Bright Trip Cup Week-End - 31st Oct - 3rd Nov 09

Details of accommodation for the Bright Cup Weekend Trip

Depart Geelong on Saturday 31st October - destination Bairnsdale:

Saturday night - 31st Oct
Mitchell Motor Inn
51525012
Rates $90 for Geelong Triumph - Queen Rooms and Apartments with 5 beds

Sunday 1st and Monday 2nd November
Bogong View Motor Inn - Bright
Call Leanne on 57551422 & tell her your with Geelong Triumph - $50 deposit
Rates $90 Single; $100 2 sharing; $115 3 sharing

Leaving Bright on Tuesday 3rd November and coming back via Whitfield Road

So far there's about 11 booked in for the trip - should be a great week-end!

For Sale - Sprint ST 1050

Well I've finally took the plunge and bought the bike I've been yearning for since I first took one for a demo ride last year. So, the Sprint's up for sale. I've always traded in on new bikes before but this time thought I'd have a go at selling the Sprint myself. I've listed on bikesales.com.au but thought I'd take advantage of this blog as well.

So here are some details in case anyone browsing this blog just happens to know of some lucky person that want's to be the new proud owner of this beautiful bike. Also, if I sell to someone that tells me they got a referral from someone reading this blog then I'll make sure a commission goes to the blog reader!

Here's some details:

Colour: Caspian Blue
Year: 2005
Kms: 34,000

Excellent condition bike that has always been garaged and dust covered.
Great bike for sports or touring Carbon Fibre Hugger/Chain Guard, Tail Tidy, Scotchcal paint protection film on high contact areas and fairing leading edge.
Full service history with 2 new Michelin Pilot Power 2CT tyres and brand new chain & sprockets
Comes with all original parts and full workshop manual on CD
Also have tank bag, throw-over bags and ventura rack & bag that I can negotiate with the bike or will sell separately if anyone's interested.

Thunderbirds are go!

I had a quick chat to Waz today - he's just got back from a 3 day trip up north were Triumph provided 10 Thunderbirds for dealer test rides.
It sounds like they're an awesome machine & definitely the way to go if anyones after a big cruiser. He's definitely been smitten by the T'Bird bug - reckons they're amazing to ride - handling, power, braking all very impressive - maybe the best cruiser on the road!

Here's some photos I got from Waz.

Demo Day - Sat 12th Sept

I was in Melbourne a couple of weeks ago and happened to come across the demo rides happening at Peter Stevens in A'Beckett St. I stood there looking on wishing I just had a spare lid in the boot of the car. The new Bonnie SE caught my eye and as usual the Speed Triple gave me a warm glowing feeling!
I found out the following week that Geelong Peter Stevens were having demo rides on Sat 12th Sept - last Sat. So I got booked in on the Bonnie & asked for the Speed Triple straight after. The bad news I was told on the phone was that the Speed Triple wouldn't be there! Ah well, I thought, at least I won't be tempted!
Saturday morning came & I headed in for my ride on the Bonnie. I got in there & Craig tells me they've managed to get a Speed Triple...not good! I booked in for the Speed 3 straight after the Bonnie SE.
The Bonnie was very different. Handling was impeccable and the thump of that twin with the Arrow 2-1 pipes made it even hotter. The rumble when giving it a bit in 4th went right through me - awesome. I barely got out of 4th gear the whole way around the demo route. The smaller front wheel makes it turn into corners with ease. I couldn'd fault it except to say it does feel a bit on the small side but that might be just because I'm used to the Sprint.
Then it was time for the Speed Triple... what can I say except that I was smiling from ear to ear all the way - what a bike! Power, handling, braking, style all wrapped up in a neat package. Anyway, got back & put a deposit on one!! Now just have to sell the Sprint - so if you know anyone that wants one...!

