Phil Irving Concours
Phil Irving Concours
It was good to see the Phil Irving Concours back after the previous event was cancelled due to issues with the venue. The organisers, HMCCQ, found a new address at the Brisbane Tramway Museum at Ferny Grove – the perfect marriage of two historic modes of transport. The museum had a beautiful grassed area for the bikes, with tram tracks running on the perimeter. Various eras of historic Brisbane trams ran back and forward all day and a ride could be had for $2. Great for the oldies and kids and the bike guys were seen studying the trams as were the tram guys our bikes. The weather was overcast but it didn’t seem to deter the exhibitors nor the viewing public. 60-odd bikes were entered and I was especially surprised to see an abundance of entries in the veteran, vintage and sidecar categories. I personally was also pleased that my other club (Ducati Owners Club of Qld.) had decided to combine their November Breakfast Run with a visit to the Concours post-breakfast at the Flying Nun, Samford. DOCQ members with old bikes in the garage took the opportunity to dust them off, ride and enter them in the Concours. Trophy presentation went well with event organiser, Ian Stone and HMCCQ president Ross Rieschieck handing out the trophies. The major prize was sponsored by Shannons Insurance who had a representative on site to make the presentation. The coveted Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy was won by Harold Dewar for his immaculate 1914, 350cc Douglas. Congratulations to the trophy winners, the HMCCQ and the Tramway Museum for a fantastic and successful day. The new venue with historic trams I think worked very well and hopefully it’ll be back there next year. The bikes on show were exemplary which was tough for the judges (to who we give thanks) and I’m sure Phil Irving himself would have looked down with pride on the event that bears his name.