The 2 Day Rally in March put on by the Bunbury Indian Harley
Davidson Club is always very well organised and great fun. The
Albany group (together with Phillip from Kojonup) left early on
Friday for the 360km ride, stopping at Denmark to pick up Ronnie
and Antoinet who were waiting for us.
After a break at Walpole we were riding through the recent
bushfire-ravaged area for 40kms before stopping at the
Northcliffe turn-off. Then on through Bridgetown and Donnybrook
before arriving at the Motocross track where the Club and the
Rally was based.
While we were setting up camp the Perth Club members arrived. It
was then time for a few drinks and to fire up the BBQ. After an
enjoyable night we were ready for the Rally. We were given a bag
with our number, badge etc.
The idea is to nominate an average speed and the winner is the
closest to it over the 2 days. Over 170 riders were competing,
on bikes ranging from veteran to classic, but the bike had to be
over 25 years old.
We were given electronic tags for the check-points to check us
in with. There’s a long course for the Saturday (230kms) and
short 100kms.
We were on the long one which took us to Balingup for lunch and
back to Bunbury via Nannup. The short course went through the
Ferguson Valley. We arrived back in the camp around 4 pm with no
real dramas.
Saturday night is a delicious meal provided by the ladies of
the Bunbury Club, there’s also a bar available for drinks. This
was followed by a Quiz Night, which was good fun. Our members
were split into two groups and our one was lucky enough to come
joint winners. There was a deciding question which we got wrong,
who would have thought that there were 35 million packets of Tim
Tams sold each year! But we ended up with four bottles of wine
which we’ll take on the week away.
Next morning there is a shorter ride of around 100km and both
groups met up at Donnybrook for a coffee.
It was all over by noon. After lunch the awards are handed out
and Stuart won best visitor on his 1975 Honda 400/4. We broke
the ride home up by camping at Quinninup overnight, great place
with a tavern close by for a meal.
Next morning it was overcast but OK, as soon as we reached the
highway though it started drizzling and did so most of the way
to Walpole. Like a fool I didn’t bring my wet weather gear and
was wet through, and spent most of my time in Walpole in front
of the pie warmer in the Bakery. The showers eased closer to
Denmark and it didn’t take long to start drying out.
Great weekend, and company, always good to catch up with the
Perth crew. So if you’ve an older bike, chalk it in the
calendar. Peter Scott and Phillip hadn’t been before and they
both were very impressed and will be back.
Packed bikes on trailer and headed off to Bunbury Friday nite,
arriving at 7.30 in time to set up tent and have a couple of
cold ales with the rest of the Albany crew.
Up early Sat to get ready for days start. My time 72 kmh,
Kylie’s 69 kmh. Me on the R60 BMW and Kylie on the ‘76 750
Bonnie. Ended up in Balingup for lunch via some great back roads
then on to Nannup - Kirup and Donnybrook.
Dinner as usual was yummy and I ate far too much and paid
penance all night with a rumbling belly. Then the quiz nite
started and the Perth bunch were kicked to the kerb by the
Albany braincases who came 2nd, so more fun had. Off to bed and
up early again Sunday for a 9am start.
Up the Ferguson Valley then across to Capel and back to club
house. Two great days of riding with perfect weather. The Indian
Harley club have got some top blokes to join in with and make
you feel welcome.
Out of 173 entries Kylie came in about 77th and me about 85th.
Plus we didn't get wet going home.
There are some advantages of living in Perth, Bob.