There was a large group of members that turned up early on Saturday morning to lay claim to their preferred camp site and assist with the final track preparation. Most were looking forward to the night ahead with celebrations sure to be worthy of the 10th Mill Farm Scramble. Butts of beef doing a few laps of the spit, large bon fire and of course the fireworks. Five full minutes of color and noise to woohoo the crowd.
A few passiona’s to be had, stories and the warmth of the fire to keep the cool off our backs.
Sunday morning started early with the smell of bacon and eggs wafting though the camp and pit area, while most machines were examined Saturday which only left a few plus rider sign on. The 105 entries and some 150 bikes saw the riders meeting start 20 minutes late something that was well picked up throughout the day with the efficient start line crew. The track was in perfect shape for practice and racing got under way with steward Neville and Clerk Darral Holman keeping out a close eye.
C grade racing where the pace was fast, Wandering never fails to bring out a little more power or some found speed that has been kept under wraps. Allan Jones with new carb fitted to his CZ slowly moved up through the field which he would have gone home with a huge smile. Ron Chandler was also putting in some hot laps after drinking green tea at the fire the night before. MMMMM green tea Ha?. The quickest mover from C in only his second ride with the club was Peter Creech on the X Tony Smallridge Maico. Peter quickly was noticed and put up to B were he promptly put Jim Lawson, Warrick Brand and Mick, the pensioners friend, under pressure. Warren Brand, Chad Ferguson’s nephew, announced his engagement but that did not distract him from keeping the bully cranking.
Preunit numbers were low, though still put on some close racing. Mike Lawrie had his alcoholic Triumph singing and appeared to be playing fill in the rest with mud. Maca rode the Niaychi Ariel from one side of the track to the other to keep out of Mike’s roost. For your information NIAYCHI was a term used many years ago by a valued West Australian motorcyclist, Peter Groucott he built a bike from many different machines and called it a NIAYCHI which stood for. Name It And You Can Have It. Peter was a well known Harley club member that used to hand paint the racing numbers on every bike at the start of the early scramble events, like the Harley scramble at Mosman Park.
The Legends had massive field though Geoff Davison showed them he can still ride the CCM brute when he needs too. However Graham Currie kept him honest sneaking up while Geoff lost a bit of concentration. Peter Berryman on the x Frank Barron CZ made his comeback with camera mounted on his helmet so that he can study the race lines he should have been on.
A grade is where the real pace and action was to been seen. Greg Speak getting the hole shot in the first event to be quickly rounded up by younger brother Russell and younger brother Rick keeping them both on their toes. However Paul Copley made a late charge to round them up.
Side cars also had their battles with a stand out performance from Maca and Dave on his second ride for the year and Sarah and Robert that came through the field to make them look like they had bike trouble. I have to say Don’t ever let Rob ride Sarah as I am sure that you will be slower. Great ride Sarah. The Dan Ferguson handicap were there was some 50 odd starters Hannah and Trevor the Sweep lead the field away with Rick ,Brian and Adam Fanderlinden off the back row. The event was taken out by Paul Blum who made his way to the west from Sydney each time he rides and just loves it. Congratulations Paul for winning the 10thAnnual Mill farm, Dan Ferguson Scramble.
Of course there is a lot of work that goes into these events so without sponsors like Coates, Jimal Bolts Steve’s motorcycles, John Titman racing and a sponsor that has supported this event the entire 10 years John from estuary motorcycles. A huge thanks for making this event what we see today, fantastic
Some members that put in more than any are of course Frank Barron where would we be without Frank he made several trips towing food vans getting flat tyres taking out trees on the way. Luckily no damage to Franks new ute. Dave Christie for doing much the same with toilets tracks and gen set.
Not that I wish to miss anyone but the others would be Nick, Gary and for saving me, Dave Lawson and my wife Sue, that without their combined efforts this event would not have been so grand.
Thanks to our officials Neville, Darrel and Collette. All our flaggies that did a splendid job, Warren, Pete and Hayes on the start line. Brady Dillon’s in the canteen. All the workers that helped lay out and pack up the track at the end of the event and lastly with which this event would not exist The Fergusons. Terrill, Chad and Julie. THANK YOU VERY MUCH