Winter has definitely arrived and with the constant rain and water logged grounds the only thing that one can do is spend more time in the workshop. There is not much point getting wet and cold trying to do things outside when there is a nice warm heater beckoning from the shed. Both Knobsta and myself have been busy readying ourselves for the coming summer and fine days hopefully.
Butterworth Collection We have been very lucky to obtain some early photographs from Pete Butterworth of Digga Halam and his racing. Most are of Digga racing in the TT on Waiheke Island in the late 1940s (Digga won the TT on Waiheke in 1941), but also include some interesting shots of beach racing at Muriwai. There are some other miscellaneous shots of other events as well including Whakatane and Seagrove. With approximately 100 photographs, the majority being girder fork machines it will take a while to sort them but when completed we will put them up on the site. Many thanks to Pete for the donation.
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Here are a couple of photos just to get you keen.
Manuals Chris Elvy has sent us some more parts manuals on Velocette KSS and MSS models to put up on the site. As soon as we get a little spare time we will get them sorted and published. Thanks Chris.
Webbs Auctions – In the lead up to the Rugby World Cup Webbs Auctions have set down Wednesday 19th October 2011 for their next auction and they are currently seeking entries. We will keep you posted.
Brits at the Beach This is happening on the 7th~9th October 2011 at Tairua. An interesting event that seems to be growing every year. A chance to display your motorcycle and no doubt meet some interesting people. Catering for 1920s to 1960s vehicles it also has The Great British Trivia Quizz (with lots of questions on Dads Army??) The Great British Village Fete, a Tiger Moth Flyover, Morris Dancers and a Mystery Drive. Saturday would be the best day to attend. Check out their website by clicking here (it takes a while to load if you are on dail-up, I know).
Beaded Edge Rims having had to import beaded edge rims from the UK when I have required them for a job it is now quite pleasing to find that we are able to purchase these types of rims from within NZ. Gary operates a business called Vintage Rims in North Canterbury and manufactures rims on site. He can also dimple them to your individual requirements, and provides spokes. Check out his website by clicking here.
Swap Meets The swap meet list was updated last week with the most important one being Rotorua this weekend. Knobsta, Jnr McS and I will be going so hopefully we will have some fine but cold weather. Remember to dress warmly and 2 pairs of socks will at least mean that you will have warm feet.. Check the Swap Meet tab at the top of the page to see what else is happening.
Classic Racing Register Besides setting the date for the Classic Festival at Pukekohe Park Raceway next year the committee have been thinking up new ways to encourage existing members with long forgotten machines, both road and race, to use them in a safe and controlled environment and to give non members a ONE TIME ONLY chance to see if classic motorcycle sport is for them. To this end they are introducing Track Parade Events. Run at the Hampton Downs, Taupo and Manfeild meetings the parades will NOT be a race, and will be run over the same number of laps as the race events on that day. Imagine, no dogs, no white lines, no opposing traffic, and no mad nutters doing U turns in front of you. Sounds good to me. Well done the Register. To find out more about the requirements and costs click here.
Important dates for NZCMRR vintage and classic racing events are
- 22nd~23rd October 2011 Hampton Downs Classic TT
- 3rd~5th February 2012 Pukekohe Park Raceway Classic Festival
- 11th~12th February 2012 Hampton Downs Summer Classic
All events have races for Vintage and Pre War motorcycles. For a full list of Classic Racing Register Events click here.