Classic Cob
From the shed
Alstonville up and away
On Sunday 21st February the inaugural North
Coast Classic Motorcycle Show and Swap was held at the Alstonville Showground. The principal organiser was the Triple Triumph enthusiast, Col McAndrew of Ballina. Some machines rolled up on Saturday and the remainder early Sunday morning where they were lined up in the category for the years of manufacture. Contrary to the weather forecast of rain on Saturday but clear weather Sunday, in fact it was the reverse. However it was only drizzling rain that fell early Sunday morning. Catering was by the Ballina Hospital Auxiliary which raised just on $3,500 from this event. There was a great roll up of pre-war machines, the earliest being a 1914 Triumph.
It was not anticipated to have a great many swap meet traders here so only a small area was marked off which quickly filled. I have been advised that next year’s event will have half the oval marked off for the swap meet. This swap meet is strictly motorcycleonly and it is the only such event north of the Nabiac Automotive Swap Meet in NSW. I believe that this event will gather a great deal of momentum.
Motorcycle fires
In Issue 89 I wrote about fires originating around the carburetors of various machines. Luke Wise, an AJS guru sent me the following extract from a 194050s AJS owner’s Manual. “If the engine backfired whilst attempting to start and the carburetor caught fire (pre-Monobloc days, so they had to be really flooded to start) then the process was to open the valve lifter (singles) and continue to turn the engine over with the kick start lever. This will draw the fuel and fire into the cylinder and the resultant vacuum and oxygen starving of the flames will extinguish the fire.” So back in the day it was obviously not an uncommon occurrence.
Muswellbrook 1960
In Issue 53 I wrote about the building of the
Hillview Circuit at Muswellbrook where the Australian Short Circuit Titles were conducted in 1960. Later the 7 Hour Race was also conducted at this circuit and one of the competitors in that event, Bruce Glasgow sent me a link to a video of the races run at the Title meeting. It’s an interesting video where the real enthusiasts of this great track will be able to pick out some of the stars like Jack Davies, John Dunscolbe and Gordon Hellyer. Go to: https://youtu.be/WcBUsdvLKJM
Water, water everywhere
March 2021 saw the east coast hit with an extremely high amount of heavy rain resulting in flood waters both on the North Coast and the outer Sydney Metropolitan area. Flood waters rose suddenly and unexpectedly. Caught out in Taree was Taree Motorcycles, where the proprietor Glenn Kelleher is a well known competitor a few years ago in classic racing events. A number of new Honda machines went under when about two metres of water went through the shop. Also damaged were helmets, jackets and spare parts. However within 24 hours of the water receding, Glenn was able to drain the oils and fuel and get the machines serviceable.
Goulburn Swap Meet change of venue
Sunday 6 June, 2021 will see the Goulburn Swap Meet reinvented with a change of date and location. It will now be held at the Wakefield Park Raceway, 4770 Braidwood Road, Tirrannaville, via Goulburn. This is at a time on the year for cooler weather with better facilities provided than previously. Toilets, showers and meals are available with plenty of catering for the evening and early morning meals. Undercover sites are all booked but plenty of outdoor sites available for sellers. Overnight camping permitted. Sellers in at 12 noon Saturday and buyers at 6.00am Sunday. For further information regarding the swap contact Dale, 0422 367 011. There are five accommodation cabins available. Each has six rooms that can contain two or three people. Bed linen and towels provided. Bookings for the accommodation can made (02) 4822-2811 Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm or email: info@wakefieldpark.com.au