The day approached for the SA Motoretta Giro with much trepidation for the organisers. Adelaide had been experiencing storms and rainfall, but the 2-stoke Gods smiled upon us and gave us a day of cool sunshine, perfect for classic steads and their riders. The event consists of four circuits up to the top of Norton Summit and then back down again with the most consistent average lap time winning. There was no fear of the fastest lap record falling this year as Declan Magee was overseas and unable to attend.
There have been different approaches to the start, we have tried lining up across the road and taking off on mass, a Grand Prix grid formation and a Le Mans run to start you scooter (you can guess how this turned out). This year we used the one rider starting every 30 seconds which eased congestion at the first hairpin.
Every event relies upon volunteers and thankfully we had Adam Beecken recording times along with Paul Catley organising the start order. Thirteen scooters attended the event with ten participating, previous winners Anthony Fazzalari, Tim Elsom, Jerry Gresham (x2) & Nick Ward (sporting his medal around his neck like an Iron Cross), all felt confident of taking glory once more.
Early favourite Alex Vukovich was the most consistent over the first three laps putting pressure on the group, while Adrian Brown was back to conquer the mountain with a strengthened rear hub after last year’s mishap. The roads have usually been quiet for the event apart from MAMIL cyclists, but this year there was plenty of traffic including slow moving trucks and cars with trailers making it very tricky to gauge lack times while riding. Michael Griffin mastered the process gliding through traffic to eventually finish near the top position.
Brant Cumming utilised the manoeuvrability of his Lambretta to finish first and take photos of those finishing, this may have cost him the chance of a trophy, but we all appreciate the pics thanks Brant. Syed Hasib was keen to win and looking good until his Lambretta twisted a crank, we all know the joys of classic scoots. I’m sure his scoot will come back stronger next year after repairs.
Early favourite Alex Vukovich was the most consistent over the first three laps putting pressure on the group, while Adrian Brown was back to conquer the mountain with a strengthened rear hub after last year’s mishap. The roads have usually been quiet for the event apart from MAMIL cyclists, but this year there was plenty of traffic including slow moving trucks and cars with trailers making it very tricky to gauge lack times while riding. Michael Griffin mastered the process gliding through traffic to eventually finish near the top position.
Brant Cumming utilised the manoeuvrability of his Lambretta to finish first and take photos of those finishing, this may have cost him the chance of a trophy, but we all appreciate the pics thanks Brant. Syed Hasib was keen to win and looking good until his Lambretta twisted a crank, we all know the joys of classic scoots. I’m sure his scoot will come back stronger next year after repairs.
It was great to see support from Mark Carter, Nick Townshend, Lisa Walker and Rober McClelland in the pit area as we finished and rode to Tim Elsom’s residence for refreshments and trophy presentations. A big thanks to The Lambretta Club of Australia for their sponsorship of the event covering trophies and food.
A special mention for furthest travelled to Nick Ward who wasn’t present at the pre-start meeting and completed an extra two laps while others were finishing.
Whilst feasting on Thai Chicken and slow cooked beef we were able to look at Tim’s collection of Lambrettas, Maicoletta and Fuji Rabbits, got to love the diversity in the classic scooter scene. The times were tallied up and the winner was Corey Kirkland on his small frame Vespa, he’s getting used to winning things and can hopefully spend the prize money getting his lottery won Lambretta on the road for next year’s event.
It would be great to hold the event Nationally again next year if the rest of Aus (NZ, Asia…) is up for it.
Cheers,
Jerry Gresham
A special mention for furthest travelled to Nick Ward who wasn’t present at the pre-start meeting and completed an extra two laps while others were finishing.
Whilst feasting on Thai Chicken and slow cooked beef we were able to look at Tim’s collection of Lambrettas, Maicoletta and Fuji Rabbits, got to love the diversity in the classic scooter scene. The times were tallied up and the winner was Corey Kirkland on his small frame Vespa, he’s getting used to winning things and can hopefully spend the prize money getting his lottery won Lambretta on the road for next year’s event.
It would be great to hold the event Nationally again next year if the rest of Aus (NZ, Asia…) is up for it.
Cheers,
Jerry Gresham
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