Grampians Trip - Great Week-end!

Well it was great to see the weather forecast predicting a sunny week-end for the annual trip to the Grampians National Park. It was blue skies when we all rocked up at the Wharfshed on Saturday morning and everyone was looking forward to a great ride and overnight stay at the Halls Gap Caravan Park.

A total of 13 RATs had booked in for the event whcih is becoming a regular event on the calendar - maybe next time we should make it a bit longer and have 2 nights though as its tough getting up for work on Monday morning after covering 650kms in 2 days - especially on that Shellford - Skipton Road! On the way, that road was a nightmare as we were riding into strong wind that was either full-frontal or coming across at a 60 degree angle - it felt like my head was in a clamp at times!

We reached Skipton and it was a quick stop in the service station to regroup and warm up with a quick coffee. We decided to take the route via Avoca - Leighs favorite place!

There's a pie shop there called Pyrenees Pies that has a big sign saying they have everything from Possum & Beef to Crocadile Pies - being a veggie I wasn't that bothered when they had a simple selection of the usual run of the mill and not a bad veggie pastie. Some of the other thought the other cafe just a couple of doors away was good too.

Anyway, it was on to Halls Gap via Ararat. It was about 3pm when we got glimpse of the amazing mountain backdrop that surrounds Halls Gap - what a beautiful place it is - especially at this time of year when visitor numbers are low and the winter sun casts those beautiful shadows over the mountain peaks that straddle the village.

Everyone quickly found their cabins and got the heater going - it was starting to get a bit cold and with no clouds in sight it was gonna be a chilly night.

A few of us headed out on a resturaunt finding exhibition - we wanted to find somewhere different than the pub this time where we could walk instead of getting taxis. After a few enquiries we came across the Mountain Deer - we were more than welcome and plenty of room for us all. It was a good night and food wasn't bad either - lots of garlic bread ordered by Pete - enough to feed an army! We gave them a nightmare when it came to paying...

Next morning was an early rise and breakfast at 9am at the usual little cafe spot in Halls Gap - some had to hang on to their sausages - the kookaburras love to kill a sausage or tow and aren't frightened to take it form your plate!

After breakie we regrouped and Janey tried out the riding position on Judy's CBR600F4i - yeah it's a Honda but it looks great - I think Janey's found her next bike - that's until she sees the new Street Triple due later this year!

The girls rode on to Dunkeld while the rest of use took a quick burn over to Zumstein up over that twisting road that cuts up through the mountain. A quick stop and back down the mountain to Halls Gap and onward towards Dunkeld - its a great road and its hard to keep your eyes of the spectacular scenary.

The pub in Dunkeld has a welcoming open fire and we all rested & had lunch - with dreaded thoughts of the boring road ahead on everyones mind. As we left Dunkeld we were getting flashing lights from oncoming cars telling us there was a speed camera ahead - sure enough there he was - a Bracks revenue collector in the middle of nowhere - what a farse - as if this was a dangerous black spot - just an easy place to collect money!

We are all cruising comfortably and there were a few old classic cars on the road doing the Great Ocean Road Escape run for charity. I had just passed one when I saw it... the white commodore with blue & red lights on the roof approaching from behind - he's passed 3-4 of the bikes behind me and then pulled in in front of me & told me to pull over! Out of all the bikes he picks me... I couldn't believe it - but then again I was easy to spot as I was the only only one with a pillion!

He accused me of speeding and told me I was doing 122km/hr - impossible I said... there'sd was no way I could remember getting up to that speed and on top of that the Sprint is shows 5km/hr less on the speedo and the radar has a tolerance of 3km/hr which would have made my speed around 130 km/hr - no way! I told him I would dispute it... he was a tough nut - the sort that you agree with even when you know he's wrong - he showed me the radar and gave me a talk on why motorcyclist riding in groups shouldn't think they are safe from the mighty radar... I thanked the good officer for his advice and he said the magic words - Take this as a Caution"... it could have been a longer ride home thinking about that fine! The worst thing was my back tyre was on its last legs - so first thing Monday it went into Road & River for a new one...

