Trans Tasman Challenge – Newsletter March 2007

On 11^th February a meeting was called after racing at the Nationals at Meremere of all bike riders (and crew and supporters) to discuss the upcoming Trans Tasman Challenge early in 2008.

The purpose of the meeting was to drum up interest and support for this coming challenge.

The first challenge was in 1993 and the trophy we donated left the country after this challenge and it has never been back since although we did get close last year.  We want to see it come back and we also want to show our Aussie counterparts (who have all become very good friends – in fact we had a group of three who came all the way over here to crew for one of their Kiwi mates for the Nationals; I am sure you will agree, that is friendship) a real good time as they always do for us.  In order to do this, we need support.  We need support for accommodation, funds to assist the Aussies expenses (fuel for racing, transportation of bikes, meals etc), and racers to win back that trophy.[1] 

So what we want is for you to show your support by either becoming a member of the Quarter Mile Club (membership of $65 for riders, and $50 for non-riders, and then you can race the Aussies when they come over) or suggest any way you may be able to help whether it be fundraising or a donation or more practical assistance.

We had a ball on the 2006 trip, we are doing it again in 2009 and would love you to join us so here is a contribution from the people behind the scenes (you know, the ones you always forget to thank when you collect your trophies) to let you know what you really missed.

Arrived in Brisbane and some of us attended the Winternationals there.

Then we flew into MacKay to an All Bike meeting (imagine that; no waiting in hot sun in full leathers while they clean up the oil spills from the cars).  This was a short stay, only long enough for the racing but it still meant getting our container to Makay, unloading, preparation of bikes and then, of course, the reverse order to go to Darwin. 

Mackay’s track is in the middle of the sugar cane fields.  So, what is your point you may ask.  Well, you know Australia is full of nastie creepy crawlie things, we wondered about the dreaded cane toads (and snakes) when we were there and on the first trip to the loo at the track (which had been unused for a few weeks) we realised “we were not alone”.  Snuggled comfortably in the toilet bowl was a pair of beady eyes and slimy looking body.  Needless to say, the trip to the loo was aborted until we found some brave male species who were willing to deal with the problem with a high pressure hose (there were some of these “things” hiding under the toilet seats as well).  We later discovered they were not cane toads but harmless (and protected) “tree” frogs.  (Sorry no photos available.)

Our Aussie counterparts met us at airports (even though when we flew in and out of Darwin when all flights were around 1.00am and some of us found it hard to stay up that late),

They organised for our container to be picked up and transported to Darwin, made sure we all had accommodation, and were made to feel right at home.  Darwin was a longer stay and we got to do lots more things (yes guys, there is more to life than dragracing). (No, there's not - Ed).

We met some locals

Then met some bigger locals

Found time to relax at the five star accommodation they offered (remember this is the middle of winter).

It all came to an end way too soon and our hosts were transporting us all to the airport (don’t forget this was 1.00am) and some of us were getting pretty tired.

where we flew to Brisbane and caught up with one of our original 1993 challenge friends who took us out for morning tea to fill in time until our flight to NZ, where we met more locals.

And then back home to reminisce and look forward to a return challenge. Don't you want to be part of it?  Start now by becoming a MQMC member!