01

2018 MRS’s toy run display Coffee at the Par3 Golf course

cafe

September 2020 Number 614 Post Office Box 453, Marden, South Australia

PastSwap Meet

volunteers

John and Jim

Richard, Robert and Leon

Olivia, Stephen & Greg

Wayne and Ian

David Robert Bill Trevor and Gary

Balhannah Oval

02

THE VETERAN & VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA INCORPORATED.

The Club was formed in 1956, the first of its kind in Australia, with the object of Preserving, Restoring and using Veteran, Vintage and Post Vintage Motorcycles.

Membership is open to all and owning a suitable machine is not a pre-requisite.

Machines must be at least 30 years old in the current year to be eligible for Club Events

The Club has a strong family orientation and features many social activities as well as Runs and technical help.

The Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the Payneham RSL Club, 360 Payneham Road, Payneham commencing at 8.00 p.m.

Annual Fees are due by the 30th June each year. A joining fee of $15.00 is applicable to new members.

The Annual Subscription is $40.00 to all members city and country.

If you require magazine to be posted to you, an additional $25.00 is required (postage to Country members is free). Email option of Smoke Signal is available – contact the editor.

Club Web Page - www.vvmccsa.org.au email secretary@vvmccsa.org.au

Life Members - This in an honour of prestige, awarded to members for meritorious service to the club of ten or more years.

WALLY WOOLLATT † FRANK JARVIS † GARNET PONTIFEX † KEITH HARRIS † CLEM EVANS † ALBY (POP) HILL 1985 † TOM BENNETT 1999 † TED WEBSTER 1975 † LESLIE JONES 1982 RAY MANN 1983 KEVIN SULLIVAN 1984 DEAN GOVAN 1986 PETER GRACE 1987 ROBERT HILL 1989 DAVID RADLOFF 1990 JEFF SCHAEFER 1992 LAURIE LEIBHARDT 1994 † GARY JOLLY 1997 COLIN PAULEY 2005 IAN BALDOCK 2009 RON TRUSCOTT 2010 † ROB SMYTH 2011 BOB GILL 2012 NEIL CAUST 2013 PAUL KNAPP 2014 † BOB TILBROOK 2018. BRIAN FORTH 2019.

2019—2020 Committee. Brian Forth 0409 514 213 forthy@picknowl.com.au

Bob Gill 0419 801 487 Rob Elliott 0415 697 162 secretary@vvmccsa.org.au Terry Rowe 0402 082 509 Brian Forth (acting) 0409 514213 John Deacon 0417 565 882 Wayne Lawson 0421 636 338 Daryl Rosser 0419 817 745 Wayne Lawson 0421 636 338 Greg Paterson 0404 934 246 Lyndon Rogers 0428 112 259 Bill Lorimer 0411 544 353 Lisa Davidson.

Greg Patterson 83630495 Brian Forth, 0409 514213 secretary@vvmccsa.org.au Trevor Cooke C/ MTA; 0400 447 952

PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER CLUB CAPTAIN. LIBRARIAN. RECORDS OFFICE COMMITTEE

Club Regalia Officer Magazine Editor & Publicity Printer Smoke signal distributors Brian Forth and Bill Lorimer.

Approved Persons East 1. Brett Mitchell (East) 0438379788 secretary@vvmccsa.org.au

South 2. Phil Jenner (South) 0407397445 West 3. Ian Rounsevell (West) 0412 708410 North East 4. Paul Carroll (North East) 0437 771 821 South 5. Jane Clarke. (South) 0409239076

Swap Meet committee Bill Lorimer, Brenton Roy, Ian Rounsevell, and Dimitri Economos.

Magazine Subeditors Rob Elliott, Diana Waters

03

Members direct debit to VVMCCSA subs

WestPac Bank BSB 735 006

Account number 071368

Subscription city & country —$40.00.

Postage of magazine extra— $25.00.

State your Name and membership Number

***Mention subscriptions when paying.

Email when paid secretary@vvmccsa.org.au

Important Notices:Club Captain position is vacant - volunteer required.

Club Swap Meet - volunteers required.