We regrouped at Skipton & I shared my story of my encounter with the law - gave everyone the news on the mighty radar pinging everyone and then it was on to Geelong via the worst, boring road I have ever ridden to Shelford and then on to Geelong via the Hamilton Hwy.

It was a great week-end and too many laughs to mention - looking forward to doing it all again next year - without meeting Sgt Tacklebury!

Update & latest news

GRAMPIANS WEEK-END
Don't forget the Grampians trip is coming up this week-end - 26/27 May. If you haven't booked already then you'd need to get in quick as places were limited to about 10 people when I rang them a couple of weeks ago.

Tell them you're with the Geelong Triumph group when you call as they're trying to keep us all close together.
There's a few sharing so it might pay to do a ring around before you book if you're planning to go alone - unless you want the place to yourself. Departure place is the usual spot - the Wharfshed Cafe around 9:30am.
I've heard the weather is going to be good so it should be a good ride up there but cold at night. I was in Halls Gap a couple of weeks ago and it was beautiful - should be a great week-end.

DEMO DAY @ Peter Stevens - Saturday 12 May 2007
For some of you lucky sods there was a demo day at Peter Stevens a couple of week-ends ago. Unfortunately I couldn't make it for the ride I'd booked on the Speed Triple but I heard it was a great day. Malcolm took out a few bikes and provides the following story:

One mans view,

The Rocket was out first and although I must admit I was pretty apprehensive at first, finally got used to it but that said it is a huge beast of a bike, with a riding style I am not used to.I did not feel too comfortable with the massive wide bars and forward foot pegs and controls. Concentration in the traffic was at its maximum as I felt like I was 10ft wide. Not my style.

Next was the Speed master and although the riding position was not dissimilar the weight and shear mass was easier to deal with. It maybe down on power but I felt it has adequate for what it is and the type of riding one would do on this bike. I liked it but I would have to get it breathing a bit better and let a few more horses out.Seat left a bit to be desired as I got a sore tailbone after a while.

Tiger was my choice for the day, it has balls, it has comfort, it has great handling ability, snappy easy to handle, torque and gearing are well balanced and with a good riding posture. If I was thinking of touring that is what I would choose to do it on. I felt as though I could ride it all day. It is a great motorcycle to ride and is versatile at the higher speeds as well as the lower speeds, very smooth.

Thruxton, hmm a fun bike and nice and light to handle with plenty of power for the size. I think this bike took the horses from the Speed master as it certainly pulls a lot harder. At no stage did the bike do anything odd as I put it through the corners, it stayed on the same line even over the bumps. I was impressed.

May 2007 - Ride Day

The May ride took place last Sunday and while some of the Geelong Triumph group decided to go with the Triumph Owners Group to a rally in Melbourne, there were 5 bikes that rocked up for a ride to Hepburn Springs for lunch.
Pete & Leone were out on the new Sprint RS that recently replaced Kermit the Speed Four. As usual it was a beautiful ride out through the Brisbane Ranges with Muz & Mick setting a quick pace (just got back from track days on the island!).
First stop was the bakery for quick refreshments. Funny thing was, we just got off the bikes when a police car pulled up & out jumps the cop. Immediately we waited for the big question "What speed were you doing back there?" Instead it was "Do any of you guys know Shrek?" Well, he turned out to be a great bloke (for a cop) and I'd even be tempted to live in Ballan now... Turned out Shrek was a biker he'd saw stopped on the side of the road and when he stopped to ask him if he was okay he said he'd lost his mates! As the cop got back into the car he shouted back - So watch out for Shrek - and by the way, he's not green!!

