Classic Cob
From the shed
The older us motorcyclists get the quicker we think we are. When a prang happens modern medical procedures can fix virtually any broken bones or stitch up the torn tissues; not a problem and it is these incidents that are bragged about at the next rally or social gathering. Some claim to have more fractures and pins than the late Grand Prix rider Barry Sheene. However what is not readily spoken about and remains well concealed are those issues that are going on emotionally. Blokes especially, over the years have been reluctant to expose that side of themselves, believing that to do so may leave them vulnerable. The belief has been that the image has to be maintained otherwise others may think less of them. Most of us have been impacted by the death, be it sudden or otherwise of a good riding mate, a relative or work colleague. Divorce with custody disputes or workplace redundancies can bring on trauma that has a devastating impact. It is then that most have been reluctant to seek help and just dig themselves deeper and deeper into the big black hole. According to the Black Dog Institute site 1 in 5 Australians live in depression or anxiety making some 3 million of the population. Eight take their lives each day making approximately 3,000 each year. The role of the Black Dog group is to break down the barriers and encourage those suffering to seek help.
In April this year whilst in Victoria I visited Yarram to make a visit to Pud’s Four Parts where the proprietor Andrew Barker specialises in SOHC Honda machines and parts. Whilst there Andrew showed me a 350 Honda 4 that is one of three machines to be raffled in aid of the Black Dog. The members of the CB 750 Honda Four Club of Australia are restoring three machines at Pud’s as he has most of the parts or can organise to get them, the first being the silver 1972 350 Four, a 1972 500 Four yellow with gold over black and a 1972 750 Four in Brier brown. Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the CB750 and this gave the club the incentive to mark a great milestone by raffling these machines off to a great cause. There is no better cause than the proceeds going to the Black Dog Institute. The theme for next year’s Broadford Bonanza is going to be the Honda Fours from 1969 to 1978. It is also hoped that all three machines will be completed and on display at next year’s Phillip Island Classic in January.
This raffle now has the official approval of the Black Dog Institute with tickets expected to go on sale this coming November. They will be $50 a ticket and the buyer has the choice of nominating their preference for the machines 1 to 3. It is hoped that 10,000 tickets will be sold with the draw taking place in November 2019. The winners will be notified by phone and it will be their responsibility to pay and organise the collection of their prize. At rallies in recent years I have noticed a number of lady riders in these small and lighter model Honda Fours, they are extremely reliable and easy to handle. For more details, phone (03) 5142 5704 in business hours or email pudsfourparts@bigpond.com