Bush Chatter Winter 2025

June 30, 2025

Hi, welcome to our latest Bush Chatter newsletter. Well, it has certainly been a very busy few months for the club, with the Easter Good Friday mall display, Mallee Meander, Tibooburra group ride, Classic speedway Bbq weekend event also the Monthly and Mid monthly rides. Lots going on and well done to those involved with the organisation of these events.There is certainly enough going on to cater for all tastes!

Club Reports:

Easter Good Friday Show n Shine

Glorious weather greeted club members for our annual display in the Mall. We had 25 motorcycles on display and there was certainly room for quite a few more. A crowd favourite was Andrew’s 1932 350cc Levis. At least we got to stretch out on our grassy knoll and enjoy the crowds and weather on what must be the premium site in the mall. Well done to Vice President Danny for the liaison with the Mall committee on this one.

Tibooburra Ride Report 06/05/25

Ah the road to Tibooburra, so much roadkill and so much nothing is grown….

Ten brave individuals set on up the road to Tibooburra via Menindee and Broken Hill on what was one of the most enjoyable group rides I have had in a very long time. The team spirit and sense of fun and adventure was to be admired. I would like to say how a team member lost his top box on the road before Pooncarrie leaving a trail of socks and Jocks for others to follow but no names here. How team Captain Greg did his best Steve Irwin all Aussie Out Back Adventure and rescued a stuck Bush Chook, all before a magnificent morning tea of coffee and scones at the Pooncarrie cafe. Further we pushed on toward Menindee in glorious 22deg weather watching the the goats and emus in the great Oz outback before lunch at Menindee. Another team member decides to isolate his bikes ignition unknowingly, thankfully the 450kg ‘wing was too big to put on the trailer so the offending switch was found amongst the socks and we continued on. Not much more for day one, a minor track inspection by a member but all was ok. An awesome Chinese meal was had at the Old Willyama in Broken Hill that night and some team drinks and debrief prior to some rest.

More great weather greeted us for the Tibooburra leg, the road out of Broken Hill has to be ridden to be believed, classic semi arid winding roads through low lying hills, wide dry creek bed crossings, salt bush, shearing sheds, goats ‘roos and more bush chooks. Lunch at Pack Saddle was enjoyed (best steak sanga ever!), seeing airstrips built into the highway, a random clothesline full of an assortment of tools. A refreshing ale was to be had at Milparinka pub where Jeff broke the power band on his bike but was able to carry on. Captain Greg also made the mistake of swapping bikes with an unnamed individual, he will never look at his bike the same again! Tibooburra greeted us with magnificent accommodation, food and beer. As this is a family publication I can’t print the photos of inside the family Hotel but you can view them here in the sealed section, https://www.tibooburra.com.au/experiences/famous-murals.html

Thursday morning we ventured to Warri gate at the Qld border for obligatory photos prior to heading back to the ‘Hill. Turns out Brian’s puffs of black smoke from the mighty Suzuki wasn’t the new pontiff being voted in but a bit of extra in fuel consumption for the ‘Hill leg. An excellent tea and team building with more ales and wines at the Muso’s was had before we split into two groups and headed home. Our team enjoyed a morning heart starter at Lake Popiltah whereas team two happened across a head on collision on the road to Menindee . Thankfully team member Greg Plummer a qualified ICU nurse was on hand to lend assistance, well done Greg! Thankfully we all made it home safely, well done Captain Greg for outstanding organisation with military precision and to the whole ride team for your sense of fun and adventure. Also a special shout out to Jan Englefield for being the back up driver, good job Jan!

Bryan being checked out after his track inspection!

20th Anniversary Mallee Meander weekend

All I can say is wow! what a great weekend. Too much to describe but lets say we enjoyed some great rides around the district. With approximately sixty five participants including a great crew from South Australia whom I believe truly appreciated and enjoyed the hospitality of the club. These members represented the BSA Owners club of SA, the Classic Motorcycle club of SA and the Vintage Motorcycle Club of SA. Thankyou for your attendance SA and spread the word for next year.

The outstanding catering teams for both days consisting of Andrew Cannard, Ian Hehir at the Wentworth Showground. the Rotary club for lunch at Wentworth jail, Katie and Ian Kinleyside at the Sunraysia Aeromodellers and Ian Smythe and crew at Psyche Pumps again thanks and well done.

Also a massive shout out to our Committee of Management: President Rob, Secretary Chris, Treasurer Bryan, Vice Pres Danny and Ian Smythe and co for many hours of planning and the many unnamed volunteers that made this weekend a success.

Classic speedway BBQ night and weekend event

Friday night June 7th saw the club host a bbq night with fantastic salads and deserts provided by members and the meat provided by the club, in what was a great social night for members and partners. Large log fires did a great job in keeping the near zero temps at bay and it was great to use the Mildura Motorcycle club rooms for this event. Shout out to Chris and Rob for the kitchen duties, Tim and Bronwyn Welsh for the all important bar duties, and Ian Smythe and Greg Welsh for their fantastic barby skills. Well done and thanks to those that provided the side dishes. What a great bbq night and should be more!