The announcement this week of an Australia Royal Commission into veteran and serving defence member suicides has prompted organisers of a motorcycle rally to amend their plans.
The planned rally on Saturday, 24 April at 11am on the steps of Parliament House in Melbourne will now become a vigil to “show respect to those veterans who have taken their lives and the family and friends affected”.
Motorcycle riders have had a long association with the defence forces in many countries. In fact, it was returned servicemen fromWorld War II who sought adrenalin and started many motorcycle clubs which are still going strong today.
Many returned servicemen find the camaraderie, adrenalin and mindfulness of riding to be helpful in handling post traumatic stress disorder.
Organisers say riders need to show the Federal Government that now that the Royal Commission is called they will be making sure “every stage is done properly including the follow-up of the terms of reference, recommendations followed up”.
It will begin with a free ride from the BP at the Southbound Service Centre in Scoresby from 9am on Saturday. All riders and supporters are invited to attend
Rider will head to the Shrine of Remembrance before leaving at 10.30am for Parliament House.
(All images from Veterans MC Victoria Chapter Facebook page)
Aussies have a deep love affair with British bikes that stretches back almost 100 years and now they can express that love by buying a classic Brit bike in the Shannons Autumn Online Auction.
At one stage, Australia’s motorcycle industry boasted more than 30 brand names, most of which were powered by British engines.
Aussies also favoured British bikes right through until the Japanese superbikes of the 1970s.
Now Brit bike fans can again express their love of UK mechanical hostly at the annual Shannons auction highlighted by Manx Nortons and an 1949 AJS 350CC 7R from 48 years of same family ownership.
The auction kicks off on 13 April 2021 and closes on April 20.
Three bikes come from the estate of the late Fred O’Farrell, who competed regularly at circuits like Amaroo Park and Oran Park.
The undisputed leader of the pack is a fabulous 1954 Norton Manx 500cc with a short-stroke Ray Petty conversion and a British and Bathurst race history.
Manx Norton
Built around a J11 M2 all-welded frame, this long-stroke Norton was originally sold in Oxford, UK, but underwent a short stroke conversion by Ray Petty (whose stamp appears on the crankcases and front brake ring) before coming to Australia.
Since brought up to 1961 spec, the Norton spent many years in Mt Gambier from where it was raced to fourth place at Bathurst by Rob Assink. After changing hands locally several times, the Manx landed in Warrnambool (Victoria) where it was given a general tidy up.
The Norton’s 498cc single had never been apart until its conrod was sent to Summerfields for a new big-end bearing. Used sparingly since, it was run up and down the local road by the vendor around six years ago and comes with paperwork and notes on its history. Genuine Manx Nortons rarely come on the market and this fine example is expected to sell in the $50,000 – $60,000 range.
The Manx is one of four Classic Nortons in the auction. Others are a fully-restored 1968 Norton Commando 750cc Twin Fastback in immaculate condition (the 307th Commando built – $20,000 – $24,000), a 1954 Norton ES2 500cc restored to a high standard with the make’s famous chrome and black livery (‘no reserve’ $10,000-$12,000) and a 1950 Norton ES2-based special (‘no reserve’ $7,000-$10,000).
Another all-time classic British motorcycle is a 1949 AJS 350CC 7R with an Australian racing history that has been in the same family ownership for 48 years ($45,000 – $55,000).
An alternative for AJS enthusiasts from the family of the Late Fred O’Farrell is a classic 1948 AJS 7R race bike now running a Velocette single cylinder 350cc engine (‘no reserve’ $16,000-$22,000).
Rex Acme
Great British Pre-War motorbikes in the auction include a very rare c1933 Rudge 500 TT Replica motorcycle ($14,000 – $18,000) and an ultra-rare and beautifully-restored 1926 Rex Acme Sports motorcycle fitted with a 350cc Blackburn ohv engine (‘no reserve’ $18,000-$22,000).
