Wine country wandering
30th Anniversary Barossa Valley Classic Motorcycle Rally
18-19 October, 2014 – Barossa Valley, SA
Bikes at the BVCMCC rally appear to support the theory that the older we grow, the younger are the bikes we collect and ride. You would think the reverse might be the case, but the physical issues we develop with age seem to influence what we will ride in retirement. We need to sit upright, (prevent helmet neck) bring the feet forward, (hip dysplasia) have suspension, (compression of the spine) push a button to start (protect the knee or hip replacement), and finally to stop in time, (and avoid the back of that BMW with ABS). Just to dispute this theory, the oldest bike ridden this year, by one of our older members, was an award winning 1953 Triumph 500cc T100, however the volume of eye candy that dominated the event was produced by various manufacturers in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, in a variety of stunning colours and designs.
This year’s rally, slightly down on previous numbers, was a two day event, starting with a 116km ride in the southern areas of the Barossa Valley, followed by a beautifully catered dinner on Saturday Night, thanks to the Company Kitchen Angaston. Mid evening, Shane Diener made a “grand entrance” to the dining room on his Dakar Yamaha, followed by a very informative and interesting presentation on the necessary preparation and modifications to his bike, and the trials and tribulations of competing in the event. There was a second ride north to Eudunda for a scrumptious morning tea on Sunday provided by the Eudunda Hall Catering Committee, returning to Angaston for bike judging and a tasty barbecue lunch prepared by the Wurst House Tanunda. Not counting my TX650, with a split diaphragm in the left carby pre-event, there was only one minor breakdown which required a short ride home on the backup trailer. Thanks must go firstly to all attendees, who willingly bring out and share their bikes. As most readers of Old Bike Australasia would realise, hours of patient restoration and many dollars go into these machines. To the sponsors, who see the value in being associated with our event, we also say thank you and especially to all the volunteers who gave freely of their time to ensure the weekend was once again safe, entertaining and successful.