The smell of Castor supplemented highly tooned 4 strokes - was an uber special memory for this weekends racers and goers, who were born before 1960. For the rest of us post 60's units it was a memory we will live with for many years to come.
This meeting was in honour of Mr Roy East - he was an A Grade all rounder.
The mix of Pre 65 bikes that competed for the sake of competition was as varied as it was interesting. Yes we at Heaven have some regular pre 65 exotica that Carl B # 7 brings along, but this event we had Vern on his Trumpy Tiger 500 twin. The most Perfect sounding bike at the meet. Brilliant Cottons, Boat Tail Bultacos, bolt together frame Husky, fresh out of the shed KTMs. Brilliant presentation of bike and rider. @ 71 years young - Vern was a picture of health. Fit for a fight and fight and fight he did. Out of the same mould as our own Jewel of Heaven - Jens Olsen (not present). Hard like barbed wire - plus smart due to experience (read age).
The duelling Jawa's - a sight to behold. Never a snowballs chance of winning The Event but they knew that before they started. The boys on the Jawa's added another fantastic memory for all of us. Close racing between them - so close - mainly due to the smoke screen they laid down for each other. (Jawa's work better in high wind by the looks)
Sir Firko arrived, to cast a careful eye over proceedings. We past inspection by all accounts. (knew we would). Those competitors, too shy to approach a VMX legend such as The Firko have missed out this time. Don't let it happen again. I am sure he will be at the next event and happy to take questions, give advice and tell race stories.
Yes the weather. I am getting to that. Once again it was perfect for what we do. A bit of piffy drizzle on Friday evening. Hardly enough to wet my Husaberg cap. After that, bit of wind and sun. Perfect track receipt.
Saturday practice started in a Gentlemanly fashion. Results of Friday nights fellowship were evident on the faces of some our best Camp Fire racers - Seano # 1, Ted # 84 and the best of all Bob B #90 (shocker!!!).
Dennis #555 and KTM guru took over where Fernando left off with the ritual passing around of Bottled Fire Water. This time is was some home grown concoction of Rum and chocolate. I noted however it was only offered to the Fast Guys by Dennis. Blokes like me were told we didn't need any - in fact you may as well put the beer down and drink water. Obviously no threat on the track.
Those of us who are there as purists of the racing code were bright eyed and bushy tailed Sunday morning. Keen to get into the sticky mud of Bulahdelah. (after the juniors had cleaned the worst sticky crap off the track)
Mrs Hardo told me to use those yellow smilie faces to liven the script up. Hope it worked.
Down to the racin'.
Well, if you were here, you have to admit it was soopa fast and soopa close. The track is not really that wide and with a bit of racin' and dry weather it resulted in a track where you could not - could not brake traction. Left Right or off the line. The brave hearts won out.
The race of the day for me (watching) and for many others was the Pre 85 all in after smoke-0 (also known as the race of the duelling Jawa's)
CR 500's x 2 and KX 250's x 2 made up the fast 4 at the front. The rest were spectators. Carl B on #7, Carl R on #2, Liam #97 and Hardo # 10. By this stage the track was at its best and so were the racers. Old vs Young vs 500 vs 250 vs Team Green vs Team Red. It had it all. It was so good to watch I have NFI who actually one.
The Juniors had a corker of a weekend. All of them improved over the two day and got a greater appreciation of Pre 65 cast iron. And they loved it. Spotlight on Fridie night was the highlight for them with an after party of red drink and sossage sambos. Heaven - kid style.
The ladies didn't disappoint. Great mix of old and new too. Pre-race rituals, such as hair braiding, produced some outstanding results on the track. Smooth, dispute free and full of smilies. Just how we would like all racers to be. Mrs Hardo and Mrs Justin are now looking for sponsored rides to be part of the action.
Seano (also known as # 1) has secured Pre Race H. B. ing from Brigette in an effort to make up a distinct lack of points - due to none starting issues.
The list of maintenance issues is long and wide. Over compressed Pomie twins resulting in cast iron barrel fracture, Spanish clutches, NON genuine Husky handlebar and throttles, weak Suzuki rear shocks (side load), cheap after market YZ mufflers and 500 singles getting hot and tight. Note - not one Hodaka issue - cause there wasn't any at the race.
Homework for Heaven members - find out what Mike G # 25 has done to that TT 500 4 stroker to get it that fast. I just gotsta know.
Special mention too for young Rob Shoie #61 turning up with a trifecta or Huskies. Pre 75, pre 78 and Evo big bores. Used Saturday to identify some operational issues which will be sorted prior to the Crawford River Classic.
We should say a big thanks to the members who worked at the most fun working bee ever. The additions to the Complex were appreciated.
New members - some of which are father and son KTM teams were on board this time round. Thanks to Teds Big Day Out the other month.
Enough talk. Back to polishing the Maico and planning the next race strategy.
Pete
