Saturday’s re-creation of the MQ foundation photo at Aratula was not just an enjoyable gathering of some of the sports most respected identities, servants and elders, it also brought to light new data about the events of March 23, 1924, which brought about the inception of the Auto Cycle Union of Queensland (later MQ).
The Foundation Photo is an enduring relic of the day that thirty-nine adventurous souls from what it now seems was six clubs, rode to Governor’s Chair at the top of Spicer’s Gap to discuss setting up an association in order to standardise competition rules.
Initially thought to be Brisbane MCC, Toowoomba MCC, Mercury and another un-named club, the manuscript brought along by former President of the Historical MCC of Qld – John Weber – shook things right up.
Nestled safely under John’s house for the last 30 years, the manuscript tells of the Queensland (later Brisbane), Toowoomba, Ipswich and Stanthorpe clubs driving the push for association. However, it later suggests that the Warwick and Indian (later Mercury) clubs were also in attendance – though less focussed on competition-based outcomes.
And as the six, period-accurate 1920s-era motorcycles on loan from the Panorama Motorcycle Museum at Roadvale aptly illustrated, getting up the hill to Governor’s Chair at the time would not have been like a run to the shops – these gentlemen went to some trouble getting there.
A century later, the journey to Saturday’s photo re-creation was somewhat less rigorous – the Aratula Hotel was chosen as the 2024 location, as a site that was both close to the geographical mark, yet completely accessible to all manner of human and vehicle.
The displays also included a Queensland Junior Cup exhibit featuring road racer Kael Brien and his racebike, as well as a Brisbane Motorcycle Club display featuring 70’s-era Bultaco and Maico Scramblers.
The welcome ceremony included short speeches from MQ Media’s John Pinnell, MQ President Russell Bentley, and long-time commentator and official Bob Johnston.
Former President Ralph Freeman then led a detachment of the hardy to within 2 kilometres of the original Governor’s Chair location, for a drink, a toast and some stories at Spicer’s Gap campground.
The full image library of the event is here and is free to enjoy. Just use the password – Aratula
