Moto Giro Australia
The 8th Motogiro Australia was fully subscribed at 40 entrants, many bringing multiple bikes including Aermacchi, Aspes, Benelli, Ducati, MotoBeta, MotoGuzzi, MotoMorini and MV Augusta. Despite some rain and cloud on Wednesday’s ride up Mt Glorious (tempered by a roaring wood fire at the Mt Glorious Cafe) the rest of the tour was run in brilliant sunny conditions. This year’s event was based at Woodford from Wednesday to Friday to coincide with a Classic Bike Track Day at Lakeside on Thursday morning. Our thanks to QEMSC for their generous support in accommodating our riders on the track and mingling in the pits. The wide smiles said it all – it was an exhilarating experience. Those attending the ‘Giro dinner were entertained by Rob Turton, founder of Tyres for Bikes, who recounted his road & dirt racing exploits (including lap records at Lakeside dicing with Peter White) and his passion for off-road adventure tours. The tour then gained 500m elevation transferring to Crows Nest (40km north of Toowoomba) for the weekend. Saturday saw yet another 500m climb to the summit of Bunya Mountain with breathtaking views afforded by the crisp, chill air. A fabulous lunch was held at Lyrics Restaurant, washed down by the local Bunya Mountains Lager. The social side was continued at the Grand Old Crow Hotel for the Saturday night dress up competition. Contestants again revealed some deeper mysteries with the judges unable to separate them. Way more fun than watching the Bledisloe. Other notable features were the father & son combination of Tony Anderson (MV Augusta Ipotesi) and Kristan (Ducati 450 Desmo) and Kym & Jenny Bull from Bairnsdale, Victoria who rode their 500 ‘Guzzi Nuovo Falcone. Add another 1,100km for the ‘Giro and they were still talking to each other when they left for home! New entrant Vito Fodera won the Oldest Combined Age riding the family 1957 MotoBeta owned from new. With a newly rebuilt engine, this was the first serious hit out for the little 125 two-stroke that valiantly scaled every incline we could throw at it. It was a
pleasure watching Vito and Brian Friend (Benelli 125 SS) slip streaming each other at the back of the field.
The ‘Giro is the highlight of the year for many, bringing out the best in people who selflessly offer parts and assistance to keep each other riding. Afternoon beers at the Goombungee pub or in the pits are as much a part of the experience as the riding. It was a great mix of old and new faces who share at their core, a passion for these simple pleasures. Thanks to all who contributed to making this event so memorable.