Burt Munro’s Original ‘Road Atlas’ Returned To Southland

THIS FROM BURT 2020.

One of the many stand-out moments in-store during the 2020 Burt Munro Challenge, happened last Friday at the home of Burt Munro, E Hayes & Sons.

We proudly welcomed many bikers in-store and one, in particular, was Bill Cooney who had recently completed a 6,500-mile trans-USA motorcycle trail ride.

With 70% of the tour on dirt roads, there were a number of service stops along the way, one of which introduced Bill to a gentleman called Drum Evans in his workshop in Oregon.

Bill stayed with him for a couple of days sharing motorcycling stories until the conversation turned to an invitation to come to the Burt Munro Challenge.

Upon finding out Bill was a regular visitor to ‘the Burt’ – Drum produced a treasure he’d been holding on to for years ; Burt Munro’s original ‘Road Atlas’ detailing some of Burt’s vown travels in the US, which Burt had left with him decades earlier.

The ageing publication contained notes and scribbles from Burt including a request that it be returned one day to Neville Hayes to pass on to Burt’s daughter Margaret.

Bill brought the precious Road Atlas back to New Zealand and rode down from Auckland last week with some mates before handing it personally to Neville Hayes who will now ensure it makes it’s way to Burt’s daughter.

Good on ya’ Bill – Burt would be well pleased.

Story by E Hayes Video & photos: whatsoninvers.nz