BRANCH NEWS & CALENDARS
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Canberra

So much to do and so little time to do it all in, where does the time go? Nevertheless, 'doing it' we have been. Attendances at meetings and rides have been very pleasing, it's good to see. Having a good time is what we seem to do best.

Among the rides was the weekend in Griffith where we were treated to a VIP tour of the McWilliams Winery by Angie of the Griffith Group. Tasting continued to 5pm when it was time to freshen up for dinner at the Ex Servicemen's Club.

The party continued at the 'van park until the wee hours and some bleary eyes were in evidence next morning when we assembled for the sightseeing tour around the local area. A top weekend, made more so by the good company of the Griffith guys and gals. Many thanks to the Griffith Group for helping to make a weekend to remember. Thanks to them, we now have bulk port to bottle and flog off for our charity funds.

The captain's ride to Berrima saw just about every sort of weather thrown at us, but we managed to dodge most of the rain. I was pretty dark about being left standing in the pouring rain, struggling with wet weather gear, while everybody buggered off into the distance. Thanks guys!

However, I guess I've forgiven everybody now, but just remember you lot that I'm the one who does the newsletter, so be careful!

Talking about newsletters, our Canberra Branch's 'Riding On Too' had its tenth birthday in April and is still going strong. Contributions are always welcome, so come on all you Canberra members, get cracking.

Well, we continued to get around with a very nice run to Bermagui. Brown Mountain being attacked with gusto by a certain lady L plate rider (when are you going to take that test, Clutsy?) Disgusting activities took place at our destination; things like a picnic in the park, limbo, javelin throwing, water walking, swimming, ice creams, and general cavorting being the order of the day. Must be something like the second childhood we all hear about.

The ride back to Canberra up the Clyde Mountain was, shall we say, spirited? I was slightly miffed however, when everybody rode past without stopping when the nice policeman was talking to me at the side of the road. Are you guys trying to tell me something?

As well as the captain's runs, errr...let me rephrase that; as well as the captain's rides, we have members' rides where we are led off into the hinterland by someone who has a vague idea of where we are all going. The idea being, that if you can find your way back and still turn up for the next ride then you must really be keen (or stupid?) Nah, only joking. The purpose of the members' rides is to give the hard working club captain a treat so that he can enjoy just being on a ride. It works quite well, but I must say getting volunteers is not easy (hint, hint).

Le'see, where else have we been? Oh, yes, we met up with the Snowy Mountains Group for a ride to Tidbinbilla Deep Space Tracking Station, where we all learned about the Ulysses Probe (no, it's not what the doctor does if you go to him with a prostate problem). We also had the first of our winter restaurant nights at the Dickson Asian Noodle House, organised by Robyn Martin - a good turn up, but some members were turning up at very strange (late) times. Please take note of the start times for functions and rides everybody.

June saw a ride to Bungonia Gorge for a BBQ, but not before a member 'lost' his bike keys at the coffee stop on the way. Embarrassment was the order of the day when he discovered his keys were still where he had left them, in the pocket of his brand new jacket that he'd forgotten about and left draped over the back of a chair. 'Rough Break', someone was heard to say. More runs (damn that curry), more laughs, and more good company are definitely the way to go.

Ben Williams took us to the Robertson Pie Shop one day. I had never been there and, after sampling a couple, can say that they are well worth the trip. Thanks Ben!

The only incident of note on that ride was a missing rider, who mistakenly thought another rider was missing and had gone back to Robertson to look for him. The problem was that he hadn't told anyone of his intentions. It didn't take us long to realise he was missing though and he was found safe and sound.

So, everybody, please remember to use a bit of grey matter before you go riding off somewhere when you are on a Club run, it saves a lot of unnecessary worry.

Well, there's lots more I could write about, but by the same token, I've probably left lots of interesting stuff out too. Anyway, I'll toddle off now and let you get on with reading the rest of the Club magazine. Cheers everybody and ride safe.

Dave Howard


Monthly meetings are held 3rd Thursday of the month, 8pm, Woden Tradesmen's Union Club, or meet 6.30pm for Bistro dinner before meeting. Club rides 1st Sunday of the month and Sunday after the Tuesday meeting. Contact Club Captain Garry Saunders 06 242 0835.

Oct. 5 Members ride TBA. Dep. Shell Gateway 9am.

Oct. 21 Meeting.

Oct. 26 Club ride to Cowra to meet Bathurst (Odyssey) and Orange (Mt. Canobolus campout) riders. Dep. Shell Gateway 9am.



Nov. 1-2 Wellington Caves -'Rape & Pillage ' weekend. Contact captain for bookings. Dep. Shell gateway Sat. 9am.

Nov. 18 Meeting.

Nov. 22-23 Police, Ulysses & Friends ride to Tumut. Dep. Shell Gateway 9am.

Nov. 23 Club ride to Adaminaby to meet riders from Tumut. Dep. Williamsdale 9am.

Dec. 6-7 Kangaroo Valley weekend. Captain for bookings. Dep. Shell Gateway 6th, 9am.

Dec. 16 Meeting.

Dec. 20 Xmas party, 6.30pm, Federal Highway Bistro, near Eagle Hawke.

Dec. 21 Club ride to Wee Jasper for those who can. Dep. Shell Gateway 9.30am.

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