32nd Annual Australia Day Rally
24 - 26 January 2009
Final Word
By Steve Davey
Previous rallys have been followed up with a special Rally Edition
of the club mag. This year the committee decided not to do a
special magazine but to donate the money saved to the Victorian
bush fire appeal. The February mag listed the trophy winners and I
gave a verbal wrap-up of the rally at the February meeting, but a
few final words are in order.
This year the rally moved to a new venue and had a record
attendance with 185 entrants. The venue at EPIC had served us well
in the past, with the shady trees and the area around the Orana Bar
a big plus. Unfortunately the cost of hiring the tables and chairs
for the Presentation Dinner had become excessive ($2000 from
Kennards) plus restrictions on selling grog and bringing in
external caterers forced the move to another venue. Most feedback
on the Carotel was very positive with the lack of shade the only
downside, plusses being the better dinner venue, range of on-site
accommodation, the pool and the space. Certainly next years rally
director has much to ponder on.
The Rally is written up in Issue No. 12 of "Old Bike Australasia",
see page 82 ‘A Capital Time’ where Jim Scaysbrook’s comments on
‘slick organization’ and ‘well-oiled machine’ were appreciated.
However, I must admit there was the odd crisis, but all the
problems were sorted behind the scenes with most people none the
wiser.
The plusses included:
Tick of approval for the new venue.
Good rides
No accidents
Minimal breakdowns
No one got lost
Good food
The weather was kind to us
Demo bikes provided by Triumph Australia and Eurotune
Motorcycle.
We didn’t make a loss.
Much of the above was due to the excellent marshalling and to all
the hard work put in by members of our club.
Thanks again to one and all.
Thanks
to our SPONSORS: (listed alphabetically)
Australian
Ariel Register
Canberra Motorcycle Centre
Eurotune Motorcycles
Mike Gilmour
NRMA Classic Vehicle
Insurance
Shannons
TJ's Tyres & Accessories
TRIUMPH AUSTRALIA
*********
TROPHY WINNERS
and
PHOTOS
