​The organisers Nicky & Fleur had requested all riders, back drivers to attend the Rider briefing dinner held at the Stirling Arms 1852 lounge on evening before the event.
With all comrades duly present they introduced all the Teams, and Riders as laid out in the starting line not less than 12 hours away presenting them with leg shield banners and commemorative tee shirts.
The usual banter amongst the riders all present went down well along with meeting new friends and shaking hands will the acquainted from last year, after dinner most of the participant’s made there way home in in anticipation what lies ahead at the first flush of morning.

Day One:
The day had finally arrived for the beginning of Millie event in Perth Western Australia on 1st November 2023 ,with riders coming from overseas by scooter and the hardened Millie attendees along with first times riders making their way to the start line at the early hour of 5.00 am outside the Stirling Arms Hostelry The atmosphere was subdued but you could hear and smell the excitement building up for the start time as the teams where still tinkering last minute and warming their work horses up . 

With Nicky and Fleur giving the 35 riders and all concerned there last minute  briefing the stage was set for all the teams to make it safely and to enjoy the 580k demanding first day ride to Dalwallinu .The first teams Road To Nowhere / Terry Tortoise approached the start line ready for the chequered to be dropped on the stroke of 5.30 am ,buy this stage the air was filled with two stoke fumes
and noise that now had awoken the locals.
With each team setting of at one-minute intervals the field was away and slowly making its way up into the Kalamunda hills the packs of riders had now come to the first task of the day the cider house to check in, as the teams took their customary photos you could sense a good vibe and enjoyment amongst the riders. 

After the first stop it was back into action and down the hill to the highway through Byford and then a beautiful climb up to Jarrahdale then onto the Serpentine Dam 70k in on the route the usual suspects team Bakery and Pies choosing to get breakfast with a customary pie

​Instead of enjoying the views across the dam as this was the next task. The tranquillity and peace didn’t’ last long as the streams of scooterist eager to move on broke the silence beautiful while it lasted.

​From this point onwards the field stretched out a little as they proceeded back  down the hill and onto the highway with each rider now fully engaged and ardent on clicking up the kilometres , the majority eventually needed to stop and refuel at North Dandulup .More pies and coffee where consumed and each team eventually leaving and turning back into the hill towards Dwellingup and breezing through the shaded canopies of the state forest onto Boddington approximately 200k from the start .
Unfortunately it wasn’t long before the first scooter casualties were spotted along the route, with rather embarrassing wave or a thumbs up, feeling you were leaving a fallen comrade, but you knew help wouldn’t be far away with the temperatures now rising the usual holed pistons, heat seizures ,and whatever ageing symptoms our beloveds machines get up to where beginning to mount up with the hapless victims sending for help . With the efficient and well experienced to these situations of recovery Terry or Phill would be on the way with their chariots and get these guy’s home.

With task three on the horizon there was a scooter gathering on the moon in Brookton well that is what it resembled being stood next to rocket upright on this barren landscape, with a well-deserved rest and a fuel stop and a memorable photo it was back in the saddle heading northwards York bound.
 
Riding into York and as expected there was multitude of scooters that had invaded lining the main street ,from guys having their double dose of pies rather than a Caesar salad at the Imperial Homestead ,at this stage on day one 350k had been struck of the 580k .After a well-deserved lunch the riders began to drift of and making their way towards  Northam and then Toodyay ,at this stage I honestly think most of us was thinking about the pint at the Dalwallinu Hotel in front of the clock, but there was another task ahead in Toodyay.

