The Beginning

The advertisement above dates from 1936 - so more than a decade after the beginnings of this little story.  1936 marks 15 years as a professional, and includes two seasons in Europe, two Tour de France campaigns, an astounding win in Paris-Brest-Paris, and more motor-paced track speed and transcontintal road distance records than seems possible for just one man.

But we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves...

Here is our hero, just 18 years old and interstate for the very first time to Tasmanmia to race as a professional - also for the very first time.

Zoom in a bit and read the sash.  Launceston to Hobart 1922.  Fastest time.  Fourth across the line.

Rather than retell it, here is a little excerpt directly from Oppy - an insight into his lyrical writing style, and the humble way in which he describes his own vast ability and performance.

I commence on the same 6 minute mark in the Launceston to Hobart as the in the “Warrnambool”.  Before the pedalling exertions commenced my rating, as far as Tasmanians were concerned, was way down in the basement.  I was 5ft 71/2 in and weighed 9 stone 2 lb.  It being my first trip interstate I spoke without confidence and marked brevity.  This, combined with my physical appearance added up to a minus return in the analysis of the local critics, who in Tasmania, of all States, best know their cycling. 

I did not mind. 

All my life I derived a large modicum of delight in being assessed as the one most unlikely to succeed, when I knew there would be more behind me than in front.  Roads have no respect for reputations.  They give back exactly what is put into them from pedal power.  I dropped my co-markers after 10 miles and 20 miles from the end had a win in my sights, only to puncture. 

The rules permitted a change of bike and a quick witted lad riding in the opposite direction hurriedly jumped off and handed me his.  With a saddle too low and handle bars too high, I rode that last 20 miles like a cycling John Giblin, bandy legged, arms askew, bobbing and wriggling as a I clung to the precious fastest time and the course record.

Peer into that image again and mark the frame details - the rear stays pinned at the seat cluster, the twin-plate fork crown, broad fork tips set into the ends of quite tightly raked deep oval fork blades, simple straight cut lugs, single fixed gear and deep 'aero' shaped timber rims.  You may also have noticed the complete lack of rim brakes, little shorty shorts, slender leather shoes and a very home-sewn star emblazoned across Oppy's chest - custom team kit  obviously of the home-grown and merino variety.  

This 1922 ride marks one of the very early appearances for Malvern Star - and really the very first glimmerings of the strength of character, persistence and sheer physical class of a rider who would rise to the very top echelon of European road and track racing.

This is my other early favourite of Oppy - a little disconnected from Launceston to Hobart - but with that real 20's feel.  simple striped jersey, white woollen knicks ( ?! Nothing really is new ) and a Malvern Star that looks more like a track machine with its round fork blades and tighter clearances.  Cycle racing then was about fair-ground tracks and bumpy gravel 10 milers.  Col's and high passes stil just a glint in Henri Desgrange's eye, and yet to capture the public's imagination ( yet again ).

But to get back on topic - you will note some of the same simple a and elegant features in our own period Malvern Star - which must date a little after this early period.  I guess I'd better post a few images of its rebuild so that you can see just what we have found.

This Sunday, Craig and Gav and I are planning a small tribute to Oppy and the now distant and defunct Launceston to Hobart race - an event I didn't ride when doing the 'open' season in the early 90's. 

We'll follow an alternative ( and less trafficed ) version of the Launceston Hobart route - only taking to the midlands Highway between Campbelltown and the Mudwalls turnoff.  The road for us will parallel the historic highway, cutting South through Longford and Cressy to Campbelltown on a very scenic and slightly rolling two laner.  I'm hoping for a typical tailwind - not the recent Southerly's.

We'll be leaving from the corner of Prospect Rd and Casino Rd at 7.30.  Don your togs and join us - your shout at the Longford Bakery where we'll be sure to make a first stop...