Some Memberships are still overdue. Please renew or your Historic Registration is not valid!Club meetings, runs and events are back but we must be aware of Covid-19 conditions.

Brian Forth, President Rob Elliott, Secretary

President and Secretary's report

Members

Covid-19 is still lingering about menacingly in our society, causing many events and functions to be either cancelled, placed on hold or still going ahead (in some rare cases).

The General Meeting 763 programmed for 11th August was cancelled due to changes to the to State Government directions for Covid-19 numbers. I decided it was best interest to all to cancel this meeting, however the General Meeting on the 8th of September will proceed (barring any worsening of Covid restrictions)

The Motorcycle Only Swap meet will be held Sunday 4th October. Please consider your support to VVMCCSA and the swap meet by volunteering for a position which enables us to operate this event by our own members.

Volunteers will receive a hot breakfast/lunch and coffee for their services.

Please contact Bill Lorimer 0411 544 353 or email redpanther@dodo.com.au

The Festival of Motorcycling has been postponed until 2021, due to Covid-19 restrictions, but a new event called Motorcycle Ride Week has been created for this year to take its place - see later in magazine for more information.

At the AGM, there were NO volunteers to be Club Captain. In the interim, I will be the acting Club Captain and will be assisted by David Holbrook and Brett Mitchell. Details and description of the Club Captain position are available to any interested party.

Most Importantly, remember you are expected as an individual to avoid contact with vulnerable people, carry a

hand sanitizer where possible at meetings and on rides and clean your hands regularly. Do not shake hands, hug or

kiss as a greeting. The 1.5m distancing is crucial to staying safe. If you are feeling unwell stay at home

Brian Forth, President

Vale - John Strauss and Warren HicksThis last week we saw the passing of two club members, John Strauss and founding club member Warren Hicks. John was a regular attendee at our annual Swap Meet selling original and reproduction BSA Bantam parts amongst other marques. Warren was a founding member of the V&V club and you see his name mentioned in many of the old articles often posted in the magazine by Brian Forth. Warren was such a key member of the club that we've dedicated several pages to his memory.

John Strauss was a spray painter by trade and was a TAFE lecturer for many years, with a reputation for being a caring and very approachable lecturer, always keen to help the young apprentices succeed. He was also a keen motorcycle competitor participating in numerous 24-hour trials and Supermotard racing. His last competitive outing was at Sellicks Beach in 2017. There is a tribute to John later in the magazine and an obituary to Warren written by Peter Allen. This issue includes an article written by Warren telling the story of the origins of our V&V club (Courtesy of "Celebrating 50 Golden Years of Motorcycling", 2006, compiled by Leslie Jones).

Rob Elliott, Secretary

VVMCCSA Committee Meeting 25th August 2020

1. Attendance Chairperson: Brian Forth. Bob Gill, Rob Elliott, Lisa Davidson, Daryl Rosser, Terry Rowe, BillLorimer, Wayne Lawson, Greg Paterson, Lyndon Rogers. Apologies: Wayne Lawson, Bob Gill

2. Minutes of the last meeting were presented as printed in August Smoke SignalAcceptance moved: Daryl Rosser, Seconded: John Deacon, Carried.

3. Treasurers Report as submitted by Terry Rowe.Acceptance moved: Rob Elliott, Seconded: Lisa Davidson, Carried.

4. New members. Applications ratified for Indian Ganguly, Mark Fenwick, Gary Ellis. First reading for DeanCompton

5. Correspondenceo Numerous membership fees and logbooks received and processed.o Shannons “Supercharged Showcase” competition leaflet

Emails In and Out over last month:o Lone Pine Display invitation from RSLo Bay to Birdwood updateo Article on 1904 Advanceo BSA Owners Club requesting club site at Balhannah Swap Meet (unanimously approved by committee)

Magazines received:o MAPS Review, August 2020o Buzzer Box, July/August 2020o Throttle Lever, August 2020o Antique Motorcycle Club of Australia, Volume 33, August 2020o Vintage and Classic Motorcycle, Issue 713, July 2020o Tappet Clatter, July 2020

