Club revs Paul’s heart

A lifetime of love of motorcycles is being put to good use for the Manjimup Motorcycle Club as the club moves from strength to strength.

Paul Love has been the Manjimup Motorcycle Club president for three years.

Having grown up on a farm in the Pemberton region, motorcycles have long been part of his life, but as his son became of age, his family started to get involved with the club about eight years ago.

“We had a keen interest in motorbikes and then we commenced racing soon after,” Paul said.

Prior to becoming president, Paul was also the the vice-president for a year.

“When you enjoy motorbikes and grow up in the Manjimup area, the Manjimup 15,000 is iconic to the region, so it’s always in the back of your mind,” he said.

There are many things Paul loves about the club, including its history and the fond family he has created through his involvement.

“Even just going to general meetings initially, you walk in and you see the history and the nostalgia associated with the club, where it’s been and some of the events its held,” he said.

“It’s position and how it’s revered not only in the State, but across the country and even internationally, it’s world renowned and something to be proud of.

“You walk into the club and you look at what this tiny little club out of Manjimup has been able to accomplish, it makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.”

For all the financial members the club has, Paul said there was always that core group of people that put their hand up to help where needed and he welcomed more people on board.

“Everyone’s cash rich and time poor, but it’s all about balance between getting enough people out there to help and getting enough jobs done,” he said.

“It’s about keeping ahead of the game to make sure we’ve got a club that’s going to sustain and be there for the next journey of coming generations.

“We’re always looking for more people to get involved, it is a club steeped in a proud history and it’d be a shame to see that go by the wayside.”

Paul also encouraged anyone with just a general interest in motocross to get in touch about how to be involved with the Manjimup Motorcycle Club.

“We’re always looking for flaggies and officials — anyone with a keen interest, really, we would welcome with open arms,” he said.

It is not all about work for the club and Paul said the camaraderie and sense of family to be found in the club also made the time put in worthwhile.

“For me, motocross is a family-oriented sport,” he said.

“There’s lots of early morning starts, but when you grow up in a sport, they become a kind of uncanny family.

“Take Regan Duffy for example, who won the Manjimup 15,000 last year when he was 17.

“He raced with my son, so to see him do so well is like a proud parent moment.”

The club celebrated its 70th year last year and to honour that history, the members held an extensive celebration.

Members are already working towards the club’s 75th anniversary.

The club certainly does have a lot to be proud of, with the iconic Manjimup 15,000, State Series Championships and National Championships to its name.

Manjimup’s Cosy Creek track is also known around the world for its quality and varied terrain, as well as a good blend of jumps and turns.

“It all contributes to Manjimup’s reputation,” Paul said.

“And it has evolved since it was a small club in 1949, it was a track that was just there but now it’s something that’s letting us consider holding more big events.”

Over the next couple of years, Paul said he would like to see more effort put into readying facilities for big events, but also be able to enjoy all the upgrades already undertaken over the years.