Mount Clarence rumbles as old blokes on old bikes fang to the top

ALBANY continued its weekend in the sunshine (well, kinda) today with the running of the 2016 Albany Vintage & Classic Motorcycle Club Hill Climb.

The event is technically a time trial in which riders on pre-1980 machines nominate an elapsed time up the Mount then try to match it. The winner was Jim Russell and his 1000cc 1957 Ariel Square Four sidecar. Lovely rig, too.

But, time trial or not, for most the event is a good old-fashioned fang to the top as fast as their bikes will go.

The collection of bikes, just like yesterday’s show-and-shine in the Albany town centre, was wonderful. Many are dusted off once a year just for this event. And not only dusted off — tuned and fettled so they can hang together for a jolly good gallop.

The rain came in and spoiled the party a bit. The track started to get slippery, so proceedings were called to a halt early.

But not before a whole bunch of old and older guys on old and older bikes had a mighty fine time.

We took a bunch of pics then climbed aboard the LeMans and fanged it back to Perth.

CAPTION: And the winner is .. the bear in the chair! Jim Russell's slick Arial Square proved it was not just a pretty face by taking the overall win at the hill climb. The old beast bearly raised a sweat. — CAPTION: And the winner is .. the bear in the chair! Jim Russell’s slick Arial Square was a hit at Saturday’s show and shine, then proved it was not just a pretty face by taking the overall win at the hill climb. The old beast bearly raised a sweat.

CAPTION: The Norton Manx was the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world through the 1950s. Created largely to put Norton on the podium at the Isle of Man, it did just that. The 500cc version was said to be good for 130mph. This beauty is owned by Bill Payne. Lucky bugger.

CAPTION: Bob O'Leary's 1963 Norton/Jap 500 was a show-stopper. Love the air-cooled front brake. — CAPTION: Bob O’Leary’s 1963 Norton/Jap 500 was a show-stopper. Love the air-cooled front brake.

CAPTION: Attention to detail on Alan Wells' 750cc 1972 Yamaha XS650 (you know what we mean) was stunning. — CAPTION: Attention to detail on Alan Wells’ 750cc 1972 Yamaha XS650 (you know what we mean) was stunning.

CAPTION: Kelvin Mears held court aboard his 1936 Norton 500 International. It sounded sweet.

CAPTION: Spotless 1975 Honda 500 owned by Mike Stephenson. Neighbouring Bultaco wasn’t too shabby either.

CAPTION: Open wide and say 'ahhh'. — CAPTION: Open wide and say ‘ahhh’.

CAPTION: Sneaky Z1 hid behind a tree to avoid paparazzi. — CAPTION: Sneaky Z1 hid behind a tree to avoid Paparazzi Pete.

CAPTION: Self-steering Beemer was way ahead of its time.

CAPTION: We're not sure whether was huge or his tiny, but they set a fair pace up Mount Clarence. — CAPTION: We’re not sure whether Gary Tenardi was huge or his 1935 Ariel 500 was tiny, but it didn’t seem to matter. They set a fair pace up Mount Clarence.

CAPTION: Just crouch and keep it nailed. — CAPTION: Andrew Hyland had the technique right on his 1956 BSA Bantam 150. Just crouch and keep it nailed.

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