Debenham Rally

Classic & Enthusiasts MCC of NSW Inc. Debenham Winter Tour • 19-20 June, 2021 – Moss Vale, NSW

2021 marked the 20th running of this popular rally in the picturesque NSW Southern Highlands, with the headquarters at Moss Vale Village Caravan Park. Originally limited to 60 entries and catering for older and small capacity solos and sidecars, the response to this year’s Tour was so great that organisers permitted 73 to start. All corners were marshalled and after a worrying amount of overnight rain, the ride got under way on schedule, and on dry roads, at 9.30am. The route took the field through Exeter, Bundanoon and on to Tallong, for the morning tea stop. Everything was going well until a younger marshal riding his side-valve rigid Harley (recently restored) hit a sharp-edged pot hole sending him over the handlebars and flipping the bike rear over the front and sending him sliding down the road. This slowed the tour by about 30 minutes. Then it was back on the road for lunch at the Bundanoon Club. In light drizzle, the afternoon ride went out to Canyonleigh – some say the best part of the ride – returning to Moss Vale after a distance of about 150km. Sunday saw a short ride with a reduced field which was cold but dry. After a year’s absence due to COVID, the entry was higher than 2019, Eric Debenham would probably have laughed at the silly buggers riding around in the cold.

Ian Richardson motors into Bundanoon on his 1923 Douglas.

Steve Blades arrives in style on his Ducati Mach 1.

Steven Glover prepares to tackle the Southern Highlands on his 1933 147cc OHV Triumph.

Morning tea break at Tallong.

David Scott with his Honda C70, the smallest bike in the rally.

Steve Hunt approaches Bundanoon on his Indian.

Kevin Hammond on his 1937 600 Ariel outfit.

Peter Wolfenden arrives at Moss Vale on his newlycompleted ‘Covid Special’ – a 1949 KSS engine and gearbox in a swinging arm frame.

Ray Gosling on his R25/3 BMW 250.

Ron Moon on his 1934 Velocette MAC.