Genoa

For anyone who has ever been on the club's annual pilgrimage to Genoa, you will be pleased to know that the '09 run lived up to it's reputation. For those of you who are yet to be initiated into this Australia Day weekend of traditional "growing old disgracefully", get your name on the list for next year. The TWO BAYS banner proudly displayed in the main bar at the Genoa Hotel, is dated 1998 and is signed by all who attended that year. That trip laid the foundations for this remarkable annual event that is always memorable, sometimes for quite amazing and bizarre incidents.

This year some members travelled up on Thursday, some on Friday, but the main group led by President Alan left Baxter promptly at 8-30 am on Saturday, travelling via Tooradin, Modella, Drouin, then the highway through Rosedale to Sale. The Bengworden Road was a more attractive option to Bairnsdale where we all stopped for a group lunch. (Good one Al). Then on through Bruthen, Orbost, Cann River to Genoa. The weather Gods were kind to us, as "Hughie" had dumped some rain on the roads ahead , but no rain actually fell on us. However, as we rode deeper into east Gippsland, "Hughie" blew a gale, making riding conditions a little challenging and somewhat unpleasant. We eventually arrived at out destination around 4-00 pm, and promptly settled in to relaxation mode.

As "the initiated" will be well aware, the Genoa Pub boasts the world's best Juke Box (50's & 60's music at just 20cents a play), and the world' most popular Pool Table. Both took a hammering, with fortunes won and lost on the table while personal likes and dislikes in music were played repeatedly for either pleasure or displeasure according to taste and preference. But the overwhelmingly most popular activity was simply enjoying each others company. It's amazing how much laughter and frivolity that 18 Ulyssians can generate.

Sunday morning saw us greeted with sunny skies and no wind. First port of call was a quick run (23 kms) to Mallacoota for Brunch, following by a terrific ride north into NSW, through Eden to Merimbula for a BBQ lunch hosted by Alan Lindley's friends - Dave & Christine. With an abundance of food and (soft) drink, and much lively conversation, we were enlightened to learn that one member (initials J.S.) always knows when his wife has cooked his dinner ........... the smoke detector goes off..!!!!!!!!!!!

The club's shortest ever official Committee Meeting was held at 5-00pm on Sunday, with all business transacted, the meeting closed at 5-05pm.

Another nice day greeted us for a 7-30 breakfast and an 8-30 departure for the long, but enjoyable trek home, with stops at Cann River, Orbost, Bairnsdale (lunch) , and Yarragon (afternoon tea).

Is it any wonder that Australia Day weekend at Genoa is one of those "compulsory" annual events that never fails to deliver in all that is enjoyable about riding and socializing with fellow members.

Peter Baulch

And from two recent inductees to Genoa it is truly a great weekend with lots of laughs (it was mentioned to us that this was one of the quieter weekends!!!). We would recommend it to everyone to go a least once 'cos otherwise they are missing out on a truly great weekend. Thanks to everyone for a great company.

Mick & Liz

Monday February 06, 2012