Bevel & Bull Rally
The Labour Day weekend gave Bevel & Bull organiser, Brad Goostrey, the option of an extra day of riding – well for the Queenslanders at least. This was the 12th running of the event in celebration of bevel drive Ducatis which were built up to 1986. 114 people had registered of which 60 were bevel riders. Beaudesert was the start point Saturday morning and the weather overcast and not looking too special for traversing the nearby mountains. We rode through Boonah and Rathdowney to the first stop just before Woodenbong where the Mt Lindesay Highway intersects with Summerland Way. Next stop was Casino for lunch where the early departed were greeted with a heavy shower as we rode the Bruxner Highway to Tenterfield.
The dinner venue at the Best Western Henry Parkes Motor Inn was again a sight to behold. Four rows of white-clothed tables and black fabricdraped chairs were arranged in the centre of their function room. 49 bevel Ducatis (including 4 little singles) were parked around the cluster of tables. Bevel owners had ridden from as far north as Mackay and another contingent lead by Big Al of the Ducati Owners Club of NSW made their way up from as far as Newcastle to join us in Tenterfield.
Guest speaker Tom Williams was interviewed by long-time friend, Kevin Trevarthan with both appropriately sitting on their respective Ducatis (see separate story in Out & About) angled toward the audience. Tom is a longterm Ducati bevel owner and Clerk of the Course at road race events across Australia.
Next day after breakfast about 50 of us stayers rode back over the Bruxner, wending our way to Lismore for lunch. Then it was Bangalow and on to Mullumbimby for the night. It was a great afternoon at the Middle Hotel with a live band (The Swap Cats). Later that night a hardy group went on to the Courthouse Hotel where they conned the staff to tune into the MotoGP. Much to our delight the publican postponed his shut time till the 11 O’clock race end.
Next day we all found our way home in glorious weather. Once again it was an awesome rally with a great bunch of bevel-passionate people. Thanks to the many support crew, Russ Victorsen, Ian Murray, Ron Zelina, the accommodating locals of Tenterfield and Mullumbimby and especially to Brad Goostrey.
Let’s do it again next year.