Australian Motorcycle Expo - Sunday 18/09/05

After a wet and windy Saturday it was a relief to see clear blue skies for the Sunday ride to the Australian Motorcycle Expo. PJ wore his awesome boots, specially embedded with diamond initials on the heel.
Led by Wally on the Rocket III, 11 Triumphs departed the Wharfshed Café. It was going to be an easy ride straight up the freeway to Melbourne but then Wally led us off on a detour via Werribee. As we crisscrossed the suburbs of Werribee there were many among us that were thinking “What the…”. When we finally pulled up in a suburban street outside a house the T’bird pulled up beside me & with a laugh I heard “Looks like we’re here to pick up the guns & drugs!”.

After the tour of Werribee we ventured on to the Expo. The usual glitz and glamorous girls were everywhere – except the Triumph display! After a bit of walking around we found it – the Rocket III a big giveaway! But with so many glamorous and eye catching displays around there was no time to lose. The Gotham City display certainly believed semi-naked chicks could attract the boys & they were right - we lost Lee a couple of times only to find him wandering around Gotham City in a daze!

Kawasaki were showing their age and even the bike models looked old! Honda’s concept bike looked awesome. A Triumph 675 triple would have looked good. Then there was the new BMW K1200R – never thought I’d think a BMW was cool but this one looked okay. Suzuki & Yamaha aren’t doing anything different but Ducati, Aprillia & MV Agusta stood out among the crowd.

A cloud of burnt rubber smoke hung over the road outside and the noise of Harleys was overwhelming - very environmentally friendly…

The Trumps rode away quietly and headed to Lygon Street for an afternoon coffee and then off back to Geelong & home.

It was a good day that had many of us asking again what has happened to Triumph Australia. The bikes are awesome but the enthusiasm and excitement that was shown by some of the other manufacturers just wasn’t visible at the Triumph display. Great bikes that need to be presented with the pride they deserve. Maybe next time some of the riders should be given the opportunity to work on that display. It’s hard not to defend these great bikes especially when the guy next to you is criticizing them without even sitting on one! Come on Peter Stevens lets see some vigor and enthusiasm for this great brand of motorcycle and the people that ride them!

Weekend Trip to Bright - 24/25 Sept 05

The weekend trip to Bright is taking place on the Grand Final Weekend - 24th September 05.

Some are staying overnight on Saturday 24th Sept only and returning on Sunday 25th. Others are planning to stay in Bright for two nights including Sunday 25th and returning home to Geelong on 26th Spetember.

Accommodation details are as follows:
The Star Hotel
95 Great Alpine Road
Bright
Tel 57 551277

If you intend to stay at this accommodation you need to phone the hotel and book for the nights you require. Mick has more details - contact him via e-mail mickvik@tpg.com.au
For more details visit the Star Hotel website

First Ride of Spring - Sept 05

A little bit of fog on the horizon but otherwise looking like a beautiful Spring day. A total of 8 bikes rocked up ready for the monthly burn. A quick decision was made and the destination was agreed - the old goldtown of Maldon for lunch, via Hepburn Springs for coffee and toilet stop. A fast pace was set by Graeme as we passed through the Brisbane Ranges and into Daylesford. A quick stop to check out the local dunny and it was on to Hepburn Springs - the plan was to stop there for a coffee. However, things turned ugly as there was only one cafe & no parking. Like the blind leading the blind we ended up in a Private Car Park just happened to be a Spa & Massage Centre - now wouldn't that have been good!

So onward to Maldon & lunch at the pub - for some! A bit of a split in the ranks and a group of rebels led by a certain mutineer that rides a Bonny, went to the cafe next door for a healthy alternative!

Meanwhile in the street outside it was all action - it looked like the paparazzi had invaded Maldon. The Trumps lined up in the street were the focus of attention and potential David Bailey's were risking life & limb to get the right angle of that famous Triumph badge.

Then they spotted Graeme & Murray! Look out Fabio & Jamie Durie! Look out for them in the next edition of PlayGirl - I heard Paris Hilton has already made some enquiries about a threesome - photo shoot that is!!

Rod & Shirley also joined us in Maldon to make a total of 10 bikes. On the way back we checked out the Loddon River Caravan Park - looks good for a weekend trip.

Rod took the lead to show us some of the back roads and a shortcut back to Geelong. It all started out well but then we started hitting those rural back roads! The bumps still bring tears to my eyes!

When we stopped in Meredith the boys spoke like girls and Dave thought his kidneys had moved up between his shoulder blades - though it might be something other than kidneys that have moved! We all had a good laugh and it was on home to Geelong, saying farewell to Rod & Shirley.

Don't forget, Motorcycle Expo. Sunday 18th September.