The ride this morning to Anglesea was another successful adventure for the group of 15 riders, led by the experienced and capable Mal. At the tail end of the pack was Wayne Berry, a seasoned rider known for his steady presence.

Adding to the adventure today was Wayne’s cousin, Daryl, who had travelled all the way from Horsham to join the ride. Daryl was no stranger to the world of motorcycling, having previously lent his hand at the Thumper Nats meetings held at Barrabool in years gone by.

The group arriving safely at Anglesea General Store in time for a great coffee and treats.

Thanks to everyone who joined the ride today, especially Mal, Wayne & Daryl.

Perfect conditions for today’s leisurely Red plate ride down along the Bellarine to Ocean Grove for Coffee and Treats, with an amazing turn out of 27 Members which was discussed as being a club record for a red plate Monday ride.

Before departing the Barwon Valley meeting point the “Pig’s Ear Award” was handed over to Mike for last week’s breakdown while exiting the meeting points carpark with His Ariel, which was described as a possible rookie mistake by Mike one of our most senior & experienced riders on the day – Breakdown cause – Loose Battery Terminals. Mike will be on the lookout for the next recipient of the “Pig’s Ear Award”, which by the end of the ride people were wondering if it was going to be a fellow Ariel rider…..

After battling through the Belmont traffic and heading out along Fellmongers & Townsend Rd before getting up to Highway speed on the Portarlington Rd, then turning right at the rail trail and riding across Curlewis Rd before turning left onto the Bellarine Hwy, then the group took a left onto Swan Bay Rd at the Flying Brick Cider Co. 

After some smooth sailing along Swan Bay Rd the group discovered Mal (the Lead Rider) pulled over onto the road’s shoulder with His Ariel requiring some roadside maintenance, unlucky for Mal Guy was quickly on scene to capture a photographic record of Mal’s skills at hot swapping out a failing spark plug.

The group continued on Point Lonsdale on the Queenscliff Rd then into Ocean Grove before arriving at Barwon Heads, Mal arriving soon after the group’s arrival with the Ariel back in good operating order.

The group split up into two, so too lighten the load on the local coffee shops, some going to Barwon Eb & Flow while others ventured down the footpath to the Barwon Heads Greengrocer.

Once fully caffeinated the group headed back into town via 13th Beach.

An excellent way to spend a Monday morning, great riding, with a great group of like minded people. Thanks to everyone involved. Cheers.

A group of 19 riders enjoyed the pleasant weather for a ride of around 139klm for the round trip this Monday.

The course took us from our meeting point in Barrabool Rd out through Ceres and on to the Hamilton Highway towards Inverleigh, turning off and heading through Teesdale and Shelford, then onto Winchelsea along Barwon Park Rd for a meet up and coffees at Cafe La Hoot before everyone made their own way home.

Very enjoyable company and weather for riding.

What a fantastic day we had today, a huge group of riders turned out, including two lovely classic cars.

The weather held out and the riding conditions were spot on.

Like Lenny noted today, with the vast array of bikes and cars that come out of the wood work & turn up to club events, we never see two of the same machines.

With only one breakdown, Pat’s 1950 Sunbeam S8 did a clutch cable coming into Ocean Grove, but struggled on into the Barwon Heads coffee stop through a couple of sets of traffic lights without the use of a clutch.

Pat and the Sunbeam enjoyed a leisurely trip back into town compliments of Ross Bell & his SS Ute & Trailer, thanks Ross.

Lenny handed on the Pigs Ear award to Pat, being the only breakdown for the day plus being the lead rider at the same time!

After the Barwon Heads Coffee stop, The group continued back to the new clubrooms and enjoyed a marvellous spread put on by Bott, thanks Bott.

Thanks to everyone who came along today, and thanks to all those who helped organise the ride, Also it was great to see Mal as the group departed the clubrooms, get well soon Mal.

Cheers.

Good turn up,about 19 riders . Destination Moriac Shop, short run as many people were attending our fellow Red plate plate rider, Allan Walker’s funeral.

15 riders. Led by Mal, destination Inverleigh via Winchelsea. The Willys brought up the rear,

On Sunday, a small group of four riders set out on a pleasant ride to the Old Workshop at Anakie.

They rode through Ceres, Batesford, and Sutherlands Creek, before reaching the Bacchus Marsh Road and returning back to Anakie via Granite Road.

The total distance of the ride was around 100km, and the riders enjoyed the quiet roads and beautiful scenery until they arrived back into Geelong.

14 riders met up this morning for a Red Plate ride to the Pier St cafe / restaurant in Portarlington. The weather was perfect for a ride, with clear skies and warm temperatures.

The riders enjoyed a scenic ride down through the Bellarine Peninsula, and they arrived at the cafe in good spirits. The riders enjoyed the coffee and treats then had some time for relaxing and chatting before heading back home.

Brian O’Connor set a new fashion statement by tucking one trouser leg in and the other out. This new look was met with mixed reactions from the other riders, but it certainly got people talking!

Well the second running of the Cape Patton grand Prix had a larger than expected grid with 25 odd entrants eager to cement their personal best lap times on the club honour board.

It was noted by many a bystander the absolute lack of Grid Girls which officials have promised will be rectified for next season.

As racing got under way it became apparent early on that in the trying conditions tyre choice could play a major part to the individual teams success.

Some teams were having trouble getting their tyres to hold temperature.

The early part of the race was a bit of a procession as a combination of unhealthy speed limits and 4 wheeled back markers got in the way.

Leaving the 1st pit stop unfortunately 1 highly rated team failed to start and have posted a DNF. ( beautifully presented !!!).

We pulled in for the second pit stop at Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch purely for the FIM riders photo shoot.

Once back on track the circuit closed up, and some very dedicated late breakers lead the way in what was considered a wet track.

Others l was told where having trouble keeping up temp in the dual compound race tyres as it cooled down.

Straight through Lorne and onto the last leg of lap 1, everyone still on track and fighting hard with the Cape Patton lookout in site it was clear motorcycle racing of this level was the big winner today.

At the conclusion of lap one it was evident in the pits at Cape patton that the pit walk was a huge success this year with bus loads of tourists eager to spot their favourite GP star.

Things heated up at the start of the return lap as the stewards in both the Willy’s pace car and the FIM sanctioned Morris started ahead of some entrants which threw a cat amongst the pigeons until some prized riders got enough heat in their tyres to make a clean pass. It was also suggested that the Willy’s pace car had a few handling issues mid corner with its interactive suspension anti body roll system seemingly having a computer glitch.

As the GP circus entered Lorne it was deemed time to stop for drinks and declare the race run and won.

What a great ride it was, l hope everyone enjoyed it and l think it should be run next year.