2014 Island Classic. Photo courtesy of Kevin Eeles, Fotographico.
2014 Island Classic, International Challenge, January 2014
Since we came back from Perth, after the Australian Historic Championships and over a few sessions, where Trev and I solve the problems of the World, we had a plan to do a few jobs on The Mel Bristow PowerHouse Beastess to better her for the Island Classic. We had 8 weeks to turn these ideas into fruition. Although 8 weeks sounds like plenty of time, it goes quickly when you are waiting on parts. At the time of writing this story, we'll be heading to the Island in 5 days and there is still a lot of work to do.
I've done a top end rebuild, of the 1168cc engine, with a fresh hone and new rings, new valves and valve springs and set the cam timing. The engine is ready to go into the frame tomorrow. Trev modified a CBR 600 shock and that will have more adjustment. He also machined a bit off the linkages, to allow the 165 rear tyre, to move further forward in the Pro Link swing arm, as it was designed for a 130 tyre.
This will give us more options for wheel base and weight bias. Trev has been helping me a lot, but as a volunteer fire fighter, he has been called away to the Grampians, to help fight the bush fires and isn't expected back until Wednesday night. He will be tired at the Island, but he will rise to the occasion, as he is a very seasoned competitor.
There are near on 120 competitors in the Unlimited P5 class and it will be split into 3 categories. The Premier class, which is the Tahbilk International Challenge, where 40 of the best Unlimited P5 (and modern) riders from around the World, compete. Aussies v Kiwi's v Yanks v Poms. The Aussie's have some gun riders (including a few special guests) and we didn't make it into this team, but as the Kiwi's were short of a few riders this year, we were asked if we would like to compete for New Zealand.
Well with a choice of being in division 1, (there is also a division 2 for the slower competitors) or in the Premier class, mixing it with the big boys and receiving much more media coverage, we thought we'd give it a crack. After all, New Zealand is near enough to the East Island of Australia! We have also been practicing the lngwidge bro and we'll be taking down our chlly bn to keep the beers cold!
Since last May, we have been building a dyno room in the shed. It is now 99% complete and it is operational. Over this next week, it will get a work out running in the new top end and tuning the carbs and sorting out this new ignition system. Plenty to do this week, but we'll be at the Island giving it our best!
Rol.
