JUNE RUNS

Friday 5                 General meeting.  Club hall. 8.15pm  SHARP.

Queens b/d 6-7      Beechworth.  8am LEAVE Ford Factory.

Sunday 14              Apollo Bay Gold Tournament.  9am KBCP

Sunday 21              Club Captain’s rid. 8.30am KBCP

Sunday 28              Spectator day.  Observed Trial. Mt Misery. 9am KBCP

 

JULY

Friday 3                 General Meeting. Club Hall 8.15pm SHARP. Film night.

 

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CONGRATULATIONS,

 

To Brendon and Sally on the birth of their 3.4kg, daughter (Jodie Elizabeth) at 12.30 on May 12 at the Royal Women’s Hospital.

 

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INVITATION

 

To attend a party to celebrate Mick Fagan's 30th Birthday.  All members welcome.  Dress – Helmet, (except pregnant ladies and kids). B.Y.O.G. 1 Carre St, Elsternwick, 7.30 to 8pm, 27th June 1981.

 

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NEW ADDRESS

 

Ian Taylor

22 Burwood Ave

RINGWOOD.

Phone – 870 6361

 

 

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RAFFLE

 

12 months subscription of Motorcycle News (Green Horror) value $25.00.  tickets 50c each or  5 for $2.00.  DRAWN TONIGHT after meeting.  See Social Secretary BEFORE MEETING.

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EDITORIAL JUNE 1981

 

This month we would like to open by wishing the new committee a successful year.  We hope they will make a few controversial proposals during the year so that we may have plenty of material about which to write controversial Editorials!

 

As of this month we are forwarding our mag to several interstate clubs with the suggestion that they, in return, send us one of theirs.  We hope that this interchange of mags will occur on a regular basis.  Besides letting other clubs know what we are doing, and in return finding out what they are doing it may pave the way for interstate friendships.  If we are able to set up this interchange the mags will be available for reading at monthly meetings.  More on this next month.

 

Finally, even though we have quite a good range of write ups this month, (a couple are of non club activities) we notice there are still a few runs that have not been reported.  How about it then eh?  You write it, we’ll print it!

 

Cheers

Faye & Geoff.

 

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CLUB FEES

 

Dear members,

 

Club membership fees are now due and payable tonight.  The only trouble is, I’m on my way to the Alpine Rally as you read this.  But don’t despair; somebody up the front will have a list and an open hand.  So go to it!

 

Failing that, you can put the $6.00 in the post to:-

 

Treasurer M.T.C.V

9 Blackmore St

Nth Sunshine 3020

 

Phil Duffy

 

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ELECTIONS

 

Well members the Annual General Elections were held on the May Club Night – or were they?  The only position drawing interest being that of Vice Captain with four hopeful candidates of whom Les Leahy was declared the winner.  The rest of the positions being filled by the solitary nominee for each position.  So there you have it, a report of the 1981 Club Committee Election.  Below is the new Committee line up for 1981.

 

                   President                       Keith Harris

                   Vice President              Greg Smith

                   Secretary                       Marc Sulot

                   Treasurer                       Phillip Duffy

                   Social Secretary            Debbie Snell

                   Assistant Secretary       Phillip Andrews

                   Captain                         Chris Negus

                   Vice Captain                 Leslie Leahy

 

Keith Harris

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FILM NIGHT!!!!

 

Saturday 13th June.  7pm start at Social Secretary’s place.

Unit 17,

28-36 James St.

Box Hill.

Phone – 886 362

 

$1.50 per head.  SUPPER INCLUDED.

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CAPTAINS COMMENT

 

You will read in the magazine, the report on the Redesdale ride.  I don’t wish to comment on the ride itself; however, I feel that I would like to comment on the car accident mentioned.

 

In the army, we were taught that teamwork was important above all other things.  The conduct of the club, at the scene of the accident, was outstanding.  Everyone performed as would be expected of a trained team.  Between the club members present we managed to alert an ambulance, slow down oncoming traffic, and assist the victims and the ambulance attendants and to give a coherent report to the police when they arrived.

 

People are quick to criticize club members, but not commend them on a job well done.

