The Heretics Darwin SMC 20-Year Milestone

THE club’s moto ‘We’re a Drinking Club with a Motorcycle Problem’ pretty much put everyone on notice as to what they were in for. Having attended many of their parties in years gone by I had no illusions that many would depart the big night requiring quotes for mechanical livers to be installed soon after. 

The event was also cause for a double celebration as the Heretic’s SMC Wide Bay Chapter in Queensland was also celebrating its 10-year milestone as well.

12 months earlier plans had been laid for the Big Night with the Heretics Wide Bay to make the 5400 km round trip ride to Darwin. Not ones to miss out on a party, the invitation was extended to another social motorcycle club from Far North Queensland with Red Dirt SMC joining them on the big ‘yomp’ to the Top End capital.

 The well-planned ride was a long one for the two Queensland SMC’s. They would leave from their respective locations, ride to the Qld/NT border town of Camooweal where they were to be met by the Darwin Heretics SMC and collectively ride as a group to Darwin.

Needless to add, Darwin Heretics Road Captain Hairy had plotted in nearly every major drinking hole along the way… and in the Territory, there are a fuck load.

The Weather Gods of course added to the excitement with both Queensland groups questioning the whole ‘Sunshine State’ tourism bullshit with two days of liquid sunshine shadowing the riders’ journey.

It was not all smooth sailing, unfortunately, as a cattle grid had caused one rider to retire near Georgetown (without injury) while another stalwart continued to ride on with ever increasing effects of pneumonia which eventually laid him low.

The three clubs successfully linked up in Camooweal with no major drama with the exception of the local copper behaving like a 1950’s B Grade Movie US Deputy Sherriff. You know the type. “Who are you lot? What are you doing? Blah blah blah.” I suspect he will retell the story as ‘the day I stared down the two-wheel Barbarian Hordes in Camooweal’ or something just as floggy.

Once linked up, beers were drained, introductions were done and old friendships renewed. Soon they saddled up and pointed their sleds to Darwin… with a few of the mandatory planned Territory pub stops. Despite the fears of the local Plod, no terrified local townsfolk were dragged up and down the main street of Camooweal. With the Big Night only a day or two away, the group set sail and hit the Territory Highway.

Clocking up the big clicks is always a test, and Heretics Wide Bay President Stuey commented that riding a 1979 Harley-Davidson Shovel running 46-year-old suspension had given him pause for thought by the time they reached Darwin.

I’m embarrassed to report that I ‘rock starred’ it to the event, flying in from Cairns to catch up with the Heretics. Arriving at midday, my game plan was to ease into it in preparation for the kick off around 7pm that night. That went out the window the minute I was collected by my good bro and host, Phil Sage, at the airport. The car door had not even shut before I had an ice-cold Bundy can shoved in my hand with a “Welcome back to Darwin, Pyro”. It pretty much continued downhill from there.

Back at Phil and Marg’s place in Palmerston, the pre-drinks continued, joined by other scallywags Fish and Slippery to which the cans and home brew was disappearing like ammo on a belt-fed machine gun. They say that you never have to re-qualify a good friendship, no matter how long it has been since you have seen each other. Never true a word was spoken.

A shit load has changed since I had been in Darwin in 2015, however, rolling into the Heretics clubhouse in the industrial area of Berrimah, I felt like I was home. As I mentioned about never having to re-qualify friendships, this was certainly the case not just for me, but many of others who attended.

As the night rolled on, more and more individual riders as well as major senior Darwin Clubs arrived in their numbers to help celebrate the evening.

The support received for the Toppy’s behind the busy clubhouse bar was heartwarming. Fortunately, there were any number of Heretic members selflessly offering to spend an inordinate amount of time helping these hotties serve thirsty guests drinks. Truly noble fellas!

Before long it was time for a speech from both the Heretics Darwin President China and the Wide Bay President to thank all who not only made the night memorable but also supported the club over its 20- and 10-year milestones respectively. The Wide Bay President Stuey made it clear that a reciprocal visit was in order in the not-too-distant future.

Talking to Boz from the visiting Red Dirt SMC, he also made mention that they will also be blowing out the birthday candles in August this year as the FNQ Social Club celebrates its 10th year. Look forward to that in an upcoming edition.

In true Heretics style, the party kicked on until the next morning with the place looking like ‘Jones Town’ by sunup.

A shout out to the Noms who worked the party ensuring that everyone was squared away and the place looked sharp. Onya fellas.

Many thanks to the Heretics SMC for the invitation and Phil, Marg and Digger for putting up with me for the weekend. A big well done to Hairy for the ride co-ordination and solid communication between the clubs.

Happy Birthday and roll on to your 30^th year.

Article submitted by Pyro