Southern Region Mid week Ride Report, 4th April 2019

Last Hurrah Ride to Walhala

Ride Leader: Ed Sleightholm: Tail End Charlie: Paul White : Report Writer: Paul White : Photographer John Best

It gives me great pleasure to write this report as it is Ed’s last ride as Ride leader. He is retiring after almost 20 years from leading rides all over Victoria and more recently down the South Eastern region. He is known as Mr. Melways, Mr. Sat Nav and many other things but we will all miss Ed leading the rides. His meticulous knowledge of the regions and only once or twice as mentioned by Colin Sullivan, Ed has missed a turn. An unbelievable record.  Well done from all of Ed. Now you can just take it easy a ride like the rest of us.

The ride started from Officer to Longwarry North some 34kl then to Willow Grove for Morning Tea General store were Ian Sneddan, al Presidente got all the team together and signed a special card produce by John Best from a painting he did of Boneo Rd heading towards Flinders (a talented man, well done John). This card was presented to Ed card. (refer to photo).

Then off to Walhalla. Road conditions were good, all the dew dried up and lots of curves along the way. Another 83kl behind us we were already for lunch.

Walhalla to Tyers for a fuel stop, then onto Moe with Terry Horne pulling over and stripping off, apart from his pants, thank goodness as a couple of lady joggers were going pass. May be it was the music he was listening to………….. alas it was a wasp bite on the neck. Thank goodness!! Then in Moe a breathalyzer was  set up on the road but the police officer waived us on. I thought we  were being pulled up because of a report of half-naked bikie on the road some couple of kilometers back.  I missed the opportunity of a photo!!

From Moe to Officer, I herded up the stragglers and pushed them on to Officer. 256Kl in total. A great ride.

Finally, thanks again Ed from all of us at the VMCCV  for all the work you have done over the years and we wish you well.

Paul White signing off.

Ride Leader: Ed Sleightholm: Tail End Charlie: Paul White : Report Writer: Paul White Photographer John Best

Name Bike Year
Ed Sleightholm Triumph Street Twin 2017
Paul White Triumph Bonnie T100 2015
Bill Washington BMW K75S 1986
Ian Sedden BMW R1100GS 1995
Graham Boulter BMW GS 2011
Reg Hammond Honda VER 800 2008
Ray Isles BMW F650CS 2004
John Best BMW R80 1986
Colin Sullivan BMW R1200R 2009
Paul Clayton Honda VFR800 2014
Terry Hoare Honda  VFR800 2014
Sam Panettieri Suzuki GSX 1000F 2017
Brian Mapleback Honda VFR800 2008
Conor Murphy Triumph T100 Bonnie 2016
Richard Fannina BMW R80 1986
Paul Woods Suzuki VStorm 650 2011