 

Well done M.T.C.V

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WANTED

 

2 Pressley panniers to suit B.M.W. contact club captain.  Phone 886 362.

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EX – PRESIDENT’S REPORT

 

Although not an outstanding year (9 months actually) I feel the committee has performed its function quite well.  The resignation by various committee members during the ‘year’ hasn’t helped the running of the administrative side and the rumblings of a few members seemed to lead to a slight dissatisfaction amongst a few.

 

Now some might say I didn’t supply strong leadership and in some instances this is true.  I viewed the position as President as one of co-ordination rather than a one man band.  My approach has allowed free reign to any member who wishes to express his ideas and in turn put them forward to the general membership without imposing my own personal views.  We therefore had such proposed amendments to the constitution as the get you home fund and the issue of protective clothing.  We also have some changes to the itinerary, as a result of differing tastes, e.g. the inclusion of such spectator events as Mr Moto-cross and the observed trial.

 

Whether or not my approach was a success depends on your point of view.  One thing that is certain is that the last ‘year’ was a reflection on the club as a whole rather than a reflection on any individual or group.

 

Keith Finlay.

 

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EASTER WEEKEND - THURRA RIVER

 

It was to be an early start, with a fair days travel ahead.  Gary and I got up at 4am Friday morning hoping to leave Melbourne by 4.30.  As it was we left at 25 to 6, still being quite dark.  Our first stop was at Morwell for refill, by which time we were becoming rather hungry.  We stopped at Sale, (at one of two places open for breakfast), after which we waited 2 hours for bacon and eggs, coffee, and some raisin toast for which we paid a very, very generous $10.00. After helping a poor guy onto his Laverda and sticking an itinerary in his hand we left there about 10am.

 

Travelling at a wise 100km over amphometers, we thought the club would have caught up to us, seeing we were delayed.  It was 1/30 at Cann River for lunch, with about 30km to go.  It was 3pm 50k’s and a slight detour later we arrived, to greet Ian and Lyn (in a car) at the camp site.  So where is everyone?  We figured if they did what we did and made a few wrong turns (which isn’t hard to do), they would be here about 4pm.  6pm we gave up hope, so the whole four of us decided it was time for dinner.  9pm ‘bikes’, it was Paul and Mark, the only two who showed up at Hallam, where the club was to meet, (they had checked out all the 4WD roads in the area before finding camp).  So now there were six of us, and that how it stayed.

 

The National park was absolutely beautiful, main event being fishing, long nature walks, monstrous dune climbs, skiffling and more fishing, (no fish were caught!).  Facilities were limited but a quick dip in the sea was as good as a shower.

 

Ian, Lyn, Mark and Paul left Monday morning, we stayed on till Tuesday, then back to the rat race. Pity not many could make it, as Croajingolong National Park is a place worth seeing.  I know I’ll be going there again, (don’t think you get to see lighthouse!).

 

Andrea, future (hope) Honda CG250 RS.

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FAMILY DAY 3rd MAY

 

For those who didn’t come it’s no point in reading the following story, for no matter how much it makes you wish you had gone, you can’t!  For those who went, there is no point in ready the following story, for you were there and know what sort of a day it was.

 

Having eliminated the only 2 groups of people who are likely to read this story i.e.  those that did and those that didn’t, I’ve decided not to write the story after all.

 

I would however like to thank those members who took the effort to invite their families, and would also like to thank those families who took the effort to come.

 

Keith Finlay.

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SNOOKER NIGHT – MAY 9th

 

Have been asked why the activity scheduled on May 9 was called “Snooker night”.  Appears that nobody played, snooker that is, although at least one member was observed sitting in a corner (of the table?) with his hands in his pockets????

 

During the night those attending were apparently asked for 20c each. (Donations for supper?).  One member was unable to oblige!  Thirsty Bike?

 

Many thanks must be extended to Christine Dawson’s parents for the use of their home.  Wouldn’t hurt the club to send them a ‘thank you’ card, that is, if it hasn’t already been done.

 

One further question that has been posed is who gets the points for arranging the night, Christine or Craig?

 

(signed) One who was unable to attend.

