Thirty people, one meeting — and a new club
Fifty years later, TCMCC is an established part of the local motorcycling scene. In March 1976 it was simply a new idea being tested by a group of enthusiasts — and the response surprised even the organisers.
Ross Simons was elected President, Jan Simons Secretary and Yvonne Allen Treasurer. Ivan Allen, C. Bell, L. Black and B. Brewer formed the first committee. Jack Ollerenshaw offered the Ascot Lounge in 11th Avenue for monthly meetings, and subscriptions were set at $5 a year — largely to cover the cost of producing the newsletters.
They were soon out riding
On Sunday 7 March, ten motorcycles left Tauranga at 10 a.m. for Maketu, with wives and children travelling in cars. Seven Rotorua motorcycles joined them. The bikes were lined up for the public to view, everyone enjoyed a picnic lunch, and the new club was already doing what it was created to do: ride, talk motorcycles and enjoy good company.
The motorcycles
The first newsletter's membership pages are a remarkable snapshot: a 1924 7-9 Harley-Davidson, a 1928 Indian Four, Coventry Eagle, BSA, Norton, Ariel, AJS, Matchless, Velocette and Royal Enfield machinery, alongside newer Triumphs, Ducatis, Suzukis and Kawasakis.
One entry says almost everything about the spirit of the new club. Beside Philip Tymon's name was simply: “Hope to purchase a bike.”
