Well, this year's run attracted the most bikes of any of the Around the Lake rides with 44 bikes, compared to 36 last year, 28 in 2008, 31 bikes in 2007 and 19 bikes in 2006. A nice increase each year to indicate that the very short ride is becoming quite popular. We also had seven pre-1950 bikes this year, well up on most previous years. We had no Veteran bikes this year but I guarantee at least one next year.

The start this year was to be a meeting for breakfast at 9.30 am at Black Mountain Peninsula. Mick Gentleman had arranged for the boom gate, allowing bike and BBQ trailer entry into the Reserve, to be open. Geoff Duddy and the BBQ trailer arrived to a locked gate, a result of an early morning toilet cleaning crew determining that the gate was left open in error and locking same. No inconvenience resulted however as "no problem!" Geoff set the BBQ trailer up on the roundabout and had breakfast bubbling away when people arrived at around 9am. Geoff had a magnificent breakfast laid out with steaming trays of Lambs Fry/ bacon/ Onion, also a smoked fish dish and a chilli and "I dunno but it tasted great" tray. There was also the usual wonderful fresh rolls and bread to soak up all of this non fattening (?) food. We ran out of sugar sachets and Lyn Meredith kindly did the run over to Lyneham shops to ensure that all of the Type 2 candidates were fully dosed up.

At around 11.00am the troops were sent around the lake with a short run returning via Commonwealth Avenue, or a slightly longer run returning via the Fyshwick marshes. There was only about 10 minutes difference in the rides so by the time everyone arrived back, the lunch BBQ had been pretty well prepared. Most of the breakfasters were well and truly fed up by midday, many thanks to Geoff. Actually some of the breakfasters decided to prop and forgo the actual ride. This could be seen as a risk minimisation strategy for riding or first dibs on the lunch menu. Well, they had to ride home anyway so that's part of the day's ride.

There was plenty of tucker to entice the fussiest eater, and who could refuse lambs Fry and Bacon on such a day. OK, there was a bit left over but I only had four helpings this year. (I'm cutting down to preserve my greyhound-like figure).

There were some really interesting machines on the ride, including a Partlett/Whitty/Hearn contingent of the Goulburn Push with some fascinating 50cc machines, so popular in getting Mr Honda etc to the top in the early Sixties.

Everyone had a great day, there were no apparent breakdowns and many thanks to Mick Gentleman for the event, Geoff Duddy and his lovely pup for the splendid efforts on the BBQ trailer and the bullock thigh bone, and to Tom Oldfield for bringing the back-up trailer.

Keep up the good work and see everyone on the Bob and Louise Courtney's "Olde English Pub" ride on the 1st August, or the Gluhwein Run on the 15th August.

- Peter Toet

Some photos can be seen HERE

ROLL CALL