Ride Day - Sunday 30th August 09

Well it was a wild day on Saturday so it was a big surprise to wake up and see blue skies on Sunday morning. It didn't take me long to get out of bed and on to the Sprint - all this wild weather leaves few opportunities to get out on the open road - can't wait for the summer sunshine!
Mick (silver sprint) pulled up at Texas just after me & soon we were joined by Warren on the Thruxton - we heard him before we saw him - that arrow exhaust sounds awesome!
I'd been out for a ride a couple of weeks ago with a mate & he took me to this great little organic cafe in Inverleigh so I recommended it to Waz & Mick and we were soon on the road heading for a hearty breakkie - an organic one at that!
We were lucky with the weather and took the alternative route out through Ceres, through Gnarwarre and onto the Hamilton Hwy.
The breakfast was as good as I remembered from the last time - maybe even better! Definitely recommend it if you're out that way - its on the left service road just after the pub.
The way back took us into Winchelsea and then onto the Cape Otway Road to Moriac and home. It was a great mornings ride with great company too.

There's a few events coming up in October - hope to get along to some of them:

Mods & Rockers - October 25th - first heard this from Daytona Dave as he's going on the scooter! There's a group leaving from Geelong - see Warren in Peter Stevens for details

Bendigo Bike Expo - October 3rd & 4th - first regional bike expo - being held at Prince of Wales Showgrounds - predicting 10,000 people will attend

Pink Ribbon Ride October 25th - leaving Mercer St at 9:30 with bands and a festival at Point Cook

Southern Classic Broadford - October 3rd & 4th

There's also a trip to Bright in the planning stage for Melb Cup week-end. Thinking about leaving Friday 30th Oct riding to Bairnsdale and then on to Bright via Omeo & Hotham on Saturday 31st Oct. Then staying in Bright Sat & Sun nights and ride back on Monday 2nd Nov. All welcome. We'll discuss it more at the next meeting at the Wharfshed on Thursday 24th September

Sad week-end for Geelong RATs

It’s been a sad week-end for us all with the news that our good friend Mick L lost his battle with illness in the early hours of Saturday morning.
He was a charismatic and fun loving bloke & defintely had one of those magnetic personalities that affected everyone that met him.
I can still remember him on our week-end trip to Bright a couple of years ago standing on top of an outdoor table at the back of the pub at about 1am giving me heaps for going to bed early!
No matter how busy he was in the Peter Stevens shop, he’d make time to come over shake hands & have a chat about something that almost always ended with his hearty laugh.
I’m sure everyone in Geelong RAT that knew Mick will remember him as a bloke with a great sense of fun and a “nothing’s too hard” attitude.
My thoughts and I’m sure the thoughts of the guys I ride with go out to his family & to his good mates at Peter Stevens in Geelong who I’m sure are devastated.
I’m sure we’ll all ride together again one day Mick.

Can't beat pouring rain & wet roads

Well I finally got the new chain & sprockets on the Sprint. In the end I got the Triumph chain & sprocket kit - makes it a lot easier as it comes with the exact size DID chain, OEM sprockets and the locking washer for the front sprocket.
Some might remember me saying I was getting a wobbling feeling when I backed off on the throttle or changed down - I even thought the back wheel nut was loose at one point!
Well I found out why - when taking off the front sprocket, the weight of the wrench was enough to turn the nut - it's supposed to have a torque of 132NM - so the factory stuffed up on that one - big time! The front sprocket was wobbling on the shaft... lucky it had a locking washer on the spliced shaft!
Well it's fixed now and the nuts back on at the right torque - so it pays to check your nuts once in a while!
The chain got a good test today - I went for a burn with David S - he rides the black Speed Triple. It was cold, wet and up through Forest & out through the Otways the roads were drenched but it was a great ride. We stopped briefly at Martians for a 'pick-me-up' coffee & caught up with Martin who wasn,t even tempted to take us up on our offer to join us on our mission to Lorne via Skenes Creek.
We had a good lunch at the Lorne pub & headed back via Deans Marsh. The Sprint was minging when I got it home - the chain had a good workout & felt fantastic. Now I just need to get it serviced - maybe next week.

