Noel Gavenlock
A Life Member of the strong Newcastle Motorcycle Club, NOEL “CHIPS” GAVENLOCK passed away on 13th December 2021 aged 89.
Noel was a very successful sidecar racer in the ‘sixties, initially on the dirt tracks around Newcastle and later on tar, riding an innocent looking but very fast and reliable BSA Gold Star. His elder brother Roy, who passed away in 2020, did much of the spanner work. Noel was a Bathurst regular each Easter, concentrating on the Junior Sidecar class. With passenger R. Cousins, he finished second in 1963, and first in 1964. In 1967 he won again, this time with Duncan Fyfe in the chair, and the pair took third place in 1969. By this stage the Junior class was filling up with Japanese engines and the old BSA was no longer competitive. After racing he turned his attention to restoring and riding BSAs in vintage and veteran rallies. He also volunteered his skills to TAD modifying push bikes for children with disabilities so they could enjoy the freedom of two wheels. In accordance with his wishes, Noel’s ashes were taken to Mount Panorama, Bathurst and scattered near the track on which he had so much success. ■