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Patrick
Level 3 Member
Victoria
314 Posts |
 Posted - 12 Jul 2006 : 7:05:54 PM
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Just 100 years ago one of the first motorcycle races was held in Victoria.
It was a handicap race, starting from Campbellfield to Wallan and return.
The event was held as an annual race [100mile]not sure how long it went for
It would be great to have a commemorative ride as I guess many of us won't be able to attend the 200th! I have a start location in mind - anyone interested?
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acotrel
Advanced Member
Victoria
2147 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2006 : 06:10:10 AM
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| We'd have to be sure the majority of competitors made it there and back, or it could be embarrassing. |
Is your machine authentic or merely eligible? |
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ian
Level 1 Member
South Australia
19 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2006 : 12:43:49 PM
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The Victorian Motor Cycle Club 100 miles road race was the premier event in Australia from 1906 until WW1.
It was run on the then dirt Hume Highway from the 10 mile post at Campbellfield to the 35 mile post then back again to Campbellfield. This was done twice. Winner in 1906 was A.E.Sutton on a 3hp Beauchamp at an average speed of 31.91mph! By 1909 Triumphs dominated the race - 1st and 3rd in 1909 and 1st,2nd and 3rd in 1910 and 1911 and the winning average speed was now 45.63mph.
The event was run on a Saturday and the road was not closed off. Ordinary traffic continued to use the highway as the racers roared past. Inevitably, conflict with local Councils and the Law saw and end to this race.
A report in the Australian Motorist , May, 1911 stated:"A feature of the race was the fear each had of some particular kind of mishap. One thought he was sure to puncture and carried spare tubes inside the forks, intending to cut the punctured one and put in the other without removing the wheel; another was certain of breaking a belt fastener and carried a spare belt; yet another feared that, with the back mudguard off, he would get the needle valve stuck with mud or dust and contrived a patent cap on the carburettor to cover the top of the needle. Some, through experience, attempted to guard against overheating by using auxiliary exhaust ports and ran out of oil. More feared the breaking of valves and burnt fingers in removing and replacing the inspection cap and invented patent fibre handles on the caps ; others, again, used false tops to the tappet rods, which could be easily removed in the case of a stretched valve stem. Some had numerous wire nail pullers and one had a nail finder trailing from the engine base." Remember, this was still the days of horses and nailed on shoes!
Finally this:"The winner had a fair run through, though he had to stop once when two cars going in opposite directions blocked the way."
The Australian Historic Championships at Mac Park in November will feature, in a support race, a handful of these wonderful Period 1 racers - a couple of Triumphs, an AJS, a Douglas, a Levis and more!
Plan to be there!
Ian |
Old age, treachery and deceit will always beat youth, skill and vigour! |
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Patrick
Level 3 Member
Victoria
314 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2006 : 6:40:22 PM
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That is a great post Ian - thank you.
Was the Hume formed as a country road in those days? The reason I ask is that the old Sydney Road runs parallel to the Hume but 5km to the west. |
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ian
Level 1 Member
South Australia
19 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jul 2006 : 1:48:49 PM
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Thanks Patrick! Yes, you are right. The early reports all use the term "Sydney Road" and now that you have raised the issue I have a vague memory that it used to go down what is now Flemington Road and out to Broadmeadows somewhere adjacent to Pascoe Vale Road. How does that sound to you?
Late in 1909 the Broadmeadows Shire Council banned racing on roads in their municpality
but on 02.03.1910 wrote the following letter to the organisers of the 100 mile Road Race.
"Sir - I have the honour, by direction, to inform you that the Council has given permission to hold motor cycle races on the Sydney-road at Campbellfield, and have decided that permission be granted for each race separately, on the following conditions being adhered to: -
1. That the silencer be not removed during racing.
2. That all races be run halfway out and back, with the exception of the 100 mile race, where four laps will be allowed.
3. That application be made for each race separately.
4. That the rule of the road be strictly observed.
5. That all necessary precautions be taken to avoid accidents.
I have also to state that on certain occassions, motor cyclists, in returning to the city, make it a practice of travelling without lights, or of riding behind another cyclist who has a light, and the council wishes it to be understood that it is intended to take action to detect offenders and would thank your club to use its influence to put a stop to such a dangerous practice - I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant.
