Back by popular demand – Drakie’s musings leading up to the recent road trip with Dave and Geoff to the Denman Vinduro in NSW.
More to follow (maybe)...
March 18
"I get so fired up with a ‘road trip’ coming on, I snuck in a 1am night working on the Can Am and then 5 hours in-between Broadford meetings at GMC getting all sorts of stuff fixed on it, including a new muffler..."
March 20
“…um, who doesn’t get excited over an interstate bike road trip?
Not me for sure, well certainly when I have two sparring buddies on board. Let me see: within an hour Geoff (GMC) will have recounted the times Dave has literally ridden over him (and stolen his bike for a few laps) and Dave will harp on about Geoff’s general work ethic and why he didn’t seize the chance to join him in the USA and lay waste to copious amounts of Californian girls; amongst other riding. Jeez if they weren’t best mates you’d reckon they’d be out of the car and laying into each other.
Just so long; please god, they don’t start on again about weird medical shows and their graphic descriptions of the blood and guts. How can a bloke concentrate on the latest bike mag when ‘pustule’ and ‘fibroid’ and other bodily muck is getting dissected by those two. I always plan a music score for the trips with them and we’ve never gotten around to listening to it. When the wife asks what we talked about for 12 hours I’m at a bit of a loss to reply…”well, bikes…” never convinces her. OK, past sexual exploits get an airing but in the dross of real life present marital faux pas get a better reaction. The mystery of women and our place in their universe is always puzzling and despite intense (but brief) discussion no conclusions are ever reached.
On the mundane, got to find the sleeping bag, no Li-Lo so an off the ground camp bed is it; after all there are floods all over NSW it seems. Hmm, boomerang neck pillow may come in handy. Dave scored a DOUBLE swag from the family for Xmas and he’s still puzzling over the connotations. Maybe GMC will get lucky this trip? GMC has a new tent/awning thingy but putting it up in the dark will be a test. Dunno what he’s using to sleep in and I’ m not asking.
The bikes. I’m tired of seeing Dave pissing around with a collection of motely small Yamahas. If it was toe fungus there’d be a cure but I don’t know about this disease. So, he’s riding my Can Am; nicely quietened down with a stock muffler I bought from Paul Kalika (Discount Motorcycle Wreckers). Thank gawd, it was even annoying me. I’ve put a lot of effort in going over the thing to get it right (thanks G) and baring a total wipe out should prove plenty strong for animal Hammond. Geoff will be on the bastard child KDX 175 that only a mother could love. Me; once I reassemble it Thursday night; will be on the fine SWM 250. Rebuilt forks and shocks should put a smile back on my dial and I look forward to roosting Steve Baker on those pissy PEs.
Ah, enough musing now, back to compiling those late entries for the slackers who can’t organise their entries in to HB4 in time...
March 22
“Yes, it’s all running together. Now that we are all locked in and committed the mundane stuff needs attention – clothes, riding gear, will it rain? Camping stuff, earplugs (Morris SNORES!), wash kit, furry hat (one has to keep up appearances), smart and pithy sloganed T shirts (will I make Dave wear the Canadian Team jumper circa 1985 ISDE?), Navman (where is the actual start? Might have to text John), do we go straight there or land on Steve Bakers doorstep in Sydney way past midnight and then get out to Denman from there? Arrgghh! Too many decision, I have to organise this HB4 though, bye for now.”
March 23 (on the road)
“Geoff compiled all Dave's postcards and letters from the USA and just presented it to him as a belated 50 birthday present!”
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Dave’s not here man
Dave’s not here, he’s in the USA living the dream.
After spending 8 weeks in 85 taking in the MX scene in California, Dave Hammond decided to head back to the USA in 1987 for another Motocross adventure.
He persevered for five years and this is his story as told through his letters that he sent to me. These stories have been kept secret for years as he was always telling me… “Don’t tell anyone”
Five years of riding, crashes, adventures, crashes, traveling, crashes, bikes, crashes, girls, crashes, jobs, crashes, not to mention some bullshitting and the occasional crash.
It does get a bit tedious with his incessant “Geoff, you’ve got to come over here” comments, but you will find some interesting & fun stories in here, even if they are about Dave and I.
Print run now in progress and if all goes well will be available from my trade stand at HBBB this Easter. After Easter they will be available for posting.
$30.00 each plus postage. Yes, a bit dearer than you average Mills & Boon adventure romance, but that’s the life of small print runs.
Classic quotes – quick reference guide.
“From the complete works of Happy Hammonds 20 Golden Greats"
#1 “I was actually uninjured at the time”
#2 “I was unconscious for a while.”
#3 “I’m like a berserk, crazed warrior.”
#4 “Needless to say we had to duct tape him up”
#5 “The cops held me at the sheriff’s office”
#6 “Winning practice is the whole point of being a C grader”
#7 “I have found that I am at last talented at something”
#8 “Well we’ve so many girls all over America that we’re sick of them”
#9 “Well, all I can say is “Helmets should be compulsory”
#10 “3 unattached young girls sitting here going to waste”
#11 “I’ve been riding bikes everyday & girls every night,”
#12 “I’m in love again, but don’t worry it will only last 3 or 4 weeks”
#13 “The bitch flattened my exhaust pipe”
#14 “With each hospital visit I’m getting less agro”
#15 “I’ll be racing in the vintage class next!”
