Short Ride and MotoGP BBQ Sunday 5^th November 2008

Misho Zrakic/Pina Garasi	Suzuki GSXR750	Ben Warden	Honda CBR954
Jean Eldridge	Bandit 250	Bernie Foley	Suzuki DR650
Trevor Harris (leader)	Yamaha YZF1000

Seven happy riders turned up for this short ride, with a couple of smiley faces not seen for a little while- Jean and Bernie.

Crisp morning start, developing into a most enjoyable day. A well led ride was had, with Trevor, “The Captain” finally delivering the hungry riders to his abode for a BBQ lunch where Ian Payne, Ron and Julie Johnston and Renzo Cunico awaited our arrival, the lovely Barbara doing a wonderful job in providing food and refreshments for all. The MotoGP race itself was a treat; “The Doctor” providing us with much interesting viewing as he made his way from 12^th position on the grid to win second place. A great finish. We all left feeling contented and headed home in the warmth of the late afternoon sunshine.

However, all is not as it seems; I feel the need to expose some “disturbing” behaviour I witnessed during this morning’s ride. You see, even though the day started off quite nicely with all riders well-behaved, somehow the behaviour of some deteriorated very rapidly throughout the day. Please, let me explain.

The Captain – Trevor, takes his role as ride-leader seriously, as he should, and he feels most responsible for alerting us promptly to any dangers we might encounter on the ride… the first being a stretch of gravely road. He gesticulated quite clearly, and well in advance, for us to slow down as we approached it. Somehow, this gesture is exaggerated such that it ends up being repeated in the style of a Mexican bird-wave amongst the following riders. When I think that a very high profile MSR member is the main culprit, it made me feel very ashamed. Very disrespectful.

And where was the riders’ appreciation for the Captain when he had to act quickly in deciding whether to overtake a large group of Heavily Dangerous riders who were obstructing our speedy path? He quite rightly chose to put our safety first and decided not to overtake until the danger had passed. It is highly inappropriate for anyone to criticise this decision and proceed to have an on-board tantrum. Bad Boy Misho.

And as if this wasn’t enough, at a set of red traffic lights approaching Trevor’s house at the end of the day’s ride, one of our riders decided to rev his bike very loudly in a most menacing manner next to the Captain, trying to provoke him into partaking in a most dangerous drag-race, which of course, he didn’t. Misho… YOU AGAIN! VERY BAADD.

I also noticed one rider attempting to undermine the Ride Leader’s authority by deciding to take it upon himself to unnecessarily corner mark at the intersection of the Craigieburn by-pass and the Western Ring Road on the way home, even though the Captain gave no instruction to do so. Very disappointing of you, Jean. What happened? ...usually such a gentleman.

MSR members, I too am guilty… At the morning tea break, when the Captain proceeded to warm his cold hands on the back of my leather jacket which had absorbed some of the morning sunshine, I selfishly ran away and kept the warmth to myself. I feel completely ashamed of the way I behaved. How could I possibly shown such scant disregard for the Captain’s simple desire for a little warmth? I have one thing to say to myself – “BAD GIRL”

The insolence displayed by the above riders needs to be eradicated FAST. An appropriate form of punishment needs to be applied swiftly and quickly to ensure that this kind of behaviour is banished and will never again rear its ugly head within the club. Dear Captain, the choice is yours; please be gentle…

Can I make a little suggestion… maybe a blue-suede cat-of-nine tails?

Pina Garasi