York Hill Climb

13 April, 2019 – York, Western Australia

York, WA’s oldest inland town, was long the epicentre for historic motoring in the state and is now back on the map as a go-to destination for motor enthusiasts. It was formerly the location for the Peter Briggs’ Car collection, now the York Motor Museum and a major drawcard for visitors. As part of a revitalised tourism and events destination, the York Motorcycle Festival was held over the weekend of 13th and 14th of April. This was the sixth running of the event, which is growing every year. This year, almost 6,000 visitors made it to the festival. One of the highlights of the weekend is the Mount Brown Hill Climb for vintage bikes. Run on the Saturday, the Hill Climb replicates the events of many years ago that were held on the outskirts of the town, located 100 kilometres east of Perth. This was the second running of the event and attracted almost 40 bikes; everything from Lambretta scooters through to high performance Nortons. The Hill Climb had a distinctive feel. The cacophony of old bikes blasting up the hill blended with the smell of gravel dust and eucalypts in this bush setting, which added to its atmosphere and uniqueness. With York’s heritage, the weekend evoked a feeling of days gone by and those I spoke with are all keen to do it again.

Minimising wind resistance is vital on an LE Velo, as Lee Hall demonstrates. Historic York comes alive for the Festival of Motorcycles.

Terry McKie’s Ariel loaded up after a hard day’s work. Rhonda Finnigan, winner of the Female Class on her Triumph Trident. Gary Tenardi and Richard Blackmand’s Ariel outfit, complete with knobby tyres.