Then on to Daylesford and the pub at Hepburn Springs - it still has a Triumph sticker in the window from when it had its connections with Triumph Australia! The food was great and Cheryl caught up with the gang and brought her Mum along to tell us about her early experiences on a motor bike. The Legacy group were having a function in the pub and there were a few questions from the old blokes as they reminised on the days of riding Triumphs.
As we waited for everyone to regroup in Dalesford, we just happened to stop by a big group of HOGs! Well, Mal & Pete just managed to slip out in front of them but for the rest of us we ended up at the back of a bunch of Harleys - going slow just to piss us off!! That road through Blackwood to Ballan is dodgy as it's fast but bumpy & a good place to test your bike for tank slapping!
A quick stop in Ballan and then it was on to Geelong and home. It was a great day out and enjoyed by everyone.

Next week-end is the Grampians on 26th May and everyone is looking forward to the trip and week-end away.

Triumph night at Peter Stevens on Tuesday 8th May - might see you there.

Quick Update - May 07

Where have all the RATs gone?

Well, I must say its been the quietest time I can remember in the Geelong Triumph Group since I started riding with them 5 years ago. Over the past couple of months the ride days have reduced in size to just a handful of riders and when I pulled up at last nights meeting to join the other two bikes it made me wonder - is the Geelong Triumph Group a distant memory! So where have all the RATs gone is the big question everyone asks... maybe it's just a busy time or maybe its colder - maybe the group has ran its course and has become just another routine in peoples lives!

So how can we make it more interesting? Well, new members would help - haven't seen many of those lately, maybe a guest speaker at the meetings to talk about tyres, suspension or maybe the occasional meeting with the Melbourne group etc.

If you've got ideas add them to the link on the blog so that we can get it happening.

For me personally, riding with the group over the past 5 years has been invigorating & I have made some very lasting friendships with some great people. The memories of Tassie, the week-end trips and the ride days will be with me forever. I hope it keeps on going for many more years to come...

Triumph Australia - Product Night & Demo Day

Triumph Australia have just mailed out a flyer announcing a Triumph Product review night on Tuesday 8th May @ 6:30pm. They are also organising a Demo Day on 12th May witha free t-shirt for all that rock up. Maybe now's the time to discuss the future of RAT in Geelong with the Triumph Australia team - give Craig or Mick a call before 3rd May at Peter Stevens if you want to attend.

Grampians Week-End
The Grampians Week-End is still on and takes place on the Sat/Sun 26th & 27th May 07. Plan is to stay in cabins in the Halls Gap Caravan Park - details to follow.

May 07 Ride Day
The May 07 ride day is on Sunday 6th May 07 - some of you that went to Newstead know that there's been a recent renewed interest in the Triumph Owners Group in Geelong and some of them actually rode with the Geelong RAT Group to Newstead. Well, there's two options on the 6th May! The Triumph Owners Group have a ride to a place called Baylis near Cranbourne to a rally leaving the Little River BP at 8:45am.

The regular RAT ride is still on as well so meet at the Wharfshed @ 8:30am for a 9am start.

Ride Day - April 07

I didn't get a chance to mention the April 07 ride day - time got the better of me...

It was an awesome ride to Lavers Hill and then back through Apollo Bay and through the Otways back to Forrest & Deans Marsh. Lots of gravel on the road out of Apollo Bay and up through the Otways had us thaking it easy. It was the last ride for Jay for a while as he's heading up to the border to take on a new teaching post as the school principal.

The weather was beautiful and then roads perfect - there were 4 of us that rode on from Birregurra to Lavers Hill and down into Apollo Bay for lunch.

The bit that sticks in my mind is the Harley rider on that stretch from Lavers Hill along the river valley that was in the middle of the road and had traffic banked up behind him - including a tractor!! He didn't hold us up but was a danger to anyone near him as he weaved out to the centre as we shot past!! Apart from the gravel the day was full of fun - its always a pleasure to ride those roads.

Latest Superbike candidates!

In case you haven't heard we have two potential superbike candidates in our midst!! Muz & Mick were on the track on Anzac Day on their new track bikes and I heard they were setting some hot lap times!! Look forward to seeing them on their new mounts on the track - look out Troy!

