Broadford Bonanza

[FourstrokeForever]

Word is no unreg pit bikes, is that dinkum?

not allowed last year either Slidey

They've never really been allowed but I've ridden around on AJ's Weslake Metisse one year and an unregistered DT1 another time with no problems other than a scowl from Jim Scaysbrook when I rode the Metisse through the road race pits. This year I'm bringing my Russian 49cc 2 stroke pushbike which will be legal as it's legal for the street. The only problem is that I don't think it'll have much of a hope of hauling my fat arse up the hill approaching the road race circuit . I once commandeered Big Alberts SL125 Honda powered Yamaha YZ80 pitbike and got into trouble from the steward for doing laps of the dirt track dressed in shorts and a t shirt (I did have a helmet on though ).

Yeah that's very responsible Firko....as an elder of our sport who preaches all the doo's and don'ts to our VMX population, are you proud of being so irresponsible in front of possibly hundreds of spectators at the dirt track? DICKHEAD....You are not above the rules of motorsport. No body is. Everything we do should be for the "betterment of the sport". And to think you have an international audience with your voice in VMX mag  Would you practice the same type of irresponsible behavior at at any CD event? I DOUBT IT, afterall, the magazine, who runs the Classic Dirt events, is part of your bread and butter and you wouldn't do anything to jeopordise that. Or would you? And then there's the fact that this forum holds an international audience.....
Maybe I should of taken up Drakies proposition of me being security to control the dickheads who risk ruining the event each and every year. There is no way known I would let you ride around the place on your little Russian piece of poo, unless it had full road registration. THEY ARE THE RULES....AND THEY ARE FOR EVERYBODY . The volunteers who help run the show have better things to do than chase after morons who think they are above the rules....like flag duties so the punters who follow the rules can keep riding without any worries, or the roving marshals who keep the volunteers fed and watered so they don't drop off their perches, or the people at the gate who keep entries flowing in an orderly manner, or the office people who make it all work so nobodies bikes get pinched....and on it goes. If catching the provided for free shuttle buses is too much of an inconvenience for someone of your stature and notoriety in the VMX community , maybe a pushbike or some walking will do you the world of good. If you get me kicked off the forum, so be it, but you really should lead by example 

[firko]

Wow that's a bit of a blast. For a start the mini bike situation was at Broadford but wasn't at the HBBB. It was after a dirt track about 15 years ago in front of about five people (see Big Als post). Paul Stacker was on the track at the same time with his 490 Maico mini doing burnouts in front of the MA stewards including the one who (smilingly) chipped me. Because I'd been photographing the meeting I'd been using the bike as transport so everyone knew I was out there. My misdemeanour was to get into the red mist and give it the beans for a couple of laps. I misled you by not telling the full story. My bad. Do you honestly think I'd go out on a mini bike in the middle of the HBBB? Do you think they'd let me within a cooee of the track, even if I wanted to? Not a flucking chance. As far as me riding the Metisse around the place a few years ago...it's funny that I stopped to talk with David White, Drakey and Jim Scaysbrook a number of times and they were more interested in the bike than the fact it had no rego. David White even offered me a ride one of the MA museum bikes which he was parading around the place all weekend while Drakey himself rode the unregistered electric dirt bike as transport. 

Would you practice the same type of irresponsible behavior at at any CD event? I DOUBT IT, afterall, the magazine, who runs the Classic Dirt events, is part of your bread and butter and you wouldn't do anything to jeopordise that. Or would you? And then there's the fact that this forum holds an international audience.....

Boy are you wrong on this one. As far as VMX being my bread and butter, you might be interested to know that I don't receive one penny for my contributions to the magazine, nor do I have any financial stakes in the company. I contribute purely for the love of the magazine and the sport, and no other reason. Because of illness and other family matters I've backed off on features over the last few issues but I'm currently back into it getting a few feature pieces together...at my own time and expense. As far as acting like a dickhead at Classic Dirt, that's purely in the eye of the beholder of course. I may have ridden the odd unregistered pit bike or motocross bike around the grounds, I think most of us are guilty of that, no big deal. I've never acted inappropriately at either event except for forgetting to return my press vest two years in a row  at HBBB and getting a little pissed on the Saturday night and firing up the moto blender to pass out free Margaritas to thirsty punters so if that makes me a dickhead, so be it.

There is no way known I would let you ride around the place on your little Russian piece of poo, unless it had full road registration. THEY ARE THE RULES....AND THEY ARE FOR EVERYBODY .

And why not? It's a flucking bicycle and is totally legal on public roads. If you feel it's inappropriate without ever seeing it, let me suggest you wait until you see the bike before passing judgement. I'm surprised and a bit taken aback by your attitude to my lightweight post. I think the ratio of appropriate behaviour to dickhead behaviour in my life in motorcycling is far on the side of appropriate and that includes never being chipped for any wrongdoings at every Classic Dirt and three HBBB's. I think you may have overreacted a wee bit. 

