The BRIGHT SIDE

THE BELOVED BRIGHT ROD RUN’S 2021 CANCELLATION DIDN’T STOP DETERMINED PILGRIMS FROM MOUNTING THEIR OWN UNOFFICIAL VERSION

- JACK HOULIHAN

WHILE Victorians twiddled their thumbs through yet another lockdown in September, the Bright Rod Run was officially called off.

The disappointment from prospective participants was palpable, especially in the wake of 2020’s non-running.

But as the state emerged from its shackles in late October, the Rod Run faithful were making their own plans.

There would be no show ’n’ shine or prizes at the unofficial 2021 Bright Rod Run, just hundreds of enthusiasts with an eye to get their cruise on.

Despite predictions of nasty weather, from the first Friday of November cars started rolling into the booked-out tourist town in north-eastern Victoria.

By the next day, Bright’s main street was packed in a stunning display of quality metal.

Datsuns and rotary Mazdas mingled with traditional rods, American barges, iconic Aussie muscle, and practically everything in between.