Last Ride Day on 31st May 09

Well its finally turned a bit chilly but not too bad considering its Winter - out on the bike the aches & pains are a good sign that we're not getting any younger.
Up in the northern hemisphere ridng in minus temperatures was normal, even in snow - wearing jeans, pair of Doc Martins and a Levi jacket minus the sleeves - hard to believe now when I'm freezing even with 3 layers of clothing and its 12c!

Its this time of year when that exhaust under the seat of the Sprint is very appealing!

The calendar has a break over June - I'm not sure if anyone turned up last Sunday anyway.
A few of us did the May ride to Deans Marsh. It was a great morning and great to catch up with a few old faces a Martians. Stefan was there on the bonnie - those exhaust modifications were too much for some of us - riding in his wake was like riding behind a tractor. I think he was going to put the original exhausts back on - too many of us told him the mods sounded crap!
I had an e-mail from the Point Cook Motorcycle Club - they're orgainsing the Pink Ribbon Ride this year and there's a departure point from Mercer St on the day - 25th Oct - see link for info.
Hopefully the week-end will be as good as the last one - I should have a new chain on the Sprint on Saturday and hope to get out on the road Sunday.
Might see you on the road...

Ride Day - 3rd May 2009 - Wye River

We all met at the Max on the last Thursday of the month & Wye River was chosen as the destination for the Sunday ride.
First, a quick one about The Max - it was disappointing to hear that the owner had called the police to have Stefan move his car off the pavement - if I didn't know better I'd think he didn't really want us there - cramping his style - only my opinion but there others that have the same view! At the ride on Sunday we all agreed to go back to the Wharfshed for the Winter break - Muz is happy with that idea!
It was a great turn out for the Sunday ride - about 13 bikes. Great to have Mark and Spook from the Triumph Owners joined us for the first part of the ride to Martians - Deans Marsh. There was also a few new faces - Wazzer on the T-Bird (beautiful bike), Gary on the bonnie & Dave on the Speed Triple.
It was a good ride out through Moriac and onto the Cape Otway Road.
The plan was to ride to Lavers Hill, then on to Apollo Bay and Wye River.
Things quickly changed as the temperature dropped and the sight of fog and black clouds rolling in over the Otways became a dismal prospect. So, a diversion to Deans Marsh to regroup in Martians car park. Coffee wasn't possible as Martians was packed with a group from a classic bike club.
A decision was made to ride on to Forrest and then down the Forrest/Skenes Creek road to get on to the Great Ocean Road - sounded good.
Those black clouds we'd seen earlier opened up as we got to Forrest - it absolutely poured & I had problems seeing the road through my visor - especially through sunnys! The sunnys were quickly ditched - it was so long since I'd ridden in rain I'd almost forgotten what it was like - great test for the Michelin tyres on the Sprint!
It was good to make it out of the rain & out into dry sunny weather once we reached Skenes Creek. We all regrouped & burned on to Wye River and a well earned lunch.
Stefan was on form and treated us all to a lemon tree irrigation demonstration before we left - don't think he know a couple sitting in the restaurant had a full view!
It was a good ride back along the Ocean Road & then to top it off we went the back roads into Deans Marsh - on dry roads - perfect! A quick coffee at Martians & then we all said farewell & headed home. Gary & Stefan hadn't fuelled in Lorne so it was touch & go - luckily they made it to Moriac & filled up.

Mal's Birthday Ride 22nd Feb 09
As I was getting the photos from the camera I realised I hadn't written anything about Mal's birthday ride on 22nd Feb - seems like it was yesterday!
It was a great ride to Daylesford & the girls even presented Mal with his own mini cake - complete with candle. Warren had brought the Thruxton out - it sounded awesome and flew!
Here's a little video of Mal blowing out his candle!

