April: Ride to Sale

FOGGY'S INTRO TO PATRIOTS VICTORIA

First and foremost, I must thank Chef for telling me about the club. Accompanied by Chef and Sleepy we wheeled into the St Kilda RSL to attend the monthly meeting, met Clubs and Whitey and shared a couple of lights (we did have to ride home). Definitely liked what I was hearing about the direction the Patriots was heading in as much as social rides, gatherings and mixing with like minded people. That was when I decided that this is what I would like to be involved with.

Unfortunately I had a prior appointment so I missed Chef's Noms ride, which I have gathered since went off really well, except for the slight misplacing of the President before the drinking and eating began. However, I was determined not to miss the Sale Run. The weather during the week leading up to the weekend did not seem to be the greatest for bike riding and Chef even suggested we might have to drive down, however, forever the optimist and calling on all my old Army Exercise weather forecasting skill, I promised Chef that the weather would be great. Saturday morning was as predicted, fine and sunny, arrived at Chef and Sleepy's place at 0830 ready and raring to go.

Scorpion and Maria were to arrive at a bit after nine and then we were to rendezvous with Whitey at the Shell servo over the Westgate at 1000hrs. On the way to Chef's place Scorpion's bike chain had a bit of a tangle with an old jumper which it picked up, thankfully no damage to machine or bodies, but the chain and sprockets got a good clean, this it seemed, was the start of an eventful day for our Road Captain. Anyway, we may have been a half hour behind schedule but a drop of oil on the chain then finally away, met Whitey at the Servo and Chef and Scorpion filled their tanks.

A good run down the freeway highlighted by what sounded like a Leopard tank firing a broadside coming from the Road Captains exhaust (dodgy fuel – did not like to use Shell before – now confirmed). Maria will probably insist that Scorpion do the run again because she thinks he may have missed a couple of the bumpy patches in the road. Stopped at the bakery for a feed of pies, cakes and coffee/chocolate (definitely marked down as a permanent mess stop on future runs). Clubs caught up to us while we were refueling (and grabbing a quick lungful of smoke). We were warmly welcomed at the Sale Club Rooms when we arrived and it did not take long before a few thirsts were being quenched, old friendships renewed and new ones started.

Us city folk had booked into the Hacienda motel (Ok but very expensive for country standard) – next time we will utilize the facilities at the Club, plenty of tent space and even inside accommodation. After settling in at the motel it was back to the club for a few more drinkies, and some of Dobbo's raffles. Clubs called a meeting and highlighted a few things for consideration prior to AGM. AJ had arranged for a taxi to transport us to the local RSL for Dinner where we had an excellent meal, a few more drinks, a bit of a play on the pokies (lucky me I won 30 bucks which more than paid for my night) then returned to the club to continue the festivities.

I think my age is showing because my night was just about kaput close to midnight – so saying my farewells I headed off to bed. From information gathered at the BBQ Brekkie on Sunday morning, there was plenty of action up until 0300hrs (I'll have to get into training I think). Anyway Clubs had another meeting after brekkie for those who missed the previous day (I think that might count as meeting number 3 for me?? So all I have to do now is organize a noms run [must remember DON'T LOSE THE PRESIDENT] – initial thinking is the Tank Museum at Puckapunyal, will have to do a recce).

Because of various other commitments at home for some of us, we had to depart reasonably early. Once again stopped at the bakery before a straight through run to town. Had a bit of excitement when we got through the tunnel, Whitey had just left us when a speeding, idiotic semi driver sideswiped an older gentlemen merging off Kings Way, when I saw the trucks wheels lock up I thought the worst, Whitey was not far away from that location. Luckily he was just in front. We got over the windy Westgate, Chef and Sleepy peeled off and headed for home and I went via Scorpion and Maria's for coffee and a chat before going home.

All in all a great weekend, terrific company and I look forward to many more. I believe I speak for everyone in thanking Dukes, AJ, Dobbo and everyone else involved, for the work that was put into the setting up of the Club Rooms at Sale and all of the arrangements for the weekend. I feel honoured to be invited to join such a great bunch of peoples. Everyone keep the rubber upright.