Some like it hot!

Southland VCC Rally and the National Motorcycle Rally

A solid contingent from Otago headed south for the Southland VCC Rally on Saturday 4th February and then the National Motorcycle Rally on Sunday and Monday 5th and 6th of February. Team Otago comprised Max Dewer, 1927 Indian Scout; Bill Veitch, 1938 Norton International, Stewart Gutsell, 1944 Indian Chief; Bruce Murray, 1953 BSA 500; Andrew Roxburgh, 1959 Ariel Huntmaster; John Sim, 1961 Matchless G12; Errol Moore, 1971 Suzuki T500; Trevor Kempton, 1972 Suzuki GT750; and our intrepid club captain Kevin Mason on his “I wish I brought my Francis Barnett” 1986 Honda GB400.

The Southland Rally was held in very hot conditions with the mercury pushing above 30 degrees from about midday. Bikes and cars competed alongside each other which made for interesting results because of the dominance of the two-wheeled entrants warming up for their National event. The rally route took us through West Plains, Lochiel, across to Mataura via Hedgehope, and then down the back road to the Wyndham racecourse for an excellent lunch and a couple of field tests. These were craftily put together with the first, “roll forward two revolutions of your wheel please”, allowing the motorcyclists to sight the valve on the front wheel and the second, “ball in a bucket”, favouring those on 4 wheels. The run back to Invercargill through Seaward Downs was a boiler and that first beer didn’t touch the sides! Team Otago was on form and put down some solid results:

Trevor Kempton – 3rd PV60 time trial and overall winner PV60

Bill Veitch – 1st Post Vintage time trial.

Stewart Gutsell – 2nd Post Vintage field test.

The National Rally started with the show and shine incorporating field tests and the concourse held in humid conditions and light drizzle. Field tests had just concluded mid-afternoon when it bucketed down but an hour later the sun was out again.

Sunday evening included a real Southland ‘pea pie and pud’ followed by a Stuart Francis conceived quiz which required us to match motorcycle models with manufacturers. Not to be denied, Team Otago came up trumps again with Errol Moore winning the prize for the lowest score (6, I hear tell). But as our Club Captain would say, “a prize is prize!”

The Rally proper was run over 3 routes through Western Southland. This route complimented the Southland Rally route and gave riders a great look at what Southland has to offer. The leg from Tuatapere through to the lunch stop at Riverton proved trying for a number of bikes including one which spontaneously combusted when starting in Tuatapere. Unfortunately, with fuel lines and some wiring lightly flame grilled, it was on the salvage trailer!

Southland VCC Rally and the National Motorcycle Rally continued

The final night dinner at Ascot Park was most convivial. Speeches were short allowing a lot of time for the “would’ve, could’ve, should’ve” stories and the lie swapping. Team Otago did very well and picked up a swag of certificates and trophies:

Errol Moore – 2nd PV60 time trial and the Glenn Bull Memorial Trophy for best performance by a 2 stroke.

Bill Veitch – 1st Post Vintage time trial, 2nd overall Post Vintage, 2nd Concours.

Stewart Gutsell – 2nd Post Vintage field tests

Andrew Roxburgh – 1st Post War time trial, 3rd Post War field tests, the Young Trophy for best performance by a Post War, Tim’s Trophy for best performance by a twin cylinder machine And if that wasn’t enough……….

Andrew Roxburgh – the Montagu Trophy for National Motorcycle Rally Winner!

Yep, we did pretty good all right. Andrew’s overall Rally win really topped off a great weekend. Andrew doesn’t do a lot of smiling as a rule, but he couldn’t help himself this time. He was rightfully chuffed!

Thanks to the Southland Club including Glenys McKenzie and her committee for putting together a laid back and enjoyable Southland adventure. Thanks too to the volunteers who timed us, fed us and commiserated with us as they picked up the dead bikes.

Trevor Kempton

The 21st of January saw approximately 31 Veteran Vehicles pull into the start at the First Church car park. Entrants came from as far afield as Christchurch, Invercargill and Wanaka, with a good number of our own branch members. Once assembled by the marshalls, the vehicles headed down to the Octagon. Members of the public and also many tourists from the cruise ships that were in town enjoyed being able to walk around the cars and talk to their owners for almost an hour before the official opening of the Run was presented by Councillor Lee Van der Vis – as the Mayor was unable to attend. Compere – Dougal Stevenson, once again gave a brief background on the vehicles and owners as the vehicles were flagged of one at a time when the traffic lights eventually turned green. Andrew Roxburgh, whose 1910 Triumph motorcycle needed to be push started, was seen doing small circuits on the street between the Octagon and Moray Place as he needed to wait for the next set of lights to turn green. This happened at other intersections as well. Spectators stood along various points on route as the crews drove their cars on to Brighton Domain, with a drive out to Taieri Mouth first then 3 field tests needed to be navigated at the domain before lunch. This was eagerly awaited by some!

The Pearce family were well represented with, Colin, a son-in-law and a grandson each driving one of the 3 Sunbeams that were entered. Ryan Boult was driving the 1913 Overland with a friend, who was first time navigator. The Familton Stanley Steam car attracted a lot of attention – their first concern was to ensure that there was a water source available. A long hose was seen to come out at various points along the route. The grumbling noises and big bangs in the Octagon had many jump with fright, including Lee has they were waiting to be flagged off.

The American Le France - well it motored along effortlessly has it passed other veterans on the long straights towards Taieri Mouth and disappeared into the distance.

Once the field tests and lunch were over people took the opportunity to drive each other’s vehicles around the domain grounds and compare notes. What a comparison between the 1900 Wolseley and the American La France. Colin Winter had a job trying to stretch far enough to reach the gear stick in the La France. The day ended with prizegiving dinner at the Golf club.

On Sunday a good number motored out the Carey’s Bay for a leisurely lunch and chance to bid farewell to entrants before heading back to their home towns. A few of the entrants wish to express their gratitude to the Marshalls who were out assisting with the various tasked that needed to be done in order for this event to take place. As more and more health and safety regulations are pushed on to us as the organisers of this and many of our club events, it becomes quite a task for the organisers to ensure that every requirement is in place. So THANK YOU to all the marshalls.

Also a big thank to Colin Winter and his team for organising the event again. Your time and dedication to ensuring that everything is in place is very much appreciated.

Marion