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We had a different lead-up to this year’s event because of the art installation in Memorial Drive. A new location was required and likely places were discussed at club meetings.
An application was lodged in March with the City of Albany for Marine
Drive to be the venue. The club knew this to be the best option but a
few alternatives were suggested and rejected during the first meeting.
However, after a few false starts the events approval officer, Anna
Kiddle came on board, and she was extremely helpful and enthusiastic so
it was all go.
The paper trail started with the businesses on Stirling Terrace all
signed up, stakeholders at Middleton Beach were approached and 99% were
all for it and signed up. Plans were drawn up for road closures and
permits issued by the council and these all went to the traffic
department at WA Police.
Days went by without any feedback after many visits to the local cop shop. A few hiccups had appeared but these were overcome and approval was granted by the Minister of Transport.
Saturday morning on the Terrace volunteers turned up at five thirty and
barriers were put up in steady rain and it was looking gloomy, but by
nine o’clock the sun was breaking through eventually giving us a
beautiful sunny day.
Bikes started to roll in and the public were out in force to admire the
diverse selection of motorcycles spanning almost 100 years.
The coffee shops were buzzing and it was a carnival atmosphere in
Albany’s historic precinct. Phones and cameras were busy capturing the
marvelous display against the magnificent sunlit harbour, with live
music adding to the ambience from the band in the historic 1897 rotunda
built for Queen Victoria’s Silver Jubilee.
Registrations for the Poker Run were a bit slow (probably because of the
early rain) but over a hundred paid up and were sent off on the two
courses to collect their cards at the five designated stops and continue
to the Rifle Club for afternoon tea supplied by Dylans on the Terrace.
Sunday morning volunteers started arriving for the five o’clock start at Middleton Beach, roads were closed and barriers erected on Adelaide Cr, Flinders Pde on Marine Drive. Entrants for the hill climb stated pouring in and the whole area was a hive of activity in preparation for the seven thirty briefing. Approximately 85 bikes and outfits were lined up either side of the road and the time trial was under way.
With the good weather and the spectacular backdrop of Middleton Beach it turned out to be a huge success with the entrants who travelled from far and wide giving it the thumbs up. So much so that one of the entrants commented “it is the most fun you can have with your pants on “.
The spectators who were out in force at the start line and the vantage points on Marine drive also commented on the excellent venue.
The club was well supported by members volunteering on both days, and all those who helped deserve a big thank you. Without the team of helpers throughout the organisational period, right up to the end of the event on Sunday, it would not happen.
I’ve had lots of photos of the Hill Climb Weekend sent in from many
members, unfortunately we can only show so many, but thank you all for
taking the photos especially John, Andrew and Antoinet: