I wish I could ride like this when I'm 72 or 76: Legends of Dirt: Here's the photos

**merv** · 22nd March 2008, 20:34

Well like I said I'd do I went up to Wanganui to see the legends of dirt and the "big three" former world champs there were Jeff Smith (76 years old), High Anderson (72) and Shayne King (only 37).

Anderson could still ride bloody quick on his Rickman Metisse and Smith was no slouch either. This was all on a nice easy flat track at the Wanganui Jockey Club racecourse.

Here's some photos for you - Motu and others that rode bikes from Pomgolia would love those bikes but there were also quite a few classic Jap and European bikes racing.

First up, on the way Levin was spotted under a cover of hot air balloons.

Then the bikes - starting with a parade of riders, then the racing - Hugh Anderson #73, Jeff Smith #56, Shayne King started on a Matchless #74.

The guy with the braces and peaked pudding basin looked a real period piece with his hardtail bike.

**merv** · 22nd March 2008, 20:42

The old guys looked like they were having so much fun.

Hugh was pretty quick.

#B is Craig Brown.

**merv** · 22nd March 2008, 20:47

It was just like the old days with some not wearing much safety gear - sports shoes, short sleeved shirts etc.

There's Shayne King on an early (about '74/75 vintage) CR250 Elsinore.

Some of the waistlines were looking like mine too.

**Dino** · 22nd March 2008, 20:51

Shit I hope I am still alive at 72 or 76, bloody legends.

Nice pictures.

**merv** · 22nd March 2008, 20:52

The three champs then did a bit of a demo together.

**merv** · 22nd March 2008, 20:57

Originally Posted by Dino

Shit I hope I am still alive at 72 or 76, bloody legends.

Nice pictures.

Yeah me too, and they just kept on riding and racing all day.

**merv** · 22nd March 2008, 21:03

I think the wee fellah was one of 3 generations of Garnetts that were there.

#8 was a man to watch and that is Rob Selby who worked with John Britten - he was very quick on his Cheney BSA fitted with his own 3 speed gearbox (yes only 3 speeds).

**merv** · 22nd March 2008, 21:09

The BSA 650 twin was pretty road oriented so not so fast around on grass, but it sounded nice.

That's Carl Garnett on the silver tanked Norton with the hardtail #96.

**merv** · 22nd March 2008, 21:14

Carl hung off that bike a bit like he was riding road and it looks funny to see a man bouncing on the seat on a hardtail bike - later I noticed he was standing on the pegs a bit no doubt to relieve the pain.

**Deano** · 22nd March 2008, 21:19

Full credit to the old school.

I"m geting faster with age........

**merv** · 22nd March 2008, 21:19

#115 was a Cotton with its weird power-saw sound.

Shayne King had a go on a CZ.

**merv** · 22nd March 2008, 21:24

Originally Posted by Deano

Full credit to the old school.

I"m geting faster with age........

Yeah I hear that mate - sorry I was away last weekend so not around to see it. As for Hugh he's still bloody quick on the tarseal too.

Shayne King had the CZ die on him

.

Here's a few pitlane shots for you too.

**merv** · 22nd March 2008, 21:30

That's the Matchless Shayne rode #74 and Hugh's Metisse #73 and there's Hugh talking to a few other young fellahs.

**merv** · 22nd March 2008, 21:37

A few road bikes were on display too, but sadly gathering a lot of dust parked near the dirt track, and whoa there's a Suzuki TS90 parked next to the mighty Elsinore - both quite a bike in their day.

**merv** · 22nd March 2008, 21:48

There's Shayne about to leave this tent and go and ride a BSA.

Some Kawasakis were there too, and then they had to get the BSA going, and that's Rob Selby # 8 out front.