Under bright blue Queensland winter skies, thousands turned out today (August 18) for the annual Laverda Concours, the biggest bike show in Queensland.
While exhibit numbers were down from 170 last year to 144 this year, organisers estimated crowds were up at the Cleveland Showgrounds event.
A strong showing of 35 club tents and 30-trade stalls backed up rows and rows of sparkling entries – everything from a purple monkey bike with a K&N filter through to nitrous choppers and a patriotic-themed Can Am Spyder and trailer.
A crowd favourite was Steve Campbell’s “lady luck” 1993 Yamaha XV250 Virago replete with eight balls, roulette wheels, two-up coins, cards and dice. He secured second in the street special category.
Riders were entertained by the Dave Ritter Band reeling out the years of golden rocking oldies.
The Laverda Concours was postponed from the previous month because of rain, but the weather could not have been any more perfect.
However, the event has been rained out so many times, organisers are looking for a new venue.
It used to be held under the Story Bridge until a few years ago when council decided it was too big for the area, so the organisers shifted it to the much bigger Cleveland Showgrounds.
I’ve judged the concours before and it’s a tough job with so many bikes and such high quality.This year’s major category winners are:
Best Club Display: Vintage Japanese Club
Judges award of Special merit: Peter Gibbs, Biggs Cycle Car
Best paint: John England, Can-Am Spyder
Best Japanese: Graeme Knight, 1968 Honda 90cc
Best American: Jack Molka, 2005 American iron Horse Slammer
Best British: Glynn Leitch, 1965 BSA Lightning Rocket
Best BMW: John Oliver, 1981 BMW 1000cc
Best Moto Guzzi: Damien Keast, 1985 T5
Best Ducati: Wayne Sanderson, 1973 750 GT
Best Laverda: House, 1974 750cc
Colin (Rad) Morton Memorial: Steve, Guzzi Club
Best in Show: Wayne Sanderson, 750 GT Ducati
The family event raised funds for the Make a Wish Foundation. Major sponsors include MotoDry, Morgan and Wacker, Brisbane Motorcycles, TeamMoto, and Bayside Yamaha.
