Kustom Nationals, 2013

With 40 degree Celsius weather forecast for the first day of the 11^th Kustom Nationals, fans of this event could be excused for deciding to keep their rides tucked away while chilling out in the comfort of an air conditioned room somewhere, preferably with a drink in hand, but anyone who attended Friday nights opening event held along the picturesque foreshore of San Remo will testify that this did not happen! We arrived late afternoon and were amazed to see the huge number of cars and bikes parked up ready to take in all that the Nats could offer.

Held annually in Victoria, Australia on an island better known for its bike racing, Phillip Island once again showed why it hosts one of the premier events in the state, if not the country. With temperatures still in the high thirties, the pubs were tested to their limits and performed better than the power station supplying much needed electricity to the various venues and live band out front. Well done guys and girls!

Saturday saw the Grand Prix circuit bathed in perfect weather for cruising the track or perusing the grounds taking in the wide variety of rods, customs and classics on show as numbers grew throughout the day while rockabilly music courtesy of live entertainment reverberated across the expansive pit area. For the shopper in all of us, trade stands filled the pit bays ready to dress us or our rides up.

Saturday night at Cowes never ceases to disappoint fans and locals alike with its beach party and street festival while supported by the local craft market. For those of us who still had energy to burn, rockabilly bands could be found rocking away till the early hours at the various pubs located in Cowes and San Remo.

The last day of the Nationals is always the biggest with many day trippers making the journey down the South Gippsland Hwy to take in the spectacle while taking advantage of cruising as it should be, surrounded by like minded people with their own unique perspective in the form of a stock or modified set of wheels. Others were content to just attend and absorb the sights and sounds of this scene in all its infancy.

The final hours of the show sees the track filled with car loads of cruisers for one last time while others park up and watch the parade of classic iron rumble by complimented by a stunning coastal backdrop.

Getting off the island can be a challenge in itself due to the number holiday makers journeying home, but when you’ve spent a weekend in your element, surrounded by what keeps you motivated, the traffic jams pale into insignificance as you start planning your Kustom Nats holiday for next year!

Keep on cruizin and have a safe year!

Cheers,

Greg