Moto Giro Rally
Motogiro Australia 21-26 August, 2018 – South-East Qld.
It all began with a dream when Peter Morrow and Trevor Fryer were thinking of a way to get classic Italian bikes out of garages and onto the road. The concept of the original Motogiro d’Italia in the ‘50s was the inspiration of what was to be realised. 2009 saw the first running of the Motogiro Australia and from humble beginnings the event has mushroomed to its 10th running this year. This ride was based at Mt Tamborine from 21st to the 23rd August and Woodford for the 24th to the 26th. The Tamborine leg enjoyed magic Queensland winter sunshine, enabling us to complete the three summits (Binna Burra, Springbrook and O’Reillys) and a galloping ride through Numinbah Valley via Uki to Kyogle and back along the newly upgraded Lions Road. The Woodford leg also produced great riding along the Mt Glorious road to Cormorant Bay, Wivenhoe Dam for lunch and back on Friday, plus the perennial favourite Bellthorpe, Kenilworth, Obi-Obi Mapleton circuit on Saturday. 41 riders entered, many with multiple bikes, coming from WA, SA, Victoria, NSW and Qld and many were return entrants – such is the calibre of the event. No major incidents were recorded and rider and motorcycle reliability were tested, resulting in the usual roadside repairs. Every year Trevor designed a new T-shirt and this year’s bore the iconic image of Giuliano Maoggi, complete with cigarette in mouth about to start the 1956 Motogiro D’Italia which he won on a Ducati Marianna. 2018 saw the bar raised to a dizzy height when team Motogiro Australia engaged formally with the Woodford community. The local Ambos are
active fund raisers and regularly provide catering, so they were the natural partner for the 10th Anniversary Motogiro dinner at the Woodford Community Hall. They were an enthusiastic well-oiled machine providing a full menu of canapes, spitroasted meals and homemade fruit salads and sweets. The money raised goes into purchasing life-saving equipment which we hope never to need but as motorcyclists is reassuring to know is available. The dinner venue also provided the opportunity to arrange our display of 60 Giro-eligible bikes from our current and former riders. A gold coin donation benefited the Woodford Ambulance committee, and gave the public access to view our treasures from 4:00 – 6:00pm. The display attracted locals and out of town enthusiasts. The raised stage was arranged with two magnificently restored lightweight Italian masterpieces and 10 mannequins dressed in a T-shirt from each year of the event. Dinner guests received a beautiful commemorative booklet capturing a short history of the inspirational Motogiro D’Italia and the story behind the creation of the 2009 Motogiro Australia event. Two pages were then dedicated to each year of our Giro, capturing the entrants, awards and standout memories. Peter then welcomed the 80 dinner guests. A magnificent DVD compilation of photos taken every year by Greg and Helen Trost was then shown between courses. Priceless memories hushed the room as we relived the great times and also some sad, seeing Giroists that are no longer with us. The awards were another triumph as they are each year. This year was special as it was a private function held in a dedicated venue. Peter took command of the microphone and professionally acknowledged the contributors and Giroists that make all the work worthwhile. It might be a cliché but in my heart this year and this particular night was my highlight for 2018.
I took time later to reflect on what makes this event so special – it is the amazing group of people with a common passion for beautiful classic Italian bikes, their willingness to stop and help, lend a motorcycle, weld the odd part, share many laughs and the odd beverage. The “Spirit of the Giro” award is an apt one and really every Giroist deserves one. I settled on a title that I think embraces this unique and beautiful synergy – “La Famiglia Motogiro”. In true Italian family spirit, we stick together through thick and thin. Yep, that best explains it and that’s why we keep coming back – it’s an annual family reunion. Many thanks to the Godfathers: Peter Morrow – the front man, Trevor Fryer – the artist and Jackie Bell – organiser extraordinaire. Thanks also to the guardian angels (marshals and recovery vehicle staff) who save us in times of need. Thanks to my fellow Giroists for the laughs, smells, sounds and the smile it brings to my face every year.