Motorcycle enthusiasts rolled into Mount Gambier over the weekend to showcase their classic and vintage treasures in aide of a worthy cause.
It was a near full capacity event with 38 bikes lining the interior of the City Hall for the ninth annual Mount Gambier Classic and Vintage Motorcycle Show.
Show founder and organiser Tyrone Mustey said he was constantly surprised with the new entries that roll in each year, with some travelling from Adelaide, Victoria and as far away as Queensland.
“There were some very rare motorcycles,” he said.
“It has drawn a heap of people together so they can appreciate the bikes, and it is such a good social event because some of these guys only see each other at this event.
“The older generation really appreciate it because they can see that we are preserving history.
“It was great to see more bikes being restored, customised or just dragged-out of hibernation for the show.
“There was a really diverse entry list this year and 95% of the bikes had not been on display before.
“Around 550 people paid to view the event over the two days, this was down on past years but a general sign of the times and financial constraints on many people.”
The annual show was not only a great social event but an opportunity to raise funds for a good cause.
Mr Mustey came up with the idea for the fundraiser in 2014 while staying in a medical ward in Flinders Hospital, explaining he experienced a “wake up call” when he met a young cancer patient.
“I had surgery years ago in 2015 in Flinders Medical Centre and I spoke to a young fella in the surgical ward who had lost an arm and a leg to cancer,” he said.
“I thought ‘I need to do something about this’.”
It was this encounter that prompted Mr Mustey to raise money for the Cancer Council of SA.
Mr Mustey decided he wanted to host a motorcycle event and that it be for a worthy cause.
Multiple stand out bikes in different categories from unrestored original to full custom builds dating from 1924 to 1989.
The two-day event concluded with a presentation to the favourites of the show.
Setting a benchmark for all entrants, the Shannon’s Choice award was presented to a 1958 URAL, while the entrants chose a Triumph Bobber Custom as their favourite.
A Harley Davidson FXE Shovelhead Chopper was announced the top American, while the a 1934 Calthorpe was awarded top British, and top Japanese was a 1984 Suzuki GSX750ES.
Proving a crowd favourite, the people’s choice award was given to a 1946 Indian Chief.
The Longest Distance was presented to a 1961 Ariel Golden Arrow from Queensland.
Mr Mustey hailed the recent event a success and expressed his gratitude to the community and sponsors for supporting the cause.
Since the first show in 2015, the club has generously donated in excess of $33,000 to the Cancer Council of SA.
“A big thank you to all the entrants who make this event possible. If we do not have any entries, it does not happen,” Mr Mustey said.
“Thank you to our major sponsor, the City of Mount Gambier, for again allowing us to use this great venue to display our treasures.
“Thanks to event sponsors for their ongoing support, prizes and award donations.
“Everyone who helped please accept my personal thanks for making this job much quicker and easier.”
Long-standing historian of the motorcycle community Colin Thompson also prepared a 400-slide PowerPoint display for the event.
Organisers will take a break before delving into plans for its 2025 showcase.
“Next year is our 10th event so I will be looking for suggestions as to how we can celebrate this milestone,” Mr Mustey said.
Suggestions have already been made including adding Top European to the awards.
“We are hoping for some special entries next year,” Mr Mustey said, with thoughts on inviting owners of rare, high-end motorcycles.
