Believe it or not, motorcycling is not, as you would expect, purely a young man’s, or woman’s, preserve.
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Statistics have shown in Victoria and most likely in the other states of Australia as well, that of more than 400,000 Victorians with a current motorcycle licence or permit, 69 per cent are 60 years or over and four per cent over 70 years of age.
In vintage club terms, motorcycles are expected to be at least 30 years of age and their riders’ age quite often range between 70 and 80 years old.
Hence we see that many of the Asian manufacturers have eligible machines in motorcycle clubs and I don’t have any argument against that either, providing they pass the 30 year criteria.
These motorcycles have proved their worth in reliability, technology and comfort and there aren't many club members who haven’t got a Japanese made motorcycle in their current collection.
For everyday riding and club events, they are easy starters, good stoppers, lights and indicators that work well and more or less easy to maintain.
Wet or dry conditions don’t seem to be a hindrance to performance, depending on the experience of the rider but they still have only two wheels and cannot be taken for granted.
I have noticed on car number plates from the south the words "Stay alert, stay alive” which I consider a commonsense maxim.
When I was much younger I thought more of speed and power, as I have survived those years, I embrace less power and less speed, a recipe for a longer life.
To summarise, it could be argued or deduced that motorcycling is not entirely a young person’s preserve as senior riders share the statistics, even quite substantially.
Calendar of club events
Saturday, September 2: Pop-up motorcycle show at Stuarts Point Men’s Shed barabcue, leaving 8.30am at the Taree tourist information centre.
Sunday, September 3: Rusty Iron Rally at Macksville, leaving 9.30am at the tourist information centre.
Wednesday, September 6: Mid-week ride to Johns River, leaving 9.30am at the tourism information centre.
Saturday and Sunday, September 9 and 10: Ragged Fringe Rally, Bretti Reserve.
Sunday, September 10: Bowls day at Combiyne, with Port Macquarie and Natureland clubs, leaving 8.30am at the tourism information centre.
Wednesday, September 13: Riders’ choice, three venues, 9.30am respectively.
Friday to Sunday, September 15 to 17: Northern Rivers Rally at Evans Head.
Sunday, September 17: Central Coast swap meet.
Sunday, September 17: President’s ride, TBA, leaving 9.30am at the tourism information centre.
Monday, September 18: Club monthly meeting at the Airport Tavern, Cundletown, 7.30pm.
