Old Bike Australasia

Classic Dirt

Classic Dirt 2016 10-12 June, 2016 – Conondale, Qld.

- Report Sean Goldhawk Photos Matt Ferry

The twelfth running of Classic Dirt drew hundreds of vintage bike fans from across Australasi­a to pay homage to a golden era of dirt bikes as the sport boomed in the 1970s and 1980s. Like Classic Dirt events of the past, CD12 gave vintage enthusiast­s the chance to ride world class tracks, camp out under the stars at the famous Green Park complex and enjoy a host of stand-out facilities. Yamaha used the iconic event and venue to mark the final stop of the 60th Anniversar­y Roadshow calendar. Celebratin­g with a bespoke display of historic and championsh­ip-winning off-road machines spanning some 30 years of excellence. The display was supported by some of Australasi­a’s most decorated off-road legends including Craig Dack, Stephen Gall, Mike Landman, Glenn Bell, Tony Cooksley, James Deakin and David Armstrong. The real attraction for CD12 however were the special appearance­s from former four time World Motocross Champion, Heikki Mikkola and US Motocross and Supercross hero, Broc Glover. For Mikkola, CD12 marked the first time in over 20 years since the iconic World MX hero had ridden a motocross bike. Glover soaked up the opportunit­y to ride a world class natural terrain track on heritage machinery; leaving the crowd speechless with a masterclas­s display of effortless speed and style. Spanning two official days of activity, the hills of Conondale echoed with the sounds and smells of vintage dirt bikes. For those who made the journey to the annual event they were treated to a melting pot of classic machinery, commemorat­ive trade displays, encounters with legends of bygone days and some of the finest riding conditions in Australia.

“We felt that Classic Dirt was the perfect way to complete our 60th Anniversar­y celebratio­ns,” commented Yamaha Motor Australia’s Brand Manager, Peter Payne. “Being able to bring Heikki Mikkola and Broc Glover to Classic Dirt adds to the flavour and to the celebratio­ns of Yamaha’s 60th Anniversar­y and to Classic Dirt itself. Heikki Mikkola was Yamaha’s first 500cc World Champion and Broc Glover is the winningest outdoor rider in Yamaha’s history in the US. With having two legends of such status join us at Classic Dirt, it adds to the honour list of riders and those legends that have joined us in our 60th Anniversar­y celebratio­ns throughout the whole of the 12-month period,” finished Payne.

 ??  ?? Broc Glover wowed fans with his performanc­e on a big banger 500cc Yamaha. RIGHT Despite not being on a bike for 20 years, and with a pair of dodgy knees, Finnish hero Mikkola was impressive.
Broc Glover wowed fans with his performanc­e on a big banger 500cc Yamaha. RIGHT Despite not being on a bike for 20 years, and with a pair of dodgy knees, Finnish hero Mikkola was impressive.
 ??  ?? Champions: Broc Glover (left) and Heikki Mikkola.
Champions: Broc Glover (left) and Heikki Mikkola.
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