 2003
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| Saturday
8th February—Distance 64kms.
The Warragul Rally was organised for this
particular weekend but cancelled due to commitments by the organiser
with exceptionally dry and high fire danger risk in the more heavily
timbered country side in Eastern Victoria, it was agreed to change the
rally to April 12th and 13th. Substituting the Editor’s Day Run for
9th February based in Ballarat, leaving member’s to their own
discretion whether they wanted to ride on the Saturday, Sunday or both
days.
As you’re aware the first 4 months of the year is perfectly suitable for veteran and vintage motorcycles climate wise, so after arriving at 1pm, a quick cuppa and consuming what was left on the BBQ, I counted 17 bikes primed, ready to roll. Amongst them notably a very nicely restored 1924 Indian Chief. Although he still had a few small things to iron out and attach, the bike is certainly a credit to him, and hopefully still runs well, in readiness for the 2 up and coming Annual rallies, VMCC of Vic (Maryborough) and our Antique Club annual rally at Warrnambool this year. Good to see a 1926 Scott make an appearance, and also good to see new members on their first rally with a beautifully restored 1925 Douglas. Job well done. The 1913 Rover was the lead bike, heading North out past the White Swan Reservoir, we travelled at a relatively steady pace through small localities on minor roads, where the drought is having some impact on the countryside with dams and creeks all drying up. With a temperature of 28°C we progressed to Lake Learmonth, about 24kms North West of Ballarat to view an empty crater like depression which was surprisingly 100% dry. The first time in 50 years. It will be quite some time before the local sailing club is back in business. From there it was only a short but bumpy up on your pegs ride to our afternoon tea break hosted by Eva, at her house by the lake. Whilst very enjoyable the tumble weeds were blowing up from the lake bed settling around our bikes. I hope this region receives a decent winters rain. From there we departed south, returning to Ballarat,
the last stretch via express way. (Something different). Arriving back
at around 4.30pm it was agreed to have a social night out for those
feeling that way inclined at the Ballarat Leagues Club. I being
nominated unopposed as chauffeur in the van. I wont disclose how many
happy members squeezed in for a lift on the return trip but I had to
have the last laugh by giving them a rather bumpy ride home. Speed humps
and bumps included….sorry about that!!! Again I was nominated to be the mornings BBQ cook. (In return for camping fees). Anyway with some extra help I managed to cater for everybody, even if I did call myself a pretend chef. Take note R.W. it was not a pretend BBQ.At approximately 9.30am all bikes assembled at the start in readiness for the day’s mystery ride. I tried to find out where we were going to, being the reporter, but this Editor’s Run was very secretive. I don’t think they knew themselves, so it seemed. Better top the tank up. Overcast conditions prevailed and rain looked imminent, bit I was fooled, it was bush fire haze that lifted midday to reveal clear blue sky with a temperature of 26°C. Heading south around the familiar veteran bike hill climb, (Mt.Buninyong), we encountered little traffic, quiet country lanes with visibly greener fields and hills. Gradually turning north we passed through towns such as Wallace, Dean and Kingston before arriving in Newlyn, our lunch stop at Newlyn Hotel. A rather modern building for the area. All had an enjoyable meal and relaxation outside for a short period before our final leg along more back roads entering Ballarat through Brown Hill, to end what was a really good weekend spent in good company. Many thanks extend to the capable back-up and support crew. In closing the only complaint arising from the weekend to be entered in the ’Shame file’ was that a certain rider on his newly restored Indian Chief did not do the required amount of marshalling on corners, yet his excuse was “running in the engine” so being lenient as I am I excused him...but not next time. Yes folks, stay tuned for who is next on the ‘Shame file’ in a future report...say no more! Until then we all eagerly look forward to more of those restorations to come from out of the wood work so to speak. Keep on motoring. M. G.
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