It was quite a cool morning when the 46 riders assembled to receive route instructions from Mick G.
Older bikes and keener members rode down Adelaide av directly to Bobs place in Garran, while the rest took a leisurely ride down the Monaro to Johnston / Drakeford / Erindale/ Drives.
It was the Yamba Drive to Kitchener st leg where things came unstuck for Mark Cumberland and his tidy SR 500. A "tank slapper" developed and although Mark was gallant in his efforts to control the wildly oscillating clip on bars he managed to slow the bike down enough to lay it down and roll himself onto the soft grass of the median strip.
Craig and Lisa Mill sprung into action and the ambulance arrived along with the police and a fire engine? soon after. Peter Davey arrived with the back up and we loaded up the fallen SR. Not too much damage to the Yamaha thankfully, its' rider only sustaining a swollen ankle. He was then deemed "fit for Bobs" joining us soon after with Stew Ross making sure Mark had ample supplies of delicious fare.
What a feast it was! With Bobs' wife, Louise spending around 3 days prepping meals for the hungry enthusiasts. Hello Master Chef? I think we've found another contender..... Lovely soup, Ploughmans lunch, Venison, Coventry (or is that Courtney?) veal vol au vent and plenty of roast lamb filled the plates of the 58 diners and if you still had room you could sample a knicker bocker glory, Creme caramel, cheesecake, apple pie or chocolate cake....As well as a glass of fine home brewed cherry stout by John Somerville.
Between courses you could wander out to the front to look at bikes parked all over the yard, or check out some vintage Triumph machinery in the shed or relax in the pub behind. That's right, there's a full on English pub. It was, as usual a fantastic meal, and thanks go to the Courtneys for putting it on every year.
By the way our host was up till 11.00 pm washing dishes and 300 knives, forks and spoons. Now that's dedication.

cheers
Simon Whittaker

Some PHOTOS can be seen HERE



Roll Call