Rotary & Ulysses Clubs Wodonga Show & Shine Bike Spectacular

THE VENUE for the Show & Shine Bike Spectacular had changed to a larger area on the causeway of the Gateway Lakes to accommodate the added interest from all and sundry. Col, the mover and shaker from Rotary Wodonga, had passed the organising baton to George who wisely had enlisted the aid of Albury-Wodonga Ulysses Club to help out. The popularity of this event was making it bigger than Ben Hur.

George also had the Ulysses panel judge the bike categories—smart move, not an enviable task at the best of times.

More than 1300 punters reportedly passed through the gate not counting the curtain climbers as they were free. More than 170 bikes were on display in 20 categories. Trophies by the score, a memorabilia auction, loudest bike competition, and more than 24 trade stalls kept everyone entertained throughout the day.

There were many and varied bikes on display from near and far with some entries coming from 300 km south in Melbourne.

The real beauty of these events is to check out the old bikes and catch up with mates from ‘days of yore’. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time to reminisce and check out all the gleaming bikes.

Some really nice custom Harleys this year to challenge the judges mettle. A couple of rigids, one a very neat and tidy Shovel Sporty with a springer front-end; another an acid-flashback Shovel extended rigid complete with ‘way out there’ front-end, metal flake paintwork and scroll engraving on the engine—whoa baby!

Heath had his Genny Shovel there—beautifully rebuilt with apes and flaming skull paintwork. Fitting really as the bike used to belong to Shane who had to bail out on a ride when the bike caught fire beneath him!

Then there were the classics and vintage bikes—that are not often before the public gaze—meticulously restored and polished to within an inch of their lives. 

Spud was there with a brace of Indians in fine fettle—one of which he had just completed a ride to Darwin. In fact, there were Indians everywhere. General Custer would have been having nightmares! Neil had his ’44 model with sidecar, an ex-police bike that he inherited from his old man. It was completely original and unrestored—a terrific looking machine. His daughter has her eyes on it now.

Then there was a 1965 Sporty, ex-military police, again completely original and unrestored with panniers still intact.

Beats me how these bikes have survived unmolested!

In the past this event has raised more than $11,000 towards Kidney Research. This year all funds raised, approximately $5000, will be split between Childhood Cancer Research and the Ulysses fundraiser, Arthritis Research.

Article submitted by Stewie from Albury