The pre-1950 classic machines will be touring the Snowy-Monaro over October 14-15, with plenty of opportunities for enthusiasts to see them up close.

The oldest machine entered is a very rare 99-year old 1918 Wolseley entered by George Keats. However, there will also be plenty of interest in four Rudge bikes from the 1930s, four Ariels, two AJS and five Vincent HRDs. 

Vincents, especially the 1948 twin cylinder models, were the Superbikes of the era, and all the models taking part over the weekend had engines designed by the brilliant Australian engineer Phil Irving. 

Much later, Irving designed the three-litre RB260 engine that powered Jack Brabham’s 1966 Formula 1 car that won both the Formula 1 Drivers Championship and Manufacturers Championship of that year. 

The prime attraction for the entrants is riding the uncrowded scenic sealed roads of the Snowy-Monaro region, which will be even more so this year with plenty of snow clearly visible along the mountain skyline.

The event is also renowned for its social aspect which this year will include morning tea at Adaminaby, lunch in Jindabyne and dinner at the Cooma Car Club Clubhouse on Saturday night, all providing opportunities for the historic bike enthusiasts to get together and talk about their machines and the day’s adventures. 

The best place to see the bikes and riders is the Cooma Car Club clubhouse, 11 Bolaro St, Cooma

Head along from 2pm Friday, October 13 when a number of riders are expected to head out on a short “tune-up” run.

Then on Saturday check out the motorcycles at the clubhouse between 8-9am ahead of the day’s 225km  journey.

There will also be rest stops and spectator opportunities at the big trout in Adaminaby on Saturday 10-11am and Jindabyne Bowling Club 12-1pm

On Sunday, riders will again gather at the clubhouse from 8.30-9.30am for briefing and coffee before departing for the morning’s 76km trip to Nimmitabel and return.