Category Archives: Rallies

Rally reports

2023 Rally Report

The Rally was a great success again this year!

Thanks to three days of fine weather, attendance was good (~115 people registered), and there was a great selection of bikes on display.

Show ‘n’ Shine

At Saturday’s Show ‘n’ Shine, there were eight award categories. Congratulations to the following winners!

  • Best stock SR – Garry Compton
  • Best modified SR – Stewart Ross
  • Best XT/TT 500no entries this year
  • Best 4/5 valve (XT/TT/SZR/SRX 600/660) – Rob Keays (SRX)
  • Best non-SR – Greg Rocke (Honda FT500)
  • Peoples’ choice – Tom Hallahan (BMW R90S)
  • Best rat bike – Ross ‘Slab’ White (BMW K100 outfit)
  • Longest distance – Andy Carmichael (all the way from Townsville on his SR500!)

Saturday night raffle

A number of companies kindly donated items for Saturday night’s raffle, resulting in many lucky people winning some great prizes!

A big “thank you” to everyone who donated prizes:

  • Andy Strapz, Seaford (VIC)
  • Deus ex Machina, Camperdown (NSW)
  • Ikon Suspension, North Albury (NSW)
  • Vanem, Lane Cove (NSW)
  • Yamaha Australia

Hospitality

The Bethanga community provided delicious meals for us over the weekend in the sports pavilion – a wonderful assortment of curries on Friday night; a succulent selection of roast meats on Saturday night; decadent desserts; huge, cooked breakfasts, and hot and cold beverages.

Thank you, Jo, and the Bethanga Rec. Reserve committee for making the Rally such a delight for all those who attended! 😋

Thank you also to the Bethanga Hotel and Bethanga General Store for also providing delicious meals and refreshments to us over the weekend.

Annual General Meeting

At Sunday’s AGM, nominations for the Committee were heard, and the following elections were made:

  • President: Jeff Gillman
  • co-Vice Presidents: Paul Newbold and Stewart Ross
  • Treasurer: Craig Lemon
  • Secretary: Mike Haysom

Congratulations to Jeff, Paul, Craig, and Mike, who retain their positions for another 12 months, and to Stewart Ross for joining the Committee as a co-Vice President.

Charity

For our annual charitable donation, we chose this year to give $1,000 to the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre. Subsequently, the colours we chose for this year’s Rally badge reflect the colours used by the ASRC in their corporate branding.

2022 Rally Report

After a three-year absence, it was so great to have a Rally back in Bethanga this year!

Despite poor weather and road conditions, attendance was good. 103 people signed in, which consisted of members of:

SR500 Club, Monarchs MC, VJMC, SCUM Tourers, Lemmings MC, BMW Touring Club NSW, British Two Stroke Club, Bendigo Historic MC, Ulysses Club, Albury Wodonga Motorcycle Enthusiasts Club, Veteran Vintage and Classic MC ACT, Shoalhaven Vintage MC, Townsville Restored MC, Cancer Research Advocate Bikers, and Redgate Classic MC.

Subsequently, there was a great selection of bikes to peruse!

Show ‘n’ Shine

At Saturday’s Show ‘n’ Shine, there were eight award categories. Congratulations to the following winners!

  • Best stock SR – Mathew Rode (1984 SR500), again!
  • Best modified SR – Geoff Garlick
  • Best XT/TT 500 – Colin Jay
  • Best 4/5 valve (XT/TT/SZR/SRX 600/660) – Andrew Willcox (SRX600)
  • Peoples’ choice – Chris Rowley (Honda 400 Four)
  • Best non-SR – Greg Doubleday
  • Longest distance – Rick Carbis (all the way from Warwick, QLD)
  • Best rat bike – Mick Kirby

Saturday night raffle

A number of companies kindly donated items for Saturday night’s raffle, resulting in many lucky people winning some great prizes!

A big THANK YOU to the following companies who donated prizes:

  • Andy Strapz, Seaford (VIC)
  • Vanem, Lane Cove (NSW)
  • Yamaha Australia

Hospitality and entertainment

The Bethanga community provided delicious meals for us over the weekend – a wonderful assortment of curries on Friday night; a succulent selection of roast meats on Saturday night; decadent desserts; huge, cooked breakfasts, and hot and cold beverages.

Brett Gilbee and band, Back Porch Fridaze, provided Saturday night’s musical entertainment, who performed brilliantly despite inclement weather!

