NOW in its 38th year, the Motorcyle Restorers Club of Coffs Harbour attracted some 80 riders and pillions for their three-day rally last weekend, 27 to 29 May.

Meeting at Sawtell’s Big4 camping and caravan park, riders from as far as Newcastle/Hunter Valley to South East Queensland gathered for the main event on Saturday to choose between the long ride to Dundarrabin, near Dorrigo or the short ride, through Nana Glen to Coutts Crossing.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

“All the riders join up in the afternoon at Coutts Crossing,” Rob Popplewell, President of the Coffs Harbour and District Motorcycle Restorers Club and Rally Convenor, told News Of The Area.

Rob joined Coffs’ motorcycle club in 1996 and has ridden in most of the rallies.

“It’s great to see people with their historic bikes and ride together,” he said.

“The rally is more for the other clubs to experience our region.”

Amongst the group was Don Sonter, the first Rally Director for the Coffs Harbour Motorcycle Restorers Club back in 1984 when the rally began.

One of a few women riders, Coffs club member, Lara, aka ‘Bonnie’, was heading out for the long ride.

Gary Mackay from Coffs was on his fourth Motorcycle Restorers rally, opting for the short ride.

“I do it for camaraderie and making friends, and looking at all the old bikes, some of which go back to the 1930s,” said Gary.

Geoff Newton has been a member of the Coffs club for fifteen years and has done numerous short rides in past rallies.

“I enjoy the friendship of the club; I go out riding several times a week on the different social rides,” said Geoff.

Visitor Col Sunderland from the Taree Motorcycle Club has what many considered to be the most prestigious bike in the rally; a V-twin JAP in a BSA frame.

JAP (J.A.Prestwich) is an English engine manufacturer who made engines for many English bike manufacturers.

“It’s a treasure,” Col told NOTA, “very much so.”

“It’s very rare, in fact unique; I put a 1951 racing engine inside a 1954 BSA frame.

“It’s a 1100cc which has a lot of torque; it’s very economical and a quiet runner.”

Saturday’s rally riders gathered at Coutts Crossing to view all the bikes.

Trisha Herraman, Motorcycle Restorers Club Secretary and Club Membership Officer, had the fun job of organising the judging and awards.

“The categories include age and originality…all the good stuff,” she said.

Dinner was taken in the Coutts Crossing Community Hall, prepared by the ladies of the Hall Committee.

Day 1 of the rally saw riders head out to Ulong and on Day 3 they rode to Stuarts Point.

By Andrea FERRARI