(Signed) A.F.COOK, Shire Secretary
Not much has changed over the years really! Just the language!!
ian
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Old age, treachery and deceit will always beat youth, skill and vigour! |
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Patrick
Level 3 Member
Victoria
314 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jul 2006 : 7:10:05 PM
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That is great information Ian,looking at some old maps the route could have been from about the corner of Sydney Road and Barry Road [10 miles from GPO] then there are a number of options [Somerton, Craigieburn,or Mt. Ridley Roads] to some how get back to Old Sydney Road which runs up to Wallan. Though in those days a clear route would be evident it is not clear on the map I have access to.
Now need a pre Hume expert to come forward and make some sense of this.
We have a start and finish just need to get the bit in between correct.
What would be a good cut off year for machines to take part in the ride [ 0ne lap = 80km ] 1956/66, or just ride what you bring.
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ian
Level 1 Member
South Australia
19 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jul 2006 : 8:49:13 PM
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Patrick, the route went from Campbellfield through Donnybrook, Malpas (hill), Beveridge, up Pretty Sally through Wallan to somewhere around Kilmore (35 mile post). At the start there were a couple of hotels: "...the old Beaconsfield Hotel was surrounded with motorcycles humming away like busy bees on their stands, just being warmed up prior to the race ... the course taken was from the Campbellfield Hotel..."
What is it that you wish to achieve with a re-enactment? The answer to that question will determine eligibility. I'm for inclusion rather than exclusion! Anyone interested on whatever is welcome!! After all, the original event was all over by the end of the veteran era.
Finally, the centenary date was actually April 23.
Have fun and let's know what you are planning.
ian
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Old age, treachery and deceit will always beat youth, skill and vigour! |
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Patrick
Level 3 Member
Victoria
314 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jul 2006 : 10:03:44 PM
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I guess that my first reaction was that it is 100 years since one of the first motorcycle races was held in Victoria.
The race was 100 miles long - what if 100 riders could have a ride over the same or similar route to commemorate this symbolic year in Victorian motorcycle sport.
The actual roads used are important to the spirit of the ride.
As much information that can be etched out is necessary to "get the course as close as possible"
A new turn up Ian, is your mention of the turn around at Kilmore which is different than the recording of Wallan. ..... 'up Pretty Sally' [your words]! is between Wallan and Kilmore.
If it is Kilmore I would be very happy as a meeting I am going to on Wednesday could be a launching pad for promotional funds for this type of historical event. |
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Patrick
Level 3 Member
Victoria
314 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jul 2006 : 6:48:38 PM
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The 35 mile post is just short of the new police station at Kilmore.
There has been a thought that we hold another event prior to the HBBB at Easter 2010
If any interest from members of this forum then please let me know.
Thanks / Cheers |
Edited by - Patrick on 20 Oct 2009 9:06:15 PM |
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Alan Cotterell
In a time out state
Victoria
421 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2009 : 4:37:11 PM
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| I have the feeling that Mount Alexander road, became Mickleham road went through Wallan, and Kilmore then turned into the McIvor Highway. The right hand branch, Sydney road went through Kilmore, and Broadford. |
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Alan Cotterell
In a time out state
Victoria
421 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2009 : 4:43:18 PM
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| Where is 'Pretty Sally'? The bikes would have probably gone over that! |
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Patrick
Level 3 Member
Victoria
314 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2009 : 6:44:29 PM
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Pretty Sally is now on the Northern Highway just north of Wallan.
We have a map of all the original roads that were used 100 years ago and Ian from SA provided lots of interesting detail from old publications. There is now enough stuff for an interesting story to be put together. |
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GD66
Senior Member
Western Australia
390 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2009 : 9:11:20 PM
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Patrick, I'm sorry to have to report that not only has poor old Ian passed away earlier this year, but some rotten lowlife has stolen his lovely 1918 Triumph from a locked garage in suburban Adelaide. His widow and family are distraught, as you'd expect, as the bike was a 10-year labour of love for Ian. If the run goes ahead, it'd be nice to give Ian a mention, as he was a staunch campaigner for Period 1.
Just how the culprits imagine they could pass off this rare machine eludes me, but all forum members can assist by keeping eyes and ears open.
Apologies for the hijack, Patrick |
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Patrick
Level 3 Member
Victoria
314 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2009 : 9:33:52 PM
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That is very sad news GD - no hijack as Ian had done considerable research for this project and deserves more than a mention.
I will print out the poster that Ian helped prepare - I don't know how to post pictures on to this site but if anyone wants a copy send a pm and I will forward. |
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