Tasmania Triumph Rally 2004 - 5th Anniversary

Well its hard to believe that is was 5 years ago this month when the Geelong RATs landed in Tasmania for the Triumph Rally.
It's still up there with the best 10 days I've ever spent anywhere and with the best bunch of people. A friendship was forged in those 10 days that will last forever. So to commemorate the 5th Anniversary I've dug out our theme song - remember the one Leigh told us we had to sing at the Triumph dinner but it never happened.
But, never mind, when we got to Strahan and after a few beers to celebrate Mal's birthday, the whole pub heard us sing it!
So here it is again - sing along if you want - goes to tune of Frank Sinatra's My Way.

TASSIE 2004 - Geelong RAT Anthem
Verse 1
And now that we're all here
I think its time that we should mention
Geelong the home of Cats and Triumph Rats too many to mention
We've road the Ocean Road
And scraped our knees on every corner
But more much more than this we're here in Tassie

Verse 2
And scrapes, we've had a few
But Trumphy takes us through it safely
The laughs, the jokes and fun
Our Triumph is our ole matey
We know we wont get lost
The girls they have their maps of Tassie
And Pete's out there in front
He's pretty snazzy

Bridge
Then there were days were some would go
Off road in dirt and through the trees
The corner came and disappeared
But little Dave was on the rear
The front wheel barely on the ground
He thought he was going the speed of sound
He wants to be like Bruce Anstie
But he must be dreaming

Last Verse
And now as I look around Its time to thank
Our friends at Triumph
Who brought us all here
As one, big happy family
We'll not forget this trip
Nor let Mal forget the kill switch!
But more much more than this
We love you Tassieeee

World Superbikes - Phillip Island 1st March 09

Well it was a wet & windy day when Murray, Mick, Jane & me boarded the 7am ferry bound for the World Superbikes on Phillip Island. We all convinced ourselves that the weather would get better - after all, it would be a miracle if it rained after so many days without a dribble!
It's always a lovely way to go relaxing on the morning ferry. Good thing Murray warned us about the ferry docking being rough - a few bikes have been dropped as the ferry bumps sideways into the docking bay - it did it this time too but we were ready!
It was a smooth ride to the Gippsland Hwy - got passed by a bloke on a BMW doing about 180km/hr - turned out he was a cop on an unmarked bike - separate rules for them!
Once we got to the island first stop was Doohan corner where we set up camp & soon were sheltering form the rain - it was pissing down - and cold...
Once the first WSBK race came on the weather had cleared & we weren't disappointed by the racing. It was great to be able to cheer on a fellow Ulsterman as Johnny Rea led the pack off the grid on the Honda 1000 RR. The lead was soon taken byNori Haga on the Ducati 1098R. Those Ducati 1098's can go & there was always a couple of them in the top 5 leaders. The new firing order on the R1 sounded awesome - like a big twin.
Troy Corser put on a bit of a show on the BMW, sliding through the corner before the straight and smoking up the tyre! Unfortunate that they didn't get placed i their first race outing. The Aprilia with Max Biaggi on board had a good race but missed out on a place as well.
Then there was Gary McCoy on the 675 - our hopes were dashed!
There were lots of Triumphs there & 1098 Ducatis everywhere you looked! That was even a 'Pete' replica!!
We made it back through the made rush avoiding the nutcases and just missed the 6pm ferry - good excuse to stop & have a quiet beer & wait for the next one.
Once underway we were treated to an exhibition of dolphins swimming & jumping throught the ferry wake.
It was a long day but we all thoroughly enjoyed it - even the weather turned out good.

Go Johnny Rae for the rest of the season!

Ride For The Hills - Bush Fire Appeal Ride

I had these details sent to me - anyone interested?

RIDE FOR THE HILLS

All funds raised will be directed to Red Cross Bush Fire Victims Relief 2009

Date: Sunday the 5th of April 2009
Starting: Pier Road, St Kilda - by the Catani Gardens.

Assemble: From 8am, there will be speakers at 10am
Departing: 11am for Whittlesea Arriving at destination at around 1 o’clock.