Acceptance moved: Greg Paterson, Seconded: Terry Rowe, Carried. 6. Club Captain—Runs Rides and Events Report from Brian Forth (acting club-captain)

o Thursday Mid-week rides will continue starting from TTG, destination chosen by those who turn up.o How the Focaccia Saturday coffee mornings will continue, organised by Daryl, venue Hindmarsh.o August - Oxenberry Tiddlers run, cancelled, will be made up for later in year.o September 20th – “Strathalbyn Flat Tank run” will now be based in Goolwa / Murray Mouth and called “May

the Forth be with you” ride.o October 5th – MRW Mannum ride – note this is not a club event and MRW registration and payment

required. Booking and prepayment of BBQ lunch also required.o October 18th – club ride, details pending.o November – Now to be a Scarpantoni Ride – details later.o December 20th - Ride from Melba’s Chocolates as per last year.o January – Usual Hahndorf Breakfast Run, pending Covid situation.

Acceptance moved: Lyndon Rogers, Seconded: Bill Lorimer, Carried 7. General Business

o Bill discussed Christmas Dinner. Has approached Aussie Ripper Roasts, much discussion regarding feasibilitygiven Covid restrictions. Committee to make decision whether to go ahead at 29th September Committeemeeting.

o Bill reported on Swap Meet. All under control, volunteers for Gate Duty organised. Covid Marshalls required(ask for volunteers at next GM) on-line course to be done and vests purchased (Rob to purchase 5 vests one-Bay – L and XL). 2 Volunteers still required for club display and 2 to “man” the club site. MRW rideattendees wanting to enter display and be judged must be there from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. Discussion reother clubs setting up a club site at swap meet. Agreed they could and that 2 people would be allowed freeentry to set up their site. Rob to approach Shannons and A Class to invite them to set up a site.

o Rob reported on MRW events, e.g. MRW Mannum ride. Not club event, members must register and pay forBBQ lunch. David Holbrook main organiser, Brett assisting. David, Brett and Rob to meet this week to sortout final details. Trophy for best bike to be organised by Rob (see Wayne Lawson re old trophy with newplaque).

o Covid Marshalls for all rides required including MRW.o Rob cancelled Swap Meet ad for September OBA – need to write up change from FOM to MRW though, for

publication in OBA.o Insurance Description in Smoke Signal about Rally Entry Forms. Bill and Rob to review and suggest revised

wording as appropriate. Carried forwardo Bill handed out Swap Meet flyers to committee for distribution in community.o Rob handed out Motorcycle Ride Week flyers and posters to committee for distribution in community.

Meeting Closed at 9:30pm Rob Elliott, Secretary

04

05

For Sale.

Ensign beaded edge tyres; sizes—26 x 2 1/2” @ $240.00; 26 x 3” @ $240.00; and

28 x 3” @ $240.00 all with tubes; replica Chatter-Lea hubs, spokes and rims;

Brian Forth 0409 514213; (ongoing)

VVMCCSA club regalia—at meeting see Greg Paterson 0406 807799. (Club site)

Smiths 0—40mph speedo for cycle moped or high performance Bantam—Stephen Hooper 0417 832443.

I have 11x small carburetors (some are from lawn mowers) for $1 each or $10 the box. A box of veteran

parts inc. a small gearbox with identification LG59525. The input and output shafts have a keyway and are

labeled D1 & D2; 2 x wheel hubs 1x larger than the other both complete; 1 x brake pedal and a small num-

ber of parts that look like frame parts. $100 the box. Regards Colin Pauley . Ph 82613673 or email coljoy-

paul@optusnet.com.au

Instruction books—Ariel 1933-1952; the book of AJS to 1950’s; Norton maintenance & instruction book

for 16h, Big4, 18 and ES2; Suzuki repair handbook for small singles. John Byes 82623965 (Aug20)

1952 panther fuel tank cap wanted or if someone has one please? Ian Haywood 0457 236185.

Channelling for a 6x4 trailer to hold a bike in place. Ted Williams 0429934658 (July20)

Wanted

Elliott bicycle of 1920;s wanted to display with my 1923 Elliott Payneham motorcycle. Brian Forth

0409514213 (Aug20).