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REDESDALE – MAY 10th

 

We left KBCP at about 10am on what would have been a fine day, except for cold and drizzle.  A quick zig zag through the city, via the market and its Sunday morning crowds, and we were on our way up the Tulla freeway.  Just before Sunbury we turn north and up through Romsey and Lancefield, to a confused stop at the Tooborac intersection.  A few groups stopped along this section to slap on wet weather gear and check machinery; alas, the joys of motorcycling.

 

We stopped at Heathcote for morning tea or brunch, but it ended up being a twelve o’clock lunch stop, and BMW convention.  Two of our number left to back home from this point.  From here we headed to our destination via Mia Mia, Redesdale... Redesdale?  Oops, overshot the runway a mite, and the turn off too.

 

A quick ‘U’ turn and it’s back into Redesdale for another convention.  A head count revealed that three bikes were missing it turned out that a headlight popped from its socket and the others stopped to assist.  One more rider left us at this point.  Leaving eleven of us to finish the ride.  From here Fagan took over as leader, on his road/trail BMW.  Shortly after setting off we turned down a dirt track.  Along here someone slid at the edge of the track at slow speed and dropped his machine.  It turned out that the road was blocked off.  We could have crossed the creek bed and got around it, but our leader in his wisdom, chose to go back to the bitumen.  This was short lived however, and back on the dirt we went past Myrtle Creek, Pilchers Bridge and up towards Bendigo.

 

I think I’m getting used to the dirt, even some of these blind ninety degree sharp corners.  Back onto a short bit of bitumen and then back again onto dirt, up a little rise and into one of those corners.  Seemed like a good place for a bit of a rear wheel lock, and yes. I knew it, it goes and locks on me.  A few prayers and the corners behind me and I’m still upright.

 

Out onto the bitumen once more via the Emu Creek road and we headed south through Sedgwick and Sutton Grange.  Shortly after pulling out on to the Calder Highway we stopped at a petrol station come motorcycle sales yard, to fill up with petrol and food.  From here we headed off to demob from Keilor passing through Malmsbury, Kyneton, and then it happened.  Just before Woodend, in front of the leading bikes, two young bucks, going in the same direction, drove off the road and square into a metre thick tree.  The car ended up in a mess to say the least, and the blokes inside, though alive, weren’t any better off.  It seemed they had been drinking, so it was lucky they didn’t collect anyone else.

 

We had all stopped, and some assisted a doctor that stopped and the local Woodend ambulance man, while some directed traffic.  The civil ambulance and police turned up together, surprisingly, the tow trucks were late.

 

It was here we ended up demobbing, and back to Melbourne through rain and heavy traffic.

 

Ross CX500 CA

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FELLOW CLUB MEMBERS

 

Upon thinking about the proposed and now viable proposition of occupying an allotted area of floor space at the forth-coming M.R.A motorcycle show at the Camberwell Civic Centre, I have come to the conclusion that the M.R.A and its ideals is very blasé.

 

What bring me to this conclusion are what I consider realistic observations.

 

1.  The amount of money that has been quoted for the rental of the site.  It has varied from $200 down to $70 and it now seems to be agreed upon that the rental will be set at around the most popular figure (for us anyway) of next to nothing.

 

2.  The amount of bitching and bellyaching about the size of the area allotted, O.K. 70sq ft isn’t much but it is better than nothing.  We might be a large club but I think we should be grateful for whatever we can get, and since the proposed allotment is in the central floor area one would tend to think that we would have a prime position.

 

3.  In my 2 ½-3 years as a member of this club, I have not seen any attempt by this club to help or associate with the M.R.A in any way, which I feel is sad and reflects poorly upon the club itself.  I have heard it said that people think that the club is extremely self centred, and as this comment was passed to me by an outsider, I will not speculate on its validity.  But it is a pity that this attitude is present.

 

I feel that a remedy for the above mentioned observations would be that the club takes a more active and supportive attitude towards the M.R.A and its ideals.  Some ways of doing this would take the form of the M.T.C.V going on a poker run or a blood run or attending M.R.A rallies as a club.

