Metisse mania
At the 2015 Bonanza
Probably the world’s most celebrated mini-marque, the Rickman Metisse, will be featured at the 2015 Broadford Bonanza next Easter. Organiser Peter Drakeford expects to attract more than 30 examples, and not just the famous motocrossers in their various forms. “We will have road bikes, such as the Triumph, Royal Enfield, Honda and Kawasaki-engined machines, plus several road racers. Top of the list here is the 350cc Aermacchi Metisse raced by Kel Carruthers in England in 1967 – we may even have two or three of these rare bikes – and some racing Triumph Metisses. People forget that the motocross range includes not just the Matchless and Triumph versions, but smaller ones with Zundapp, Bultaco and Montesa engines. I reckon this will be the most eclectic gathering of the bikes the Rickman brothers built ever assembled at one time in this country.” The Bonanza’s main theme is 50 Years of Bathurst 1938-1988, and already bikes that have not seen the light of day for ages are coming out. Former sidecar champion Lindsay Urquhart, who is a member of the Bonanza organising committee, is confident of assembling a tasty grid of outfits with Bathurst history. “Bathurst was always a big event for sidecars, and we expect to have a very good representation across the years.” For more information on the 2015 Broadford Bonanza to be held at Easter, April 4-5, contact Peter Draekford on 03 9685 0515, or peter@ma.org.au