"The Sound of Singles"
was the theme of the
33rd Annual VVCMCC Australia Day Rally
held on 23 - 25 January 2010
at the Canberra Carotel Motel and Caravan Park
Report by Allan Boyd
This year's theme "Celebrating the Sound of Singles" attracted an impressive range of single cylinder motorcycles of all marques, with a total number of 63 singles entered. All age categories were well represented with the oldest veteran a 1909 Triumph through to moderns. In all 173 enthusiasts, including 7 lady riders, from the ACT and those who travelled from all over NSW and some from Vic and S.A. gathered at the Canberra Carotel venue in extreme hot weather for Canberra for a weekend of riding and fun. The weather did not deter the enthusiasm of the riders, and the organisers were well prepared with plenty of cold drinks. The rally activities commenced with a welcome BBQ and early registrations on Friday evening; and was well attended. The Saturday ride took the enthusiasts on a long ride or an optional shorter ride to the small village of Gundaroo for a morning tea stop and judging of the motorcycles within a variety of categories. A large contingent of spectator motorcycle enthusiasts also gathered at the Gundaroo Park to admire the magnificent collection of original and beautifully restored machines and everything in between. All machines took the short ride back to the Carotel which catered for lunch in air-conditioned comfort, and provided a swimming pool if wanted. The hot weather took its toll particularly on the older machines and the three back-up trailers were kept busy ferrying bikes back to the Carotel. The Saturday evening Presentation Dinner was attended by about 160 entrants who enjoyed a meal and presentation of the large number of trophies. King of the Rally went to a 1947 Acme 125 and the Best Single was won by a 1951 AJS 500cc 18S and the winner was presented with the desirable unique trophy of a 1/12 Minichamp Norton Manx replica. Sunday's longer ride took the traditional "Cotter Loop" although this year in a counter clockwise direction where the distinct throaty exhaust notes of the singles echoed along the winding roads of the foothills of the Brindabella Range. A well deserved morning tea stop was taken at the picturesque surroundings of the newly refurbished Casuarina Sands reserve. The weather had cooled considerably and there were fewer breakdowns. The ride was completed in time for a late lunch back in the air conditioned comfort at the Carotel. Many riders who had travelled from interstate and other centres departed in the afternoon. For those who remained on there was another delicious and free bbq and some relaxing drinks and an opportunity to chat about the rally. Come Monday, a small keen contingent of riders took part in our "follow the leader" and "tail end Charlie" tour of the Canberra lookouts and sample one of Canberra's well known coffee stops. Our Major Sponsors were Some photos from the Rally can be seen HERE Trophy Winners and Sponsors 2010 Best Veteran (to end 1918) Sponsor: TJ's Tyres & Accessories Best Vintage (1919 to 1930) Sponsor: TJ's Tyres & Accessories Best Pre-War Classic (1931 to 1945) Sponsor: VVCMCC Best Post-War Classic (1946 to 1960) Sponsor: Grand Prix Karting Best Popular Classic (1961 to 1970) Sponsor: Electro Plating Technology Best Cherished Classic (1971 to 1980) Sponsor: Grand Prix Karting Best Modern (1981 to 2010) Sponsor: TJ's Tyres & Accessories Best Outfit Sponsor: TrophyLink Best Military Sponsor: VVCMCC Best AJS/Matchless Sponsor: Grand Prix Karting (perpetual) Best British Machine Sponsor: Eurotune Motorcycles Best Triumph Sponsor: Triumph Motorcycle Register of Australia Best European Machine Sponsor: VVCMCC Best Asian Machine Sponsor: Dahlitz Motorcycles Best American Machine Sponsor: Robbo's Motorcycles Best Lady Participant Sponsor: Chris Hillbrick-Boyd In Memory of Sue Cramp Hardluck Award Sponsor: Sue's Transport Books (perpetual) Peter Barges Memorial Shield for Best New Restoration Myles Gilmour Memorial Trophy for the Best Triumph Twin Most Desirable Single Sponsor: NRMA Classic Vehicle Insurance King of the Rally Sponsor: TJ's Tyres & Accessories
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