Above : Greg Power , OSSA . Below : 80-year-old Mike Fitzgerald with his BSA
Amongst the riders were several ex-national champions and many top expert riders from the past , as well as prominent riders who were more sedate in their endeavours . The roll call included me ( Greg Power ), Stephen Oliver , Paul Swift , Kerry Miles , Mark Patterson , Kelvin Bishop , Kevin Pinfold , Warrick Merriman , Brian and Dave Chambers , Mike Fitzgerald ( who turned 80 over the weekend ), Peter Boettcher , Allan Boot , Kevin Tither , Bill Fogden , Alan Honeybone , Peter Osborne , Alistair Gilmore , Mike Hennessy , Dick Gardner , and Kendall McDonald , plus the enthusiastic spectators , including Alan Oliver who is close to 90 . A huge array of brands on display included : Ossa , Bultaco , Montesa , Fantic , Greeves , BSA , Triumph , Yamaha , Honda , Kawasaki and Suzuki . Upgrades were common , with electronic ignition , huge foot pegs , new shock absorbers , modern tyres , smooth throttles and cables , modern carbs and exhaust systems . Some were better than they were when new . Everyone agreed that is was one of the best days for many , many years . Old friendships were rekindled and passing acquaintances cemented and , without exception , everyone had something good to say about the day .
CLASSIC AND MODERN SUNDAY Sunday dawned drizzly , but yet still quite warm . About 35 riders fronted to ride these more challenging sections with a sprinkling of
44 KIWI RIDER