A few members braved a chilly start from Kyabram with a 36 kilometre ride to Rochester, birthplace of Sir Hubert "Oppy" Opperman. A small but fascinating museum dedicated to "Oppy" was a real eye opener. How did he ride such a heavy and cumbersome beast ?!(compared to the high tech bikes of today)
There are many photos, a couple of bikes and an early 'trainer' along with countless trophies and awards to look over, giving a great insight to the era and the legend.
In 1928 "Oppy" entered the 24 hour Bol D'Or, a gruelling event which the French were so afraid of losing that saboteurs tampered with his bike, causing a broken chain one hour into the race. "Oppy" took over his interpreters street bike and was 17 laps behind when his Malvern Star bike was finally repaired. He pressed on, and with 4 hours to spare, hit the front. He went on to win easily and then, spurred on by the crowd, continued racing against the clock, setting a record of 910 kilometres for the 24 hours! (That's better than 37 km/h average!)
Interested in visiting the museum? It's open Monday to Friday 9am till 12 noon or call Jack Anderson (03) 5484 2127 or Peter Anderson (03) 5484 3000 BH..It's in the main street at the Railway station.
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