#16 “If in my next letter I start talking about restoring Hodaka’s then come over straight away and save me.” (Dave now owns a Hodaka)
#17 “Get over here and let your little head rule your big head”
#18 “Dozens of girls in Sunnymead are heartbroken”
#19 “The verdict; a separated shoulder, a new one for me”
#20 “Like an experienced old dog, I knew I had done myself a mischief”
If you wish to find out more about these ‘Classic quotes’ then buy the book…
If you only buy one book this year, it probably shouldn’t be this one!http://www.geoffmorrisconcepts.com/23/online-shop/56-Books-Literature/
After spending 8 weeks in 85 taking in the MX scene in California, Dave Hammond decided to head back to the USA in 1987 for another Motocross adventure.
He persevered for five years and this is his story as told through his letters that he sent to me. These stories have been kept secret for years as he was always telling me… “Don’t tell anyone”
Five years of riding, crashes, adventures, crashes, traveling, crashes, bikes, crashes, girls, crashes, jobs, crashes, not to mention some bullshitting and the occasional crash.
It does get a bit tedious with his incessant “Geoff, you’ve got to come over here” comments, but you will find some interesting & fun stories in here, even if they are about Dave and I.
Print run now in progress and if all goes well will be available from my trade stand at HBBB this Easter. After Easter they will be available for posting.
$30.00 each plus postage. Yes, a bit dearer than you average Mills & Boon adventure romance, but that’s the life of small print runs.
Classic quotes – quick reference guide.
“From the complete works of Happy Hammonds 20 Golden Greats"
#1 “I was actually uninjured at the time”
#2 “I was unconscious for a while.”
#3 “I’m like a berserk, crazed warrior.”
#4 “Needless to say we had to duct tape him up”
#5 “The cops held me at the sheriff’s office”
#6 “Winning practice is the whole point of being a C grader”
#7 “I have found that I am at last talented at something”
#8 “Well we’ve so many girls all over America that we’re sick of them”
#9 “Well, all I can say is “Helmets should be compulsory”
#10 “3 unattached young girls sitting here going to waste”
#11 “I’ve been riding bikes everyday & girls every night,”
#12 “I’m in love again, but don’t worry it will only last 3 or 4 weeks”
#13 “The bitch flattened my exhaust pipe”
#14 “With each hospital visit I’m getting less agro”
#15 “I’ll be racing in the vintage class next!”
#16 “If in my next letter I start talking about restoring Hodaka’s then come over straight away and save me.” (Dave now owns a Hodaka)
#17 “Get over here and let your little head rule your big head”
#18 “Dozens of girls in Sunnymead are heartbroken”
#19 “The verdict; a separated shoulder, a new one for me”
#20 “Like an experienced old dog, I knew I had done myself a mischief”
If you wish to find out more about these ‘Classic quotes’ then buy the book…
If you only buy one book this year, it probably shouldn’t be this one!http://www.geoffmorrisconcepts.com/23/online-shop/56-Books-Literature/
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Coming soon to a vinduro near you...
This tasty 1978 Jawa ISDT has recently arrived in Australia. It's new owner is (understandably) delighted, especially as it started on the third kick after being unpacked from the container!
Expect to see it at a Victorian vinduro in the not too distant future...
Expect to see it at a Victorian vinduro in the not too distant future...
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
September 16 Vinduro to be held at Bagshot
The September 16 vinduro, hosted by the Bendigo Motorcycle Club will take place at Bagshot, near Bendigo. More details will be published here as they become available, so check back often.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Pre '78 class for Classic Scramble Club
(From the Classic Scramble Club website, 7/3/2012)
From now the Classic Scramble Club will be running classes for Pre 78 bikes at all future events this would also include Pre 78 Vinduro bikes.
Initially the Pre 78 races would be all powers then if numbers for the various capacities were adequate then we would look to run capacity races ie up to 250cc and 263cc and over.
Non members of the Classic Scramble Club would be welcome to participate by simply purchasing a single day membership and payment of the entry and licence fee.
All CSC events are run on the best natural terrain tracks in Victoria and six races over the day is easily achievable by riders.
One of the reasons why the CSC has taken this step is to bring its racing in line with the MA definition of classic motocross and it will give greater clarity to riders of what is classic motocross and post classic motocross.
- Peter Ellard
From now the Classic Scramble Club will be running classes for Pre 78 bikes at all future events this would also include Pre 78 Vinduro bikes.
Initially the Pre 78 races would be all powers then if numbers for the various capacities were adequate then we would look to run capacity races ie up to 250cc and 263cc and over.
Non members of the Classic Scramble Club would be welcome to participate by simply purchasing a single day membership and payment of the entry and licence fee.
All CSC events are run on the best natural terrain tracks in Victoria and six races over the day is easily achievable by riders.
One of the reasons why the CSC has taken this step is to bring its racing in line with the MA definition of classic motocross and it will give greater clarity to riders of what is classic motocross and post classic motocross.
- Peter Ellard
Monday, March 5, 2012
Muddy good fun at Three Bridges
Well, despite the inconvenient weather, Ryan and the OMCC produced a thoroughly enjoyable 9km loop that was enjoyed by just fewer than 50 riders. The rain mostly held off for the day, which was a relief, but there was no denying the muddiness of the ground.
Delicate throttle control was the order of the day. Sometimes even a steady hand was not enough to keep things upright though, as more than a few discovered. Rear wheels caked in clay, and engine fins solid with soil were a common sight.
One thing that has to be said for the tricky conditions is that it certainly made for plenty of pit banter during the day and after the event.
Everyone had adventures. Even Drakie was discovered by the side of the track, looking a little sheepish and apparently on foot until the distinctive rear mudguard of his Can-Am was noticed poking out from a thickly forested ditch.
Photos have already started to appear on various forums. If you have any anecdotes or feedback about the event, just drop us a line at vinduro.victoria@gmail.com
Thanks very much to the Oakleigh Motorcycle Club and the land owner.
Thanks very much to the Oakleigh Motorcycle Club and the land owner.
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