Extremely easy to spot the red shop at the end of the street where all the noise is coming from as riders came and went after completing the photo shoot another one down. Homeward bound.
Heading along the wide-open countryside towards Goolmalling in the wheatbelt on the last leg of day one the temperature had risen to the high thirties, and it wasn’t long before more heat seizes an breakdowns littered the route, a quick stop to ask if help was on the way. The thumbs up and a smile gave comfort that they where fine and see you in the pub, through Goolmalling towards Wonga Hills fuel stop the last on route so it was paramount a full tank for the last 100k to the finish for the riders.
Up to this time on day one we had only experienced some break downs, sore arses, aching backs, good camaraderie, and a pair of gloves nearly left behind at the Northam fuel stop along the way. It was now essential we get everyone home safe before the sun went down. From experience the last stretch of road was wearying, fatiguing, surrounded by salt lakes and open space to the horizon.
Know doubt every rider, pillion, back up drivers inclusive of the guys regrettably who didn’t make it on two wheels had their spirits lifted  when they where greeted with cheers and applause when arriving at the Dalwallinu Hotel one last thing to do was  get to that bar forget the clock until you raised a glass All For One And One For All.
The self-satisfaction and achievement made you feel great inside disguising you were really bloody knackered. 580k Accomplished.
 
The troops with everyone now present and accounted for regrouped for evening dinner at the Dalwallinu Hotel, along with discussions of the day’s events in detail between the sinking of more pints making up for lost fluids during the hot exhausting day. As the evening past on the riders slowly drifted
off to the Old Convent Accommodation for a well earnt rest and dreaming and praying for good luck on day two for sure.

Being awoken with the sound of popping scooters and the riders making final adjustments ready for the start time of 7.00am in the layby back in Dalwallinu

After the congregation had finished breakfast and discussing today’s tasks the riders made there way to the start line. Everyone had rested up and where full of energy and raring to go after the morning briefing.

At the stroke of 7am the riders with the same order as the day before where away, with solo riders having lost their team member unfortunately with mechanical failure tagged along with the others. The last remaining guys left the start line, and their aspiration can we make it back to Guilford.
With some of the riders stopping at the Milling fuel stop as it was 100k from there to Wongan Hills the drama started when the attendant couldn’t get the pumps to work, now there was 10 scooters riders thinking game over but alas a miracle occurred, the pay and go machine came to life with a sigh of relief from everyone they were back into it , moving on to the first task of the  day .Arriving at the T junction and literally seeing scooters in everywhere and riders awaiting calmly for their turn to snap away at the sign
With this completed there was a procession of riders sweeping through the rather uneven surfaces making their way back to the main highway, along this stretch of road we regrettably had another scooter succumbed to the hot conditions, the rest well there turned east heading back towards Wonga Hills riding some great sweeping roads with a head wind most of the way keeping the riders cool, another task was upon us at the Mount O’Brian lookout.

Some choose to ride to the top and admire the scenery while others a quick check in and ride into Wonga Hills for fuel and the first break of the day.
 
With the teams now fuelled up and the more frequent sight of the riders tinkering with the machines and begging them to restart again, with everybody up and running it was across the countryside heading back west towards Brant Hwy with the wind on our backs the scooters where going fantastic as we clicked up the K it wasn’t without drama when half way across this road turned into what resembled a desert storm .With riders having to wait to be escorted through the road works along this dry and dusty red section , eventually everyone made it through keeping upright, with the helmets and air filters keeping the dust out . The teams regrouped and it was back on track again.

With around half the kilometre’s now eaten up on day two sadly the scooter broke club was beginning to mount up and already Phills trailer was full, with the riders out but not down they rallied with each other to make the most of the event encouraging their team mates to get the job done and get home safely. With Terry already heading back to Perth with his casualties and their owners its becoming a busy day for these guys. For the others it was do what you can to get it going Jimmy, for some it was just the odd nut and washer rattling of or a kickstart, Robert or half a rack Andy.
 
The riders still in the event then headed for Gingin where there was a task in finding the local church and where united in prayer that they were still in the Millie with everyone completing this they took advantage of well-earned lunch break at the local eateries.
 
With approximately 110 k to the finish line the weary sole survivors climbed back in the saddle and it was one last push through the beautiful scenery of the Chittering Hills and downhill all the way back to Guilford passing by the final task of the event in finding what resembled an air raid shelter but was actually a place of worship with everyone finally finding it they did the customary picture for the memories uploaded and moved on .

