True grit
Organise a dirt track and they will come. From humble beginnings, Dust Hustle 9 has grown to become bigger than Ben Hur. Brainchild of Brisbane-based custom motorcycle builders Ellaspede, it celebrates 2-wheeled dirt tracking for all walks of the motorcycle community.
Old bikes, modern, dirt track and roadies, old folk, hipsters, ladies, from ex-champions to bush bashers, all rubbing foot pegs in various classes. Everything from springer forks to new Harley Roadsters graced the Mick Doohan Raceway at Northgate, Brisbane on the 28th September. The common bond between the 144 entrants was the smiles on all their faces. Participants of note included Jason Crump on a new Indian FTR1200, Chris Vermeulen on a Harley Roadster, stunt rider Lukey Luke, Australia’s Enduro Queen Jemma Wilison on a Husqvarna TC65, Pro flat track racer Mick Kirkness on a Triumph twin, and the local track and Australian Champion Jarrod Brook to name most. Circulating with them was a whole cross section of the community including action heroes, muppets, cartoon characters and clowns with their similarly-themed bikes. The Old Mates Class included anything manufactured pre 1990. The class winner was Jason ‘Spud’ Anderson on a highly customised Yamaha which he complemented with appropriate Mad Max themed attire. The standout for me was Brook Ozane’s bobbered J Model Harley complete with original patina. While in some people’s eyes it is bordering on disrespect for such a valuable piece of history to be flung around the dirt, for others it was a pleasure to watch such an old timer cutting it with later machinery. I’ve got to say that the event was inclusive of all and the H-D performed impeccably. Other older bikes populated the Small Bike Burners class with more than its fair share of modified Postie and mini bikes. This class was won by Jemma Wilson.
It was truly a wonderful day for riders and spectators. Thanks to Ellaspede and sponsors for bridging a gap between generations with the common love of two wheels.