A perfect riding day greeted the ten riders, pillion and Back-up support at 8 am in Croydon for coffee and biscuits at Ray’s home, the traditional starting place for the run.  Stan Rooks dropped by to wish us a good ride as he was unfortunately unable to join us.
The ride has always been along the back roads to Coldstream and on to the highway to Healesville before the ride over the mountain to Alexandra on the Black Spur. We had the bad luck to follow a tray truck with a dirt bike on the back driving slowly. It is really difficult to overtake on this road but we managed and the rest of the trip to Yarck was splendid.  We made the usual stop for morning tea and John Killingsworth was there to wish us a pleasant journey, as he had to ride back for a weekend of gardening.

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In Mansfield we met up with the second contingent Bill Garner, Ernie Jeffries and David Fitzgerald and then proceeded to Tolmey for the BBQ luncheon. The Council was kind to us this year and did not elect to “improve” the road to the Harrison Estate.  Bill Garner as usual took on the duties of Chef and was officially dressed in an authentic apron direct from Florence Italy for the occasion.  Yours truly, acting as assistant chef and apron provider.  There were immediate calls for further use of the attire at planned future festive occasions. Greg, Lynn and Luke Myers accompanied by Rob and Julie Mullins joined us for lunch.

Back to Mansfield for a top-up of petrol and to the Mansfield Motel for the afternoon gathering for the telling of lies, gossip, and hydration and again, generally, having a very relaxing time before the evening’s repast at the local restaurant.  The food was excellent and the prices very reasonable; Another plus for our organizer, Ray.

Sunday morning dawned a bit late for us as the clock in our room was set a half an hour late which made our preparations a bit hurried, but it all worked out and we were on our way for the trip over to Whitfield. This is a magnificent road for bikers and today we get to do it both ways. What a treat. Kay was riding pillion and filming the trip from Whitfield to Mansfield.  Have a look on our website and relive the adventure. The destination was Milawa for Morning Tea at the bakery where we Fred Davenport, Peter Evans and Judy Bennett, Peter’s Daughter were waiting for us. After Morning Tea there was time to visit the Olive Shop and the Mustard Shop, adjoining, to purchase some “High Country Mustard” (Sorry, I just couldn’t resist that pun.)

Lunch in Mansfield and then on to home through Yea for the toilet stop.  Over the Melba and Mt Slide to Yarra Glen Where I had planned to turn off and head for home when my Pillion alarm started making loud noises.  Unfortunately all the riders were following Ross over the Christmas Hill road including Kay and I, although on my part it was intentional.  

The problem was that Vern and the back-up trailer came along too. I turned around and with Vern and Marge, caught up with Ray at McIntyre Road.  We missed the forecasted rain and all worked out.  I don’t know how all the other riders that followed Ross managed but I feel sure they eventually found their way home.

Another magnificent run that should not be missed. Have a look at the pictures on the Website and make an effort to join the fun next year as Ray has consistently organized a terrific rally.

Well done Ray, as always.  Thank you for a great weekend.

Phillip McArdle

Participants:

Graham Boulter                            Triumph Bonneville 865 2008
Jack Youdan                                Triumph 955 2002
Ern Jeffrey                                  BMW Outfit 1957
Bill Garner                                   BMW 750 1972
Robert & Julie Mullens                  BMW 75/5 1972
Phil McArdle & Kay Di Clemente      Honda Deauville 700 2007
Ross Dickinson                              Norton Dominator SS 650 1965
David Fitzgerald                             Norton Dominator SS 600 1960
Richard Haughton                         Moto Guzzi750 2003
Ray Harrison                                 Honda St1100 2002
Warren Blandy                              Triumph Trident 750 1974
Ross Patrick                                 Kawasaki 1200 2004
Greg & Lyn Myers                          Ducati 750

3 club members from Wangaratta met us for morning tea at Milawa
Peter Evans                                   BSA Gold Flash Outfit
Judy Bennet                                 BSA C11
Fred Davenport                             Aerial Red Hunter Outfit