See www.rideforthehills.org.au for more information

Bush Fire Appeal Ride - Sunday 15th Feb 2009

Well I never ever thought the first entry of 2009 on this blog would be to talk about a ride raising money for bushfire victims! I just heard tonight that the death toll is now 189 and climbing - the stories still coming out of Kinglake & Marysville are as horrifically vivid as if it had happened yesterday.
We had been in Marysville over the Australia Day week-end and it was beautiful - rhe ride up to Lake Mountain at 7:30am on Sunday morning was as good as it gets - even caught glimpse of a lyrebird walking calmly across the road & jumping up into a lush green forest. We stayed at Marylands - a bit of a treat. A beautiful old guest house - it had been around since 1927 & stood proudly in the lush Marysville landscape. What a shock to wake up & watch the news last Sunday morning! Now its all gone. We met some lovely people that week-end - some we now know never made it out of the inferno that engulfed that beautiful little town.
So, it was great to hear about (thanks to Mal) the charity ride to raise money on Sunday - those places where some of our favorite haunts - Marysville was a place we all loved to go for week-ends.
This ride was one we definitely weren't going to miss & I've heard there are many more to come.
The ride itself on Sunday wasn't anything exciting - just a simple ride to Williamstown, catch up with the guys & then back to Geelong.
There were a few hairy moments when some blokes on bikes fancied themselves as traffic cops - nearly ended in disaster when they stopped traffic on the Princes Hwy at the Rippleside junction! The group itself got split up & some heading to the Little River pub while the rest of us rode straight up the highway - slightly chaotic at times!
But, it was great catching up with the usual crew & on the way back we stopped off at the Wharfshed for a cold beer & to kick back for an hour before we went home.
The Wharfsheds looking good by the way - some even think that's where we should meet again - felt like we'd come home! It was a great atmosphere down there & the beer wasn't bad either!
I heard today that the ride raised over $1500 for the bushfire appeal.
One part I didn't mention was the bloke on the Harley doing monos from the lights at Corio - now I've seen everything! In case you didn't guess already - his name was Warren!!
It will be great to get away for a week-end & I've heard that there's something on the calendar for the Labour Day week-end - calendar should be available soon.
Next meeting is at the Max on last Thursday of the month - next Thurs 26th Feb.

Harrietville - Melbourne Cup week-end Nov 2008

Ever watched a movie about a lone biker stuck up in the mountains all alone in the dark with no fags and only his imagination to play with – or experience a collision with a bird that can fly up to 322 km/hr?

Well that’s the sort of week-end we had a couple of week-ends ago when we spent the Melbourne Cup week-end in beautiful Harrietville at the foot of Mt Hotham. The lush pastures & churning rivers made it feel like we were in a different country – no shortage of water and even snow on the mountains as we rode over Hotham into Omeo.

It was an easy ride up to Yea even though we missed the Plenty Road turnoff & ended up on the Kinglake Road that the guys on the Street Triples absolutely loved – think they missed the turnoff on purpose.

Meeting up with Mal at Yea it was a cruisy ride to Mansfield keeping a careful eye out for the old bill.

Mansfield was crazy so it was a quick stop then on to the Whitfield Road and the thrill of an awesome biking road with lots of variety & plenty of twisties to test us.

An abandoned bike, smashed on one side & hanging against the rock wall reminded us of how dodgy this road can be if you take it for granted.

Now lets get back to the bird collision – a Peregrine Falcon that mistook Stephan for a small mammal or reptile – what a shock it must have had when it saw Stephan staring out through the Biggles goggles heading toward him like a missile on the Bonnie – but what a shock Stephan got when it hit him smack on the jaw nearly knocking him off the bike – his description of grabbing the bird as it clung on to his face was dramatic & he was lucky he and the falcon didn’t end up on the bitumen! I’ve read since that the Pergrine Falcon can reach speeds of up to 322 km/hr – no wonder Stephan had a swollen bruised face the next day!

It wasn’t far from Whitfield that the falcon struck – in fact I think it was somewhere near Powers Lookout. It was only when we got to the Whitfield Hotel we learned of Stefan’s near miss… being a lover of birds of prey my first question “Is the falcon ok – it’s a protected species” didn’t seem to get a response!

