The VVC Club Run to Captains Flat has always been a very interesting event. It is not really a LOOOONG run as the return trip can be done in a tankful, even on bikes of the '20's and '30's, but it is certainly not a short run as the road from Queanbeyan to Captain's Flat is very harsh for 40 kms each way. The 2009 run was a very different affair to the 2006, 2005 and 2003 events, mainly because the weather was very accommodating. 2008 was very mild, not sure about 2007 but for the few years previously mentioned it was freezing cold at around 15 degrees.

Well, there were 45 starters this year compared to 40 last year and a low of 17 in 2006. It was a great ride and very well supported - club participation wise. I noted a few faces absent and always like to look at last year's ride and spot the regulars. Rob Harris has been noted as a very consistent runner to Captains Flat on his 1922 Indian Chief. Many of our members have or are retiring so have another stage of life to consider. But Please leave a bit of motorcycling in your new life!

At around 10.30, Rob Harris led the charge to Captain's Flat on his 22 Indian Chief . Derek Holyoake with the back-up trailer headed off to pick up his only casualty with Peter Jessup's Ducati faltering enroute to the Services Club and demanding a free ride home. A few members sought a last few litres of fuel for the return trip whilst the rest of us played follow the leader past the airport to Queanbeyan. Turn left in Queanbeyan then turn right at the new roundabout for Captain's Flat.

A very pleasant, stress free run to Captains Flat, at your own pace, with a minor inconvenience on some soggy roadworks, requiring bike cleaning later, saw us arrive at the Captain's flat comfort station where Trevor and Jenny Fowler had set up the VVC BBQ trailer. Captain's Flat was named after the run of the bull named Captain. Captain was probably served with suitable vegetables at the local pub in the 1870's.

Jenny and Trevor did a splendid job with the BBQ trailer and everyone had a very satisfying lunch. The BBQ trailer proved its worth once again.

Following a good meal, we had a very relaxed run back to Canberra and not too many passed us on our 80-90 kph. Many thanks to Mick Gentleman for organising the run and to Trevor and Jenny Fowler for taking and running the BBQ trailer. Many thanks also to Derek Holyoake for bringing and operating the back-up trailer. There was only the one pickup for the back-up trailer and we look forward to the next club run to Marques in the Park.

Peter Toet

Some PHOTOS can be found HERE



Roll Call