Arthur Grady Run
 Arthur Grady arrives back in Perth The VMCCWA met in Fremantle Saturday June 4 2011, to commemorate the journey accomplished by famous son of Fremantle, Arthur Grady in 1924, when he circumnavigated Australia, on a fore and aft, horizontally opposed twin, Granville Bradshaw designed Douglas. Note the billy hanging off the back of the waterbottle. As we know, Australian stockmen made tea in tin cans, and learnt how to swing them, so as to centrifuge the tealeaves to the bottom of the can. 5 months later, to rapturous applause, Arthur Grady returned to
Fremantle, in early 1925, after one of the most epic journeys in
motorcycling history. Also pictured, are an Ariel sidecar, and a 1924
AJS which actually performed a re-enactment in 1994, the AJS was ridden
by a lady rider. The 1925 Douglas shown is a replica of the Grady
machine, carefully rebuilt by George Stephenson, after lengthy research
into the Grady Run. The event was organised through Alex Marshal, VMCCWA member.
44 bikes, many vintage and post vintage, to pay homage and to
perform a celebratory lap around Fremantle, after being started off by
Fremantle mayor, Mr Brad Petitt.
John
Besides, when do you ever get two prewar DKWs together for the same shot?
John Wightman
      As reported in the last Chatter and described by Alex (when he finally got the dates right) at our last meeting this run will take place on Saturday 4 June as part of the City Fremantle’s annual Heritage Festival. The event will consist of a short run and a static display
outside the So 85 years later we are calling on all members to gather at
the Fremantle Town Hall 12 And just to make it all a little more fun the Mayor of
Fremantle Dr Brad Pettitt will address the members
and the City of So get out in the shed get tinkering and polishing and lets show the good people of Fremantle some fine living West Australian motorcycling Heritage!
Arthur
Grady Ride and Display Fremantle Heritage Festival Saturday 4 June The Arthur Grady Ride and Display will take place
on The order of the Day will be: · Assemble
· Ride
around Fremantle 1030 – 1100 · Static
Display 1100 – 1400 · BBQ
Lunch from 1130 · Depart
There will be two meeting spots: Either: Kings Square Fremantle enter Square from intersection of High Street and Queen Street Fremantle From 0900 Or
Meet at the Hilton Park Bowling Club Sheppard
Street Hilton (nearest main intersection Those wishing to trailer their bikes most of the way, but don’t mind a short ride to the square can park trailers at the Hilton Park Bowling club, then ride down in a group at 0930. Any one bringing bikes on trailers, in vans or utes that will not be ridden on the day will need to notify Barry O’Byrne on 0418 936 254 for drop off and parking instructions. The main Ride will commence at 1030 from the Dave Weeks is preparing a route sheet for a short
ride from the town Hall down to The ride is open to all pre War bikes. However we
welcome all bikes for the display in the square. There will be a section for
Pre War near the town Hall, a section for post war bikes up to 1986 then a
section for all other bikes. The City of Any Further queries please contact: Barry
O’Byrne - 0418 936 254 / Alex Marshall
9432 9716 or 0405 307 126
Here are a couple of photos of the afternoon:
Bill Cowlin pretending to be Arthur Grady aboard George Stevensons Dougy
The assembled members await their Cully’s Pies and Sausage rolls
Mayor of Fremantle Dr Brad Pettitt gives Kevin’s Hederson a run
and
Kevin will be interviewed for Caporn Young Magazine –
which is delivered directly into over 25,000 Western Suburbs Homes. So if any
members live out that way look out for Kevin in your
mail box! --o-- See also Kevin Cass reenactment here |
