Barry Sheene 2009

The Barry Sheene Tribute Ride for 2009 was once again organised and led by Ron Olsson, who has an outstanding record for interesting rides with a difference.

This year there were lots of "differences"....... For starters we had 17 bikes/riders, including 2 guests from Torquay, plus 2 pillions assemble at Baxter for an 8-30am departure, along with 4 cars, all with drivers and passengers. Many had just ridden through a torrential downpour in getting to Baxter...!!!! But luck was with us and we departed on time along wet roads but without rain. However, our luck and Ron's organisation soon had us in heavy rain again as we travelled past Tooradin, through Lang Lang, Leongatha, Korumburra, and on to our first stop in Foster - still in pouring rain - where a hot coffee was very welcome. After morning tea and a few refuels, we were off again along the Bass coast to Sale for a major refuel stop and some brief respite from the rain. Off again to Bairnsdale. arriving at 1-15pm in time to unpack, dry off, thaw out and get some lunch and a few welcome refreshments.

As usual, Ron had book us all in the Bairnsdale R.S.L Club for Dinner and Program of good music from a popular local band, along with the traditional tributes to late-great Barry Sheene, and a robust auction to raise much needed funds for the Reece Bancell Memorial Association. This Charity Trust named in memory of a budding young Motorcycle racer; acknowledges the importance of support for riders following motorcycle accidents.

Seems Alan Lindley still hasn't learned that it is extremely dangerous to take his wife Karen anywhere near an Auctioneer....!!!!! Yep, there she was eagerly bidding on one of the much sought after items. and not to be outdone, Karen pushed the price up, and the other bidders into submission, eventually snaring the item for "her Alan"....!!! It was another great night in the name of Barry Sheene, but many of the hundreds who attended were asking . "where was Chanel 10 and their high profile sports commentators and guests", who in the past have played a prominent role in ensuring the success of the night and the ride.

With 4 members now having intercom radios fitted to their bikes, these proved to be a valuable aid in providing communication between Ride Leader and Tailend Charlie, along with input (and some interesting observations) from 2 riders in the middle of the 17 bikes. No doubt theses radios will add a huge safety factor to our rides into the future.

Yet another of Ron's differences on this years ride was the "Plan B" option enabling those who so chose to ride ahead of the main ride, first to Stratford for Breakfast and then take in the sight of watching hundreds of riders pass by under full Police escort. Then off again for a very different ride north of the main highway route, and again leapfrogging the pack to arrive in Mirboo North again in heavy rain after a fantastic ride up the Strzelecki Ranges from Churchill, via Boolarra. With lunch finished, the main ride group again passed us by as we watched hundreds of riders on all manner of makes and models of motorcycles ..... albeit looking a little like drowned rats.

From Mirboo it was off again for Leongatha, Korumburra, and on towards Tooradin, when again we were greeted with more torrential rain - during which our fearless Ride Leader Ron was heard to advise others on radio that this latest downpour was in fact "wet" rain...!!! (Is there any other sort Ron?) . After our last break and final farewells, it was off home for all of us, having again maintained our club's unbroken record of participating in all Barry Sheene Tribute Rides.

And yes, this year it was certainly different, but most of that was due to the weather...... something that Ron had no say in.

Everyone agreed that regardless of the wind and rain, it had been yet another very successful Two Bays Ride, well organised, planned and led by Ron Olsson. Thanks from all.

Monday February 06, 2012