1928/ 1929 Norton OHC CS1 parts - anything you might have no matter how big or small would be ap-

preciated (whether its engine, Sturmey Archer gearbox or cycle parts) -Phone Rob Elliott on 0415 697 162

or email (Aug 20) robert.g.elliott@gmail.com.

Vintage South Australian made bicycles wanted to buy such as track racers Ace, Deane Toseland and

Whitehorn and especially those bicycles with motorcycling history including Bullock, Lewis, Empire and

Payneham Elliott to include into our collection for display at the Tour Down Under 2021 and other events we

plan to run in conjunction with the VVMCCSA. Call or text Dimitri on 0411 575805 (Sept20).

Healing cyclemaster, wanted magneto bits Wilco-Pacy Bantamag type FW-1132z (wheels No1 to 76750)

needing part no N.01 (base plate, John Brown 0428395849 via Richard Kretschmer 0407744066 (Aug20).

Wanted—26x2 rim—40 spokes & tyres to suit to suit a 1907 FN. 26 x 2 and 40 spoke. Glenn McKenzie

of Tamborine Qld. 0432680940 (Aug20) via Brian Forth.

1954 225cc James Colonel parts wanted wheels, petrol cap & various other parts.

Francis-Barnett parts, Also interested in as they share many of the same components as James.

2-3/4 hp Douglas TS 350—Also looking for parts. Dave Oakes oakling2@gmail.com 0421 909707

Buy, Sell and Swap - Page 1Please Note ads will run for two issues unless requested otherwise. If your item is sold before the second issue, please advise the Editor. Full name of Seller, Registration Number &/or Engine number MUST be provided, otherwise add cannot be printed. Deadline is the one week prior to each General Meeting.

Members wishing to use the club trailer are to contact me and make arrangements to

collect. If you volunteer as ‘back-up trailer’ on a club run, call to arrange collection

along with vests and first aid box. Brian Forth 0409 514213.

Wanted – Smoke Signal Magazine 1956 – 1965. Brian Forth, President forthy@picknowl.com.au

06

Buy, Sell and Swap - Page 2

For sale: Triumph Daytona 1967 T100 R American import Matching nos . price $9,900.00 firm. Martin Blindell - 0413 058 600

The above motorcycles and Amal Carbies are for sale by Bob Whitehead. Phone 0412 033 913 (also advertised on Facebook)

1918 770 v-twin Jap GCS replica $15,000 ono

1918 Healing Jap 770 v-twin complete and running, ready to rally. $20,000 ono

Moto Guzzi 750 Nevada $4500 ono

1953 BSA 500 twin, plunger $8,000

A pair of Amal carbies to suit a 750 Norton. Type 930/68 and 930/69 $450.00

Wanted: Parts to complete above CS1 project Rob Elliott - Ph 0415 697 162

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Club Rubs and EventsAll members/visitors participating in Club Runs MUST lodge a Rally Entry Form with the Club Captain before the event. This is a Club requirement. Do not forget to fill out your Historic Registration Logbook before leaving home and always carry that logbook every time you go riding. This is a legal requirement. Enquiries to Club Captain—Brian FORTH 0409 514213 (acting Club Captain).

September. 3rd

5th

8th

20th **

27th

28th

October 1st

3rd

4th.

5th

13th

18th**

27th

Midweek ride—Tea Tree Gully Hotel leaving 10.00am, destination unknown.

Coffee morning—"How The Focaccia" at Hindmarsh opposite Entertainment Centre 9:15 am.

General Meeting 764— 8.00pm at Payneham RSL club rooms.

Club Ride—Goolwa Flat tank society ride (May the Forth Be With You).

Bay to Birdwood 40th anniversary event. Modified event see page 9 for information.

Tuesday—Committee meeting 7.30pm Goodwood community centre.

Midweek ride. Tea Tree Gully Hotel 10am start, destination is unknown.

Coffee morning. How the Focaccia, gathering 9.30am coffee and chat.

VVMCCSA swap meet—the event is on –volunteers required.

MRW Event - Mannum ride, 10.00 meet at Mary Anne Reserve (see details later in SS).

