This annual pilgrimage to the "Courtney Arms" is getting better every year. It is similar to the Olympics in that the organisation appears to get better each time we visit.

Sunday the 3rd of August 2008 was a beautiful day weather-wise and one of the attractions of Canberra has to be the perfect motorbike riding weather even at the end of winter. It was a bright sunny day, around 14 degrees and great for a leisurely ride in the country.

We had 36 bikes this year compared to 37 last year with around 50 people attending this ride. We departed at 10.30am from the Services Club, off to Belconnen for a trip across Coppins Crossing, turning right to Uriarra crossing and a regroup at the site of the burnt out Cotter Pub. A few machine adjustments were in order with Nick Duell's Commando having an ignition problem, promptly diagnosed by Pete Dunster as Boyer circuit issues. A few jiggles of the Boyer electrics and "Bob's your Uncle!" we're off again.

A smooth run to Deakin, Yarralumla and into Kitchener Street, Garran, where Bob, his brother, and Louise Courtney have built a wonderful replica of an Olde English Pub. Once again, Louise had toiled long and hard to put on an absolutely marvellous spread of olde style English fare, with lots of 'toad in the hole', treacle tart and many traditional meat and savoury rib stickers, etc. Bob and Louise had some terrific helpers with Bob's brother and other members of the family making sure that it all went smoothly. There was a great selection of eats and drinks and you would have been forgiven for leaving the diet at home that day.

Bob and Louise also have a fine collection of old bikes, and a lovely old 1929 Triumph "Motor", which appears not too far from a going concern. (yes! Bob, these are the same words which I used last year about your efforts on the Triumph Motor.)

Ollie Walker and his guard dog "Penny" handled "back-up" trailer duties and any stray cats. There were no casualties (known to me anyway), although I was a bit concerned about stragglers when Ollie was the third arrival at the Cotter, having followed Nick Duell's faltering bike on a more direct route to the Cotter. I didn't get a chance at John Somerville's Cherry Stout this year. It was good to see Simon Whittaker's Suzuki Hustler on the road.

The lunch went splendidly and at around 2.30 pm members started to drift home, having had a great day at one of the best Club rides ever. The venue is great and many, many thanks to Bob and Louise, and family, for making a tremendous effort. The tucker was again marvellous and there is an enormous amount of time involved in organising such a day. Thanks again to Bob and Louise, also Ollie, Penny and Dick Holland. I must apologise if I have misspelt some of the roll call. I am unable in interpret some of the "I'm here" jottings used by some attendees. I hesitate to ask for DNA samples as my Rabies shots are not current.

Best Regards,
Peter Toet

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Roll Call