Indian outfit
American bikes in the auction include a 1923 Indian Standard Power Plus Outfit with its original sidecar offered with ‘no reserve’ in major project condition for $10,000-$15,000, along with two much more recent Harley-Davidson FLH 1200 models – an original, but cosmetically refreshed 1967 Electra-Glide ($30,000-$36,000) and an unrestored 1978 ’75th Anniversary Edition’ AMF model– one of just 2,120 made ($20,000 – $25,000).
Japanese motorcycles include three Hondas and a Suzuki GT750 triple, with the standouts being a stunning, orange 1974 Honda CB750/4 K4 and a ‘no reserve’ 1981 Honda CBX 1000 showing only 22,406km in the hands of three owners – both Hondas in immaculate condition and expected to sell for $22,000-$28,000, with the CBX 1000 offered with ‘no reserve’.
Also in the auction for scooter fans there are three Classic Vespas – a restored 1962 Piaggio 150cc (‘no reserve’, $5,000-$8,000); ac1974 Vespa Piaggio 150cc Sprint model (‘no reserve’ $6,000-$8,000) and a modern, but retro-styled 2009 Vespa GTV 250ie (‘no reserve’, $5,000-$7,000).
The ninth annual event went virtual in 2020 because of the pandemic, resulting in the number of participants and fundraising for the Movember Foundation being halved.
Now the men’s health charity event is permanently moving to May from this year.
Organisers hope the shift to May for the northern hemisphere riding season will better suit riders and increase fund-raising opportunities.
“We know how important it is to physically connect with our community,” the organisers said.
I’ve been to DGRs in various cities both here in Australia and overseas, and of course, the weather can be unpredictable.
While you can ride any time of the year in my home state of Queensland, DGR participants might prefer the more tweed-oriented cooler temps.
Since 2012, the event has connected hundreds-of-thousands of classic and vintage style motorcyclists from more than 100 countries and raised $US27.45m for men’s health.
Organisers hope to crash through the $US30m barrier this year.
Ride founder Mark Hawwa of Sydney says the ride will vary according to pandemic restrictions in each country with some being virtual as they were last year.
Fund-raising incentive prices are:
Four new Triumph motorcycles, one of which will be a unique DGR-branded custom for the winner of the 2021 Gentlefolk Competition;
Custom top-50 fundraiser Hedon helmets with a 10th year anniversary design;
Up 10 Hedonist helmets custom-painted by 10 renowned artists and auctioned off during the campaign;
Belstaff classic motorcycle outfits for top fundraiser and sprint prizes for event fundraisers; and
After cancellations last year during the COVID pandemic, Australia’s innovative First Aid For Motorcyclists program is making a welcome comeback in 2021.
Booking for 2021 courses are now available by clicking here with conditional discounts on some courses by entering the discount code signup21.
It comes as motorcycle injuries and deaths haven’t record levels in some states this year as more and more people are attracted to motorcycling.
Let’s face it; crashes are inevitable and what you do in the minutes after a crash can be vital to the victims recovery and survival.
But most riders are not familiar with emergency first aid procedures and are confronted with questions such as whether to remove the victim’s helmet, how do you secure the scene, how do you stem bleeding, how do you revive an unconscious rider, etc.
These and many more questions are provided in the various courses provided by the FAFM Motorcycle Accident Management which was founded by Roger Fance and Tracy Hughes in 2003.
Debb is one of the founders of 2WheelBabes which has been running Babe Raid rallies across the country since 2009.
The says she moved on from organising Babe Raids to concentrate on the FAFM program.
“We are here to give you the opportunities to upskill your riding life, to share that knowledge with your friends and riding groups and to bring rider safety to the front of everyone’s minds,” she says.
“Now is a great time to refresh your skills, gain new skills and just be confident that if you did come across a rider down, you know that you could assist during that vital first hour or two.”
Variety the Children’s Charity will start its 2021 motorcycle ride calendar with the Adventure Ride leaving from Goulburn NSW this Sunday (14 March 2021).
