South Coast cruise
19th Red Scarf Rally
14-15 March, 2015 – Kiama, NSW
The start and finish point of the 19th Red Scarf Rally was the pictureperfect Black Beach at Kiama Harbour. Despite poor weather leading up to the rally, the weather for the main rides on Saturday was excellent but unfortunately deteriorated on Sunday and because of safety concerns the ride on this day was shortened prior to an early BBQ lunch. Over 90 entries were received representing 18 different manufacturers from the years 1926 to 2014. Of note was approximately 75% of the entries were either on historic registration or eligible for historic registration. Entrants came from near and far including the Illawarra, Griffith, Sydney, Central Coast, Shoalhaven, Goulburn, Dubbo, Mudgee, Albury, the South Coast and the Southern Highlands.
Participants were officially welcomed by the Mayor of Kiama, Brian Petschler, prior to being escorted out of town by the local motorcycle police (after the obligatory ride overview and safety talk by the Club President Peter Grimston). Two rides were offered on Saturday; one was a 100 km flat round trip to Cambewarra via Gerringong and Nowra with breaks at Broughton Creek and the banks of the picturesque Shoalhaven River. This run attracted 20-odd riders and was to encourage older and smaller bikes to participate, together with a nice array of larger bikes not keen on tackling the mountain long run. The other main run was a much longer, mountainous loop incorporatating both Macquarie and Jamberroo Passes for the more adventurous riders and capable machines. Most riders opted for the longer ride and by all accounts really enjoyed the scenery and challenges it provided as they negotiated the twists and turns of Macquarie Pass prior to reaching Robertson on the edge of the escarpment before traversing the Southern Highlands through Kangaloon and around to Fitzroy Falls Reservoir for the first break stop. The ride then headed back to Robertson and Kiama via Jamberoo Pass and Jamberoo. This route had its challenges (over 100 twists and turns) and provided amazing scenery and offered highland, rainforest and escarpment terrain. Total distance travelled was around 130km and took a little over 3 hours. Upon return the riders were treated to a delightful lunch provided by the local Country Women’s Association and then participated in the judging and social interaction which is always a highlight of these events.
Saturday’s presentation dinner was held at Kiama Leagues Club and a highlight of the night was guest speaker Peter Goddard recalling his time as an Australian dirt track champion and Superbike champion. The major trophy winners were: King of the Rally, Malcolm Clark from Ardlethan on a 1926 Indian Scout (Griffith Classic MCC) with the Runner-up being John Steain with his 1975 Suzuki RE5 Rotary (Macquarie Towns MCC). Congratulation must go to the organisers for such a successful rally, the 20th Red Scarf Rally will be held in the same location with similar routes on the 19th and 20th March 2016.