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Friday 1 March 2024
Old Thumpers hits thirty
Riders lean into a corner on the Onekaka track at the 30th Old Thumpers classic scramble last Sunday. Photo: Jo Richards. JO RICHARDS
Old Thumpers, Golden Bay ’s classic scramble, celebrated its 30th anniversary last Sunday. From mid-morning to late afternoon, the sound of vintage motorcycles at full chat could be heard as they sped around the track on Alan and Shelley Palmer’s Onekaka farm. The symphony of exhaust notes produced by the air-cooled engines created a fitting soundtrack to the action taking place in the natural amphitheatre, which was overlooked by the large crowd of spectators. Although the event is largely about socialising and showcasing old machines, riders regularly “give it the beans”, which produces plenty of thrills – and occasional spills. If there are any such spills, or breakdowns, it is Alan who comes to the rescue with his quad bike and trailer. The two-wheeled motorcycles – of varying vintage and in many shapes and sizes – all have three things in common: according to rules laid down for the inaugural 1994 event,
machines must be pre-1980s, twin-shock, aircooled, and fitted with drum brakes. Other rules mean riders are allotted into one of three age categories: Juniors (up to 16), Veterans (50 and over), and Super Vets (60 and over). Ben Smith, who along with his partner, Lola Clouston, and the Old Thumpers committee organised the event, was pleased with the number of entrants, which he said was “just shy of 100”. One not included in that number was dad Malcolm Smith who has participated in almost every Old Thumpers meeting over the last three decades. Malcolm explained that he was sitting this one out in order to avoid the risk of an injury that could scupper an upcoming twoweek motorcycling holiday. Nevertheless, his treasured 1968 Rickman BSA would be seeing action, thanks to his son who was happy to grab the handlebars. “Riding a BSA Rickman is a real treat and I'm very privileged to ride such a rare and exotic machine,” said Ben. Making himself heard above the constant cacophony of revving engines, Paul Sangster
helped to keep the riders on schedule and regularly reminded the crowd of the dozens of sponsors who make the event possible. His PA announcements could be clearly heard by the numerous Mohua MenzShed marshals dotted around the track, and as far as the start line where Steve Webster was on duty, as he has been almost every year, lining up the starters before releasing the bungy cord and letting the eager riders loose. Over a lunchtime pit-stop, riders, support crew, and spectators refuelled while bikes were checked and running repairs carried out. Operating from their makeshift bases on the paddock above the track, enthusiasts from across New Zealand and as far away as Queensland, Australia, revealed their shared passion for the veteran machines – and for the Old Thumpers gathering. Amongst them, Brian Aldridge from Christchurch said, with the exception of two absences, he had been to the event “every year for the past 30 years”. Continued on page 2
Port Tarakohe plan JO RICHARDS
Tasman District Council’s Port Tarakohe Structure Plan continues to develop. Another step forward was taken on Tuesday at a public feedback session in Pōhara on the Issues and Options Report. The document, published in June 2023, outlines eight key issues and a set of possible responses to issues such as planning, legislation, and development. Via its online Shape Tasman portal, TDC invited respondents to identify “… any options and issues that are missing from the report but should have been included”. Tuesday’s drop-in session was an opportunity to discuss these in person with key members of the project team; consultant Stephanie Styles and TDC policy planner Tania Bray. When The GB Weekly arrived at the Pōhara Boat Club around 1.30pm, Richard Struthers of the Golden Bay Cycle and Walkways Society was outlining his group’s concerns about the potential increasing risk posed to cyclists and pedestrians using the stretch of road between the port and Pōhara. The society has been pushing for a shared path and was dismayed to discover that a statement made in the report concerning planning for such a development, referred to the society’s work not TDC’s, and furthermore there appeared to be no provision under the Long Term Plan to fund safety improvements, nor was there an acknowledgment of the Council's obligations under the TRMP. Speaking after Richard’s departure, Stephanie said it had been a busy day. “We’ve had a lot around moorings and marina and recreational activities… and about the separation of commercial and recreational issues.” Tania explained that information gathered from “20 years of speaking to the community” had a captured the issues and the session was about ratification: “… making sure we haven’t left anything out”. The complex pattern of ownership, zoning, and use within the compact port area means there are multiple stakeholders and competing interests, and it is these that the Structure Plan aims to reconcile. “It’s about finding the best answer to a small area with lots of usage,” said Tania. The solution, which inevitably involves compromise and prioritisation, will be presented in a draft Structure Plan that defines future development at Tarakohe. The draft is likely to be published in a few months’ time, followed by further public consultation to inform the final document.
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THE GB WEEKLY, FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2024
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