Rally Updates

Photos by Ian Dobbs

THE INITIAL 2021 VJMC NATIONAL RALLY PLANNING WAS FOR MARCH 2021 BUT A NECESSARY CAUTIOUS APPROACH DUE TO COVID MOVED THE RALLY DATES OF 15 TO 17 OCTOBER 2021 IN BENDIGO VICTORIA.

Whilst other equally suitable locations were reviewed, Bendigo’s supportive group of VJMC members contributed to the decision, particularly in the current challenges brought about by restrictions to travel between Melbourne and regional centres. Unfortunately but probably of no surprise to you, the ongoing and seemingly worsening COVID-19 scenario in August 2021 and the immediate future meant it was impossible to be able to have attendees from NSW, ACT and potentially Queensland transit to Victoria in October 2021 with any certainty. The decision was to postpone the 2021 Suzuki VJMC National Rally until 25 – 27 March 2022. The rally is still called the 2021 Suzuki VJMC National Rally but will now be held in 2022. As it has turned out the timing of the postponement decision appears to been lucky as we have maintained continuing support from our existing sponsors and supporting partners: - Suzuki – named sponsor, Greater City of Bendigo, Mick Hone Motorcycles and others who are supporting the event. The date change has not presented any material impact on the arrangements with our providers

all being able to accommodate the original requests for the rally: - Park Lane Big4 Holiday Park – Rally Central All Seasons Hotel - hosting the Awards Dinner on the Saturday night; Mick Hone and Robbie Phillis have confirmed they will be available as guest speakers for the March 2022 date – don’t miss that! Dai Gum San precinct in the Bendigo CBD supported by the Greater City of Bendigo - the Show and Shine The Bendigo Visitors Centre - assistance with finding accommodation The Lions Club - catering for the Welcome BBQ on Friday night and breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday mornings. If you haven’t committed to attend the 2021 Suzuki VJMC National Rally yet, what are you waiting for? We are monitoring and making changes necessary to allow the rally to be a successful, enjoyable and fun event attracting the biggest attendance in recent times. As a bonus you have an additional 4 months to get that bike ready, the one you thought was going to be too hard, find your accommodation and register your attendance and bike. A final word from the President of VJMC Australia, John McNair, encourages everyone who is interested in motorcycles to attend and says “Victoria has an awesome array of motorcycles throughout the state and many of these will gather at the

2021 Rally. In the past rallies held in Victoria we have had many rare and unusual motorcycles attending and I am sure this one will be no exception. There will of course be many other wonderful machines coming from other places as well. On behalf of the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club of Australia, I would like to welcome owners of older Japanese Motorcycles to attend this rally and enter their classic motorcycles in the show”. John McNair Running updates will follow in this publication, the VJMC website, 2021 National Rally Forum, and VJMC Australia Rally Facebook.