We were told that the guy on the abandoned bike survived but had a massive knee injury. After a very refreshing stop we headed on to Oxley and Myrtleford.

The scenery is lush with long green grass in the paddocks and rolling hills covered in pine. We eventually arrived at the Snowline in Harrietville at about 5:30 and after a quick shower we hit the bar – those jugs of Coopers Sparkling Ale went down well sitting on the veranda. Then some good old traditional British pub games – a game of darts with Malcolm taking the championship closely followed by Martin – just what we’d have expected – two ex-poms would have to be good at throwing spears!

The barmaid was educated on how to make a fuzzy bison!

It was an early morning start on Sunday, waking up to blue skies and the breakfast spot already worked out from the night before. They advertised all day breakfast & we reckoned it was because it took all day to get it!

Getting straight into the twisties we headed out of Harrietville up the mountain, over

Hotham & stopping for a coffee break at Dinner Plain.

The snow was still on the mountains – breathtaking scenery, though we couldn’t look at it too often – had to keep our eyes on the bitumen!

We quickly got to Omeo & a quick fuel stop & onwards to a little place called Anglers Rest and a pub we were told about called The Blue Duck.

It was a great road snaking through the mountains and along the river following a creek in the valley down below.

It was along this road that Stefan took off on a dirt road down to the creek – this was where he used to camp years ago. He came back with water running out of his boots – he’s cooled off wading up to his waste in the water!

On to the Blue Duck & it was absolutely perfect lying on the grass banking by the river & then getting stuck into home-made thai pumpkin soup – delicious! Look forward to going there again – maybe staying in the accommodation.

The map came out and discussions started on the best way back to Harrietville – little did we know that this discussion would end up in disaster!

There’s a road over Falls Creek into Mt Beauty – but we weren’t sure about it! Stefan assured everyone that it would be fine & Warren decided he was going that way too.

The rest of us were a bit uncertain & decided to play it safe & go the same way we came – great decision in hindsight! The deal was, the last person back bought the beers for everyone – the race was on!

We quickly lost sight of Mal & Martin & I’d assured myself I’d be buying the beers!

We pulled into the Snowline at about 4:30pm and to our surprise – no Warren & Stefan – I was more than happy but a little bit suspicious. A couple of hours later Mal, Martin & me were on the veranda with a beer listening to the band – it was pissing down and still no Stefan & Warren – we were getting worried – where were they?!

Then we heard the bonnie – it was Stefan looking like a spitfire pilot returning from a battle over the channel – he was soaked & the bike was like it had been through a paddock! Where’s Warren we asked “Didn’t make it” was the response! Where is he “Back there somewhere”! We couldn’t understand what had happened – had he come off, is he broken down?

Janey came over & asked Stefan the last words he’d said to Warren – Stefan paused & thought deeply – then, raising his arm in the air waving said “See ya” – that got us cracked up!

Turned out Warren got a puncture on a dirt road over the mountain – a road that is 40kms long & he was only quarter of the way! We needed to get him a puncture kit but it was pitch black, raining and every chance one of us could get a puncture if went in there!

Lucky Martin knew a couple of guys on dirt bikes with a bike trailer & ute. They didn’t even hesitate giving us the keys & Martin & ,me set off on a rescue mission! Two hours later we were entering the dirt road from Falls Creek – it wasn’t dirt – it was rocks! It was desolate up there, snow and freezing cold – we stopped at the police station at Falls Creek but it wasn’t manned.

We pushed on over the mountain – every thought on Warren & how he must be feeling trapped out here with a flat tyre & no help in sight. He was hoping Stefan would come back but Stefan had got lost coming back to Harrietville – he reckoned he knew he was on the wrong road when he saw the sign saying Sydney!

Eventually we saw the lights of a bike – but to our surprise it was a guy on a VFR – he lived in Mt Beauty & rode this rode regularly – he told us Warren was 500 m further. Then we saw him & I can’t put it into words how happy he looked! Turned out he had two fags left when Stefan took off – it was a survival job being out there in the middle of that mountain, freezing cold & wet. I think Warren’s gonna invest in one of those puncture kits now!

