Sunday October 05, 2008

Ride Report Dawn Service Shrine of Remembrance

Anzac Day 25^th April

Three am out of the fart sack onto the sodamycle and off to the starting point at Macca’s at Frankston, What a surprise, something like 20 bikes and pillions setting off in formation led by Jack Froling at a solemn pace up Nepean Highway with the road pretty quiet at this early hour. When we get to Moorabbin it gets busier with more and more traffic joining in, by the time we hit St Kilda Road we realised just how many would be at the Service, by all accounts 40,000 was the estimate. We park the sodamycles and walk up to the Shrine waiting near the eternal flame for the commencement of the service. It was such a beautiful still and clear morning, the service was very moving with a narrative and history of the theatres of war service, the focus this year on the battles fought in France during the 1^st world war. A salute of rifle shots cracked through the crisp air followed by a lone piper, the national Anthems and hymns by a Welsh choir. It certainly made one reflect on the sacrifices so many paid for our freedom in this wonderful country of ours.

Riding a motorcycle early in the morning seems to emphasize this freedom. At the completion of the service everybody made their way back to our machines riding back to Elsternwick Macca’s where breakfast and coffee was enjoyed by all, some decided to go for a ride to the Dandenong’s others said their goodbyes. What a fantastic turn up and a credit to all from Two Bays who attended a day that seems to be growing each year. Everyone said they were glad they came on the ride and will do it again next year. Thanks to Jack for leading the ride.

Lest We Forget

Bob Russell