 

This action would I think lift the club’s standing within the motorcycle movement and therefore (hopefully) encourage new members to join us and promote what is truly a great club.

 

To those who are working to get the clubs standing going, good luck and I hope that it brings the desired results.

 

Kevin GL1000

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FOR SALE

 

J.V.C 7 stage Graphic Equalizer $100.00

OR SWAP FOR

Stereo Tuner

Contact Frank 88 2329.

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KEIFER RALLY APRIL 25-26

 

The KEIFER RALLY is a rally only for BMW owners and all members of BMW CLUBS, which makes it a little hard to get to if you don’t own a Be-emm.  (Actually, it is easy enough to get to; it’s just that you get railroaded on arrival. – ed.).  You may be wondering why this article, on a one make rally, is appearing in a magazine of an all makes club. COZ it’s got something to do with bikes!!

 

Anyway to the story.  I, myself and my ego left Friday night just after midnight (actually Sat morn) (amazing! –ED) straight after work and headed nonstop to Jeparit for fuel (ANZAC DAY no PETROL), and lost 25 minutes saying hello to the family.  They kept on mumbling something about 4 in the morning, or something to that effect!

 

Dawn appeared a little after Bordertown which meant the speed could be upped a little.  A quick refill at Murray Bridge which, by the way, was the first bridge to span the Murray, and then on again.

 

Tootling along (THRASHING), up hill and down dale, it became apparent that one was entering a wind growing district.  Everywhere one looked there were little wineries, and some not so  little.  My destination folks was the BAROSSA VALLEY S.A.  To be more precise I was heading for NURIOOTPA and hoping to get there before 10am.  The reason for the time you ask?  Simple, a PARADE starts from TANUNDA (3km away), at around 9am and ends at Nuriootpa at around 10.30am.  the parade is in aid of the Wind Festival, which is held every odd year, and the B.M.W owners club of S.A, using great foresight, organises their rally to coincide with this festival weekend.

 

The parade was a ripper, with plenty of novelty entrants and a lot of serious ones decked out with flowers, girls, grapes, girls, wine and more girls.  (Didn’t know that they made wine out of girls – ED).

 

Having loaded up with ammunition (grapes), I, along with about 30 other rally goers waited for the best part of the parade to come along.  Finally the best part arrived, approx 55 B.M.W bikes with riders and pillions.  I won’t go into detail but let me add that a few selected members of the group tried out some grapes in solid rather than liquid form.

 

On the rally site which was an old reservoir (empty thankfully).  It was here that one understood the name of the rally.  KEIFER is I believe the German name for PINE or PINE FOREST.  Tall pine trees overhead with a soft layer of pine needles for the tents.

 

Saturday night saw some films being shown and if one looked hard enough one could see the odd B.M.W logo or two.  Late on Saturday night the usual rally presentations were made and surprise of surprises Joy (currently residing in Denmark) took out the longest distance female from home.

 

Sunday morning, rising late, we (Joy and I) packed up and left.  We had lunch and did some sightseeing in Murray Bridge.  From there we travelled to Horsham and motelled it with bed and breakfast for the night, an early start Monday morning and home for lunch.

 

That was the Keifer rally which by the way was a little unusual in that there was a BMW R80 G/S demo bike ridden by all and sundry very thoughtfully provided by Pitmans of Adelaide.  That bike when it is eventually sold, if it lives that long, will need some mighty fine servicing.

 

Mick R80 G/S

 

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EASTER IN EASTERN AUSTRALIA 1981

 

For two years now there has been truly excellent weather in the Eastern States of Australia for Easter, and this year could not be faulted in any way.  Even at night with the clear skies and full moon there were even shadows being cast by the glow of the moon.  By day the riding conditions were great, being warm without being hot, whilst the nights had sufficient chill for enjoying a camp fire yet they were not too cold to allow a good night’s sleep in the tent.

 

This account is being prepared, not only for the members of the Four Owners clubs in Australia, but also for my friends in the USA, and hence I have taken care to explain what might be obvious to any Australian.

