Old Bike Australasia

Sporting MCC’s 90th

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The Sporting Motor Cycle Club was formed in Geelong in 1932 and has been continuous­ly active since in most forms of motorcycle competitio­n and is one of the oldest continuall­y operating clubs in Vic. To celebrate our 90th year we found details of the first event the club ran in 1932 and thought it would be a good idea to re-trace the original route. Ran as a Reliabilit­y Trial originally over sub-standard unsealed roads on 1920s machines it would have been quite a challenge for competitor­s in the time. Nowadays the route is all sealed roads covering 135 km, but an opportunit­y to reflect on our past. 120 riders attended on machines ranging from the 1930s to moderns, and even a couple of classic cars for our members who can no longer ride or don’t have a motorcycle currently.

The route started from our clubrooms with riders being sent off in smaller groups at 5 minute intervals, doing a loop via Lara around the You Yangs to Anakie, the onto Durrdiwarr­ah for a coffee stop. From there it was onto Meredith, then a return to Geelong via Steiglitz, Maude and Southerlan­ds Creek back to our clubrooms where everyone was treated to delicious foods prepared by our resident chef, and a chat over things past and present. Thanks to those who chose to sponsor the event with donated goods and a support vehicle for any recoveries, of which I was one, when my 1949 Ariel decided to have a rest half way round, but luckily my daughter in law kindly offered her 1961 Greeves ISDT bike to finish as ride leader. Our membership secretary whose machine failed early on in the ride wanted to complete it, so he did the next day when his bike was mobile again. All in all a great day of celebratio­n with everything provided free of charge for all members. From Mal Loone

 ?? ?? ABOVE Gathering of members at our clubrooms prior to setting off. Eclectic mix of bikes. RIGHT Mal Loone heads out as ride leader 1949 Ariel KH BELOW LEFT Wayne Berry Norton Model 19 1930 gets a helping hand. Oldest bike on the run.
ABOVE Gathering of members at our clubrooms prior to setting off. Eclectic mix of bikes. RIGHT Mal Loone heads out as ride leader 1949 Ariel KH BELOW LEFT Wayne Berry Norton Model 19 1930 gets a helping hand. Oldest bike on the run.

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