Sunday 10^th MRA Toy Run, 10.00 am KBCP

Meet thousands of other like minded individuals. Here a few speeches, go for a short ride, make the evening TV news, meet old friends. Usually pretty interesting. It only happens once a year. Try it.

Sat. 16^th Free Club Xmas BBQ, 12- 4pm, Fairfield Park, Melways 30J12

We normally park under the big tree near the electric BBQ and children’s playground. Look for the Club flag. Bring your own drink — the Club will provide some iced cordial, and a sausage and bread style BBQ. Members free, visitors $5. A very social occasion so bring the wife and kids. Late in the afternoon head for the river kiosk for an ice-cream or a paddle up the scenic Yarra, or fall in like I did last year swinging on a rope. Or just sit and listen to the bikes on the Boulevarde.

Sunday 17^th Mirboo North Ben Warden leading

9.30 am Yarra Glen

Summer and Gippsland go together. Out through Powelltown and Drouin for morning tea if you are playing catch up. Then deep into Gippsland and the best roads within a day of Melbourne. Suit big-bore Japanese bikes — ie what everyone rides. Few cars, unforgettable smooth roads, the ride flows and you really rise above the mundane. Sensational stuff. Not suitable for inexperienced riders. Make the effort. You will be rewarded by riding with enthusiasts. Tyre wear will be extreme so to get the most from the day, come well prepared. This means you Craig. Expect 500 plus km.

Sunday 24^th Reefton Spur leader required

10.15 am Hallam

The day before Christmas and everyone is ready and waiting, the shopping all done. What better than to escape the impending kaos and go for a ride. Where better than the Reefton Spur, currently in excellent condition. While away a few hours in the company of like minded souls. Beat the heat — head for the hills. Expect around 250 easy kilometres for the day. Note unusual start point.

Tues. 26^th Xmas Camp, Porepunkah

to Mon. 1^st Mt Buffalo Caravan Park — see elsewhere in the Magazine for details

(Jan.) 9.30 am KBCP, 10.30 am Yarra Glen

First ride of the new year. Tim loves those tight twisties so expect plenty of them. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Reefton Spur and the Powelltown Road incorporated in the ride. Wherever, it will be well planned and organised. I suspect this ride could be considered arduous, and as such may not suit inexperienced riders, despite no warning to that effect. Expect around 350 fun packed km for the day. And of course, we could end up deep into Gippsland!

I feel the Flowerdale Road and maybe a diversion through Strath Creek and Parrot Creek may be part of this route. Then to Yea and Molesworth to Alexandria. A trip across the scenic Fraser National Park Road to Eildon for lunch a possibility. Home via Marysville and the Black Spur. But then again, Paul could do the whole thing in reverse. Come and find out. Expect around 380 km for the day.