VJMC National Rally
As is standard practice, the 2016 Vintage Japanese Rally was run for a second consecutive year in and around the ACT, under the capable stewardship of the ACT-based team that put together the 2015 rally. Around 260 entries were received, which was slightly down on the previous year but still of a very high standard. Entries came from NSW, ACT, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. The Capital Country Holiday Park was the headquarters for the weekend, which kicked off on Friday evening with a “meet and greet” barbeque. Saturday dawned fine and unseasonably warm, and proceedings got under way with a ride of about 70km into and around Canberra before bikes arrived at the National Museum of Australia for the Concours and Show and Shine judging. The museum’s forecourt is an ideal setting as it showcases the bikes not just for the participants, but for the many regular museum visitors throughout the day. Saturday evening’s presentation dinner was a sell-out, with a glittering array of trophies presented to winners, as well as the usual raffle which was generously supported by McLeod Accessories who donated some very desirable DriRider clothing.
In slightly cooler conditions, Sunday saw the main riding segment of the rally, with a 40km run to the historic town of Bungendore for morning tea. The riders then split into two groups, one returning to the rally HQ and the others doing a loop of a further 110 km. Then it was a case of loading up and joining in the Sunday afternoon traffic for the trip home. Planning is already well under way for the 2017 and 2018 VJMC National Rallies, which will be based in Tamworth, NSW (see details in Buzz Box this issue).