 

Easter is a great time for bike riders in Australia as it means a four day break from work for all, and for many like myself, who works for the Victorian State Government, it means five days away from regular toil.  Many motorcycle functions are held at this time, and I had a real option on three.  Of course, the great bike races at Bathurst in New South Wales is the Mecca for all bike racing enthusiasts, and for those one per cent people (from Sydney for the most part) who enjoy a good fight with the Police Force of the State of New South Wales. I was not keen to be caught up in any fracas there.  Really, my choice was clear.  The Four Owners National Rally was on, this time being organised by the Sydney Chapter.  They had kindly invited members of the Goldwing Road Riders along too, as riders of four cylinder bikes, and being a member of both organisations, I was keen to attend.

 

The rally site was well chosen at the Wyangala Dam, a huge water reserve which holds 2 ½ times the water volume of Sydney Harbour, but due to three years of drought in the area it was almost without water.  However, the area is grand with a ring of mountains around and stimulating twisty roads into the area.  For those who also wanted to visit the races at Bathurst, that city was only 110 kilometres away.  The site presented as central for the four chapters of the Four Owners to get there as well.

 

I had planned to set off with the Four Owners from Melbourne at 7.00am, and we had planned to meet at the Ford factory.  However, as I woke up at 3.00am, and was not likely to get to sleep again, I decided to get on the road early, and by 4.00am on Good Friday, the Goldwing LTD with heavy load was well on its way.  There was very little traffic on the Hume Freeway and by 8.00am, I was into New South Wales and the Olympic Way.  Victoria’s smooth roads were now behind, and I bounced over the not so good surfaces of the Olympic.  However, most of the traffic must have opted for the better conditions of the Hume, for there was almost no traffic on the Olympic, except for the many hundreds of bikes on their way to Bathurst.  It was like motor cars had been banned from the road.  All along the highway until about 10am there were groups of riders camped at the side of the road and most were making ready to set off again as I went by.  There were all types of riders too from the racing to the touring and the unwashed coloured (on their backs, that is) ones as well.  Plenty of side cars were about as well.  No police were seen and probably they were all near Bathurst getting ready for the affray.

 

By 11am I had reached Cowra the last large town before taking the road to the Dam.  The scenery is spectacular, as is all the mountain country of New South Wales.  I had recently received a letter from an English Goldwing rider who told me he thought Australia was flat.  I only wish he could visit Eastern Australia where there is hardly a flat or straight road inland 300 kilometres from the sea.  This Easter trip would have blown his mind, but more of that anon.

 

There is a large caravan park at Wyangala Dam and it was well occupied.  However, the ranger had given the Four Owners a site well clear of Mr & Mrs Average and we were given a site on top of a hill well clear of everyone except one couple in a large caravan.   When I arrived there were few bikes there, and I was greeted by the friendly cheerful President of the Sydney Chapter, Shane McCloy, who has a superbly equipped Suzy, with all the touring gear.  The man who owned the caravan left and made off in his four wheel drive for a day’s fishing.

 

During the next few hours the members of the Sydney Chapter turned up in small groups and sometimes singly, and then a huge group arrived from the Canberra Chapter.  Their diminutive but cheerful and alert President, Keith Andrews, and his wife arrived along with an old friend, Derek T., who has just purchased a Goldwing to use with a side car, (for the new infant ... at least, new nearly a year ago).  Ole Anderson from Canberra was there in his outfit along with wife and two well behaved kids.  By this time a large group of bikes had arrived, and then came the folk from Melbourne.  Their rear rider, Phil Russell, somehow came first having become detached from the rest of the group, and was alone after travelling along the Newell highway, must have done a one day tour of New South Wales.   The Newell is a fast straight road but it lacks interest except for the speeds one can travel on it.  Phil must have been going for he had to cut back towards Cowra, a most excursive route.

 

The caravan owner returned to find his vehicle surrounded by bikes.  Well, he should not have been there in the first place; He exploded, “Bloody Hell”, and hitched up his van and made off never to be seen again, and so we had the whole area to ourselves for a while.  Then a motorcycle touring club from the Macquarie University turned up and camped next door, and they added to the occasion.  They too were made up, with the exception of one BMW, of all four cylinder bikes and they were both well organised and well behaved and several asked about joining the Four Owners.

