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The
2014 Albany Vintage & Classic Club’s Hill Climb Weekend
would have to go down as one of the best.
Held in perfect weather with some of the biggest crowds we’ve
seen, especially on Mt Clarence which had record gate takings.
Starting off early on Saturday morning with many Club members
helping, it didn’t take long before Stirling Tce was organised.
This year we had a roster for Club members to man the road
closure at each end of Stirling Terrace, this worked out really
well. The girls were doing a great job taking entries for the
Poker Run as well as selling badges and informing visitors what
was going on.
Dylans had plenty of chairs and tables out on the pavement and
a stall selling food and coffee, other shops had furniture
outside too. Entertainment, provided by Dylans, was Geoff Scott
playing his guitar and singing along providing a relaxed
atmosphere.
Great Southern Motorcycles, Shannons and the Badge guy all had
displays. Stirling Terrace had more bikes parked along the
shopping strip than ever before and it made for a magnificent
sight.
Lunch time and the Poker Run got under way with around 150
entrants participating in a 90 or 120 kilometre ride around the
Albany countryside. There were 5 stops to pick a card and with
the help of the Albany Volunteer Fire Brigade and Club members
the riders arrived at the Rifle Club for hot drinks and cake,
courtesy of Gwen and Morris Blake proprietors of Dylans on the
Terrace.
A Harley and a Triumph ended up on the back-up trailers whilst
all the others successfully made the trip.
There were a lot of happy campers out at the Rifle Club which
has a bar and the evening meal was provided by Gary and Cherrie
Carlsen who were run off their feet.
Bruce did a fantastic job organising diners and collecting the
camping fees, and doing the raffle in the evening with the help
of Ronnie and Antoinet. See Bruce's blog of the
weekend below. Next morning many Club members we well as
the Volunteer Fire Brigade were up the hill early setting up for
the day’s event up to Mt Clarence.
Unfortunately the Ambulance and Fire Engine were called away
just when the Hill Climb was about to start, as there was a bad
car accident nearby, but it wasn’t long before they returned and
the practice runs and the three timed runs were underway.
The course marshalls, starters, timers and recorders all did a
brilliant job and the event ran like clockwork, there’s always a
few teething problems at the beginning of the day but these were
ironed out easily.
It was certainly the biggest crowd of spectators we’ve had,
which was verified by the gate takings. The Soapbox Club did a
roaring trade selling food, Don was flat out making coffee, and
the Lions Club were busy at the gate too.
There were a few spectacular wheelies as well as zig-zagging
sidecars, but no accidents, although there were a few mechanical
problems with the bikes and around 10 dropped out during the
day.
The day went so smoothly that it was the earliest we had
finished which also gave the entrants a chance to leave early
for the trip home to Perth and other parts of the State.
A huge thank you to everyone involved, the riders, sponsors, but
especially Club Members who helped with the weekend, Garry Blake
who co-ordinated the event, Bruce who gets the riders up to the
starting line, there’s too many too mention, but you know who
you are.
What a fabulous weekend and one which is unique in Western
Australia.
POKER RUN
Best Hand: Bill Speechily (Straight)
2nd Best Hand: Ryan Crowley (3 Queens)
Worst Hand: Rob Wason (9 high)
HILLCLIMB:
Outright Winner: Russell Longly,
1979 500cc Hagon (Lost 0.25 sec)
Runner-up: Mark Ellison,
1979 Harley Davidson 1200cc (Lost 0.28 sec)
Best Female Rider: Sheryl White,
1976 Honda 400cc (Lost 0.75 sec)
Best Sidecar: Glen Britza/ Russell Jeffrey
1951 Ariel Sidecar 500cc (Lost 1.10 sec)
Best Pre-31: Rod Chessel
1927 BSA JAP 500cc (Lost 1.91 sec)
Best Presented Bike: Paul Stoker
1972 Ducati Sport 750cc
Hard Luck Award: Kelvin Mears
1936 Norton 500cc
The annual Albany Motorcycle weekend was on again after missing
a year, so me and Kylie left early on Wed for a leisurely and
cold ride through the South West to arrive on Friday.
Set up tent at rifle club and head to Bob’s to get my work
schedule for the w/end. Kenny first to arrive, then Stewart and
John joined us at the Rifle Club. Lindsay patching up the crack
in his fuel tank successfully.
Kylie sent to buy dinner for the hordes and a BBQ set up to cook
snags as everyone mobbed the bar. Early to bed ready for Sat
bike show. Up at 5.30 with Kenny to help set up Stirling Tce
ready for the 300 odd bikes of all makes and age.
Some lovely bikes on display to look at. Kelvin fell off his
Norton in the driveway and ended his weekend as it landed on his
ankle. He got hard luck award at Hill Climb. Clive arrives after
early start from Perth.
Off to man a check-point for Poker Run, only to be told off for
my offensive language, (who me) got the wrong person I said.
Kenny gave me a good character reference in case I go to court.
Back to Rifle Club for end of Poker Run and afternoon tea or
beer.
Collect camping fees and meal tickets and enjoy nice meal. In
the sack only to listen to Irish Kev’s bullshit till late. He
can go with Team Norton next year!
Up at 5.30 again to set up for Hill Climb. A great day had by
all, riders and spectators, in perfect weather and was finished
by 2 pm, a record time.
Back to camp to tales of 10 foot long dugite menacing Pete, Big
Kev and Irish Kev. Shame it didn't bite Irish Kev before the
caretaker blasted it with his black powder gun.
Some members left on Sunday and the rest of us headed to Perth
different ways on Monday. If you haven't been, go next year, you
wont regret it.
Thanks to Garry and all the other organizers for a top weekend.