News Feb 2012.

Living in New Zealand one would think that we should all be used to the temperamental weather by now, but when it comes down to it the answer for me would be no. I like summer to be summer, and winter to be winter. It is hard to plan anything when the seasons don’t conform, likewise it is hard to look forward to an event if there is a high probability that it is going to be spoiled by the inclement weather. Nevertheless dates are set, events are still planned and we still attend, albeit with a brolley. Some up and coming dates to look forward to are –

Classic Racing €“ The season has started well with some excellent racing at the Pukekohe Classic Racing Festival held last weekend. I managed to attend and will post some photos soon. The next event is this coming weekend – 11th and 12th February, at Hampton Downs Raceway and will include the usual Vintage and Pre War classes. It is the follow-up from the Pukekohe Classic Festival and hopefully will be just as enjoyable. For those of you who have not attended before Hampton is approximately 60kms south of Auckland on State Highway One (about 10 minutes south of the Bombay hills), on the northern boundary of the Waikato. It backs on to the main north south expressway (SH1) so is easily accessible and sign posted from the expressway. Click here for a map (note €“ Hampton Motorsport Park is on the opposite side of the road to the indicated €˜race track€™).

Motorcycle Movies €“ Every motorcyclist knows of movies like The Wild One with Marlon Brando, and the cult movie Easy Rider with Peter Fonda but when it comes to other titles there is not a lot out there. One that has been released recently is Once a Jolly Swagman with Dirk Bogarde. Originally filmed in 1947 it is set in the late 1930s to just after the war and is about speedway riders in the UK. The story line is pretty shallow by modern standards with a mild love interest but it does have some interesting speedway shots and creates a few laughs. It has 2 younger actors off Last of the Summer Wine €“ Thora Hird and Bill Owen (Compo). Bill plays the part of an Australian sheep farmer who went to England to make his fortune. Of course I have my copy. Available from Amazon and and few UK DVD suppliers.

Classic Motorcycle Show €“ This is a all new show being organised by the Rotary Club of Papakura. Date set is for the 3rd, 4th and 5th of August 2012 at the Telstra Pacific Events Centre, Manukau City, a venue that is conveniently close to the southern motorway. There are 24 categories ranging from veteran up to 1992, with cash prizes for different classes. Something to definitely mark on the calender. For more info have a look at www.classicmotorcycleshow.co.nz (The website is still under development but have a look anyway).

Swapmeet list €“ this is up to date as of last week with all the info that we have. Check the Swap Meet tab at the top of the page to see what else is happening. If you know of one coming up that we could list please let us know via the contacts page.

Karaka Vintage Day 2012 €“ The date is 1st April 2012 and as in the past will be held at the Karaka Sports Complex. It is held every 2 years and well supported with all things that are old and mechanical (stationary engines, agricultural machinery, military vehicles, vintage and classic cars, and of course motorcycles). Barnstormers will be there with a display of pre 1945 motorcycles so if you would like to be part of this well organised event and share our tent feel free to contact us through our contact page. We welcome all happy faces.

VCC National Motorycle Rally 2013 €“ Every 2 years a branch of the New Zealand will hold a National Motorcycle Rally for club acceptable machines. The next one is to be held in Northland over the weekend of 15~17th February 2013 with an After Rally Tour from 18~22nd February. This is an advance for VCC motorcyclists who are thinking about attending (as it is just €œup the road€ from Knobsta’s he may even go). For further info contact Graeme Dawson 09-434 7215 or email gndawson@actrix.co.nz or Peter West-Hill 09-438 1392 or email west-hill@clear.net.nz or Lawrence Hillier 09-434 6457 or email northland@vcc.org.nz Who knows €“ we may both be there!

Wanted €“ Any old period pre 1945 motorcycle/motorcycling photographs to share with others through the pages of Barnstormers under 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. If you have something that you would like to share email us through the Contact Us tab above.

Remember €“ we are happy to advertise any motorcycle events for Pre 1945 girder fork machines. Just email us throught the Contact Us tab above with the information including closing dates and contact phone numbers.