 

With evening, three camp fires were lit up, one for Canberra members, one for the Sydney folk and one for the Melbourne group.  However, there was soon mingling between all groups.  Melbourne set up its tent, gas barbeque and table and chair set.  This had all been conveyed on the club trailer hauled by Graham with his comfortable panel van.  Considerable New South Wales beer was drunk by some, but no hassles resulted.  Some comment was made about the quality of the beer, mainly the Melbourne riders.

 

Conclusion next mag,

Darren GL1000

 

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Sign on the wall of a university library: “Due to reorganisation, the basement will be on the second floor.  Half of the second floor will be on the first floor, but half will remain on the second.  First floor will move to the basement.  We suggest you ask for help.”

 

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TRANSPORT SQUEEZE

Ifeveryonemovedupabit

There’dbeaplaceforMEtosit.

 

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FAMILY DAY MAY 3rd SHERBROOKE FOREST

 

Both “sets” of parents had been notified well in advance about the family day, and the lunch menu requested, that is, carefully pointed out over numerous phone conversations.  We were looking forward to the day as we hadn’t been on a club ride for a few weeks and lunch always taste better when it is cooked and ready for you upon arrival.  We even (gasp, gasp this is not a lie) washed the B.M or rather, scraped great amounts of dirt off it and then washed it.  In a final fit of extravagance we even polished the little devil.  So all was set for a good day’s riding and eating.

 

Well the morning of said event dawned dark and wet.  Great I thought, what on earth do you do with a dozen motorcyclists and their relatives on a wet day in Sherbrooke Forest?  Undaunted by this burning question, the dismal weather and our warm cosy bed we both sprung into action.  We got as far as the garage before gloominess in both weather and state of mind set in.  Donning waterproofs and scarves we set off.

 

Upon arrival at K.B.C.P I detected a note of blue in the sky.  With glee I took my waterproofs off and lit up a cigarette.  Things were looking a smidge brighter.  About 10 bikes left the K.B. with Smithy in his car.  The ride out was to be direct as parents, warm fires and sizzling snags were awaiting us.  Travelling out along the Burwood highway we had Chris and Deb leading with Big D bringing up the rear.

 

Now the weather wasn’t too bad; bit of rain and a lot of grey cloud but there was that over hopeful patch of blue.  Things were progressing in an orderly fashion until we were just out of Ferntree Gully.  The road divided into two, the main road continuing up towards Brendan and Sally’s place and the second, towards the Sherbrooke Forest.  We, no, Ian took the second road whilst the club rightly continued along the main road.  Quite a few km’ later we were wondering why we hadn’t caught up to Lindsay and equally wondering why no-one had caught up to us.  After re-assessing the situation we turned around and half an hour later we found ourselves at the reserve with the rest of the club and parents already organising the festivities.  The sky was looking bluer and dad had the fires going so, with another cigarette lit up I proceeded to forget our little detour.

 

Lunch was a success and with a few more bikes and parents arriving we became quite a little group.  After lunch the Frisbee started flying around with a few Frisbee-ers seeming to be hall bent on scoring or should I say scalping parents, club members and babies alike.  Several times prams and babies had to be moved to escape the mad Frisbee flingers.  Meanwhile a cricket match was in progress indeed, we almost had enough members to make up a full team.  Many a catch was caught and many a catch was not caught.

 

By 3.00 o’clock most people were starting to pack away their bar-b-q tongs and talking about heading home.  However, Ian and I decided to stay back and keep Sally company, as her husband had wandered off on a ‘bit of a walk’ and alas, taken the car keys.  Most had by this time got themselves organised and had headed back to Chris and Debs’ for coffee.  Sometime later Brendan arrived back so it was on with helmets and jackets and a decision on our best line of exit.  Traffic was inevitably heavy as only Sunday late afternoon traffic can be but this did not mar the fact that we had had a good ride up to Sherbrooke and a very pleasant afternoon socialising.

 

Ian & Lynne R90S

P.S. Which club member takes delight in throwing a full cup of petrol on a fire already ignited thusly succeeding in setting himself alight and creating quite a spectacle for club members and others?  Good P.R?