Future events include the Postie Bike Dash in October 2021 and the 2022 Adventure Ride to be held again in March. For more details on Variety’s motorcycle rides visit the website.
This weekend adventure bike riders will roll through the Snowy Mountains, NSW South Coast and Central NSW to help kids in need and support regional communities.
The Variety Adventure Ride is a six-day motorcycle event departing from Goulburn on Sunday.
Participants in the Variety Adventure Ride commit to raising at least $2000 to take part in the road trip with funds raised to help Variety – the Children’s Charity supporting children who are sick, disadvantaged or living with special needs across NSW and the ACT.
If you can raise $2000 in the next couple of days you can join by registering here.
The ride is a celebration of the group’s completed fundraising efforts and also brings business into regional towns through accommodation, meals, fuel and more for the riders.
Variety NSW/ACT Acting General Manager David Small says the trip not only explores regions but also builds new friendships.
“The Adventure Ride is not a race or a contest of any kind – it’s an adventure exploring the countryside by motorbike,” he says.
“Riders do all their fundraising before hitting the road – helping kids and their families who are doing it tough and providing much needed support to regional communities.
“The Variety Adventure Ride also benefits the towns it passes through, with more than $5,000 generally spent on local services and facilities in each town the group stops at.
“It’s a terrific way to help two groups of people at once – kids and businesses who all deserve a fair go.”
Australia’s country music capital, Tamworth, will host the inaugural National Thunder Motorcycle Rally in October 2021 based on the successful 2015 National HOG Rally, but open to all “breeds” of motorcycle.
Now, the rally is back on and registrations are open for the event held across the October long weekend from Friday 1 to Monday 4 October.
The rally will include bikes, music, food and entertainment and is open to individual riders, club members and organised groups representing all motorcycle manufacturer brands, says Barry Harley, National Thunder Event Manager.
“We’re really excited for Tamworth to provide the opportunity for riders to get back on their bikes and onto the road after a difficult year,” he says.
The event will feature live music on the Thunder Stage reliving the sights and sounds of the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, a National Thunder Horse Spectacular, trade sites, food stalls and licensed bars.
2015 Tamworth HOG rally horse spectacular
A motorbike parade through the streets and surrounds called the National Thunder Rally Run will close out the event.
“Regardless of what club or brand you’re aligned with, National Thunder is about getting back out there with mates, sharing the passion of the motorcycle community and putting on a great show,” Barry says.
“To add to the excitement of our inaugural event, we’re thrilled to announce that the New South Wales Harley Davidson Owners Group (HOG) have indicated that they intend to hold their State Rally in conjunction with the National Thunder Rally.”
HOG Regional Director (NSW/ACT) Ken McDonald says the merger had been considered for some time.
“Harley Davidson enthusiasts and HOG Chapters are set to flock to Tamworth from all corners of the State to take part in one of the most anticipated events of our riding calendar. Riders will enjoy a phenomenal line-up of entertainment, Chapter challenges and guided rides,” Ken says.
Riders will again take over the Australian Equestrian and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) which was the successful venue for the 2015 national HOG rally.
2015 HOG Rally in Tamworth
“Its sheer size means it’s the perfect space to offer up unforgettable entertainment whilst ensuring there’s plenty of room for patrons on-site as they move between scheduled offerings,” Ken says.
“Our HOG members had a blast in 2015 and we can’t wait to come back to AELEC for another memorable rally.”
There will also be guided rides throughout the Tamworth region including Nundle, Bendemeer, Barraba and Manilla.
Registration is now open at $149, and includes rally merchandise, access to all rides and entertainment across the weekend, and an entry into the Rally Raffle supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW.
Glamping and BYO camping options are available on-site.
Event organisers are planning for a COVID Safe event, and will continue to monitor State and Federal Government recommendations and regulations.
The 44th Historic Winton race event for classic motorcycles and cars returns in May 2021 after being cancelled last year because of the COVID-19 endemic.
