As a continuation of Moto Guzzi 90th Anniversary activities the Moto Guzzi Owner's Club of Victoria (MGCOV) celebrated Guzzi's aeronautical heritage with the Wings and Wheels ride to the Old Aeroplane Company at Tyabb, Victoria.
Established to preserve and restore significant military aircraft the Old Aeroplane Company is custodian of, amongst others, examples of the iconic World War II P51-D Mustang and P40-F Warhawk fighter aircraft. Their dedication extends to restoring and rebuilding the hangars in which Mustangs were built at Fisherman's Bend, hangars in which their aircraft collection at Tyabb is now housed.
Linking this heritage with the airforce background of Moto Guzzi's founders (Guzzi, Parodi and Ravelli served in the Italian Air Force in World War I) the MGCoV conducted their 'Wings and Wheels' ride on August 28th. Starting in perfect riding weather from suburban Oakleigh the ride tackled the challenge of Arthur's Seat before heading to Flinders via the scenic splendour of Cape Schanck. Pausing to restore caffeine levels in Flinders the group of twenty six riders and sundry pillions headed north through Merricks before descending on the waiting barbecue at the Old Aeroplane Company.
Once replete the group enjoyed the privilege of a guided tour of the restoration shop and hangar where the discussions ranged from the relative merits of Packard Merlin v Rolls Royce Merlin to the arcana of the application of Bernoulli's Equation in the context of a Pitot Tube to the practical impracticality of maintaining polished aluminium or doped fabric flight surfaces. As a great finish to the day permission given to photograph two of the new Guzzi V7 Racers in close formation with a stunning Harvard Trainer.
Thanks to Judy and Rick of the Old Aeroplane Company for their generosity and thanks the the riders who made the day such a great event.