General Meeting 765. 8.00pm at Payneham RSL clubrooms.

Club Ride—To be advised in planning stage. DETAILS PENDING

Tuesday—Committee meeting, 7.30pm Goodwood community centre.

November 5th

7th

10th

22nd**

28th

Note

Midweek ride— Tea Tree Gully Hotel leaving 10.00am, destination unknown

Coffee morning, How The Focaccia Hindmarsh opposite Entertainment Centre 9:15am

General Meeting 766 - 8.00pm at Payneham RSL club rooms.

Oxenberry ride 10am at Oxenberry Winery McLaren Vale. DETAILS PENDING

Tuesday—Committee meeting 7.30pm Goodwood community centre

If you are feeling unwell stay at home. If you have symptoms, come forward and get tested even if you only have mild symptoms like a cough. Stay isolated at home until you get your test results, or are medically cleared. You can help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

** denotes club points on runs & ride events**

Historic Registration. Please ensure you contact approved members below for any historic

vehicle registration enquiries and log book endorsements.

Enquiries to— Brett Mitchell—(East) 0438 379788. Phil Jenner—(South) 0407 397445.

Ian Rounsevell—(West) 0412 708410. Jane Clarke. (South) 0409 239076

Paul Carroll (North East) 0437 771821

SWAP MEETS - Any new dates or swap meets please advise editor,

All swap meets are CANCELLED until further notice.

VICTOR HARBOR UNKNOWN 2021

SA Rod & Custom UNKNOWN 2021

WILLUNGA CANCELLED

UNKNOWN 2021

UNKNOWN 2021

CANCELLED

CANCELLED VVMCC MOTORCYCLE ONLY 4th Oct 2020

HAHNDORF-

BALLARAT –

GAWLER -

STRATHALBYN –

BENDIGO – CANCELLED

SA swap meet site— http://www.bevenyoung.com.au/car.htm

Back-up trailer is required every run—Every ride has to be covered, please contact Brian FORTH

to nominate. Reimbursement of $60 for petrol money.

08

Information for 2020 Entrants & SpectatorsThe Bay to Birdwood – one of the world’s great historic motoring events is celebrating its 40th

anniversary this year.

To deliver the event under current circumstances and with the health and safety of all our entrants,

participants, spectators and event teams as our top priority, we’ve developed and submitted a

comprehensive COVIDSafe Management Plan to SA Health and if approved, the Bay to Birdwood

will take place as planned on Sunday 27 September.

There will be some necessary changes but we’re planning some exciting new ways for everyone to enjoy this great event while remaining

COVIDSafe.

The following is a general guide to how the Bay to Birdwood may take place this year.

PARADE OF HISTORIC MOTORING

We are expecting around 1400 historic vehicles from all periods, decades and years of motoring history to parade from West Beach to Birdwood.

We know that many of you have been waiting all year to get back in the driver’s seat and we’re pleased to say that this celebration of historic

motoring — vintage, veteran and classic— is still open for registrations until 10 August. Please note that there are only places available for pre-

1950 vehicles.

START AND FINISH EVENTS

Our start and finish events will be modified and we will not be holding the alternative start at Civic Park in Modbury this year. All participant vehi-

cles will depart from Barratt Reserve, West Beach at staggered start times. You will be given your allocated start time well before the event. Both

the start and finish events will be for registered participants only with no spectators allowed at the start and finish event locations.

VISIT THE ADELAIDE HILLS

We know how much our participants enjoy driving through the beautiful Adelaide Hills. This year, our finish event at the National Motor Museum

will not include entertainment or catering. Instead, we’d like participants to explore the Adelaide Hills parks, cafes, wineries, restaurants, pubs

and other attractions.

We’re working closely with Adelaide Hills Tourism to create some tips and suggestions so you can show support to those businesses in the Hills

who have been impacted by the Cudlee Creek Bushfires and now COVID-19. We hope you will explore with your fabulous vehicles and fashions

of the era the great offerings in the Hills and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. More information will be available soon.

