Ex-WAMCA Rider’s Reunion

They may be getting a little older and slower, but WA’s ex-competition riders continue to be a close-knit community where mateship and socialising is as strong as ever. This was evident at the 5th annual ex-WAMCA (now Motorcycling WA) rider’s reunion, held late January in Bunbury. The event, held annually at Jan and John McDermott’s place, is highly anticipated by past riders, attracting the “who’s who” from the WA racing scene as far back as the early ‘50s and through to the ‘80s. This year’s event was attended by more than 40 ex-racers who spent the afternoon sharing yarns and generally reminiscing on the “good old days” over a beer. The reunion, now in its 5th year, was the brainchild of Don Collins and John McDermott. “When we started back in 2015, it was initially planned to have a reunion every five years. But the response from the riders was to hold it annually as we never know who will still be with us the next year,” John chuckled. He went on to say that since then, 15 riders have fallen, including Charlie Lawson and Bob Cutts in the past year. And the reunion isn’t just about the blokes. Wives and families, all part of the scene back in the day, join in and enjoy the catch-up as much as the riders, sharing memories and having their contribution recognised. To this end, John made special mention of Anne Buck, who was recently awarded Life Membership to both the Indian Harley Vintage and Veteran’s Motorcycle Club and the Bunbury Motorcycle Club, for her 40 years of dedicated service to motorcycling and the sport. Glen Britza, who was at the reunion, was recently inducted into the Motorcycling WA Hall of Fame, along with the late Sig Schlam.

ABOVE More than 40 past riders attended the reunion, sharing memories, swapping yarns and catching up with old mates and rivals. RIGHT The ladies, all part of the racing community, enjoyed the afternoon as much as the men. Anne Buck (rear 3rd from the left) has been awarded life membership to the Indian Harley VMCC and the Bunbury Motorcycle Club for more than 40 years of service.

Six Hall of Fame inductees were present at the reunion, including Glen Britza, who was awarded the honour in 2018. Pictured L to R (Front): Bill White, Bob O’Leary, Gordon Renfree. L to R (Rear): Graeme Smythe, Charlie West and Glen Britza.