Blog Future Improvements

I'm thinking about making the blog more interesting too - maybe a few stories about individuals, a rider of the month feature, link to a separate page with all the rides, holiday ideas, breakfast stops - will need heaps of help so any volunteers that are keen computer buffs welcome!

All British Rally - 21st - 22nd April 07

Well it's that time again when the All British Rally takes place in Newstead. It's a great week-end and if you haven't already registered then you can pay at the gate - $35 entry fee. It's a great place to see the best of British - both new and old.

If you're on a British bike then you can ride your bike into the campsite - keep it beside you in the tent if you want - otherwise your bike has to stay outside the camp perimeter.

There's a bar, food and usually a live band so makes for a great week-end.

A group are leaving Geelong on Saturday morning - meeting at the Wharfshed at 8am. There may be a possibility that a ute will be going and you can throw your gear in the back - get in touch with Leigh for details.

Might see you there...


Also, heard there's a naked 675 on the way on July 07 - here's a preview of what it looks like... just added it to the wishlist!!

April Ride Day Change!

The April Ride Day is listed on the calendar as Sunday 8th April 07 - but that happens to be Easter Sunday.

So, at the Wharfshed meeting on Thursday night everyone agreed that the ride day should be changed to this Sunday 1st April 07 - and we're not doing it because it's April Fools Day!! Meet at the Wharfshed at 9am onwards - leaving at 9:30am.

So, if you're interested in a burn down the road on Sunday - see you there.

Marysville Week-end 10-12 March 07

Well where do I start... it was another great week-end away and even better that it was a long one with the public holiday on Monday. It was probably the smallest group that I'd seen yet for a week-end trip but even if it was only me going I'd still have had a great time. It was great to see PJ rock up at the Wharfshed to come on the ride with us to Marysville - especially since he lives in Healesville and rode all the way to Geelong in the morning to ride back with us!
The plan was to ride to Gisbourne for our first stop, then to Yea for lunch and on to Marysville where we'd meet Rod & Shirley. The ride via Staughton Vale was a bit rough at times and on one lefthander the Sprint felt more like a pogo stick! There was a quick stop in Gisbourne for a cold drink as the temperature was beginning to rise & a few pieces of clothing got removed.
It was a casual ride from Gisbourne to Broadford and then the road was fun as it wound its way through Strath Creek, then along King Parrot Creek Road & on to the main road to Yea. PJ looked like he was loving it on the Daytona 600!
We had a huge lunch in the Yea pub at a reasonable price & the barman told us to be careful as the police have a task force in the area riding sports bikes - he told tales of licenses getting suspended!
We pushed on to Marysville where we met Rod & Shirley - they'd been off playing golf - clubs strapped to their bikes! Shirley had won the ladies competition - well done Shirl!
On Saturday night we headed for the pub for tea and everyone had a hearty feed - Shirley shared stories of the local wombat that had horns and a bushy tail - called a gunni apparently.
It got us all wondering and someone made the suggestion we get our gear on, mount up and ride to Stevensons Falls in search of the gunni! Riding at 40km/hr in pitch black, watching for furry animals we eventually made it to the falls car-park enveloped in blackness.
Luckily Leigh had a torch - he has everything in the back-pack!
The stars were unbelievable out there and there was the frequent sigh as a shooting star or a satellite passed overhead! Down to the falls we trekked behind Leigh, but not a gunni did we find - plenty of bats though!

