Final preparations by riders, volunteers and organisers are at fever pitch in anticipation of the 2012 Honda Broadford Bike Bonanza (HBBB), set down for Easter weekend 7-8 April.
The 2012 instalment is looking to be one of the biggest classic events so far, with a mix of new and familiar faces joining the entry list and a staggering 490 bikes already registered. As in past years, there is anticipation that there will be a sign-on rush on Easter Saturday with organisers doubling the sign-on staff to manage demand.
A main attraction of the 2012 HBBB will be the Gala Dinner on Saturday night, featuring interviews with Honda MX GP International Jeff Leisk, fifteen times World Speedway, Teams and Longtrack Champion Ivan Mauger and UK Honda Endurance Road Racer and Isle of Man winner Charlie Williams.
The Gala is a chance to meet some of Australia's motorcycling greats in a relaxed atmosphere, and enjoy a meal from renowned Goulburn Valley Chef Bernard Hayes, along with wines by Tahlbik and other drinks available at bar prices. Seats are still available, with tickets on sale at the State Motorcycle Sport Complex's front office and sign on.
Saturday evening will also see IMR Speedway Spectacular spring to life from 4:30pm, featuring the insanely fast period sidecars as well as solos, and Mauger demonstrating Jack Young's Championship bikes.
The surprise of the event is the groundswell for an idea to celebrate Honda's Motocross involvement in Australia and the recognition of the start of scrambling or motocross from the 1960s to the 1980s. A special display of all Honda Motocross models from 1973 to 1984 will be held in the newly finished Speedway shed on Friday evening, and will feature an ultra-rare Honda Factory RC 500 and other equally stunning Mugen Honda MX models.
The bikes will be accompanied with memorabilia lining the walls and stars from the past will be interviewed. Ray Owen, Ronnie Disdale, Jack Pengelly, Keith Stacker, Rob Gordon, Murray Tainton, Bernie Ryan, Gary Flood, Neil Edney and a host of others have turned this into a full-on Motocross reunion.
The Motocross Reunion evening, starting at 6pm on Good Friday, will be complemented with the launch of Roger Harvey's book 'Scrambling Downunder,' featuring lots of never-before-seen shots of the stars of the day. The evening is an included treat for those who have signed on for the weekend, with access also available with a Saturday One Day ticket ($25). A casual Fish and Chip dinner and drinks will be available.