With the remaining exhausted scooterist definitely on the home stretch now ,the first riders where eventually starting to reach the finish line at the clock tower in Guilford with the sense of relief and joy they had completed the days riding ,for the others unfortunately who never completed the two days riding there was still a sense we give it a go and enjoyed it while it lasted , with everyone arriving back safely to Guilford it was over to the Stirling Arms for a well-earned pints  

The presentation dinner was to be held at the Rose and Crown Restaurant on the Friday evening, so with everyone now rested up it was the chance for everyone to come together for a last soiree. With everyone in a high exuberant mood the stories and laughter began to ring out amongst the riders who had been drawn together for the event.
 
The time in the evening had arrived for the presentation to begin and the riders who showed their qualities where to be honoured and congratulated.

Brant had best photo prize shot.  ​

Final award for the evening to be presented was for the overall winner of the 2023 Millie and this went to Rolf who rode fantastic over two days, Rolf has also competed in every Millie event since it started so it seemed fittingly right that he collected this year’s award. Congratulations Rolf.

Rolf along with Sean and Chris where also recognised for their attendance’s in competing in the Millies over the last ten years definite stalwarts to the event. Well done guys great determination.
Fleur and Nicky showed their gratitude and appreciation to all the riders attending and to the backup drivers for their support over the event.

After the presentation had ended there was time to reflect over a beer or two to what had been achieved over the last two days in tough conditions at times not only for the riders, but all concerned. The camaraderie shown amongst everyone from start to finish, it was great to see and i believe this made us all winners in our own way.

With saying our farewells to each other and hopefully see you all next year in Mooloolaba QLD 2024 brought the event to close. ​

Easter snuck up on us this year like the Easter Bunny trying to steal our chocolates. After missing last year’s event, Steve and I were excited for the big weekend ahead.
 
We left Sydney a day early as we had tickets to see Gladys Knight in Canberra on Thursday night with Chris & Nicky. Steve rode his Series 2 down the M31/23 grinning like a Cheshire cat as he slip-streamed trucks to pick up speed, not that he needed to, he was comfortably doing around 100 kmph most of the way. 

​On Good Friday, after a great night out, we headed to the jamboree campsite at Capital Country Holiday Park. We parked up outside our cabin and unpacked, ready for the weekend. Everyone else started arriving in dribs and drabs, from as far as Tasmania, Qld, Victoria and SA as well as nearby NSW and ACT. Gatherings were soon taking place at various points around the campsite, and Steve wandered off somewhere. I found him, beer in hand, with some other Jamboretti who were staying in one of the cabins by the lake. Not sure what they did to score such a prime position?
 
Over the next few hours there was lots of catching up over drinks, as like-minded scooterists re-connected. For those who bothered to read their emails and Jamboree Facebook posts, (though to be fair, the phone/internet reception was pretty bad due to the campsite remoteness outside Canberra), rally packs were handed out in the Rosella conference room at 5pm. Shortly after, we made our way to the campsite kitchen where a few volunteer chefs were cooking up a storm of endless kebabs and vegetarian chilli.  

The kebabs were amazing, cooked perfectly and with plenty to go around. And so, apparently, was the chilli, judging by some of the carnivores among the group that I spotted digging in. Everyone was having a great time acquainting and re-acquainting with new and old friends.
 
After we’d filled our bellies, we headed over to the conference room for Quiz night, hosted by Andy and Terry. They made a bold entrance, dressed for the occasion in their typical crimplene safari suits and went about testing our Lambretta and music knowledge, with a touch of Spicks & Specks style. As usual, I did appallingly on the Lambretta knowledge so apologies to the rest of my team if you were expecting Steve's expertise to have rubbed off on me. Funnily enough, Steve who was in a different team to me, didn't do much better thanks to the number of beers he’d had, and lack of listening skills. Note to self, next time be on Nev's team. At least I did a bit better on the music knowledge, though some of us were tripped up on some of Terry’s more obscure questions. There were prizes given out at the end thanks to some sponsors, but I don’t think anyone really cared about who won. Hats off to Andy and Terry for the creative questions and great entertainment. More drinks and laughs continued later into the night before one by one people disappeared, stumbling back to their cabins for the night.
​

​Saturday morning, after breakfast and some real coffee courtesy of the orange coffee van brought by the South East Asian Lambretta crew, everyone assembled by the entrance to get ready for the first ride out of the weekend. There was a good turnout. I didn’t count, but believe there were approximately 50 Lambrettas, even though a few people, including Steve and I, decided to stay behind. Eventually, after waiting for some stragglers (you know who you were), they all took off, enjoying their ride and lunch at Bungendore. A few hours, and only a couple of minor breakdowns later, everyone started arriving back at the campsite, in time for the afternoon's entertainment.

