MSR-Melbourne

Rutherglen Run 14-15 June 2008

Saturday morning saw a group of us gather at what is becoming a regular FUP for a feed and catch up before we departed. Foggy did as all good Treasurers do, and hit everybody up for their compulsory ride subscriptions. He was also chasing some accommodation money. After a feed and checking out Helldog’s new Night Train – a sweet ride she is too (a little too much chrome for my liking), we headed off to our first stop to meet up with the rest of the crew.

MMM maintenance; damn you wouldn’t believe it! My chain is way too tight. Young Brad had adjusted his chain earlier and forgot about the – test for slack two up bit, one even is not a bad place to start. Anyway, while we were adjusting his chain the rest showed up and we headed off. Eleven bikes in total all bar three two up, a great turn out.

We burnt up the freeway for a quick refuel at Benalla and then off to Wilby, where we met up with Roadkill, Muzza and Deaks and his brother DJ, both of whom were from MSR. At the same time, Crossbow had ridden out the meet the MSR guys at the Ettamogah Pub to guide them into Rutherglen as well. Roadkill’s fridge, which is located in the appropriately named shed “Man’s Land” did cop a small pasting before we headed into Rutherglen.

A small burn following DJ saw us arrive safe and sound at Rutherglen Victoria Hotel, which has become a kind of annual pilgrimage for us. We checked in, unloaded and headed downstairs for a couple of beers and to catch-up with the guys from MSR and meet some new guys as well. We headed across the road for a feed, which while the wait was a touch long, was truly magnificent.

You know how these things are, beer, stories more beer more stories. Ahh but we actually did come together for a reason. We called the masses together, some 35 odd in total (even if I had my boots off I could count that many). Smokie took the opportunity to “Patch” DJ as a Full Member. DJ congratulations mate and welcome to the family. As a joint recipient of the 07 National Patriot of the Year Award, I then handed the plaque over to Deaks and thanked him for the tireless work he does for the Club. The last order of business then was to spring a surprise on a long time Member. Crossbow, who has been in the Club since 95 had been awarded Life Membership, but it had never been promulgated onto the National Register. In front of his peers from two Chapters, I was pleased to be able to thank Crossbow for his support but more importantly let him know that his Life Membership is now listed on the National Register of Life Members of Patriots Australia.

We then got down to business of telling stories and having a good time. A couple of raffles were run, with some great prizes on offer: Harley Davidson shirt, hats and stuff, Ipod Shuffle and a wait for it – a six pack of Patriots Beer. Doc, I hope you enjoy it mate.
Ahh, more beer, tequila, stories and more beer. The juke box was coping a flogging and a makeshift dance floor was created in the middle of the front bar. Over the next few hours we partied and people slowly slipped away, until the Publican said at 3 am, “ I can’t keep my eyes open any longer, you guys are going to have to go to bed.”

Slowly heads arose in the morning and we met up at a small café, which really struggled to keep up, but did an admirable job, for breakfast. We said goodbye to the MSR Crew and wished them a safe journey and headed back to Melbourne via Wilby and Benalla. Along the way we dropped off Members at various points of departure until we all split at the Kalkallo pub.

Many thanks go out to Crossbow who did the majority of the organising from our end of the shop and to Smokie and the MSR Crew for making the effort to travel down (some of these guys travelled almost double the distance that we did). Fellas your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Over all it was a fantastic weekend, allowing Patriots from different Chapters to not only rekindle old friendships but to make new ones as well. All have agreed that the weekend after Queen’s Birthday will become an annual event between the two Chapters. So if you are in either Gippsland or NSW Chapters, expect an invite next year as we’d really like to grow this and turn it into an annual bash to rival the NAGM. Until next we meet, stay safe and keep the rubber to the road.

Gibbo