Not listed on the Events Schedule, this run was hastily organised at the last minute by some of the members who wanted to get in one more ride before the end of the year, and to welcome Mick Gentleman to the position of Events Officer of the VVCMCC.

When I arrived at the Services Club, just after 10am, there was already a fairly large group of enthusiastic riders all keen for a final ride of the year.

The decided route was out past the Cotter to the Moonrock Café at Tidbinbilla Tracking Station, then back to the "Coventry Arms" for a sausage sizzle.

Bob Courtney passed out copies of a printed invitation with directions to the Coventry Arms, and a phone number to ring if a backup trailer was needed.

At exactly 10:30am Mick gave his first 'riders brief' and and enquiry was made as to how many people would be interested in visiting Bob Courtney's Old English Pub after the ride. The show of hands was "all in favour of", so Bob rode off to make the necessary preparations.

At the start of the ride it was sunny with a few clouds, and a temperature of around 19 degrees, but soon after we left a cool and gusty westerly wind started.

On the road out to the Cotter I could see dark clouds over the Brindabella ranges in the west. We were heading directly toward them, and the wind was pushing them toward us! But the unfaltering line of bikes kept on course towards the Cotter river.

After we passed the Cotter bridge, the sun had disappeared and the dark clouds were above us. This was one of the highlights of the ride: I always enjoy riding with a dramatic sky overhead!

We eventually arrived at the Tracking Station with only a few drops of rain on our petrol tanks. And everyone was in high spirits as the clouds passed over.

The Moonrock were pre-warned of our arrival and coped well with the numbers as we filled their premises - We ordered at the counter, took a number, sat down, and were served at our tables quite promptly. (thanks Pam!)
A light rain shower passed over while we were there.

By the time most people had finished their coffee, tea and cookies, the clouds in the western sky seemed to be getting darker, so we decided that maybe we should start moving in an easterly direction fairly soon (as no-one was prepared for wet weather).

The obvious choice for most was the "Coventry Arms" (directly to the east), however there were a few riders who decided that home was the better option.

Our large group then became split into several smaller groups, making staggered departures from the car park as the clouds came closer.
By the time we arrived back at the Cotter, the weather had moved away to the south, and I had a very enjoyable ride along the (traffic-free) Cotter road following Dick, Bill, and Col on our way to the old English Pub.

The next couple of hours were spent eating, drinking and chatting in the very relaxing and friendly atmosphere of the Coventry Arms.

There were no breakdowns, although Greg Carmody had a small problem at the Moonrock with one of the mufflers on his T160 breaking the weld at the mounting bracket. He decided to take it home, and then returned to join us at the Pub on one of his spare T150's.

Many thanks to Bob and Louise Courtney for opening up the Pub, and organising the BBQ, drinks, etc

I think that everyone who participated would agree that this was a great run, and an excellent way to end the year. Maybe our new Events Officer will make this an annual event?

Happy New Year to all.

-Steve Keough

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Roll Call