Annual General Meeting

At Sunday’s AGM, nominations for the Committee were heard, and the following elections were made:

  • President: Jeff Gillman
  • Vice President: Paul Newbold
  • Treasurer: Craig Lemon
  • Secretary: Mike Haysom

Congratulations to Jeff, Paul, Craig, and Mike, who retain their positions for another 12 months.

2019 Rally Report

The Rally was a great success again this year!

Thanks to three days of fine weather and daily temperatures of 30°C, attendance was good (~125 people signed in), and there was a great selection of bikes on display!

Show ‘n’ Shine

At Saturday’s Show ‘n’ Shine, there were eight award categories. Congratulations to the following winners!

  • Best stock SR – Mathew Rode (1984 SR500), again!
  • Best modified SR – Steven Findlay, again!
  • Best XT/TT 500 – Brendan van de Zand
  • Best 4/5 valve (XT/TT/SZR/SRX 600/660) – Mark ‘Alistair’ Cumberland (SZR660)
  • Best non-SR – Chris Rowley (Honda Super Hawk), again!
  • Peoples’ choice – Bruce Reid (Honda CBX)
  • Best rat bike – Gary Cuthbert (SR500)
  • Longest distance – Drew Jackson (all the way from Warwick, QLD)

Saturday night raffle

A number of companies kindly donated items for Saturday night’s raffle, resulting in many lucky people winning some great prizes!

A big “thank you” to everyone who donated prizes:

  • Andy Strapz, Seaford (VIC)
  • Deus ex Machina, Camperdown (NSW)
  • KEDO Parts Australia, Raymond Terrace (NSW)
  • Ikon Suspension, North Albury (NSW)
  • Vanem, Lane Cove (NSW)
  • Yamaha Australia
  • Motorcycle Trader magazine, Oakleigh (VIC)

Annual General Meeting

At Sunday’s AGM, nominations for the Committee were heard, and the following elections were made:

  • President: Jeff Gillman
  • Vice President: Paul Newbold
  • Treasurer: Craig Lemon
  • Secretary: Mike Haysom

Congratulations to Jeff Gillman, Paul Newbold, and Mike Haysom (who retain their positions as President, Vice President, and Secretary, respectively), and to Craig Lemon, who takes on the role of Treasurer, after Mike Cowie chose to stand down. Thanks, Mike, for all your work managing the Club’s finances, memberships, etc., these last five years.

2018 Rally Report

It was a special year this year for the Yamaha SR500, which has been around now for 40 years, and also it was the SR500 Club’s 20th anniversary! The Rally was very successful again this year, despite the weather on Friday! There was very heavy rain in Melbourne on Friday morning which discouraged a lot of riders from leaving until later in the day. By mid-afternoon, it was very quiet in Bethanga, but as the weekend progressed, more and more people turned up (around 120 people registered) and the weather improved.

Show ‘n’ Shine

At Saturday’s Show ‘n’ Shine, there were eight award categories. Congratulations to the following winners!

  • Best stock SR – Wendy & Mathew Rode (and their 1984 SR500, again!)
  • Best modified SR – Steven Findlay (again!)
  • Best XT/TT 500 – Brendan Van de Zand
  • Best 4 valve (XT/TT/SZR/SRX 600/660) – Scott Wells (SR600 Special)
  • Best non-SR – Chris Rowley (Honda CB77 Super Hawk)
  • Peoples’ choice – Shane Bailey (Kawasaki Z1R Mk2)
  • Best rat bike – Brett Martello (very tasty XT500 Special!)
  • Longest distance – Bill McInerney (900km from Christies Beach, SA)

Saturday night raffle

A number of companies kindly donated items for Saturday night’s raffle, resulting in many lucky people winning some great prizes!

A big “thank you” to everyone who donated prizes:

  • Andy Strapz, Seaford (VIC)
  • Deus ex Machina, Camperdown (NSW)
  • IKON Suspension, North Albury (NSW)
  • Yamaha Australia
  • Court House Hotel, Bethanga (VIC)
  • KEDO Parts Australia, Raymond Terrace (NSW)
  • Motorcycle Trader magazine, Oakleigh (VIC)

Saturday night entertainment

Big thanks to Salty Dog Blues for a great set on Saturday night!

