“I’ve had a bloody brilliant meet”
Those were the words used by Ron Tyers to describe the 2011 Australian National Titles, and I believe it was a great meet, well organised and run. But let’s go back to the beginning, let the rambling commence.
I know that the thought that people from Bunbury might require a visa to leave the city, but did Aaron Matthew have to take his passport, or was it as Allan Mitchell described he thought SA meant South Africa.
I arrived at the track Thursday, greeted by everyone, mainly opening crates and building bikes, I grabbed my crate and began the “simple” task of rebuilding the yammie. I managed somehow to stir “Team Husqvarna” as I completed the build and told them how slow they were. Right gear down to the pits, back for the bike, when oops!! opened mouth too soon. I had to ask if any of the Bunbury boys had noticed my obvious mistake, of course not, I’d put the front mudguard on the wrong way. Well they came from everywhere, camera’s in hand. Graeme (yes dear) Taylor ran 50 metres just to get a shot.
Costa (trust me I am organised) had to dash off to make number plates for his bikes. Wife Alison is so over yellow paint fumes!! Our South African contingent (Brett, John and Gary), must have come via Christmas Island and didn’t arrive till late Thursday evening, as was the same with Rick Speak. Finally all accounted for, bikes together and ready to rock and roll.
Race days, riders brief, then practice, from here on in for some it just got worse, Nick Fitzgerald, dropped the chain on the Husky, no damage though, but was a sign of things to come for some of the Husky riders. Suddenly Andrew’s trusty CZ, no longer wanted to play. Racing began. Darryl Mitchell destroyed third gear on his bike and then used Allan’s 450, which suddenly stopped. Brian Watsons, 250 seized, split the exhaust on the 400. Rod Gilchrist reinjured his ankle. Kris Lindgren, destroyed the backing plate on the rear wheel of his bike and then the 390 refused to play as well. I was off for my race and suddenly got a flat tye. I was in deep shock and awe when Rod Gilchrist insisted I ride his YZ, the camaraderie was beginning to occur. Steve Dyjack lent Andrew his 380 CZ, oh dear there goes another exhaust. Meanwhile, Nick (I’m the announcers favourite) Maxfield was starting to get the metisse rolling. Ben (please stop growing) Melvin with Steve on the spanners was firing up for a big meet. Kris (Baby face) Lindgren, was showing he was up for it on his CZ. Nick Fitzgerald started to show his 250 husky was going to have a good meet. Rick Speak was already unable to kick start the Maico
At this point in time the support crews must be mentioned. Leading the fashion in the field was Gwen Taylor, closely followed by Maureen Tyers. Mary Watson along with Rebecca was in complete control of the Husky pack and was the only one able to tell the difference between the Watsons, Mitchells and Matthews as they all had animated discussions over the fate and fixing of their trusty steeds. I was of the thought that maybe a funeral pyre floating down the Torrens River might be appropriate, but thought better of suggesting that. Though the Mitchell’s, had employed the skills of John Howell. He was unable to assist as he had only worked on CZ’s and Speedway bikes, the Swedish meatballs were a bit beyond him. The Godfather took control and all listened intently as advise was given, then went away and did exactly the opposite that resulted at one point with Allan Mitchell having gaffer tape placed over his mouth, while he was told exactly how to fix the bike!!!!Alison (what’s a give way sign) Lindgren and Kerry Dyjack, were right in the thick of things looking after their charges. Alison Melvin was PR personified. Elma Jarvis and Val James were also getting involved. Linda Maxfield arrived Friday I believe all rugged up for the meet, and ready to make certain the Ironman Nick was ready to go. Saturday night was an organised dinner and presentation of some of the championships. I got to epileptic fit on the dance floor with Alison Melvin, Rebecca Watson, Graeme and Gwen Taylor, I was not pretty but fun.
I became official ankle strapper for Rod Gilchrist, who was also in shock as he was staying with Ross (do I look good in this) Campbell, who decided to have a two hour spa back in the room, this drove Rod to the bar. Rods weekend really didn’t take off as he also injured a finger, but he continually got out there just for the ride. Meanwhile Ross, decided he might injure himself in the spa, no I’m not going to try and describe it, as it’s to painful to even picture!! I suffered a whiplash (neck) injure from the speed I generated, ok would you believe a bad landing on the table top, requiring copious quantities of drugs, it really is amazing as to the amount of things can be found in a womans handbag!!. Meanwhile the Matthews (Sean and Aaron) boys were fighting for bragging rights in the family and doing really well. Graeme Taylor spurred on by wife Gwen was having a great meet. Vic James was out there having a good go as was Bill Watson. Brett Arnoldi, John Riley, and Gary Thomas were all circulating and testing themselves and the track.
So how did it all pan out. Well despite all the problems with the bikes, Andrew was finally able to get on the track thanks to Steve Dyjack lending him his ignition system. Brian Watson, lent Kris Lindgren a backing plate of his husky. Brian had the exhaust on the 400 welded, but sorry to say did not last long. The Mitchell’s rode with a two gear, 250. I was able to have a ride despite my injury. Vic James rode extremely well all weekend, only to injure a knee in the last event, which he finished and well done to him. Steve Dyjack was able to ride his 250 CZ that even took on the guise of a 380 occasionally. Nick Maxfield was in absolute heaven on the big metisse, Ron Tyers, was just having too much fun. Sorry to say Rick Speak’s Maico finally had a rest but Gary Thomas lent him his Maico for a ride. I dutifully strapped Rods ankle every day and he even got serious out there a couple of times and looked quite quick. Nick Fitzgerald was just going about his job in an extremely professional manner and the results were showing it. Aaron and Sean Matthews fought right up to the last race, which would decide who would have the bragging rights and they really did race each other hard and fair, to the delight of those of us able to watch.
So how did we fare, all did extremely well and I believe we all had a great time:
Nick Maxfield: Pre65 over 263cc, 2nd
Pre70 263cc over, 2nd
Pre75 four stroke 3rd
Pre70, 250cc Champion, Kris Lindgren,
Pre75 250 Champion, Ben Melvin
2nd Evo 125cc
2nd pre75 Under 30
2nd Pre85 125cc
Pre75 40-49 Champion Paul Copley
2nd Pre75 over 263cc
Pre75 50-59 Champion, Nick Fitzgerald
Pre75 over 70 Champion, Graeme Taylor
Cost Lindgren, 2nd pre70 over 263cc
Daryle Mitchell, 3rd pre75 250cc
The rest of us did extremely well
So how should I finish this, probably by thanking those who went beyond the call of duty to get us all there. Steve and Kerry Dyjack for the Truck load of Bikes. Costa, for the building of the crates. Every single person who attended from WA and we were all part of a great contingent of people, both VMXWA andf Pre85MXWA. There wasn’t one person who was not there assisting and cheering on the WA contingent. Thank you for allowing me to be part of it. If I’ve missed anyone out I am so sorry, and if my comments have upset anyone, i know I’ll be told!!l I have taken a few photo’s but it has become very apparent that Christine has all the skill in that regard. So all you others with some good shots send them in, except of course the one of the Yamaha front mudguard.