Well the first question I have to ask myself is how you start reporting on an event that spans so many days, will have so many highlights and some lowlights. To make the job a little easier I will use what we in the IT environment like to use so much and that is acronyms and below is a table of those that I will use throughout this report. There is no intent to be of malice a nature but one of light-hearted and good fun as was the case of the whole event.

The day started cool under blue skies as we assembled at the Church at Oh Dark Thirty. We mounted up and headed north at 7.30, first scheduled stop at Matilda Gympie led by Chuck. All was fine until, with 100 K’s behind us, Chuck’s ride developed the hiccups. Fortunately Kerry and Elmo in the recovery vehicle were in the rear so in a short space of time, the Honda was resting comfortably on the trailer and Chuck was car bound momentarily.

Next was the scheduled stop at Matilda where we linked up with the Gympie larrikins, consumed hot coffee and rested our posteriors. Then we pointed north for the next scheduled stop.

Cruising past the Curra servo we picked up Kimmy and Bent Axle made his first mistake of the day. After much stuffing around, Bent kept Kimmy company and Chuck took possession of the Bent Axle pride and joy and took off like a scalded cat. As we pulled into the Maryborough servo, Chuck flew past like a bat out of hell on his own secret mission. Much later, as the group gathered to reassure Bent his ride would be safe (joke) a phone call found Chuck (now “Bad Chucky”) in Maryborough wondering what happened to the group. Eventually he arrived back to much laughter from all who could appreciate the humour of the situation. This did not include the VP. During the drama, Pops decided that a little rest might be in order so found himself lying in the carpark draped in the new style Honda Shadow blanket.

Wiping the tears from our eyes, we rocked up to Howard and turned in for the 20 K jaunt to Burrum Heads.

After linking up with Phil and Deb and the boy from the bush, our own garbage disposal, White Ant, we settled in to our accommodation, relaxed, bathed and generally got ourselves ready for dinner and refreshments

Meeting at the Burrum Heads Tavern we proceeded to consume great food and cold refreshments. We met up with Mickey K’s mum and Alf who stayed with us until their bed time. You’re in a s**t load of trouble Mickey when you talk to her next.

I will say here that for a group of friends with a common interest to meet, consume food and drink without friction or argument was a sight to behold. We kept the population of BH awake with the laughter and good-natured ribbing. No politics or bitching, just a great time with great friends. Map’s magic tricks with a fork and spoon intrigued all. Cleaner’s gas chamber impersonation brought tears to many eyes.

As usual Pops was escorted from the tavern to his digs by his duty minders and again lost his daks on the walk home. I think Patches should take him in hand. We must take up a collection to buy that man a pair of braces. Perhaps the Regalia Officer could be tasked with that chore.

Sunday started with the group gathering for bacon and eggs at Bear’s place for breakfast. Many thanks to Bent for supplying the victuals. Message to Chuck……..Nobody goes fishing at six in the a.m. after a night of refreshments and with the tide low. I‘m sure we all appreciated being able to watch the dawn…….not.

Pidgy and Cleaner departed for home after breakfast as work commitments dictated they must be home on Sunday afternoon.  The plan was for Pidgy to lead and Cleaner to ride as tail end Charlie. I’m not sure how that was accomplished. Many thanks to Lyn for offering Chuck a ride home. Phil and Deb headed off home after offering to suss out accommodation for the January ride. We appreciate the offer guys. Two Tone and Bones and their respective better halves left for Tin Can Bay for their homes. Thanks for joining us on the ride and leading the festivities on Saturday night. The group then gathered for a ride to Hervey Bay along a good road then for lunch at the Torquay Hotel. More good food, relaxation, and then the ride back to BH. More food and refreshments at the tavern then a group discussion around the kitchen table outdoing each other with warries.

Pack up and cleanup, breakfast, then readying for departure was the plan for Monday morning. With the swags rolled up and the bunks packed away, we loaded yet another Japper onto the trailer and headed home. I should add here that to date no Harley has ridden on the trailer. We may leave bits of our bikes on the highway, but we get there under our own steam.

White Ant turned north at Howard to head back to the bush. With White Ant in the group, the garbo wont have to pick up the bins this week. We then turned south for a leisurely ride back to The Church with only fuel and fag stops on the way. The two Jappers were unloaded and it was all over red rover.

Thanks to all who supported the ride. If anyone didn’t enjoy that, they’re hard to please. Thanks to the Club for supplying the new stretchers. If any instruction on the assembly of the stretchers is required, see Bumper. He is a past master at their erection and disassembly.  Feedback is all good on both the comfort level of the stretchers and the weekend away.

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