Sadly, it’s a scaled-back event with no spectators allowed at the Winton Motor Raceway near Benalla in Victoria.
That’s a shame as Australia’s longest running, all-historic motor race meeting not only attracts some great historic motorcycles to race, but also for displays and trade stalls.
The 43rd Historic Winton in 2019 attracted more than 400 historic racing motorbikes, sidecars and cars from the 1920s to the 1980s.
The 44th Historic Winton for historic car and motorbike competitors will be held on 22–23 May 2021 under a Tier Three COVID Permit, says organiser Len Kerwood.
Attendance will be restricted to competitors, pit crews and officials.
At this stage, no public tickets will be available, and invitations to clubs for displays will not be possible.
“We are saddened that our event will not take its usual shape, and have not made this decision lightly,” Len says.
“However, the costs involved in the strict COVID Safe compliance and the continually changing Government requirements, has led us to this decision.
“Our loyal supporters; the spectators, car and motorcycle clubs, sponsors, advertisers and trade vendors will be greatly missed, however the running of the scaled back event will continue to support historic motorsport and keep Historic Winton alive for future years.”
But keep your fingers crossed because, if COVID restrictions are eased, there may be a light at the end of the tunnel for spectators.
“If eased restrictions are in place, it may be possible to have spectators, but this will be determined in coming weeks,” Len says.
The first Bonhams Motorcycles auction for 2021 will include two important collections, one of Italian sports bikes and the other a selection of classic Vincent-HRDs, the world’s fastest motorcycles of their time.
Their Summer Stafford Sale will be held on 3 and 4 July in line with the rescheduled International Classic MotorCycle Show.
And it’s a collection of motorcycles that will have you drooling and concocting how you can claim the purchases on tax or explain it away to your significant other as an investment.
In fact, classic motorcycles are increasing in value, so the latter is not a lie!
A selection of motorcycles offered from the Ron Cody Collection
Well-known in MV Agusta club circles, the late Ron Cody, a former sports car racer and engineer, turned to his passion for building up and restoring his collection of Italian machines as a retirement hobby. This collection offers 48 motorcycles, with many examples of MV Agustas as well as other Italian marques. Highlights include:
1964 MV AGUSTA 150CC RAPIDO SPORT, £3,000 – 4,000
1966 MV Agusta 150cc Rapido Sport
Like their larger siblings, the small MVs were very expensive, costing as much as a British 500, which explains why so few of these exquisitely engineered little motorcycles were sold in the UK. This 150 Rapido Sport displays a total of only 125 kilometres on the odometer since restoration.
1953 MV AGUSTA 125CC TEL ‘SPORT COMPETIZIONE’, £4,000 – 6,000
c.1949 MV Agusta 125cc TEL Sport
With superb engineering compared with any British contemporary, the MV Agusta’s 125cc TEL ‘stroker’ of 1949 was powered by a neat unitary construction single-cylinder engine which, somewhat unusually for a post-war design, featured detachable transfer ports. The 125 MV offered here is presented in Competizione specification, intended for Italy’s popular long-distance races such as the Milan-Taranto and the Moto Giro d’Italia.
C.1958 GILERA 175CC ROSSA EXTRA RACING MOTORCYCLE, £2,400 – 2,800
c.1958 Gilera 175cc Rossa Extra Racing Motorcycle
Throughout the early 1950s, Gilera’s racers made the headlines, taking six individual World Championships and five manufacturers’ titles. Its road bikes paid the bills, with the 175cc being a top seller, although its high price abroad made it a relatively rare sight outside Italy. Introduced for 1957, the Rossa Extra was essentially a deluxe version of the 175 Sport. Apparently cosmetically restored and very nicely presented, this Rossa Extra racer features a Scitsu tachometer, Dell’Orto UBF24BS carburettor, Ceriani forks, and ventilated brakes.
