My day started at around seven o’clock and the weather looked a bit iffy, but as I left and proceeded north it started to improve. The prospect of a ride through the pleasant country around Maldon and Castlemaine filled me with a sense of anticipation and a desire to ride my motorcycle in any weather, but fine if possible.

The trip over from Invermay (Ballarat) was uneventful but very pleasant. The further I went towards the destination; The North British Mine in Maldon, the better the weather became. On arriving I was surprised to find that no one else had arrived before me. But not to worry the white flash coming up the road behind me proved to be a van loaded with a lot of motorcycles and a trailer that was so crammed that not another thing could fit. In a very short time there were bikes of all descriptions and people unloading and things became very busy very quickly.

As I was unloading my bike and checking things over I overheard someone say that the kettle had boiled. This was welcome news to my ears as I had left home without having breakfast or a cuppa.

We were all ready for a refreshing cuppa and something to eat. Hot drinks are always appreciated by us all but especially by the people that travel long distances to take part in a rally.

Then a sound of music could be heard coming up the road, Joe on the AJS came around the corner and turned in ready for the days event. Then the Maldon came around the corner of Maldon road and sounded very sweet. Greg must be very proud of this bike and it is enjoyed by all who see it.

Dave arrived and unloaded his 1906 Minerva, a great effort to come such a distance for the ride. Looking around there seemed to be Minerva’s everywhere. I hear that during the rally that one passed a Triumph on a long hill as if the Triumph was stopped. This is only hearsay but it could be true though.

At the start of the rally, the directions were given out by Greg and we were ready to go. The bikes started off in twos, starting with the oldest, then the next two and so on. One bike which shall remain unnamed refused to start, but never missed a beat all day once running. We regrouped at the bus shelter where from our vantage point we could see a train, it was a very early model but not being a train buff I cannot tell you what sort it was.

We could tell that the people with the trains were enjoying their hobby the same as we were enjoying our old bikes.

Then Malcolm came around the corner on his 1904 Alcyon, this was running very well and Kylie set out on the 1915 P&M, her bike started very well and ran well all day. Ben was cruising along on the Monopole and enjoying the day. All was well and the day became hotter towards lunch.

I was riding quietly along on my A.J.S enjoying the countryside when a Scott went past as if I was standing still, I could see a huge smile on the rider’s face as he went past. I was not the only one having a good ride.

The picturesque ride through the undulating country to Castlemaine was something to behold and can only be described by saying ‘You had to be there.’

Arriving at the pub in Castlemaine for lunch we parked in front of the oval. The publican was in a bit of turmoil, as twice as many people had turned up for lunch as he was expecting. The good weather had brought out the riders. The catering staff coped and in the end there was more than enough food for all.

After lunch we regrouped at the Muckleford Fire Shed and then had a leisurely ride back to the mine in Maldon. Once again there was a cuppa and more food ready for the riders.

Thankyou to Merralyn for the morning and afternoon tea. As always it was delicious and beautifully presented.

Special thanks must go to the backup crew and all of the others that were present. Also a special mention to the rally organisers and the marshals, for without these people and the people behind the scenes these rallies are not possible.

A special mention goes to the Royal Enfield rider who had so much fun that after he had loaded his bike he drove off heading home dragging his ramp. The rider and everyone had a good laugh.

The Tiddlers Run was a great success and hopefully we will have another rally for these bikes soon.

Don

Bikes included:

1904 Alcyon                                 1905 Maldon/Minerva

1906 Minerva                               1906 Minerva

1911 Triumph                               1912 K & M

1913 Rover                                  1913 Peerless

1914 Triumph                               1914 Triumph

1914 Triumph                               1915 P & M

1918 Royal Enfield                        1923 Excelsior

1924 Monopole                            1924 A.J.S

1926 A.J.S                                   1927 A.J.S

1927 A.J.S                                   1929 Sunbeam

1929 Super X                               1930 Scott