AWARDS

Judging of the prestigious Bay to Birdwood Concours d’Elegance and the Preservation Award will take place on Saturday 26 September at the

Torrens Parade Ground in Adelaide. The eighty-plus vehicles and period-correct attire of the accompanying entrants will be inspected and

scored by our specialist judges during the day with the winners being announced by His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le, Governor of

South Australia online during the week and only after the vehicles and owners have fully completed the Bay to Birdwood, of course!

INTERSTATE ENTRANTS

We know that many of our interstate entrants may not be able to join us this year. We will miss you but we hope to see you back in future years.

ENTRANT WITHDRAWALS

This year has been difficult for many of us and we understand that you may not be able or wish to participate this year. Please keep informed

and in compliance of South Australia and your home state’s COVIDSafe guidelines (if applicable). If you need to withdraw your entry, please visit

our website for details.

SPECTATORS

The Bay to Birdwood is enjoyed by the many thousands who line the route each year. To keep everyone COVIDSafe we will be livestreaming

this year's event, encouraging people to watch the event from the comfort of their screens. We look forward to revealing details in coming weeks.

MORE INFORMATION As we continue to plan for our 27 September event, we will keep you informed along the way with regular updates. In the meantime, please follow us on Facebook and visit the Bay to Birdwood website or email us at BaytoBirdwood@history.sa.gov.au and read our FAQs for more infor-mation.

The Bay to Birdwood Team Reference—National Motor Museum <motor@history.sa.gov.au>

“A sad weekend for the motorcycling community in South Australia. A dear friend of Atujara and all those who met him, John Strauss passed away in his sleep on Saturday night.

Vale John Strauss”

"John joined the Atujara MCC in 5/4/71 and was a regular entrant of the Atujara Team in road trials for many years. He was certainly one of the Club’s top trials rider - and very fast.

Only in later years did he try the bitumen road racing scene on his immaculate Yamaha RDLC, where he enjoyed mixing it with the younger generations. Many of the younger riders were shocked at his speed and ability.

John was not only recognised for his riding skills, but also his ability to tell very amusing stories, as well as his singing ability at presentations where the tunes of Mellow Yellow rang through the PA system.

John’s working career was in the motor industry where he was a well-respected lecturer and within that industry, everyone knew Straussy. If you did a favour for Straussy, he went out of his way to ensure he paid you back two-fold.

Around the campfire, he will be sorely missed, but there are so many tales to continue on for years about our mate, Straussy."

- Richard Metcalf

John Strauss

09

Warren Rosevear Hicks 24.1.1925 - 21.8.2020

A past member of the VVMCCSA

by Peter Allen

Warren Hicks, an early member of the VVMCCSA died in Melbourne on Friday 21st August 2020, aged 95 years. While his name will be unknown to many current members, Warren was an early and very significant factor in the survival of pre-1930 motor-cycles in this country - and particularly in this state.

Warren was Secretary of the VVMCCSA from 1958-60 and while never seeking kudos or the spotlight he supported the Club in many ways. He was a major provider of complete and project machines for restoration and many of his machines appeared on Rallies in the hands of other riders. This was how the Club gained members in the early days. Many of the early applications for Club registration of motorcycles have photos of bikes with the familiar wooden fence background of his Greenhill Road home.

Warren was a teenager in pre-WW2 Adelaide and a keen observer of the old motorcycling scene even at that time. He had a prodigious memory and enduring

interest in the unusual and technically interesting. Those who asked the history of some veteran bike he had obtained, and owned, for even a very brief period in the 1950s, would be given the full information as to where the bike had come from, how he had located it and the incidents that occurred as he went to collect it, including the sandwiches, their cost and where he had stopped for them!

This attention to detail was part of Warren’s life. He would never have aspired to be categorised as ”normal” as that may denote “average”, but he would probably prefer being seen as rational or logical, albeit with high moral values. He obtained a Science degree from Adelaide University in the early 1940s and upon completing his studies the University sought to retain him for essential wartime research work as a cadet in the physiology Department. He was thus not just exempted from military service, but was not allowed to enlist.