Next day it was down for breakkie at the local cafe & watch all the bikes arrive from the city - poor buggers, they had to go home again!
The local market got some of our money when it convinced Leigh & Murray they needed new work socks and the girls needed new earrings!
We rode down the Reefton Spur to a spot that Leigh had been told held significant historical value - the big culvert and Victorias biggest tree - we found the culvert okay - but think the tree must have been chopped down! We stood inside the culvert - like Rats up a drainpipe comes to mind...
Once we got to the bottom of the Reefton Spur we decided to ride back up it - it was crazy - too much traffic & no where to pass. Next we rode down the black spur to Healesville - much better road with wider corners & plenty of run off - very enjoyable motorbike country.
There were lots of idiots around and the biggest two shot passed us on the black spur on a blind corner leaving a smoke haze - one on a BSA and the other on an original Trident - I laughed to myself when I saw him taking corners on the Trident like he was on a GP bike!
Back up the Black Spur and it was time to lock the bikes up & retire to the pub for a few refreshments.

We tried a few resturaunts and it was getting desparate when we went to Faggi or Franger as Leigh called it. Fantastic little resturaunt and even better when a few musicians got out their instruments and played a few celtic tunes - music to our ears!
Next morning Leigh had his muffins & jam as usual (using the butter he got Janey to pinch from the pub!) and then we set off for the journey home - it was sad to leave it all behind - anyway, great week-end with great company - look forward to May 07 Grampians trip - Halls Gap look out!

March 07 - Ride Day

It was a bit chaotic in Geelong last Sunday when we went to meet for the monthly run. Half of the city and the entire Portarlington Rd was closed of for the Gatorade triathlon series.
We managed to get a parking spot close to the Wharfshed and could see the swim section of the event - how can they do that and then ride a bike to Drysdale & back!
It was a great day for a ride & I had a bit of a dilemma in the morning as we had thought about going to the Superbikes at Phillip Island. But, the thought of a good burn along some country roads made me quickly decide.
I got some photos from Mick (red Sprint) via e-mail from the racing and they are awesome - now I wish I had been there!
Despite only 4 of us turning up, we were looking forward to a good day and decided to make our first stop the Peppercorn Cafe in Steiglitz. It used to be owned by an old couple but has been taken over by a couple of ladies and I'd recommend it as a great place to stop on the way through - especially try the fresh lemonade scones with strawberry jam & cream.

One of the ladies has a soft spot for Triumphs as her husband owned a 1962 Thunderbird when she met him!
It's a great road to Steiglitz and some of it has been resurfaced making it grippy and fast on some corners.
We regrouped and decided to take a trip to Blackwood & have lunch in the pub. So it was back on the bikes and on to Meredith, then back across to the Ballan/Anakie Road & then straight through to Blackwood via Ballan & Greendale. The pub at Backwood isn't bad but the meals aren't cheap - there's a cheeky little cafe across the road from the pub that we might try next time.
We came out of the pub feeling adventurous & looking for new roads. A couple of blokes in a 4x4 got out their maps showing fire trails & dirt tracks & started telling us where we were - though I don't think they really knew as they were Poms!! So, it was the safe way home in the end via via Daylesford and a stop at the bakery in Ballan on the way back for a Vanilla Slice.
It was a great day for a ride - there are times when a smaller group is good - not so many to catch up with and easy decision making!

Next Saturday 10th March is the week-end to Marysville. There's only a few of us going but we're all looking forward to the break away. Should be good riding & I've heard the temperature is going to be just right. For those going, we're meeting at the Wharfshed at 9am & will leave about 9:30am.

Some of you might have seen a beautiful blue Sprint on TV recently - well look out for it in the motorcyle magazines in the next couple of months as well - and for those that haven't seen it, have a look at it on youtube.com!

Ride Day Feb 4th 07 & Updates

The monthly ride took place last Sunday and 7 of us arrived at the Wharfshed on a beautiful day ready for anything. It was my first ride with the group for the year and after working in HongKong for a couple of weeks I was looking forward to fresh air and pleanty of open countryside!

Pete made the first suggestion of Lavers Hill and everyone was quick to agree. It was good to meet Jay on the Thunderbird who had come along for his first ride.
We rode out of Geelong via the Hamilton Hwy, cutting through Ceres and on to Moriac and then Birregura for a quick stop and a morning coffee.