[BAHNZY]

I have a slightly different view/perspective on bikes (registered or otherwise) being ridden around the various compounds, particularly the motocross area.  Being camped beside a dirt track that had pit bikes constantly running up and down I had every belonging with me coated with a thick layer of dust that I'm still cleaning away today. Just when the dust settled and you could start to breath fresh air again along came another pit bike at warp speed and your back to square one.
Not allowing them to be ridden at all is fine with me and my lungs.

[Tim754]

 Bahnsy I am starting to feel guilty.... Damn have to try to register my little 960cc three wheeled pit bike ...Tim754

[FourstrokeForever]

Fair enough Firko. IF it was made obvious that the mini bike dirt track saga wasn't at HBBB, there would of been no harsh words from me directed to you. Please accept my apology for calling you a dickhead over it.
If you were riding the Metisse around in a responsible manner and not blasting around the place, that is generally accepted as kosher, particularly if you were doing the press rounds or in any official capacity.
I will say that there are some ambiguities with what Drakie asks the Marshals to police and what he lets slide by himself. I just figure that he's so busy with running the event that he doesn't have the headspace left to deal with idiots riding at race pace all over the place and annoying the fluck out of everybody. (see BAHNZY's post). I have seen and heard him lose the plot with a few morons who think they are above the rules though.
With the popularity of HBBB and the size of the crowd, all the unregistered, non helmet wearing, warp speed idiots on pit bikes and full size bikes are an accident looking for somewhere to happen. And we all know what that will lead to with today's litigious world.
As for what happens when the riding hours are over, it's entirely up to the individual to entertain themselves and have fun as long as no motor bike is involved and they aren't harming anybody else. I know I've woken up a bit worse for wear on Sunday mornings after getting carried away with socialising.
Again, sorry for the harsh words.....it seems I did get a bit carried away       

[firko]

Again, sorry for the harsh words.....it seems I did get a bit carried away       

No worries whatsoever.....You're not the first person to call me a dickhead and you most definitely won't be the last. All good .

[FourstrokeForever]

Gidday to all, please keep this in mind - most of us that were brought up on the famous xr75's 1974 thru 1978 and rm80's yz80's, daxes or home made mini bikes, this is what its all about: fun, resto's, rekindling of our childhood memories etc. why spoil it for majority of us older blokes and our kids, after all this is a bike bonanza. ok around the pits some of them should be kept to a lower speed as they can be a little annoying and noisy at times, but I bet you most would be quicker around broadford main track than the majority of riders on bigger bore bikes. you should consider the amount of mini bikes that are likely to come to this event every year and the money spent on them, just like the bigger capacity bikes. sure there is the odd occasional woody that gives us grief, but who cares because without these maybe we would not have a BBB.  after the absolute bullshit that went on in 2013 people and friends of mine being told to f**k off by a certain person and the way they were dealt was a disgrace. let them in and try and police it a bit more. Bear

I agree with you 100% on the mini's Bear. I love my little XR's and CR80's. They are what started my love affair with motocross. However, you have to consider that the Broadford complex is a public place and in reality, it's no different than expecting to ride around your local park. IT IS ILLEGAL and could very well ruin the event if something nasty was to happen. And please remember, Insurance for these type of events is hard to get on one hand, and very expensive on the other. And then, if a claim was made by someone on an unregistered bike in a public space, no doubt the insurance investigator will put a red line through the policy as it would be deemed "non compliance" with the insurance policy
I don't think anybody wants to stop the period correct mini's from coming to HBBB, BUT with the amount of people who think it's ok to be riding through the swap meet area, doing wheelies through the camp grounds and on the roads around the complex, I can understand the organisers stance on Mini bikes. An area to ride the mini's would be great, but until that happens, it is what it is. Maybe they could slot in a time for the mini's to get out on the main GP track and show the big boys how it's done.... Drakie, you got your eyes on this good buddy?

[FourstrokeForever]

Again, sorry for the harsh words.....it seems I did get a bit carried away       

No worries whatsoever.....You're not the first person to call me a dickhead and you most definitely won't be the last. All good .

Thanks Mark, I'd hate for there to be any bad feelings.....

[Tex]

It's worth bearing in mind that while the BBB is taking place the roads therein are considered public and as such Victorian road rules apply. The local Police DO come for a look around from time to time. So you CAN be booked for unregistered, unlicenced, .05, etc. Don't expect any sympathy from the organisers if you do cop a hefty fine for doing the wrong thing.

On a happier note, Penrite Oils are now the official sponsor of the Broadford Bike Bonanza:

Penrite backs the Bonanza in 2014
January 23, 2014

Penrite - 2014 naming right sponsors

2014 heralds a new era for the Broadford Bike Bonanza as Motorcycling Australia (MA) confirms Penrite Oil has signed on as the official naming rights sponsor.

The event will become known as the Penrite Oil Bonanza and in 2014 will pay tribute to the historical Castrol Six Hour Desert Race and BP Sunraysia Desert Rally eras. 

MA Chief Executive, David White said the partnership between Penrite and the Bonanza is a perfect marriage and that the future of the Bonanza is in great hands with Penrite on board.