I believe that it was in the early 1960s that Warren moved to Melbourne where he enjoyed a long stint as the chief chemist at an oil refinery on the Yarra River. Hitherto a confirmed bachelor, he later married his secretary Shirley and clearly that turned out to be a very positive and beneficial alternative for both of them. While Warren, ever logical, would probably be steadfastly opposed to any concept of romance or love, when Shirl experienced health issues in her old age, it would be hard to find a more devoted partner than Warren. Ever rational Warren would explain that away as simply keeping his part of the bargain.

Warren was instrumental in the formation of the Vintage Motorcycle Club of Victoria in 1964, and later joined the Antique Motorcycle Club, as both of these Clubs catered principally for early machines. Despite

10

the move, Warren still retained a strong interest in the VVMCCSA and participated in the 30th Anniversary Rally. Having restored a 1914 Big X V-twin, but no longer having a trailer, Warren did not let this factor disturb his plans. He simply took the forks out of the Big X and with the back seat removed from his rear engine Skoda, most of the bike travelled in the rear with forks and front wheel in the front passenger area. Reassembling the bike, he rode the week-long rally, after which he again took the forks out, re-packed the bike and drove home to Melbourne. There was also the small, additional complication that the Skoda had put a hole in the top of a piston on the trip over from Melbourne to Adelaide. This did not deter Warren who simply lowered the sump and took out the offending rod, piston and spark-plug, replaced the sump and drove slowly back to Melbourne, filling the motor with more oil periodically. I imagine that, somewhere, there are still motorists who vividly remember driving to Melbourne behind a crawling orange Skoda leaving an oil mist behind it.

At the time of his death, Warren still had his 1914 Big X 1000cc and surprisingly, in complete contrast, there was also his 1925, Villiers-engined Diamond. Last of

the chain-cum-belt bikes built, it is a 147cc Villiers powered Ultra-Lightweight model, with no front brake, clutch or kickstart. This was the most basic commuter machine of its day. In his old age, Warren still had his weakness for two-strokes, and regarded this as a very easily managed lightweight that enabled him to continue riding motorcycles at an advanced age. There can be no simpler or more basic machine.

The bikes Warren retained at his death are to be sold by Shannons at Auction in November 2020. These are just the bikes that Warren retained, and they are all interesting, however, there were literally hundreds more that Warren assembled as projects for others to restore. Speculating, it is hard to estimate, but not impossible, that Warren saved 500 veteran and vintage bikes. The “really-old-bike”-movement in this country owes him a very great debt.

Warren had an improved model Zenith Bi-car of 1906-7 with a 500cc Fafnir engine and an early Binks carburettor with belt-drive to the rear wheel, all “orthodox” features for a veteran motorcycle. However, the hub steering and low-slung tube frame that you sit on, with vertically-mounted petrol tank, are not.

More on Warren's motorcycles and the Shannons auction of his collection in the next issue 11

12

13

14

Who are and where?

Please start they are all watching?

15

I know, I know who and when!!!!!! You do not need Dean Govanthis time!

It’s Bob Gill and his 1927 Harley and sidecar!

The photo taken by the Advertiser prior to the 1986 V & V Anniver-

sary Rally to the Flinders showing Bob and Aaron Gill, now aged 40

taken to promote the rally.

Bob finished the bike restoration the night before the rally start and

didn't have any problems along the way of 1,000 kms.

Only issue was Aaron disappearing under the cover and on one of

the days and scaring hell out of Bob, who thought he may have

fallen out?

Betty Gill.

Elliott motorcycle photo.

Brian, this photo was found inside

an old house on our farm on Gun

Club Road at Milang. People that

lived there were Jim Tee and his

brothers Fred, Ern & George, they

were bachelors, and their sister

Eva, regards Donald McInnes.

The Elliott motorcycle S/A 29113

was registered to Ern E Newell of

Milang 1924. He also had a Rudge.

The cars are a Ford T with a jazzed

up radiator which could be bought

to dress them up.

Regards, Terry Parker.