Saturday afternoon was filled with Gymkhana, slow-ride and Show' n' Shine. The gymkhana was a bit slow to start after Bill demonstrated his expertise going around the circuit. I think at first nobody was game to follow, fearing they'd fail abysmally in comparison. Then gradually a few came forward, especially after Bill offered to lend his TV175 to anyone wanting to attempt the course. Things got interesting when Ziko tried to take his chopper around the course, getting stuck on some cones in the process. Other stand-out moments were watching riders get some air on the see-saw, and of course, Chris never fails to disappoint with his attire. He will forever now be known as “Pope Puddington”. The slow-ride was done differently this year. Rather than two at a time in a knock-out competition, everyone lined up to do it at the same time. What a sight! At first, I was amused to see Rappers going sideways in the wrong direction, then gradually one by one, as a foot went down, a Lammy would take off down the straight until there were only a few left, wobbling to the finish line. As for the Show 'n' Shine, well let's just say that Steve and I disappeared for a while to visit someone's impressive collection of rare scooters and cars nearby, so we missed the display and judging.

After we’d eaten and a brief speech to thank everyone who had helped make it a great weekend so far, a few people disappeared and some of us went back to the Rosella conference room for more drinks, a variety of music and more chatter. The night ended with some dancing to Northern Soul, where even Steve got up and gave his new knee a whirl (a sight to behold). We were disappointed when the night had to end because the music source ran out, although I'm sure it was much to the relief of any neighbours trying to sleep nearby since it was well after 1 am when we finished up. Who says Gen X/ Boomers are too old to party past midnight?
​

Easter Sunday morning was a slightly later start for our scheduled ride out. This time, I convinced Steve (“I F-ing hate ride-outs”) to join the ride, with me on the back of his Series 2. We had a nice ride under sunny blue skies, heading a bit further than the previous day, to a nice pub at Gunning, “The Telegraph Hotel” where we stopped for lunch. The route back to the campsite got a bit hairy though, as one of the back roads turned out to be quite diabolical - full of potholes – the worst I’ve ever encountered in my life. There were so many lumps and holes, they were impossible to dodge! God knows how it didn't end in disaster. Fortunately, everyone made it back to the campsite without any damage, and once we got over the initial shock of the experience, it made for a good story later. ​

Sunday afternoon involved more catching up, more drinking, and then after teasing our senses all afternoon with glorious scents coming from their cabins, the South East Asian Lambrettisti treated us to a delicious meal. As the sun set, we all sat out by the pool in the cool Canberra autumn air, enjoying the variety of tasty Asian food, company, music, and, of course, more drinks for our last evening together.

The meeting point at Brighton baths is always a great spot for classic motorcyclists and scooterists as a rendezvous for Vic riders for coffee catch ups and view the scenery across Port Philip bay.
Today it didn’t disappoint as 13 Classic Lambrettas from the late 50’s to late 70’s rolled in.
A mixture of colours and the usual smell of two stroke attracted holiday makers, joggers and beach goers to look at and take pictures of our Italian shopping trolleys, our pride and joys.
The customary chat with the locals and remarks of nice bikes mate, I used to have a Vespa in the 70’s ….. 

