In action

The Timaru Herald

Mean machine: Grant Ramage aboard his 1991 Suzuki RGV 250, which was modified for Formula 2.

The Timaru Herald

Celebration: John Hepburn does a wheelstand on his Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa on Matai Rd in Southland after breaking the land-speed record, clocking 191.08mph in February 2000.

The Timaru Herald

Ground breaker: Timaru's Ray Johnston rides New Zealand's first Rickman, which was imported especially for him.

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The South Canterbury Motorcycle Club started in humble surroundings but with ambitious aims.

It was formed on September 24, 1909, at a meeting at Budds Cafe in the Timaru Arcade, with 15 enthusiasts present. Their aim was twofold: to hold regular social rides and competition events, but also to approach the various county councils to improve the roads, including building bridges across the many streams and water races in the region.

The fledgling club gained momentum quickly, and within four weeks had held its first competitive event, a hill climb at Grants Hill, Waimataitai, with 40 of the club's 52 financial members competing.

The rules were very detailed for the time, including the likes of "machines must not be pedalled beyond the intersection of Hobbs Lane with Old North Road, and no pedalling shall be allowed on the hill".

Weight rather than engine capacity separated competitors, with Class 1 riders under 12 stone (68 kilograms) and Class 2 over that weight.

From those early days, the club has developed into one of the most effective in the country. While it has only about 80 members, it still regularly holds national events, including motocross and circuit races.

The club has also produced seven national champions over its 100 years.

Ivan Boorer made his mark, winning seven national titles, his first on a 1951 Matchless G80C at the Open Hill Climb Championship in Nelson in 1958.

"That was the special one. I was really into racing against the clock, because you couldn't afford to make a mistake, as you couldn't catch up the time."

He took his final title in Oamaru in 1969 in the 500 Miniature TT on a Hagon 350. "It was a marvellous time, I enjoyed it immensely."

From 1958 to 1970, Boorer was a member of the South Island team on 10 occasions in the annual North vs South Motocross Championship meetings.

Ray Johnston was one of the first Kiwi pioneers to try his skills overseas, racing scrambles in the early 1960s. He worked between racing and learned from some of the best.

Johnston returned home and won two open motocross titles. Later, he set up New Zealand's first classic scramble at Taiko, an idea that took off all over the world.

Lew Murray and Russel Anderson won a New Zealand Sidecar Championship, as did Doug Chivas and Margaret Halliday.

Another to taste circuit success was Peter Waters. He won two Grands Prix and tasted success in longer events. He competed in nine six-hour races, with five top-five placings, and two solo rides.

Grant Ramage was a top production rider in the 1970s and 80s and took out the New Zealand Production Grand Prix, as well as two other national titles.

Another champion is John Hepburn, who is still racing, although it's on four wheels these days in the New Zealand V8 Championships. He is, however, the club's most successful and celebrated competitor, taking 12 national titles from 1992 to 2000.

Hepburn was handy on anything from the 250 production machine through to endurance and superbikes, and also raced seven times on the Isle of Man.

Hepburn also has a New Zealand land-speed record that still stands. He rode his Suzuki GSX 1300R Hayabusa on Matai Rd in Southland at a speed of 191.08mph (307.5kmh) in 2000.

Most of the national champions will be mixing with the other 300 expected at the gala dinner tomorrow at Caroline Bay Hall.

The weekend's events include a rally for road riders and tourers, based at Levels, with a mystery road trial in the region, classic and modern road racing at Levels, and a gravel hill climb at Taiko that will have a historic opening but is aimed at four-wheelers and dirt bikes.

Classic, twinshock and modern trials will be showing their stuff at Pleasant Point. At the Levels circuit, there will be vintage, classic and exotic motorcycle displays.

There is a classic scramble at Pleasant Point, plus modern motocross, so nobody has been left out.

Club president Chris Broadhead says it is offering locals the chance to come along and soak up some of the history of one of the country's pioneer motorcycle clubs.

"We'd love anyone interested to join us for a great weekend to mark the pioneer spirit of the club founders."

Guest speaker is speedway legend Ivan Mauger, who was world champion 15 times and one of New Zealand's first successful professional sportspeople. Mauger is bringing with him the Jawa bike on which he won his sixth world title in 1979, and another works machine.

- © Fairfax NZ News