16

Meet at Goyder street – Goolwa Oval entrance – park trailers in oval car park

10am startAlong to Hutchinson Street around the corner into Cadell Street – thru Goolwa towards Currency Creek on Alexandria Road Turn left onto Airport road to Flagstaff hill road – Middleton.Re-groupLeft onto Pt Elliot Rd to Goolwa, along Hutchinson Road into Cadell Street.Turn right onto Goolwa Terrace to roundabout, turn right into Randell Road and go over the bridge to Hindmarsh Island.Travel along Randell Road and turn right into Semaschko Road, Bongalong Road then right into Murray Mouth Road veer left into onto Surags Road and arrive at the Murray Mouth lookout. There might be the fish and chip van at Murray Mouth lookout, if not, lunch at Cirio Hotel or Bakery etc. in Goolwa Return trip back along the same road over the bridge to the main street – Cadel Street, turn left into Hutchinson Street right into Goyder Street and back to the oval car park.

Flat tankers and girder fork bike riders, this is your chance to bring them out for that spring jaunt. Petrol available in Goolwa if required. Some roads are main road – but speed limits of 80km and 60km will make it pleasurable. Total about 45kms all up.

Brian Forth, Acting Club Captain

Goolwa - Murray Mouth RideSunday 20th Sept 2020

Festival of Motorcycling (FOM2020) now Motorcycle Ride Week

The event originally conceived as The Festival of Motorcycling 2020, has had to be restructured due to the COVID-19 restrictions, which stops us holding all indoor activities. We hope to resurrect the original concept around the same time in 2021.

Instead, Motorcycle Ride Week 2020 has been conceived – Six days of riding around some of the premier areas of the Fleurieu peninsula, a display of veteran & vintage bikes by The Murray and a Motorcycle Only Swap Meet. The week is crowned by a track day at the Mallala Motor Sport Park, arranged in conjunction with the Historic Motor Cycle Racing Register, SA.

We hope to attract all motorcyclists in South Australia for the week’s rides & events, and would like to particularly encourage those who wish to experience the thrills of the track, either by competing or just spectating at Mallala at the end of the week.

The FOM2020 and its replacement event for this year, Motorcycle Ride Week, are sponsored and funded by our club amongst 7 SA clubs. One of the aims is to encourage new members to our clubs but it is also a charitable event and any income, above what the funding clubs have contributed, will be donated to the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).

For this to be able to happen, the MRW needs to have as many of our members register for a weekly ticket (only $50) or at least register and pay for a daily ticket for the events they're interested in. Please support our club and SAMHRI by participating.

For example, the October 5th Mannum Ride is organised by our club as our club's contribution to MRW events, please support it and register on-line for the day. You should also pre-book the BBQ lunch to enable us to work out the numbers attending for catering purposes.

Register on-line and find out more information about the events on

www.classicowners.org/mrw

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Organised by the Veteran & Vintage MCC of SA and supported by the Mid Murray Council

Two rides are scheduled:

• A short run of 80 km forslower and older bikes

• A longer run of 100 km forfaster, larger or modernmachines.

Riders can choose which run they go on, both rides start and finish from the same location. All bikes are welcome!

Highlights:

• The choice of two rides• Rides led by club captains, with

ride marshalls to providedirections

• Back up trailer for breakdowns• Display of veteran, vintage and

classic motorcycles• Trailer parking for ride

participants and display bikes• BBQ platter lunch provided by

the Mannum Lions Club• Local tourist attractions• Family friendly event

Monday 5th

October, Mannum

Ride day for veteran, vintage, small bikes & scooters

Rob Elliott 18

• Meet at 10:00 am at Mary Ann Reserveto unload trailers and set up display.

• Rides depart at 11:00am

• Long ride will turn left and proceed downthe main Adelaide Road and do a clockwiseloop, crossing the river at the Walker FlatFerry, ride on the other side of the river andreturn to Mannum using the ferry.

• Short ride will turn right to cross the riverusing the Mannum Ferry, turn left andfollow the river bank to Purnong Ferry tocross the river again and return to Mannum.

• Both rides will have a short regroup andrest stop at Bow Hill.

• Arrive back at Mary Ann Reserve for BBQlunch around 1:00pm

5th October 2020 - Mannum Ride Details

Mary Ann Reserve, Randell St. Mannum

David Holbrook, Rob Elliott 19

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