Country comfort

All British Rally

25-26 April, 2015 – Newstead, Victoria

Out in the Victorian countryside, one of Australia’s biggest and most popular rallies takes place at what was formerly the Newstead Race Course. From Friday midday, hundreds file through the gates and set up camp for a weekend of socialising, checking out the huge variety of British machinery, and a ride to historic Malden, 30 minutes up the road. Ron Weste was there to sample the sights and sounds.

My sidekick and I arrived early at the Newstead campsite, me with my camera in hand, he with his pencil and notepad at the ready to record interesting stuff. Due to the early hour most of the rally bikes and riders were still arriving. The only way to really appreciate the multitude of makes and models attending the All British Rally is to meander slowly around the campsite, and with a keen eye look and talk to the owners who are more than happy to engage in conversation about their own special marque. I cannot possibly cover the whole Rally, its many and varied makes and models so will pick a few bikes which caught my eye.

The first bikes I saw were, a beautiful ‘Rob North” BSA Rocket 3 accompanied by an equally spectacular Triumph Hurricane both owned by Gerry Rowley. The Rocket will be featured in a future edition of OBA. I am personally always attracted to the Vincent in all its varied forms and Vince Rogers’ well-presented Norvin was a pleasure to behold.