Non-stop action at engine museum

HORSES, motorbikes, classic cars and mechanical marvels proved an entertaining mix at the Rust Bucket Oribi Museum over the long weekend.

The museum, situated in the Oribi Gorge area, is a private concern. It was started and is maintained by local enthusiasts of all things mechanical. Essentially, it is a treasure trove of reconditioned standing engines, old farm equipment, classic and vintage cars and tractors and all sorts of amazing machines and curiosities from yesteryear. The museum is also the home of the Paddock Polocrosse Club and boasts two polocrosse fields on its extensive and attractive grounds.

The owners decided to show off their treasure trove by hosting an open long weekend and organising various entertainment from Thursday last week until Sunday. Highlight of the weekend was the Midlands Champs Polocrosse Tournament, co-hosted on the Saturday and Sunday by the museum and Paddock Polocrosse Club.

By Thursday morning, when the gates opened, all the little standing engines were primed and ready for action. Fired up in a group in the museum grounds, they formed a fascinating display and attracted plenty of attention all weekend. The museum was an official Africa Bike Week Outride Destination and motorbike riders soon began drifting in. There was a steady stream of biker visitors all weekend and they were most impressed with the museum, the scenic Oribi area, the magnificent road through Oribi Gorge and, most of all, the traditional country hospitality they experienced there.

The polo matches were thoroughly enjoyable, thanks in large part to the excellent commentary. Even people who had never watched it before soon grasped the basic concepts of the game and quickly discovered that polocrosse was an excellent spectator sport.

While the skills displayed by a number of local polocrosse players added to the excitement, the most charming entertainment was provided by the ‘Peewees’, the youngsters still learning the game.

Although the horsy action remained centre court on Sunday, a little of the attention was deflected by the arrival of the Sports and Specials car enthusiasts. Together with other owners of classic bikes and cars, they took part in a ‘show and park’ event at the museum. The classic and contemporary sports cars, bikes and other interesting vehicles looked particularly handsome in the attractive rural setting.