I was about to jump back on the Sprint when Mal offered me a ride on the Daytona & without any hesitation I was in the saddle with a big smile on my face! Well, what a beast... its a lot different to the Sprint as the riding position is truly a sport riding position & that 955i motor hums! The only problem was the little voice I kept hearing saying "Its Mal's bike - be careful". It really was an experience as I had ridden a demo Daytona 955i a couple of years ago but nothing like the road I was about to face - into Lavers Hill.

Into a couple of corners & I was backing off - it felt like I had to stay in control as this animal inside me wanted to take over and give it heaps!! I could see Pete in the mirror on my tail & knew he must be thinking 'Whats he doing!" Anyway, we made it to the t-junction where we joined that beautiful twisty road into Lavers Hill. Pete took off past me & I followed him - the Daytona was just purring. We pulled up in Lavers Hill & I jumped off - needed a clean set of pants after the ride through the Otways on Mals bike! The dog leg corner caught me out too - even though I was watching out for it - that ones a bugger of a corner!

It was good to get back on the Sprint & after lunch we rode that beautiful stretch from Lavers Hill to Apollo Bay.

A refuel and it was back via Skenes Creek & stopping at Deans Marsh for refreshments.

**Remember that Marysville is on the week-end 10th 11th & 12th March 07 - if you want to stay in the hotel then you need to book soon as places are limited.

Geelong Toy Run 06

Well, it was a small turnout from the Triumph group this year for the Geelong Toy Ride but a huge turnout overall. Despite the extreme heat, 3 of us were determined to give it a go and Mick (red sprint), myself and PJ rolled along with the mighty Harley bike train.

There was more bikes this year then I'd ever seen with estimates getting up to around 1200. Even as we rode out of Geelong there seemed to be a lot more support along the roadside with people waving and car drivers beeping their horns and giving us the nod of approval. There was even a woman on the kerb with a big Thank You sign.

It's always a great day when the public get to see that motorcyclists are nut cases that just want to get themselves killed!
It's heartwarming to see bikers of all age groups turn out with toys strapped to themselves and their bikes so show appreciation for the kids & families that aren't so well off at Xmas. I heard a sad story later on, that the toys that were bound for the Geelong Hospital Childrens Wrd got stolen - some people...
There were quite a few Trumpys there that we didn't know and I saw a guy on a new blue S3 riding it across the grass in Portarlington as if he was on a dirt bike (side ways!).

After a quick stop in Port it was on to Queenscliff and the end of the run - we met up with Paul and also caught up with Ring and Darryl on the Guzzi.
The Toy Ride always seems to mark the start of the Xmas wind down - a bit like the CFA coming around with lollies in the fire truck! It's a good day out and great to see what everyone else is riding and talk bikes. Hope the kids enjoy the toys.

Marysville Weekend - Dec 2-3 2006

Well, I can't believe it's almost a week ago since we set off for Marysville - time flies & especially when you realise it's only a couple of weeks to Xmas. Sorry I've been a bit slack keeping the blog up to date recently but there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day...

The next big event is the Xmas Toy Ride in Geelong which is organised by the Geelong HOGs. If anyone is thinking of going we were going to meet at the Wharfshed at 9am and then ride up to the Mercer St start line for the 10am kick off.

The Marysville trip was another great week-end away and the Tower Hotel is recommended to anyone that wants a quiet week-end in lush green countryside - remember green grass - well there's plenty of it in Marysville (at the moment)!

We had a change of departure plan following discussions at Thursday nights meeting and decided to set off from the Olive Cafe in Pako - that way we were able to sample the coffee making style of the local barrista (Graeme & Tina's cafe) before we went on our merry way.

I was late getting there due to a technical hitch with the Triumph saddle bags - a plastic clip broke and the strap had to be replaced by a shoelace - good old Triumph quality! Anyway, the coffee was perfect and we were soon saddled up and ready. Murray, Mick, Leigh, myself and Jane set off to meet Cheryl & Mal in Bacchus Marsh.