Annual General Meeting

At Sunday’s AGM, nominations for the Committee were heard, and the following elections were made:

  • President: Jeff Gillman
  • Vice Presidents: Paul Newbold, Craig Lemon
  • Secretary: Mike Haysom
  • Ride Captain: Tony Jones
  • Treasurer: Mike Cowie

Congratulations to Jeff Gillman (President again), Paul Newbold and Craig Lemon (joint Vice Presidents), and a warm welcome to Mike Haysom who takes over as Secretary from Tony Jones, who stepped down after serving for 5 years. Thanks Tony you did a great job, and we are glad to have you in your new position as Ride Captain! Mike Cowie continues as Treasurer.

 

2017 Rally Report

The Rally was a great success again this year!

Thanks to three days of clear blue skies, attendance was good (128 people signed in), and there was a great selection of bikes on display!

Show ‘n’ Shine

At Saturday’s Show ‘n’ Shine, there were eight award categories. Congratulations to the following winners!

  • Best stock SR – Rob Rode (1984 SR500). Again!
  • Best modified SR – Steven Findlay
  • Best XT/TT 500 – Colin Jay
  • Best 4 valve (XT/TT/SZR/SRX 600/660) – Peter Hickey (XT600 Ténéré)
  • Best non-SR – Tony Jones (Virago XV920R café racer)
  • Peoples’ choice – Leno Pirotta (Mazda 10A rotary-powered BMW R50)
  • Best rat bike – ‘Mudguard’
  • Longest distance – Drew Jackson (for riding his SR500 all the way from Warwick, QLD)

Saturday night raffle

A number of companies kindly donated items for Saturday night’s raffle, resulting in many lucky people winning some great prizes!

A big “thank you” to everyone who donated prizes:

  • Andy Strapz, Seaford (VIC)
  • Deus ex Machina, Camperdown (NSW)
  • KEDO Parts Australia, Raymond Terrace (NSW)
  • Motorcycle Trader magazine, Oakleigh (VIC)

Saturday night entertainment

Big thanks to Cracked Pepper for a great set on Saturday night.

Annual General Meeting

At Sunday’s AGM, nominations for the Committee were heard, and the following elections were made:

  • President: Jeff Gillman
  • Vice Presidents: Paul Newbold, Craig Lemon
  • Treasurer: Mike Cowie
  • Secretary: Tony Jones

Congratulations to Jeff Gillman (President again), Paul Newbold and Craig Lemon (joint Vice Presidents), and to Mike Cowie and Tony Jones (who retain their positions as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively).

2016 Rally Report

The Rally was a great success again this year, even better than last year!

Thanks to three days of clear blue skies (just like the previous year), attendance was good (132 people signed in), and there were some awesome bikes on display!

Show ‘n’ Shine

At Saturday’s Show ‘n’ Shine, there were eight award categories. Congratulations to the following winners!

  • Best stock SR – Rob Rode (1984 SR500), again!
  • Best modified SR – Geoff Garlick (magnificently modified SR500)
  • Best XT/TT 500 – Bob Kerwin (XT500)
  • Best 4 valve (XT/TT/SZR/SRX 600/660) – Andrew Wilcox (Yamaha SRX600)
  • Best non-SR – Tony Jones (Triumph)
  • Peoples’ choice – David Barker (modified SR500, very flash)
  • Best rat bike – Andy Brebner (Yamaha FJ1100 )
  • Longest distance – Drew Jackson, from Townsville, QLD (rode from Warwick on his SR500)

Saturday night raffle

A number of companies kindly donated items for Saturday night’s raffle, resulting in many lucky people winning some great prizes!

A big “thank you” to everyone who donated prizes. It was the biggest and best raffle to date!

  • Andy Strapz, Seaford (VIC)
  • Court House Hotel, Bethanga (VIC)
  • Deus ex Machina, Camperdown (NSW)
  • KEDO Parts Australia, Raymond Terrace (NSW)
  • Motorcycle Trader magazine, Oakleigh (VIC)
  • Old Bike Australasia magazine, St Leonards (NSW)
  • Vanem, Lane Cove (NSW)
  • Victorian Motorcycle Wreckers, Heidelberg West (VIC)

Saturday night entertainment

Big thanks to Dale Lindrea and his band, The Vanguards Trio, for a great set on Saturday night.

