Sidecar Circus

Don Nicol Memorial Side Car Circus

We are happy to report the running of yet another successful event for the Pine Rivers HMCCQ: The Annual Don Nicol Side Car Circus, which was held in good weather and riding conditions. Billy Cochran led the 20 Solo Marshalls for the event, whilst the field of 22 outfits was fittingly led out by Craig Strachan who is now the custodian of Don’s 1952 Matchless. The event saw a variety of bikes of different makes, models and ages, including a 1922 Indian which was a welcome addition. Other notable inclusions were Phil Smith’s 1962 Left Hand Drive Chang Jaing 750, Brad Campbell’s 1942 WLA Harley whilst Dick Butterworth joined the ride on his 1955 Sunbeam as did Mick Udina on his 1936 Harley.

Setting off from the Pine Rivers Markets at about 9am we rode through Narangba, Kurwongbah and onto Wamuran for morning tea. The ride then continued on to Woodford where some of the group enjoyed a ride of a different nature. Woodfords locomotive railway museum is run by local enthusiasts and several of our group enjoyed a ride behind an old Cane Train. We then set off for the Glasshouse Mountains where we enjoyed lunch before the journey home down through the back roads into Caboolture and Narangba. We then headed our separate ways for home. The Don Nicol Memorial Side Car Circus was the brain child of our Mate Don. He had a vision for this event and it is great to see it going from strength to strength. As always these events do not organise themselves so thank you to all who helped to make this very special event a great success.

It is with sadness that I have to report that since the event, Craig Strachan was taken from us in an accident on the 11th August 2016. Craig was an active motorcyclist in the HMCCQ. He had purchased the Matchless outfit used by Sidecar Circus event founder Don Nicol after Don’s passing. He then took responsibility to ensure that Don’s outfit continued to lead the Sidecar Circus in Don’s honour. Sadly he won’t be able to do this next year and will be missed by his family and fellow motorcycle enthusiasts.

BMW outfit big enough for the family heads out of Pine Rivers Country Markets. LEFT Kevin Swayn on his 1922 Indian outfit on Scout’s Road.

BELOW Laurie & Suzanne Godde on their 1985 BMW K100 outfit lead the procession on Scout’s Road.

LEFT Phil Smith with his 1962 Chang Jiang outfit. RIGHT Craig Strachan, the custodian of Don Nicol’s 1952 500cc G9 Matchless and Tilbrook sidecar, led the rally.