High country fling

VCC of NZ 24th National Motorcycle Rally

20-22 February, 2015 – Cromwell, NZ

The Vintage Car Club of NZ’s 24th National Motorcycle Rally was based this year at Cromwell in Upper Clutha Valley of Central Otago, NZ. Central Otago is a major wine growing area, with spectacular alpine scenery, that enjoys its own rather dry micro climate. This year’s event was truly international with 5 Australian, 2 English and 2 Dutch competitors. 164 bikes entered, the earliest were a pair of 1911 Abingdon King Dicks and the youngest a 1983 Suzuki GSX. There was a good spread of machines across the age classes; 10 Veteran, 33 Vintage, 14 Post Vintage, 68 Post War, 34 Post 60 and 5 Post 80. All the major manufacturers were represented and there were single entries from Vincent, Scott, Francis Barnett, Excelsior, Cotton, Singer, Jawa and Morgan, but surprisingly no Brough Superiors. The competition started on Saturday with a nominated speed timed run out to Lowburn, where the initial field tests were undertaken. One test was obviously inspired by US advanced interrogation techniques or 50 Shades of Grey; a bag was put over competitors’ heads and they had to roll their machine forward by 2 wheel revolutions! From here there were three routes to the afternoon stop at the Toy & Transport Museum at Wanaka airfield. The Veteran and low powered machines had a fairly easy short route that went down the east side of Lake Dunstan, although the long hill into Wanaka did prove a challenge for some. The medium route aimed at Vintage machines, went back to Cromwell, ran along the east side of Lake Dunstan, then up to the Lindis river, went around the hill before coming back to Tarras, then Hawea and back to Wanaka. The more modern and/or more powerful machines took a 192km route, which initially went through the Kawarau Gorge, into historic Arrowtown then up through the awesome Crown Range. The road rises to 3,500ft in a few miles, zig-zagging up the side of the mountain, with a gentle descent the other side through Cardrona and ancient gold fields. A fantastic ride with spectacular views. The route then looped through the lakeside resort of Wanaka before arriving at the airfield. On arrival at the Toy & Transport Museum competitors were faced with 4 further field tests, which most excelled in failing. The only word that can describe the museum is eclectic with exhibits ranging from Barbie dolls to four large aircraft. Housed in 3