Penrite Broadford Bonanza
26-27 March, 2016 – State Motorcycling Complex, Broadford Victoria
The 8th running of the Penrite Broadford Bonanza featured not one, but three themes: a priceless exhibition of Moto Guzzi factory racers supported by more than 300 examples of the famous Mandello factory’s products, a celebration of Aussie Superbikes, and a combined Dirt Track/Flat Track show of sideways action. Top of the billing was one of the most famous racing motorcycles ever built – the 1956 500cc V8 Moto Guzzi, fresh from a 20 year hibernation in the factory museum. Unfortunately the V8 developed sleeping sickness and refused to fire up on sufficient cylinders to take to the track, while its illustrious counterpart, the multi World Championship winning 350 single, cracked its crankcases on the Friday and became a static exhibit thereafter. TT ace Cam Donald delighted the big crowd by demonstrating the fabulous 500cc Bicilindrica several times. Nearly 500 road bikes took to the road circuit over the weekend, while there was a similarly massive turn out at the Speedway and Dirt Tracks, as well as a very well supported Vintage Enduro. 41-times Australian Champion Chris Watson showed his spectacular style is still there on the Dirt Track, which is also featured runs by past stars Kevin Fraser, Keith Davies, Les Lewis, Brian Martin, Gary Chasemore and Trevor Hunter. The Motocross circuit hosted a healthy roll up across four categories, from Pre-75 to Pre-1990.
Says Ian Morrison, “It was my first year there, and definitely won’t be my last. The constant stream of fine old, and newer bikes, ridden by both professional riders and normal everyday enthusiasts makes for a brilliant mix of display and active rides all weekend. One excellent feature is the open pit, which allows you to get up close and personal with the bikes and riders over the weekend. Very friendly and relaxed atmosphere makes for a beaut viewing weekend. And after all of that, you have the campground with the obligatory campfires and a few fine sherbets to finish off with good mates at the end of the day. This correspondent wandered all over on Saturday night and was offered a beer or a comfy chair for a bit of lively banter wherever he went. Fantastic weekend all round, with great activities all day, and great friendships to be made in the cooler hours.”