Monday February 06, 2012

 DATE: 27 – 28/2/10 

RIDE LEADER: PETER LEES 

TAIL END CHARLIE: MICK FERRAN 

TOTAL DISTANCE: 670KMS

15 Bikes, 3 with pillions, 2 cars with 6 passengers left Baxter at 9.30am for our weekend away. The weather conditions were a little threatening.

Unfortunately our numbers were reduced by 2 soon after leaving as Bob & Ann had an “off” at the roundabout on the South Gippsland Highway. The culprit was some oil on the road with several other riders reporting slips that fortunately did not result in a fall. 

Fortunately Ann & Bob were not seriously injured, Bob rode the damaged bike home & our “chase car” transported Ann home. The only good thing to come out of the accident was a reinforcement of the value of the two way radios carried by Peter Lees & Peter Baulch. 

The ride proceeded to Yarra Junction for morning tea via Koo Wee Rup & Pakenham Upper. 

Our next stop was Buxton – home of the Buxton burger – for lunch via Warburton Reefton Spur & Marysville. 

We rode through to Alexandra & on to Mansfield for a fuel stop & to buy liquid supplies for the weekend. 

From Mansfield it was a short, but good winding ride to the lodge at Buller where we settled into our accommodation. 

Head Chef – 3 Michelin stars – Peter Baulch with a willing band of assistants immediately began preparing dinner, while others organised nibbles to go with our liquid refreshments. 

Later we were presented with a magnificent dinner comprising mixed salad, steak, BBQ zucchini, onions, chicken followed by delicious berry pavlova. 

As is normal the evening progressed with some great mateship, tall stories & games. 

After a good nights sleep we were presented with a cooked & cereal breakfast before returning to Baxter by the same route. Fortunately we managed to avoid any rain for the whole weekend. 

All arrived safely at Baxter at about 3.30pm. 

Special thanks must go to Peter & Ann Lees for organising the ride, accommodation & catering as well as Peter Baulch & His helpers for feeding us, Mick Ferran  for his Tail End Charlie duties & all riders for their responsible riding.

Chris Dyball

			Look who's got a new bike!!