Maryborough is the Victorian town around which this rally is centred, and as everybody else has quoted Samuel Clements (Mark Twain) I will too – he described it as "a railway station with a town attached." On Saturday afternoon after a great day of riding led by Ed, I visited the large and grand station, exploring the antiques shop and settling in the attractive bar/cafe for a quiet beer. I heard the distinctive sound of an Indian and was soon joined by Connor who was in search of a coffee.
But back to the rally – we first gathered on Saturday morning at the park near the Golf club and Golden Caratel motel. It was cold and overcast at first but we were in good spirits because we were DRY, those of us who had been on the previous year’s rally recollecting the drenching rain. It was pleasing to see that the great majority of bikes that had arrived were classics including bikes of our guests from the Indian Club, so there was a lot of interesting machinery to look at and friends to catch up with. Ed was soon calling us over to give a briefing on the route we would be taking (maps were distributed) and describe how the ride would be marshalled.
Then it was ‘start your engines’ and we headed to the south on quiet roads through attractive countryside to Talbot and Waterloo. Long abandoned stone farm buildings could be seen near the road and I wondered at the enterprise of the people that built them and what would have caused them to leave.
By now the sun was appearing to slightly warm our extremities but no complaining – this is called the ‘Brass Monkey’ for good reason and the name forewarns participants. A benefit of cool weather that I heard mentioned was that predominantly air-cooled bikes of the classic era run better in it.
After warming food and drinks at Beaufort on the Western Highway we set off again on largely deserted back roads, past wide expanses of open rural scenery, populated mainly by flocks of sheep. Out in the sticks we encountered an unforeseen roadwork's which blocked our way. Which way to go to resume our route? After doing a U-turn on the narrow road I rode back to the leading group where Ed was consulting a passing hunter equipped with shotgun and cartridge belt. With his directions we headed off again returning to the old Talbot railway station for the afternoon tea break. In the station building were many interesting exhibits from an earlier era including a range of card tickets and photos of steam engines. From Talbot we returned to Maryborough, many refuelling for Sunday, and later we met at the Golf Club for good conversation over dinner.
The ride resumed at the park on Sunday morning in foggy conditions which continued for a while as we rode north towards Dunolly. Unlike rain, the fog droplets seemed to be difficult to clear from visors and goggles. Perhaps this, the poor visibility and indistinct road markings led to a group of riders taking an alternative route at a Y junction, but they had the maps so rejoined us later at Llanelly. Suddenly we were out of the fog and into a sunny landscape. I glimpsed a flock of Cockatoos white against the blue sky and a splash of grey and pink from a pair of Galahs. We rode through Dunolly busy with its farmer’s market, Bealiba, McIntyre's and Rheola. At one re-group Ray’s BMW on his trailer served to provide a lifeline of sparks to an Indian with a failing battery. This was much appreciated.
A quality lunch was hosted by the Bendigo Historic Motorcycle Club at their spacious Llanelly premises. The bushland setting of the club, the bikes glittering in the bright sun, good company – a fitting way to end a Brass Monkey weekend.
Thanks to Ed for organising the ride and leading it, all who marshalled, Keith for back-up trailer duties, and the Bendigo club for hosting lunch.
John Best.
Participants
(some details of rider’s bikes in this list are incomplete).
