This year's event was another very successful run for the VVC and attracted many attendees from other Motorcycling groups in the Canberra area. This year was about 15 percent up on last year in terms of bikes and people. We had approximately 120 bikes (at least 60 VVC bikes), and over 140 attendees at the ride. The Gluhwein event is the third most involved in terms of food and hard work for VVC members on the VVC Calendar, the major ones are of course the Swap Meet and the Annual Rally.

Once again the ever reliable John Broad and Dick Holland were out very early to secure the Cotter site and get the BBQ set up and water on the boil. The start time was supposed to be 9.30, but there were plenty of early arrivals, so by 9.30 the back had almost been broken on the breakfast line. 10 kilo's of bacon, 15 dozen eggs, kilo's of bread, 10kgs of onions, etc went in a short time and the proverbial 5 loaves and two fishes disappeared very quickly. We mistakenly included a tin of Milo this year and ran out of milk within a fairly short time and many thanks to Natalie Markland for the expedition to the Moonrock Cafe to purchase more milk..

At around 10.45, the Riders Brief took place, with the attendees invited to take a leisurely ride to Corin Dam and back. In the intervening time the Gluhwein, Soups and other delicacies would be readied. There was a slight delay due to reports of Black Ice on some of the corners so it was more of an 11am departure.

Upon their return the riders were treated to five different and tasty soups, prepared by Steve Hunter, Mac West, Cheryl Boyce, Lyn Nicholas and some unknown benefactor (at this point), together with fresh buttered bread, (well done to Nerida and Helen), sausage sandwiches, Ray Scott's patented Gluhwein, and this filled any space left from breakfast. Ray's Gluhwein is supposed to have had the alcohol boiled off, but I wouldn't be too sure of that. We also had some carrot and chocolate slab cakes. Nerida, Annemie, Christine and Cheryl also brought some homemade cakes and these were quickly descended upon by the participants.

All in, it was such a great day and many thanks to Dick Holland, John Broad and Christine Boyd. Dick Holland, Geoff Nicholas, Waine Summerfield & Steve Keough were brilliant chefs at the BBQ and there were many other people involved in the setting up and cleaning up required for this size of event.

Very well done to all concerned and see you on the next run.

Peter Toet

Roll Call - Members - apologies for any errors - it was a long list