The Motor Cycle and Heritage Museum - Lobethal, Bike Tour

Travelling in the 1952 Ariel sidecar alongside motor bike fanatic Bill Mitchell, and the rolling hills around Lobethal whiz by. Bill's been riding motor bikes since he was a child growing up in the country and it's not surprising that in retirement he's out here doing the same thing. But the old Ariel is just one of the many bikes that he could choose from to give me a real insight into why an experience like this has become a way of life for millions around the world. This collection, housed in the old Onkaparinga Woollen Mills, is part of an obsession for he and several mates.

"I was nine when I had my first Motoguzzi motorcycle and then through sort of competing, I met other guys with the same interests, and two years ago I decided to do it with the backing of half a dozen of my mates".

Over a lifetime, Bill and his mates have scoured the State in search of motorcycling memorabilia, including this Tilbrook, a locally-built bike produced in the 1950's. And there's also this piece of South Australian speedway history.

"1938 Lance Norton - Bruce brought it in originally and raced it on the Coorong and set a land speed record of 124 miles an hour".

"So when was that then?"

"In March 1939"

"So, it's won a few races in its time?"

"Won a lot of races, a lot of history"

The more you browse through here, the more you realise South Australia's long running love of the motor bike. Back in the late 1930's it was a case of the "The Adelaide Hills Alive" when some of the best riders from around the world gathered here for the Lobethal Grand Prix. And down in the city, the old Rowley Park circuit was all the go on a Friday night.

Now new housing subdivisions in the northwestern suburbs stand where once an army of speedway fans gathered to inhale their weekly dose of petrol fumes and speedway action. Bill was a bit of a legend on the circuit, both here and in the country. Winning the State title at Pt Pirie before being carted off to hospital after this spill. Spend an hour or two here and you soon realise how Bill's earliest memories have fuelled an ongoing obsession with two wheeled horsepower.

"Mum and Dad lived in the country. Dad used to bring us down to Rowley Park every Friday night and that, watch the events and then go home".

If you visit the Lobethal Museum and Bill's not there, then one of his mates will look after you, because chances are, he might be taking the Ariel or anyone of these out for a spin.

The Motor Cycle and Heritage Museum is open daily from 10am until 5pm. It's located at Number1, Lenswood Road, Lobethal SA 5241

For more information on evening group bookings or anything about the Museum or its bikes phone (61) (0)8 8389 5734 or email: info@postcards.sa.com.au

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