We left Brighton baths at 10-40 for the (usually) 45 min ride to Carrum beach.
The roads were packed with holiday makers trying to find a car parking spot as near as possible to beaches as the temp rose to 30+ for the first time in what had seem like ages.
The increase in riding time was inevitable , 40mins in and we approach Mordialloc roundabout just as, approx 25/30 bikers pull up along side us in the outside lane.
Leather clad and arms in the air grabbing hold of monkey bars the lead rider seemed to have arm width similar to size of my waist … I guess they need that arm strength though.
It took me back to 1982 and my first memory of a scooter ride to the New Forest and meeting up with the Modrophiniacs in Brockenhurst when about 100 bikers cruised passed us, tension was in the air in those days but not anymore 
As these Victorian bikers ( well most of em) gave a nod, or smile or a thumbs up to us and a glance down to our little 10” wheels.

We eventually arrive in Carrum just after 12pm as the hosts prepared our BBQ, 
Lambrettas all lined up for display to the Carrum locals and staff, we cooled down in the shade with Bevvies as we admired more local scenery :) .. and chatted tyre pressure and gear oil options.

Friday 19th
​
The day had arrived for the congregation of the WA clan to converge on the Kerem Camp Bullsbrook for the customary Jamboree event, the southern riders making their way to the meeting point The Pipers Pub in Currambine . The northern guys were in good numbers, and already tucking into Scottish breakfast and iron bru. With everyone feed and watered the next task was to obtain the last minute perishables and of course refreshments for the weekend (Beers) and overload the backup vehicles, with this complete the air was now filled with smoke and exhausts ringing out with the 25 riders making the short ride east to Kerem camp .
 
After settling in and finding your digs for the weekend, It wasn’t long before the usual pleasantries amongst the guys had commenced accompanied with the free flow of lubrication on the warm afternoon. The swimming pool area was offering some relief, and the usual banter and laughter rang out amongst the guys. As the day wore on into early evening the waft of Dean Hilditch’s curry began to fill the air overseen by chief John everything was in control to feed the now well-oiled troops.
The food went down well and was appreciated by the congregation, and of course hot curry meant more cold drinks being consumed to see most of the guys off into the late evening.
edit.

Saturday 20th
​
With the resident chief already in full swing it wasn’t long before we feasted on the full monty to set us up for the day ahead, as the morning was growing in temperature and some riders not feeling 100%, I wonder why, the ride out was unanimously canned with the guys happy chilling out around the camp. The Gymkhana course was now being set up ready for the enthusiastic riders to try and crack the layout. The scooter prepared by Terry Winters now needed a flogging. Before the main event it was feeding time again with Steve Leech and his merry helpers serving up light lunch of ham n cheese sandwiches.  Then it was to the back paddock and with the Official timekeeper Craig Robertson to get the first rider to set the pace and having completed it successfully the enthusiastic riders taking it in turn to chase Jay Lilly down.
With the guys giving it a good go the spills, crashes and abandoned runs where mounting up keeping the audience amused to the roar of graceful cheers and laughter, with close runs and many determined attempts Dom could not hunt Jay down who was the eventual overall winner. For the rest it was we give it go and had a bloody good time as ever. With the Gymkhana safely over the guy’s resumed keeping their fluids up until evening mealtime.

With Saturday’s evening dinner being served the lads got stuck into lamb kebabs and beer of course which went down a treat, after the food Steve Leech thanked everyone for the support of this year’s event and we had a presentation to The Gymkhana winner Jay who gladly excepted his voucher and tee shirt.

​Also merchandise left over was given out to the junior members parents attending the event and the volunteers for their help over the weekend.
The rest of the evening was spent finishing of the liquid supplies and piss taking resumed amongst the members as every into the late evening.

Sunday 21st
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Sunday morning broke and with some weary comrades in the ranks the thank full breakfast of bacon n eggs prepared them for the ride home, the clean-up of the camp commenced with everyone chipping in to leave it as we found it. The accustomed lining up of the scooters commenced and photos taken for the memories along with some last-minute tinkering.
Eventually we set out for the ride home only for the south guys needing a personal escort by Sid Barton to get us flying in the right direction cheers mate. Personally I would like to thank the Organisers Dean Hilditch, Steve Leech and all the volunteers who helped out over the event greatly appreciated, but not forgetting you our mates who have shown your support and commitment in keeping this Jamberee successful may long it continue.

Ride safe comrades.
​
Trev