Indian gathering

With apologies for lateness, TONI BIRTHISEL, Events Co-ordinator for the Indian Motocycle Club of Australia, has sent us this report on the 2013 Australian International Rally held at Mansfield, Victoria.

“Another successful event for the Indian Motocycle Club of Australia Inc. who recently held their Australian International Indian Rally for 2013. Not only is this the largest Indian only rally in Australia, running since 1995 but this year celebrated it’s 10th Anniversary. Over 70 pre-1953 Indian Motocycles and 100 people from all over Australia and New Zealand made their way to the town of Mansfield, Victoria to help join in the celebrations. During the weekend there was no shortage of “Indian Enthusiasm”. Some of the earlier bikes out on the road included Scouts ranging from 1925 to 1938, a 1927 outfit and a 1939 Four Cylinder. There were Indian Chiefs in abundance, a Vindian and even a 1947 Indian Chopper. Riding 180km a day and reaching the summit of Mount Buller on the third day as it started to snow; shows just how reliable the old Indians are. The countryside in this area is nothing short of spectacular. Yarck, Eildon, Jamieson, Whitfield and Tatong were stops along the way, but the highlight for most of the participants was the road between Eildon and Jamieson with 60km of windy road. Watching 70 old Indians on the road together is certainly a sight to be seen and it was well appreciated from locals and onlookers throughout the weekend. If you missed the rally, the club will be returning to Mansfield in 2015, and again promises to be an event not to be missed.