Norton Gathering April 2015

Post date: Apr 19, 2015 8:23:42 AM

Although there was a threat of rain a glorious autumn day saw the annual north side Norton gathering at the Road Warrior Café at Mount White today.

A total of 24 Nortons assembled outside the café to show off what was a snapshot of the history of the marquee.

Oldest bike of the day was the beautifully presented 1911 Model 490 which made the journey from town.It is wonderful to see these old bikes still being ridden today. It should be remembered that the little Model 490 was built 4 years before the Anzac landing at Gallipoli which is having its one hundred year anniversary this year.

It is important that these vintage machines remain roadworthy and on the road and as a club of course that is exactly what we encourage.

Commandos once again provided the largest number of bikes on the day but with assorted ES2s, Atlas and Dominators on display there was something for everyone. I am always amazed at the effort that owners put in to maintaining their bikes. I might even wash my Commando one day but I prefer to call it patina rather than road dirt.

It was great to see a sparkling Dunstall Norton arrive to add a bit of spice to the day. These are surely a very rare bike indeed.

A special mention should go to our friends from the Hunter and the Central Coast for making the journey and proudly flying the Norton flag.

It was unfortunate that no modern 916 Norton was able to make trip but hopefully we may get to see one at our spring gathering at Stanwell Park and I look forward to seeing friends and bikes, old and new, there.

Frank Loveridge, Norton Owners Club of NSW, Road Warrior Café Mount White 19 April 2015