1958 PARILLA 175CC SPORT, £4,000 – 7.000
1958 Parilla 175cc Sport
One of the first Italian motorcycle manufacturers that went into production after the Second World War, Parilla introduced the ‘high cam’ (camme rialzata) model, for which it is best remembered, at the 1952 Milan Show. This 175cc single-cylinder motorcycle featured a chain-driven camshaft mounted on the side of the cylinder head, the valves being operated via short pushrods. Stunningly beautiful, Parilla’s production racer was also exceedingly quick.
AN IMPORTANT VINCENT-HRD COLLECTION
Classic Vincent-HRDs
A stalwart of the golden age of British motorcycles, the Vincent marque is synonymous with design innovation, engineering excellence but mostly record-breaking high performance.
1951 Vincent HRD 998cc Black Shadow Series C
Leading this important collection of Vincent-HRDs is a matching numbers 1951 Series C998cc Black Shadow, an example of the marque’s most famous model and the first genuine two-miles-per-minute production bike, with a reputed top speed of around 125 mph.
Off the road for 40 years, the motorcycle was completely restored by the vendor over a four-year period, with the result being judged ‘Best in Show’ at Stafford in 2010. Having since been displayed at the Lakeland Motor Museum, the Shadow is offered with a continuation RF60 buff logbook dating from April 1963 and the original registration number ‘LOV 579’. Estimate: £60,000 – 75,000.
Lining up with the Shadow is a loving recreation of its racing sibling, a Vincent HRD 998cc Black Lightning Evocation Special. Only 31 Black Lightnings were produced between 1948 and 1952 and their value reflects their rarity – Bonhams set a world record for the model in 2018 when the ex-Tony McAlpine, Jack Ehret, Australian Land Speed Record Breaking example sold for $929,000 (£656,630).
Vincent HRD 998cc Black Lightning Evocation Special
The vendor decided to create this Evocation for parades and track days. Buying a quantity of engine parts and main frame components in 2003, he embarked on a three-year project, restoring the rolling chassis himself, while entrusting the engine rebuild, to Black Shadow-plus specification, to well-known Vincent exponent Mick Ruocco.
Completed in 2006, it was commissioned by John Renwick, who made adjustments to the carburetion and started and ran the bike on his dynamometer. The Lightning was voted Best Classic Racer at the TT 2006 Lap of Honour and judged Best Classic Racer at the 2006 Stafford Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show. It has since completed many closed-road parades at the TT and Classic TT and was used the machine regularly until 2014, when it was put on display at the Lakeland Motor Museum. Estimate: £30,000 – 40,000.
1937 Vincent HRD 498cc Comet Series A, estimate: £35,000 – 45,000
1937 Vincent HRD 498cc Comet Series A
The rare Series A was the first model to use the Philip Vincent-designed engine, with high-camshaft layout. This example also underwent a complete restoration, from rebuilding the engine and gearbox to refurbishing the petrol tank. The restored Comet was awarded Best Post-Vintage machine at the 2009 Stafford Spring Classic Motorcycle Show. Covering a mere 100 ‘shake down’ miles since restoration the bike has, for the past decade, been displayed at the Lakeland Motor Museum.
Male riders will soon have a chance to learn more about their motorcycle and their own state of mind thanks to a 12-week mental health pilot program.
The idea is the brainchild of mental health trainer, Brisbane Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride co-ordinator and Triumph Thruxton fan Jeff Gough (pictured above).
He is developing his Mind Moto course thanks to being one of 18 worldwide to score a Research & Development grant through the Movember/DGR Social Connections Challenge.
Jeff is now seeking to be one of the eight to get full funding.
“If not, I will go chasing sponsors,” he says.
Mind Moto is a 12 week mental health pilot program that uses common motorcycle skills, components and practices as analogies for thought processes and deeper mental health understandings.
Or as Jeff says: “We are putting the cog into cognition.”
Jeff in the DGR
“This is a highly adaptable and novel approach to men’s mental health, designed to circumvent many of the traditional barriers, and enhance psychological well-being.
