Strathalbyn Sculpture: The Kenny Blake Memorial

Perfect Weather For a Drive

The sun was out and not a cloud in the sky and also the offer of a picnic, how could I refuse. The destination was a small town to the south of Adelaide called Strathalbyn, and spending some time exploring the local area including the iconic status and also taking the time to practice my photography

Ken Blake

Much loved local Bike Racer

The history of Ken blake was not too familiar to me but seeing this statue made me curious to find out more about him, and what he did, apparently he was a champion racer and won many races

Tragic Ending

Motorcycle racing can be a dangerous sport as we can see from the outcome that happened to Ken blake.
On June 9, 1981, Ken was riding at the Isle of Man, and in his usual style he was flying rounding up 103 riders in five laps of a six-lap race. He had started late due to a fuel leak. Ken pitted and shot out in eighth place, chasing down the leaders. 5 km down the road at Ballagarey Curve, he hit a wet patch and slid into a concrete post and died instantly.

His cremation on the Isle of Man and the ashes flown back to Australia for service in Melbourne on June 24, 1981. It was an occasion of a massive outpouring of grief.

The sculpture made from Bike Parts

It is made out of mechanical parts of all shapes and sizes welded together; he originally planned to make it all out of motorcycle parts and motorcycle-related tools, but other parts were included, such as aircraft pieces.


Ken Blake Helmet


You can see the parts that went into making this statue, from the drill bits to the small spanners and even an old spark plug. Simply beautiful work.

Ken Blake Helmet Parts


South Australian

A Cooper's beer bottle cap on his helmet

renowned Goolwa artist

At a festival, the sculpture created by renowned Goolwa artist James Stewart the Governor of SA His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le conducted the unveiling ceremony

Find Your Small Gems

I encourage you to spend some time to visit these small towns in your local area you might be surprised to discover these gems of interest.


Quotes take from https://kennyblake.com.au/
All Photos Taken By Me.
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