Very little has happened over the last 2 months on Barnstormers, what with the fine weather, christmas festivities, and open roads beckoning time has just slipped by. We hope that you all had a good break and no doubt are back hard at it in the workshop.
Barnstomers has come across a couple of interesting websites that are worthy of inclusion and have set up links to on the left sidebar
Pete Young is a keen veteran/vintage owner who runs a website titled Occhio Lungo. Dealing with girder fork machines (or springers as some Americans call them) there is some interesting information on early chain and belt drives, veteran rides, pioneering machines and the people who ride them. It would be an excellent way to spend an evening digesting the material that Pete has put up. Click here to have a peek at what is on offer.
There has been a bit of correspondence lately in the UK Vintage Motor Cycle Clubs monthly bulletin about New Zealander Burt Munro and his racing Velocette and Indians (The Worlds Fastest Indian movie) and where they are currently located. Well the Hayes family from Invercargill are caretakers of the Munro Specials and have an interesting website well worth taking a look at. Curious? Then click here.
Swapmeet list update a bit slow on this but an up to date list will be posted in the next couple of days.
Military Motorcycle Meeting The Otago Branch of the Vintage Car Club intends holding a get together for those interested in military motorcycles at Otematata on 26~27th March 2011 including a ride in from Oamaru.Expressions of interest are invited from owners of such machines whether they are running or just at project stage. Contact Bruce Murray by emailing bminor@xtra.co.nz or Bill Veitch on 03~498 1626 evenings.
Australian Rally The Veteran and Vintage Motorcycle Club of South Australia are holding their 55th Anniversary Tour and Pre Rally Tour from 8th September~ 27 September 2011.The rally hubs out of Nuriootpa in the Barossa Valley travelling approximately 150 kms per day for the first four days and then out of Burra for the balance.It also includes the opportunity to attend the Birdwood Classic Rally for 1956 to 1977 vehicles on Sunday 25th.
The New Zealand organisers are hoping to take up to 18 bikes and riders. Cost indication is $3000 (NZ) which includes motorcycle freight, airfares, and 18 nights accommodation. First come first served basis. Could be good for a nice little trundle around the flatlands of southern Australia.
Register your interest with Jens Christensen, Motorcycle Convenor Canterbury Branch. Phone 03-354 5000, Mobile 027-4334 179 or email kajens@ihug.co.nz
Wanted Any old period pre 1945 motorcycle/motorcycling photographs to share with others through the pages of Barnstormers Remembered. We would like to capture more pioneering images of what our grandfathers/great grandfathers endured and what better place than on this website. A couple that we have come across lately are Jack the proud owner of an early 2 ¾ hp belt drive Douglas twin (this photograph was purchased at a swap meet for $2.00), and a page from the Twin Eagle magazine about 16 years ago showing 4 generations of one family and their motorcycles. If you have something that you would like to share email us through the Contacts Page
Pukekohe Classic Racing Festival 2011 Knobster and I both had a good time, and although we didn’t get to the winners podium just attending the event, meeting up with old friends and seeing the excellent machinery in use was reward enough. We will have a story up on this within the next 2 weeks.
Remember we are happy to advertise any motorcycle events for Pre 1945 girder fork machines. Just email us with the information including closing dates and contact phone numbers.