Another 2 hour drive & we got back just before the bar closed - it was a few quick ones & bags of chips for tea. Warre

n’s story was frightening & Stefan seemed to be keeping a wide berth! Three hours in the dark, rain, thunder and no fags – what a night to remember!

Question was – could we fix the tyre. Next morning we got the Streetie of the trailer and plugged the hole – a couple of gas bottles and it was looking good. Well it did the job as Warren made it all the way back to Geelong with that plug in place that day.

As Warren & Martin headed off back to Geelong, Mal, Janey & me took a burn out to Beechworth & Yackandandah – beautiful day taking in the scenery, the antique shops and a lovely lunch at the bakery.

It was a quiet night with dinner at the other Harrietville hotel where the local cricket club were having a lottery.

Next morning an early breakie in The Alpine in Bright (best place for a hearty breakfast) and then on to the journey back to Geelong.

It wasn’t a bad ride home & the road through Tooborac into Lancefield was a welcome change to the road from Broadford – definitely recommend it.

A quick stop in Gisborne and then on to Bacchus Marsh where we said farewell to Mal. It was great to get home but part of us wished we were still in the lush valleys of the mountains. Next time I think it would be better to stay in Bright – much more to do & more eating spots – and the brewery!

It was a great week-end – well for some of us anyway! Can’t wait to do it all again – especially when they seal that dirt road between the Blue Duck and Falls Creek – due 2010! We can have a re-enactment of the Warren ride of hell!

Bright Trip - Cup Week-end - Sat 1st Nov - Tues 4th Nov

Well, we had such a great time in Bright last time we've decided to do it all over again! This time the destination is Harrietville in the foothills of Mt Hotham. First night is a stop off in Bairnsdale to refresh the bones before the big ride to Harrietville via Omeo & Dinner Plains, over Mt Hotham and lots of winding mountainous roads.

This time accommodation is The Snowline Hotel in Harrietville which is the original pub in the town that’s been around since the days of the gold rush. It’s slowly getting a reputation as the place to stay if you ride a motorcycle & they can’t wait to get some Triumph photos on their web site.

http://www.snowlinehotel.com.au/

The Snowline Hotel - 03 57592524

Plan at this stage:

Saturday 1^st Nov

• Meet outside Peter Stevens in Mercer St at 9am for 9:30am start & coffee
• Ride to Bairnsdale – route to be determined
• Stay in Bairnsdale Saturday night

Sunday 2^nd Nov

• Ride to Harrietville via Omea
• Accommodation – The Snowline Hotel

Monday 3^rd Nov

• Some riding home to Geelong
• Others, day rides in local area or abseiling or gliding!
  

Tuesday 4^th Nov

• Pack up for the long trek home to Geelong

Broadford Southern Classic - Sunday 19th Oct 2008

With 10 bikes on the road, it was a it was a great turnout for the ride to Broadford and the Southern Classic race meeting. I think it was the biggest number of bikes on a ride for quite a while & maybe the 29C on Saturday had everybody feeling recharged. Craig was sure to have a cheer squad when he rolled out on the T-Rex Honda. Riding through Gisbourne felt like we stepped into another season - it was freezing. On the way up there was fog and the temperature dropped a few degress - on the way back it hadn't changed!
The smokers regrouped in Kilmore - strength in numbers!
It was a great day at the racing & aweseome to see a girl (Mandy Beales) win in the 350 solo race - she got a big cheer from the boys and the girls!
Then Craig came out for the first race in the afternoon - all was going well until he was given a penalty for jumping the start - race over! Second time out was a different story & he was flying - great result - came first in his class!
There was a few standing there watching that were itching to get out there on their own bikes. The sidecars racers put on the usual "slide" show - unreal to watch - wouldn't get me on one of those things!
It was a great day out - good to catch up with everyone after a long cold winter.