Old Hat Editorial

Like many, many other events the Broadford Bike Bonanza was another 2021 victim of the COVID pandemic. But, COVID willing, it will return for 2022, to its traditional Easter date, which will be welcome news to the many thousands who have come to cherish this unique event. On one of his many visits, British journalist and OBA contributor since Day One, Alan Cathcart, described the BBB as “Unique in the motorcycling world.” There’s no argument with that; motocross, road racing, speedway, dirt track, trials and enduro – no other event can boast all of these at the one location. The BBB began in 2009 as an initiative of the Museum & Heritage Committee of Motorcycling Australia, which itself was established to preserve all historical aspects of motorcycle sport in Australia. This included printed material, photographs, items of equipment, and motorcycles. A program of acquisition was begun and gradually a very nice collection began to take shape, much by way of donations. From day one, the funding of this program was an important issue. Not only had significant motorcycles needed to be purchased when they became available, but they had to be maintained if they were to be demonstrated to the public. That’s where the BBB came in. Basically run by volunteers, this event was first and foremost a means to raise the money required to keep the acquisition and maintenance program alive, which it did very successfully for a number of years. Honda initially stepped up as naming sponsor, allowing the committee to bring names such as Kel Carruthers, Charlie Williams and several others from overseas. Along the way other naming (most recently Shannons Insurance) and minor sponsors have helped provide the cash so vital to the success of the event, which has always attracted an excellent crowd of paying spectators as well as a bumper entry across all the classes. This was always designed to be an easy, relaxed event for participants, with no racing, no log books, no open competition licences, and modest entry fees. For 2022, there will be a renewed focus on the original aims – to unearth long-lost machinery and give it a chance to stretch its legs again, encourage lapsed riders back, and provide a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Overall control of the organisation will be the responsibility of former Motorcycling Australian CEO David White, who has had several high level meetings with MA executives. MA CEO Peter Doyle added, “It will be great to see the Broadford Bonanza back after a 2-year hiatus due to COVID-19. The Motorcycling Australia Museum and Heritage committee is committed to restoring the event and continuing its purpose of preserving and showcasing Australian motorcycle racing history. We can now look forward to Easter 2022 and being part of one of Australia’s largest motorcycle events.” Now begins the hard slog to reinstate the BBB as one of the must-attend meetings on the calendar. Easter 2022 – 15-17 April – is not far away. What was to be the theme for the 2021 BBB – American Iron – will remain for 2022, but David White says there will be a strong push to gather as many ‘Australian Icons’ as possible. To this end, several of the most significant bikes in the MA collection will be made track-ready, and others sought out. “There are many, many bikes out there that have done their bit to our racing scene over the years, and it would be great to get a large number of these together for next Easter,” he says. “Naturally we will be totally compliant with the COVID situation at the time, but we need to start work now to ensure the best possible result.”