Old Bike Australasia Issue 90

the motorcycling bond

Early in my advertising days I was involved in a new-business pitch for a major account, for which our small agency had invested a considerable amount of time and money. Prestigious accounts such as this one were usually the domain of the big national or multi-national ad agencies, and small fry like us seldom got a look in. So, given this golden opportunity, we thoroughly researched the client’s background and its industry in general, scrapped our usual outlandish ideas given the very conservative nature of the market, and produced what we thought was a straightforward but clever approach with a campaign structure that would have a long life. For the all-important presentation of the creative work, we were briefed by our creative Director Bryce Courtenay to stay on the subject, not…

blow your own

Classic snap On page 98 of OBA 88 you have a photo of an accident with Dennis Bristow (my grandfather). He saw the photograph and has asked me to contact you to share with you a second picture of this accident for your records. Dennis has a collection of old bikes and photos. We were also wondering if it would be possible to have the photo that you featured in the magazine emailed to us digital if possible? So that Dennis can add it to his collection. Thank you for publishing this photo it’s fantastic. Melanie Coleman Gary Reid, the man who took the photo of Dennis Bristow’s unfortunate accident at Amaroo Park, reproduced in issue 88, has an interesting recollection of that incident. “I took that photo while standing on the earth wall…

greetings from mongolia

I’m writing about the interesting article on the Russian IZH motorcycles in OBA 89 (“From IZHEVSK with Love”). Despite having ridden continuously from 1974 and considering myself reasonably knowledgeable (false pride) I was wholly unaware of these bikes until 2015 when I did a small group of four bikes on a two-week tour of Mongolia on a mid-2000s Royal Enfield 500 (carburetted). Enclosed (attached) are some photos from a crossroads settlement of what I was told was a Russian Planeta 5 still seeing active duty. The locals as you can see were more than slightly amused at my interest in this bike. I was impressed with the double leading shoe drum on the front, and the enclosed drive chain at the rear – perfect for the intended conditions of use. Of necessity,…

ian james warner cameron

Ian’s father James Claude Cameron opened a pushbike shop in Maitland around 1900, and around 1905 ventured into the motorcycle scene. Early model motorcycles were FN which J.C imported from Belgium. He also purchased a new 1905 FN car. J.C. was heavily involved in the cycle racing scene and races for those were also conducted at the Maitland Showground oval before the start of the motorcycle races. J.C. also formed the Maitland Motorcycle Club in 1910. As a young child Ian attended the meetings and rang a bell when they had one lap to go. He also walked the main street on Saturdays with a ‘sandwich’ board, ringing a bell and calling out “Speedway tonight”. For many years the firm represented Bennett and Wood from whom they obtained both bicycles and…

vjmc national rally heads to bendigo

Phil Scorah, National Rally Coordinator, recently said, “Whilst other equally suitable locations were reviewed, Bendigo’s supportive group of VJMC members contributed to the decision.” The decision was based on the following criteria: Border restrictions must be lifted allowing free travel throughout Australia. Victoria’s stage 3 and 4 restrictions must be lifted allowing free movement within the state. Face masks, social distancing and crowd gathering rules must allow the rally, show and shine, and annual dinner to take place. “Communication to members as the plan is refined will be via the VJMC web site and broadcast emails as deemed appropriate. Information will be released as early as possible regarding confirmation of the tentative date, program for the rally, accommodation and member registration information. We look forward to seeing you all at the rally…

speedway ups and downs

At the time, the NSW Government promised to find an alternative venue, which has since been widely tipped to be at Eastern Creek (Sydney Motor Sport Park) adjacent to the existing Drag Racing facility. There have been several conflicting statements surrounding the proposed move, and little has been said about the new venue hosting motorcycle speedway racing, although motorcycles were mentioned in the original statement. The existing clay-surfaced circuit on the site of the former Granville Showgrounds was conceived by former Sydney Sprintcar driver (and local lawn mower dealer) Sid Hopping and opened in 1977. In 2020, COVID restrictions have meant the proposed season has been largely cancelled, and the track unlikely to open at all this year.…