Melbourne Cup Weekend 29^th October to 2^nd November 2004

The Club has booked the spectacular “Snowy Mountain Holidays” house and two cottage accommodation package, right on the Murray River at Towong, 11 km out of Corryong. The Melbourne Cup holiday falls on a Tuesday. By leaving Friday at 9.30 am from Yarck, we can make a 5 day weekend and take advantage of the great location. So book your annual leave for Friday and Monday now. Cost in the vicinity of $40 per person per night. Remarkably cheap – includes bedding, kitchen and laundry facilities, etc. (Dave and Bron please note, ‘Pets welcome’.) The combination sleeps ten people comfortably. We went there last year and it was fantastic. The owners are very friendly and accommodating.

Given that people are reluctant to commit at any stage, this is strictly first come, first served, with any overflow into the Corryong pubs. Preference will be given to members. A deposit speaks volumes.

Xmas Camp, Mt Buffalo Caravan Park, Porepunkah

Sunday 26^th December to Monday 3^rd January 2005

Christmas is all but on us and it is time to make bookings at our favourite Xmas Camp destination, Mt Buffalo Caravan Park. Situated on the fork of two rivers it offers a fantastic range of activities including swimming, fishing and bush walking. Close by is the Smoko Fish Hatchery, the “Wandi Pub”, the Hedge Maze, various berry, deer and nut farms, and an Alpaca Ranch. The famous Milawa are wineries close by.

Great road and dirt riding country abounds. Mt Buffalo offers a sensational 25 km climb to the scenic Chalet and lookout. Nearby are good half-day rides to Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Dartmouth Dam or full day rides into the Snowy Mountains and some of the best roads in the world. Who can forget Tawonga Gap? On the flip side there are lots of fire trails and mountain tracks offering spectacular views of the surrounding alps, most of which can only be reached by 4WD or dirt bike. So, bring your road and dirt bikes, the missus and kids, and the 4WD. Supermarket shopping is available at Bright, 6 km away.

The Club has secured three unpowered sites. Last year a few couples rented log cabins for the week, another good option. Ring 03-5756-2235 to secure a cabin or powered site. Otherwise tell Ian Payne of your intention to camp with the group. Do it now. And organise your annual leave. At least 8 people have already booked!

Australia Day Weekend January 26^th – 30^th, 2005

As per the Melbourne Cup weekend, the Committee has booked the spectacular “Snowy Mountain Holidays” house and two cottage accommodation package, right on the Murray River at Towong, 11 km out of Corryong. Australia Day falls on a Wednesday and hence we have made a full 5 day weekend to take advantage of the great location. You’ll need to take annual leave for the Thursday and Friday, so book your leave days now. Cost around $40 person, per night. Remarkably cheap. All you need is your tooth brush, a change of clothes, nad your credit card. The combination sleeps ten people comfortably.

As per usual, this is strictly first come, first served, with any overflow into the Corryong pubs. Preference will be given to members. A deposit speaks volumes.

Tasmania 2005 – Feb 26^th (Sat) to March 6^th (Sun), 2005

This trip is already oversubscribed! I have booked 10 berths on the boat and 15 people have applied. Tasmania is motorcycle heaven: few people, fantastic roads and scenery, relatively cheap accommodation, and the locals speak the same language and love tourists. As per last time, we would set up base camps and do day trips, moving every few days to a different location. Whether you attend an organized day ride or follow your own itinerary is up to you. Usually we would meet each night over a meal and share each others’ experiences.

The plan is to go for 8 days leaving on a Saturday and returning the following Sunday week. This was the successful formula we used in 2003. This time we will have two cars to act as mules to carry the luggage, allowing us to ride unencumbered. Both boat trips would be day crossings costing a total of $203 (bike) or $208 (car). The first week in March avoids the school holidays and has the greatest chance of fine weather and adequate day light hours.

If you would like to get on the reserved list, please hurry. Last time I booked for 10 people and 14 went. This year I will book for 15. I will be making an additional booking within a week or so. The next job will be to book accommodation. Anyone have any strong preferences for destinations? One of the bases will be just south of Hobart – Kettering.