ALBANY VINTAGE & CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE CLUB

December 2015 Club News

Hill Climb Weekend

Photos Andrew and John Mac (more and larger of John's photos from the weekend)

The 2015 Hill Climb Weekend was again a huge success. Starting early on Saturday morning the road was closed to through traffic so club members could organise Stirling Terrace for the bikes to be on display.

We were a little apprehensive as to numbers as the weather was a little drizzly. But we weren’t disappointed as over 200 bikes ended up on the terrace with many people coming to have a look. To add to the atmosphere music was provided by Dylans On The Terrace, and food and coffee was sold out on the pavement.

The girls did a great job taking entries for the afternoon’s Poker Run as well as selling badges and informing visitors as to what was happening over the weekend.

The Poker Run got underway at lunch time with around 120 riders taking part in a 100 or 135 kilometre run around the Albany countryside.

The run finished at Albany Rifle Club rooms where afternoon tea was provided, again by Dylans, giving entrants a chance to socalise and compare poker hands. There was only one break-down which was picked up by one of the back-up trailers and another bike was given petrol after running out near the half-way point.

Next morning it was another early start for club members and volunteers from the Albany Volunteer Fire and Rescue as they prepared for Sunday’s Hill Climb up Mt Clarence. With a full quota of nearly 100 pre-1980 bikes and with much improved weather it looked like it was going to be a great day.

There were three groups of 30-plus bikes starting with two practice runs up the hill to nominate a time, followed by three timed runs. Closest to the nominated time wins.

There was plenty to keep the spectators interest up with spectacular wheelies and immaculate bikes. The day went very smoothly with few break-downs, and all the marshalls and volunteers doing a marvellous job.

The competition was very close as it was discovered that there were three riders that had each only lost 0.1 sec during the day, which meant an exta run-off for them.

It was a great day and a huge thank you to everyone involved, the riders, sponsors, club members, especially Garry the co-ordinator, Bruce who gets the riders up to the line, the recorders, commentator, there’s too many to mention but you know who you are. Proceeds from the weekend are donated to the Albany Volunteer Fire and Rescue.

Hill Climb Results

Outright Winner: Glen Oliver, 1941 Indian Scout - 741 600cc (lost 0.1sec - 0.3 sec run-off)
Runner-up: Paul Radford, 1968 Triumph Bonnie Custom 750cc (lost 0.1sec - 0.5 sec run-off)
Best Female Rider: Rhona Finnigan, 1973 Triumph T150 750cc (lost 2.7 sec)
Best Sidecar: Glen Britza/Russell Jeffrey, 1951 Ariel Red Hunter outfit (lost 2 sec)
Best Pre-31: Rod Chessel, 1927 BSA JAP 500cc (lost 6.9 sec)
Best Presented Bike: Graeme Hammond, 1918 Indian Board Track Racer
Hard Luck Award: Ray Boreham, 1968 Norton Classic 650cc

Poker Run

Best Hand: Ant Bostock (Full House)
2nd Best Hand: Dan Lock (Diamond Flush)
Worst Hand: Mike Warren (9 high)