It seems bizarre to think that it is nearly a year since the last Island Classic meeting at Phillip Island, but it is. So, in what has now become a tradition for me, tomorrow I head off down the Hume again to watch Australia’s best motorcycle race meeting. If you have never been to the Classic, you owe it to yourself to go as it is by far the best two wheel entertainment that you will find anywhere in the country. Over 350 riders and over 400 bikes make it a massive scale just by itself, but it isn’t just the size that matters.
What matters most about the Classic is the PEOPLE. Yes, there is every sort of racing bike that you can imagine, but the riders, their support crews, mechanics and assorted hangers-on are what really matters. Unlike the MotoGp event at the same venue where access to the pit enclosure is only for the rich and privileged, or the WSBK event where guided tours of the pits do not allow you to do your own thing, your ticket to the Classic grants you access to the pits, the garages and the amazing characters contained therein. Definitely the best value for money.
And the value also includes the number of races on the programme. Action on the track is almost constant with races for bikes built between the early part of last century right down to the 90’s. If you can’t find something to please you, then you’re too hard to please.
I will be working for Jim Race and the MotoPod crew again, sticking my nose in where it isn’t wanted and getting interviews with the main players for the podcast. As well I will be renewing many acquaintances from ICs before. This particularly applies to the internationals, many of whom I have come to know fairly well.
I am especially disappointed that my mad Texan mate, Ottis Lance, will not be there, but he will be there in spirit and vows to be back riding in 2016. His American compatriots are planning some fund-raising efforts while they are here to help offset his scarily growing medical bills. If you can help, drop in to Team USA garage and ask how.
Google maps tells me it is around 10 hours down the Hume so I will be getting an early start tomorrow. Watch this space as well as my Facebook statuses as I update from the venue. If you can’t get there, I’ll try to bring you the colour and the atmosphere as best I can.
Whoohoo, I can’t wait for tomorrow.