2022 Broadford Bike Bonanza was vintage heaven

After a two-year hiatus, the 2022 Broadford Bike Bonanza finally returned over the Easter weekend, with this edition of the popular festival open to all pre-95 motorcycles.

Held at the State Motorcycling Complex in Victoria, there was an array of options for entrants and spectators to indulge in, such as road racing, trials, dirt track, speedway, enduro, motocross, and sidecars. Situated just over an hour from Melbourne, and only minutes from the Hume Highway, the Broadford complex is easily accessible, and there’s plenty of camping available.

Prior to the COVID-19 interruptions the event was open to bookings only, but this year the organisers offered at-the-gate rider and spectator entry. With lower than usual numbers expected, this was a great way to curb people’s hesitancy after such an uncertain couple of years.

Two long years of lockdowns meant this year had a significant additional element of catching up with friends from the bike fraternity. Motorcycling friends are like family and we hadn’t seen many since the Bonanza way back in 2019.

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The weather could not have been better if it was scripted, with blue skies and warm nights perfect for long days at the track and camping. The weekend had such a feel good factor. It was like stepping back in time, and that’s not just because of the huge range of bikes from yesteryear on display and in action. It’s the traditional bike rally format, with camping, a swap meet and displays and, without the pressure of competition everyone is relaxed, with plenty of time for a chat.

We piloted the Australian built 1300cc Irving Vincent-powered P4 (pre-1972 spec) sidecar outfit on Saturday. Over the past few years we’ve had some great success together with this machine, taking out the sidecar class at the prestigious Historic Winton event two years running. After frustratingly having to abandon our Australian Classic Championship efforts due to COVID-19 it was great to get out on track together and experience the thrill that only a sidecar can provide.

Cam also cut some laps on the 1600cc 2-valve Irving Vincent-powered machine that took Craig McMartin to victory in the ‘Battle of the twins’ event at Daytona in 2008.

‘Sir’ Alan Cathcart was there as a VIP guest and to host the Saturday evening K-Tech gala dinner. It was there Sir Al presented both Ron Kivovitch and Ron Angel with the event’s Motorcycling Legend awards, both being more than worthy of their awards for their contribution to motorcycle sport for decades.

Not one to miss an opportunity, Sir Alan sampled some of the Australian-built Irving Vincent machines in attendance, in particular the P4 bike on which Beau Beaton recently won the Australian Classic championships. Well-known road racing front runner from the 1970’s, Bob Rosenthal, also took great pleasure in sampling the Irving Vincent bikes.

There was a long list of Australian Superbike greats at the road circuit over the weekend too, including ex-factory Yamaha rider Michael Dawson and former multiple Australian Superbike title-holder Shawn Giles. Current Australian Superbike champ Wayne Maxwell was also at the circuit before joining Saturday night’s gala dinner.

New Zealand speedway legend Mitch Shirra provided plenty of entertainment on the dirt track, especially during the Saturday Speedway Spectacular.

The 50th anniversary of the launch of the iconic Kawasaki Z1 in 1972 was worthy of a celebration.

There was a fantastic display of Z1s supported by Kawasaki Motors Australia, and they did a lunchtime parade lap on Saturday and Sunday.

The Bonanza is always pencilled into our calendar at Easter. It’s a brilliant chance to catch up with friends and to see and experience some iconic bikes over the entire range of racing disciplines that our state motorcycling complex has to offer.

If you haven’t made the pilgrimage before we would highly recommend it for 2023. Enter your pre-95 bikes to enjoy some non-competition, albeit often competitive, track time, or simply catch the shuttle bus, ride, or stroll around the festival.