“The Penrite Oil Bonanza is such a unique event on the historic motorcycling calendar.  It’s a chance for bike enthusiasts to catch up with old friends and a showcase of some pretty interesting bikes that spend most of the year in people’s garages.” White said.

Penrite is an iconic, Australian owned and manufactured brand who has backed motorsport events and teams since it joined the market in 1926.

General Manager, Toby Dymond says, “Penrite prides itself on its involvement in motorsport and the affiliation with the Bonanza will allow us to highlight a specific range of products that suit the specialist bikes which turn up at the event.”

The Penrite Oil Bonanza is held over Easter weekend on 19 and 20 April 2014. Entry forms are available from the Penrite Oil Bonanza website at www.ma.org.au

About the Penrite Oil Bonanza

* The Penrite Oil Bonanza is held at the Victorian State Motorcycle Complex (in Broadford, Victoria).
* The event is a non-competitive event (ego’s not included) using all the circuits within the complex.
* Track time is allocated to riders and machines according to factors such as speeds, abilities, and the period the bike falls into.
* There are a range of activities during the weekend including the popular swap meet, specific marque displays and the annual gala dinner.
* The event is in its sixth year and growing in entries. In 2014, organisers are expecting around 4,000 entries.
* Camping is available at the venue or accommodation can be found in nearby Broadford.


Tex

[Barra]

The beginning of the POB (POBBB?) era. Congrats to Penrite for taking on the role!

It's worth bearing in mind that while the BBB is taking place the roads therein are considered public and as such Victorian road rules apply. The local Police DO come for a look around from time to time. So you CAN be booked for unregistered, unlicenced, .05, etc. Don't expect any sympathy from the organisers if you do cop a hefty fine for doing the wrong thing.

That's not all bad then - that means that because you are riding a 'motor vehicle' on public roads, even unregistered, means you can claim on TAC if you get hurt!

But apart from that, why not just add your pit bike (pre 1990) on to the entry for an extra $10 and you are covered?
Everyone needs to self police to shut down the d wits and the situation would never get out of hand. 

[Slider29]

Well,......moving right along, I am really looking forward to the Bone-anza. Will get to meet some old mates and
a couple of forum members that I know through this forum . I hope that everybody who comes enjoys it.
Like I said before, the quality and quantity of bikes on show is amazing, not to mention some of the riding.
The speedway and dirt-track section is great spectating.
regards  Mark

[Iain Cameron]

Booked the bloody boat today 2 people sit up seats ( not even a bed type) 1 ute $820 return . Iain

[VMX247]

Booked the bloody boat today 2 people sit up seats ( not even a bed type) 1 ute $820 return . Iain

bring some extra cash for the book launch of Sunraysia Desert Rally and hopefully catch up with some VIP around the dirt tracks      !! That's Very Important People not Visually Impaired People 



Quote :: Brian"Clarko"Clarkson is one of the real characters of Aussie motocross. Note the #1 plate indicating that he was the Aussie 500 champion at the time. He won the Sunraysia Desert Rally on a TM400 (I think) and was one of the original batch of vintage mortocrossers on his Metisses back in the 80s. Nobody has lived life harder than Clarko and unfortunately it's caught up with him. He's not sailing too well these days with a burned out liver and other problems. Vern Grayson rang me just before Christmas to tell me that Brian was sinking fast but he's still hanging in there. A few of us are going up to see him in a couple of weeks. Being one of the toughest blokes I've ever met, I reckon he's got a few laps in him yet.

[firko]

Clarko's still hanging in there. He's as tough as a 179 Holden.

Despite some family dramas (mother had a stroke) I made a start on the OW72 Yamaha project today and hope to have it up and running for HBBB. I bought new Mitas dirt track tyres from Col last week so I'll fit them during the week and hopefully get the chassis up to rolling stage over the next fortnight. I'm doing an ignition swapsie on the 360 Yamaha tracker too and will probably bring my Cheney 360 along to make up the room on the 3 bike trailer. I was hoping to build the Fasttrack framed TM250 short tracker as well but one new bike at a time is enough .

I just hope we can convince Phippsy to bring his OW72 and my old Champion framed SC500 to add to the Klub Kevlar flat tracker theme with my, Jonesys and hopefully Yamaico Petes flat track tackle. We're even investing in one of those nancy boy electric grinder powered starter rollers for the 750's. There might also be a 2 stroke Margarita blender with us .

[GD66]

Good idea ! But be warned Firko, if you're using a grinder-powered start roller, just lean on them for bursts of 5 seconds or so at a time, as protracted use will soon lead to the emission of the fragrant odour of melting wiring...

Oh, and instead of being at the Phillip Island Classic last weekend, I spotted your mate Mick Hockley at the world Blokart champs last weekend...

Forgot to add Firko, stick the bike in a high gear, fourth is good. Low gear will trash the starter in no time.
Graham Taylor has a substantial roller setup powered by a 12v battery and driven by 2 x Ford rat-trap starter motors, and he has to strap the bikes down with tie-downs to stop the knobblies skidding on the roller wheels.