Dave Ward 2008 Report

Well it's been nearly 12 months since joining the Committee and thought I would put a few words together outlining my experience.

I have been a member for many years, I think 14-15 years? (joined 5/6/1994 …Ed.) I have seen quite a lot in that time. Some members are still here and some have moved on.

I have had many great times both on and off the bike with many friends made along the way. Motorbikes are my life and the Club has been a big part of that. My position has been Assistant Secretary, but to be honest, not a big responsibility. But I do enjoy having a say in which way the Club heads, and, of course, catching up with the gang for dinner afterwards! 

I believe the Club has changed a lot in the last 12 months with the big one the name change from the Touring Club. It was spoken about at length when we were last in Tassie and it was a great outcome for the Club. I have been lucky with my work changes allowing me to attend more rides than ever before. It has been great to see more riders coming along and joining up. I have ridden with a few clubs over the years and maintain our Club is a riders’ club, and is the only club, other than the BMW club, that rides every weekend, rain, hail or shine.

At this point I'm looking at remaining on the Committee and would welcome another 12 months.

While we have had a lot of great times, there are always the low times. It was very sad to lose Ron (Balls) Solomon a few months ago. He will be missed heaps. I met Ron many years ago when he owned a Mr Muffler shop in the same complex where I still work. I remember him telling me that his Suzi had a 160 HP at the rear wheel. That is a big number, even now. He was a laugh back then, and would be still today.

I was very lucky to get a ride on one of Ron’s bikes, a 1370cc Suzuki GSXR. He got to ride my Suzuki RGV 250cc! Boy, what a difference in the POWER. To this day it would be the fastest I have ever travelled on two wheels and I will remember it for many years to come.

Over the last 12 months we have had a good variety of rides. The one that stood out for me was the Melbourne Cup weekend ride to Jindabyne which saw a huge turnout of 17 bikes. The look and excitement from the members who have not been away before was priceless. There were many new, great roads for them to ride. Of course, we got to see a very different side to our members; we are a social lot. Hopefully, we will have more great weekends away. If anybody is thinking about coming on a trip away, do it! 

Thanks to everybody. I look forward to riding with you guys for the next 12 months.

Dave (get me another bike!) Ward.