“This is achieved by utilising a known place of action, camaraderie, and learning – the workshop – to give men the confidence and security to explore mental health related ideals and issues.”
Jeff says the practical motorcycling course will be analogous for beneficial behaviours, thought processes, and mindsets.
“Mind Moto uses a trusted environment and existing knowledge to facilitate understanding, discussion, and new learning around better mental health and mindset practices,” Jeff says.
“It is expected that the program will not only provide a higher level of understanding of motorcycling, making better riders, but provide a platform for deeper comprehension of cognitive processes and outcomes, creating healthier minds.”
Participants will not only learn practical tools for maintaining and riding their bike, but also to improve relationships, social connection and life-satisfaction.
Jeff says this will, in turn, minimise feelings of loneliness and isolation in the male motorcycling community.
The pilot program is targeted at male motorcyclists aged 30-49 years which is statistically the most at-risk group from both suicide and motorcycle crash fatalities.
“Improving the mental health and motorcycle skills for this age group will have the most benefit for male motorcyclists and the greatest potential impact for the pilot program,” Jeff says.
The pilot program will have a minimum of 20 participants and a maximum of 50. Click here to email Jeff.
Proposed program
Topic
Presenters
Moto
Mind
1
Good Pressure
Tyre Specialist / Clifford Morgan Consulting
Tyres and performance
Stress and good pressure
2
Shock Absorption
Suspension Supplier / Clifford Morgan Consulting
Suspension
Resilience and bouncing back trauma
3
Balanced Set-up
Race Rider / Qualia Psychology
Good bike setup
Not too high, not too low
4
Long Way Home
Henry Crew / Clifford Morgan Consulting
About the ride – Preparation, planning,
The journey not the destination
5
See the Line
Q-Ride Trainer/ Think Straight
Cornering basics
Look for the right way through
6
Attentional Riding
Q-Ride Trainer / Qualia Psychology
Being aware and wary
Mindfulness – present in the moment
7
Customising
Skinny’s Garage / Think Straight
Changing away from the standard
Adaptation and adversity
8
Staying Protected
Brittany Morrow / Quialia Psychology
Good protection
Not letting it get to you
9
Slow vs Fast
Q-Ride Trainer / Clifford Morgan Consulting
Control – Traffic vs Track
Emotional control when things are easy vs tumultuous
After the 2020 Black Dog Ride was cancelled due to the pandemic for the first time in its 11-year history, the event will return to the Red Centre in 2021.
The BDR, which raises awareness and funds for mental health, was started by Steve Andrews after his solo ride around Australia in 2009.
Since then, most rides have been to the Red Centre with one ride around the country and even a ride across the USA.
For those who couldn’t make the epic annual trek, there were also one-day red events.
In its first decade, more than $3million has been raised by Black Dog Ride with funds passed on to organisations such as Lifeline, Mental Health First Aid Australia and the Black Dog Institute, as well as many many small community based volunteer groups and not-for-profits.
However, this year’s event in August was axed and registrations refunded in full.
Organisers say registrations are now open for the 2021 epic Red Centre ride.
“Of course, we want this ride to be all about mateship and fun, and of course, raising awareness of mental health and suicide prevention, as we stop and talk with people along the way,” they say.
The following ride groups are making the trek.
NSW/ACT through South Australia, and up the centre to Alice Springs.
WA through South Australia, and up the centre to Alice Springs.
SA around SA and up the centre to Alice Springs.
Vic/Tas through inland New South Wales and Queensland, then across to the Northern Territory and south to Alice Springs.
The Qld/NT ride group will travel through inland Queensland, then across to the Northern Territory, picking up Territorians before heading south to Alice Springs.
To find out more CLICK HERE to visit the Red Centre 2021 website.
From there you will also find links to the registration portal for each state/territory group.
Beyond 2021 the organisers say they have new destinations in mind for future years.
So the 2021 ride may be the last opportunity to travel with BDR to the Red Centre for some years to come.
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