41ST ALL BRITISH RALLY

For fans of British motorcycles, the All British Rally (ABR) needs no introduction. For those that aren’t familiar with this annual event, it’s the largest rally of its type in the southern hemisphere. That means a LOT of British motorcycles in one place.
The event has been hosted by the BSA Motorcycle Owners Association (BSAMOA) since 1977, and the Association does a great job in organising and co-ordinating activities for hundreds of British bike owners, as well as their families, friends and visitors who make the trek to the Rally’s campgrounds, many of whom come from interstate.
Held at Newstead (near Castlemaine) in country Victoria, the weekend event is now something of an institution for the British bike faithful, with highlights including a street display in a nearby location that most Rally entrants get involved in, as well as rides around the district.
At the campground, there are trade stalls with everything from riding and casual gear to tools and accessories, as well as those hard-to-find spares and other bike bits.
Riders that enter the Rally on one Brit bike have the chance to leave with two, as a giveaway bike goes to only lucky pre-paid ABR entrant each year. In 2017, the gate prize bike was a BSA B31/33 single.

Bikes, Bikes, Bikes
With live music and a bar, there’s plenty to keep Rally entrants entertained, but most would agree that the real entertainment comes from catching up with old mates, checking out newly-bought or freshly-restored machines that are making their ABR debut, as well as the chance to just wander the campground and see a multitude of British bikes, covering all eras, types and conditions.
All the familiar British brands are there, with BSA, Triumph, Norton, Matchless and AJS well represented, as you’d expect. But you’ll also find the more elite marques, like Vincent, Scott and Velocette, as well as a rare gem or two, plus makes and models you probably haven’t even heard of. This year, a ‘Regnis’ took that award in the eyes of many.
Speaking of awards, the ABR sees more than two dozen trophies presented, covering all the usual rally standards, like ‘Best Bike’ and ‘Longest Distance Travelled’, but being a British rally, there are plenty of marque-specific trophies, too, as well as trophies for two strokes, outfits, competition models and more.

A Rider’s Rally
Don’t think the ABR is all stock bikes and gleaming restos, either. A lot of bikes the entrants take to the ABR are long-term rides - well-used and cherished examples – making the event a real “rider’s rally”.
If custom bikes are more your scene, you’re bound to spot a modified Brit creation at the ABR. This year, a pair of Triumph-based bobbers that were the standouts, but rat bikes, café racers and choppers appear, too.
Above all, the ABR is a real traditional-style bike rally – roughing it (at least a bit!) in the campground and exploring the district with like-minded enthusiasts.
Having missed the ABR for the past few years, including last year’s big 40th Anniversary event, I attended this year’s Rally and was glad I did. What follows are some of the highlights I captured at the 41st ABR.

Thanks to members of the BSAMOA for assistance with this article.

Find out More

If this report has given you a desire to get to a future ABR, or you’re a BSA owner and want to team up with fellow Beezer owners and enthusiasts, the BSAMOA would love to hear from you.
The club website – bsa.asn.au – carries galleries of past ABRs (including regular updates as each year’s ABR draws nearer), as well as a calendar of other club events and other information.