In Bacchus Marsh Cheryl was waiting but no sign of Mal - he was still locking up. Then an sms - he couldn't get the Daytona started! The message said 'Go' so we did and left him behind - for now! We had to meet John B in Kilmore at the bakery so we knew lunch wasn't too far away. It was a casual ride out through Gisbourne & Lancefield and into Kilmore. The biggest surprise was when we saw Mal's bike parked there already! He'd raced up the freeway - I think...

We met John B and got going after a snack in the Kilmore bakery. He's riding a Thunderbird now - sold the black Speed 3.

The road from Broadford was going to be awesome and everyone was looking forward to some good roads and a few thrills. It always is a pleasure riding out through Strath Creek, Flowerdale and into Yea and last Saturday was no exception - it was awesome! We got to Yea and met the Great Victorian Bike Ride coming the other way. Anyway a quick refuel and it was onward ho!

As we approached Marysville it seemed like someone had turned the colours back on - and it wasn't anything I was smoking! The vivid green grass was almost emerald and the trees lush with leaves - it was heaven!! On the way into town, there was a familiar face sitting in the local cafe having a coffee - it was PJ on the Daytona 600.

We regrouped at the hotel, unpacked and some of us decided a ride up Lake Mountain was a good idea to end the day - and it was a brilliant idea. For anyone that's never riden up Lake Mountain you must do it one day... the road is unreal with curve after curve and perfect camber - a bit like a rollercoaster! A quick coffee at the top and then another thrill back down the mountain.

A quick beer at the local pub and a game of pool - Murray & me let the girls win...

Tea was at a place call In Neutral which is a biker cafe in town covered in all sorts of bike and car regellia inside - you can't miss it, theres a guy on a Suzuki hanging out of the wall at the front. It was a great meal and fun was had by all.
At closing time most of the gang went home but a few of the stragglers went back to the pub for a nightcap. It was not the sort of place you'd want to take your daughter or wife for that matter - I think feral might be the word I heard mentioned!! It was all happening - even a blow up sex doll sitting at the bar at one stage! Things got a bit out of hand when they had the doll smoking a cigarette - especially when it was thrown and the cigarette landed in my eye! Bloody painful getting a cigarette in the eye - wouldn't recommend trying it at home... anyway, a bit of first aid and it was off to bed for us all.

Next morning it was a big breakkie down the local cafe with the King Parrots trying to snatch the food from our plates. PJ came over on the Speedmaster and the paint job on the tank looks great. Then we set off back to Geelong via the same route that we had arrived. Murray & Mick went to the racing at Broadford but everyone else kept going with a quick stop in Gisbourne to stretch and top up our bellys.

It was a great week-end and I'll be dreaming about that ride up Lake Mountain for a while...

Triumph Owners Motorcycle Event

Posted by Cheryl:

Garry (aka Skeg) from the Geelong branch of the Triumph Owners MCC made his return for our ride day on Sunday and extended an open invitation to the Geelong RATs to join the TOMCC for a couple of events this weekend. He is keen to get the Geelong branch of the TOMCC up and firing again and thought some cross over events with our group might be a start.

Firstly, Saturday night (11th Nov) there is a social event at Garry’s place in Lara. It is BYO everything from 7pm onward with the option to stay over if required. I don’t know if anyone from our group will attend not knowing Garry very well (or at all) but the invitation is there regardless. Garry’s phone number is 0401936047 if anyone wants more details.

Secondly, the TOMCC are having a ride day on Sunday 12th which I believe has been organised by the Norton club. The meeting place is Smorgy’s car park, Cnr Maroondah Hwy & Oban St at 10am for a ride to Flowerdale pub for lunch. Another possibility for our group is to ride the ‘normal’ route via Gisborne & Broadford and meet up with everyone at Flowerdale to have a nosey at the bikes and meet the owners. Personally, I’m keen to attend this if the weather is good… would be good if we could get some others interested.

The details of both events are on the web at http://www.sargeants.net.au/tomcc/tevents.html