This year's event drew 25 bikes and 42 people compared to 18 bikes and 35 people last year. Mick Gentleman took his 1948 21.5hp Holden for its' long overdue run, to accompany the long run riders. Mick and Glen Hunter were, incidentally, the only members to take the same vehicles as last year, and we actually had two Nortons this year but still no Indians. It was very similar weather to last year with a mild 13 degrees verses 12 Degrees, but it was very pleasant in the sun whilst riding.

Gathering at The Services Club is now almost second nature and the car park is a very good place to assemble and have a chin wag. There was a longish run to Fyshwick, via the Federal Highway and back via Sutton road, or you could take the direct route and arrive a bit earlier. There were none of the usual roadworks/triathlons/road detours so we had a very pleasant cruise from the Services Club to the Federal Highway, straight on for Majura Road, or turn right toward Fyshwick thence on to Grand Prix Go-Karting in Collie Street Fyshwick.

The VVC provided BBQ had already been cooked by Jeff and Cate Devine, the brew pot was bubbling, bangers, onions, bread and later on, lots of cream between biscuits were on offer so all we had to do was participate.

At about 11.30 we had the track to ourselves and after a number of exhausting elimination rounds the finals were held at 1pm. This year's winner was Philip Tankard, wresting the crown from Mick Gentleman. Thomas Ault used every inch of track and then some to secure Second spot, whilst Third overall went to Steve Davey.

Once again there were many examples of desperate driving, honed by years of commuting in Canberra traffic and lap times of all contestants in the final round were separated by less that 0.4 of a second. Most participants found the ten minute sessions of go-karting to be very physical and were pretty glad to see the end of the sessions.

It was good to see Peter Houghton back in town after commuting to the snow for the past 2.5 years with work. Pete says that it should be a bit more stable now with only the occasional visit to the snow required. It is also great to see Chris Trautner in town on a visit from Germany.

By 2pm everyone was all karted out and heading off for other duties. In summary, it was another very successful club function. Many thanks to Jeff and Cate Devine for the venue and BBQ efforts, to Mick Gentleman for scheduling the event and to all those who competed, won and were there. Thanks also to Col Hill for bringing along the back-up trailer. The trailer was not required for recovery on this Club Event.

Best Regards and see everyone on the 5 July 2009 Club BBQ run to Googong Dam.

Peter Toet

PHOTOS can be seen HERE

Roll Call