Annual General Meeting

At Sunday’s AGM, nominations for the Committee were heard, and the following elections were made:

  • President: Jeff Gillman
  • Vice President: Craig Lemon
  • Treasurer: Mike Cowie
  • Secretary: Tony Jones

The Club wishes to thank Andy Hunt for being a dedicated President / Vice President for the past 8 years! Andy chose to decline nomination altogether this year (but the Committee may still need his help from time to time!).

Congratulations to Jeff Gillman (President again),  Craig Lemon (remains as Vice President), and to Mike Cowie and Tony Jones (who retain their positions as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively).

2015 Rally report

The Rally was a resounding success again this year!

Thanks to three days of clear blue skies, attendance was good (112 people signed in), and there was a great selection of bikes on display!

Show ‘n’ Shine

At Saturday’s Show ‘n’ Shine, there were eight award categories. Congratulations to the following winners!

  • Best stock SR – Rob Rode (1984 SR500)
  • Best modified SR – Luke Pirotta (SR500 engine in a GSX-R400 frame)
  • Best XT/TT 500 – Peter Taylor (1976 XT500)
  • Best 4 Valve (XT/TT/SZR/SRX 600/660) – Paul Newbold (1983 XT600 Ténéré)
  • Best non-SR – Maurice Thompson (Kawazaki Z900)
  • Peoples’ choice – Leno Pirotta (Triton)
  • Best rat bike – Ian Hamilton (Honda CL90)
  • Longest distance – Millsie from Warwick, QLD

Saturday night raffle

A number of people and companies kindly donated items for Saturday night’s raffle, resulting in many lucky people winning some great prizes!

A big “thank you” to everyone who donated prizes:

  • Deus ex Machina, Camperdown (NSW)
  • Andy Strapz, Frankston (VIC)
  • Limerick Castle Hotel, North Melbourne (VIC) – meal voucher
  • Russell MacDonald – 2 nights accommodation at a hotel in the Melbourne CBD
  • Victorian Motorcycle Wreckers, Heidelberg West – parts for the trophies

Saturday night entertainment

Big thanks to Back Porch Fridaze for a great set on Saturday night.

Annual General Meeting

At Sunday’s AGM, nominations for the Committee were heard, and the following elections were made:

  • President: Jeff Gillman
  • Vice President(s): Andy Hunt, Craig Lemon
  • Treasurer: Mike Cowie
  • Secretary: Tony Jones

The Club wishes to thank Andy Hunt for being a dedicated President for the past 7 years! Andy chose to decline nomination to be President again, and accepted nomination for Vice President instead.

Congratulations to Jeff Gillman (who is our new President), and to Mike Cowie and Tony Jones (who retain their positions as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively).

2014 Rally report

The Rally was a great success, with over 130 registering at the control tent from all corners of Australia, plus many locals visiting to see the range of bikes on display.

Show ‘n’ Shine

At Saturday’s Show ‘n’ Shine, there were eight award categories. Congratulations to the following winners!

  • Longest distance – Drew Jackson (Townsville, QLD)
  • Best rat bike – Janine McGinness (Lambretta)
  • Best non-SR – Brendan van de Zand (Maicoletta)
  • Peoples’ choice – Ken Swinnerton (‘BSR’ – BSA/SR hybrid)
  • Best stock-ish SR – Rob Rode
  • Best modified SR – David Barker (alloy petrol tank, TZ front drum brake)
  • Best XT/TT 500 – Colin Jay
  • Best XT/TT/SZR/SRX 600/660 – David Prior (yellow SRX)

Saturday night raffle

A number of companies kindly donated items for Saturday night’s raffle, resulting in many lucky people winning some great prizes.

A big “thank you” to our generous supporters:

  • Motorcycle Trader
  • Deus ex Machina, Camperdown (NSW)
  • Raceline Motorcycles, Ballarat (VIC)
  • Peter Stevens Motor Cycles, Geelong (VIC)
  • Andy Strapz, Frankston (VIC)
  • Bikes & Bits Importers, Mundaring (WA)
  • Yamaha Australia, Wetherill Park (NSW)
  • Pitmans Yamaha, Blair Athol (SA)

Saturday night entertainment

Big thanks to Back Porch Fridaze for a great set on Saturday night.

Annual General Meeting

At Sunday’s AGM, nominations for the Committee were heard, and the following elections were made:

  • President: Andy Hunt
  • Vice President(s): Jeff Gillman, Craig Lemon
  • Treasurer: Mike Cowie
  • Secretary: Tony Jones