Christmas Breakup and Stocky’s Ride Dec. 2018

I awoke to the sound of booming thunder and pelting rain around 2am the morning of our Christmas breakup party. Not looking good I thought. This scenario occurred several more times during the wee small hours but finally relented around 7am. A quick check on the smartphone of the BOM rain radar looked encouraging, the rain should clear, and it did.

I arrived at Polly’s place in Cockatoo, around 9.30 to be greeted by a handful of members and coffee and cake. I also noted that tables, chairs and the BBQ were already set up ready for our use, thanks Polly. Slowly but surely others arrived some in cars, some on bikes and by 11 o’clock we were ready to embark on “Stocky’s Run”. After a ride briefing and distribution of ‘Emergency Use Ride Packs’ 12 bikes and 1 pillion set off for a short jaunt around the area.

By now the roads were almost completely dry and the riders passed through Gembrook, Hoddles Creek, Yellingbo and Macclesfield, all the while enjoying some of the best mix of eucalypt forests and green pastures that the Dandenongs have to offer. Apart from a group of bikes at Gembrook that we thankfully did not get tangled up with, there was very little traffic encountered along the way, which always makes for a better ride. I am pleased to say that the backup trailer remained unused and that fortunately no ride packs had to be utilised. I say fortunately because the cheap compass would likely point anywhere and the mud map was in fact muddled. ? (Note to self: keep working on it.)

When we arrived back at Polly’s, quite a few more had arrived and Richard and David had the barbie cranked up. Soon the feast was in full swing with snags, beef patties and vegie burgers complimented by salads, quiches and other delights. But wait, there was more with cheesecakes, strawberries, trifles to follow. Most members, including this scribe, were unable to resist temptation and had seconds and thirds.

Although numbers were down a little on previous years, most likely due to the stormy weather during the night, I think I can confidently say all who attended had a most enjoyable day.

It would be remiss of me if I didn’t thank the following for their contribution to make this day such a success.
Those that brought plates of salads, sweets etc.
Those that helped Polly in the kitchen.
Richard Haughton and David Tennant for BBQ duty.
Ian Snadden for backup trailer.

Of course a great big hug and thanks to Polly Smith for not only allowing us to invade her lovely home and property but for all the time she undertook in preparation prior to the event and kitchen duties during the day.

Graham Boulter

 

Ride Participants

Gabi Harangozu (guest)                                  1951 Matchless G80
Paul Clayton                                                    1952 Matchless G80S
Ian Bryant                                                       1960 Matchless G12
Graham & Lynne Boulter (ride leader)           1970 Triumph TR6R
Paul Woods                                                     1973 Triumph T140
Richard Somerville                                          1975 Yamaha RD350
Phillip Young                                                   1980 Suzuki GS1000S
Mike Walker                                                   1981 Triumph TR6S
Peter Kinsela                                                   1983 Honda VT750F
Janet Walker                                                   2004 Honda VTR250
John Killingsworth                                           2011 BMW R1200GS
Reg Hammond                                                2018 Triumph T100
Ian Snadden & Jack Youdan                            Backup Trailer