Eastern Creek Trackday
Broadford
Annual Trackday:
Hangmore's Tasmaniac
Trip
Overnight
ride to Port Campbell / Apollo Bay:
Snowy's Ride:
Inside
Your Helmet:
Mini Moto Championship:
A little while ago a local track day junkie named Bretty, “I’ll have a Large McLoud with fries please”, decided that he no longer wanted to venture north, to a weird place called Eastern Creek, all on his own anymore. He wanted a bunch of his fellow Hangmorians to join him. Well, a “start a new thread” later on the Hangmore Lounge, and soon enough he was no longer alone. Ten very keen members took up the challenge and I can tell you right now…. they didn’t regret it.
Bretty, “do you want fries with that?,” got up real early on Friday morning along with Gags to hoof it up the Hume in the very slow Mitsubishi Starwagon. A head wind first thing in the morning certainly didn’t help their cause. Following quickly behind them were Bretty Squiggles (Wylie) and Shrekster (Mick) in the, also very slow, 4 cylinder ute followed closely behind by the Pope (Rodolpho), G-girl (Grace) and the brightest smile down south, Giggles (Alicia). “Practitioner of Awesomeness” (Jeremy), Liar (Chris) and I decided that getting up before 5am was no fun and headed of at 7am instead. With a quick fill up at the Shell servo in Kalkallo we were off. Our two cars each had a walky talky and Rambo radio wisecracks where on the menu. “Come in Johnny”, “They better bring lots of body bags, Sir” and “They shouldn’t have pushed me” kept us amused for a small while.
Vel, “3 Red Bulls for breakfast please”, had to work on Friday, and was flying up Friday night, so Chris had the duty of towing his bike without him. His trailer now bearing the distinct disadvantage of not having a Yamaha on it, making his whole towing package slow. Jeremy on the other hand was finally realising that NOT having two Suzuki’s on his trailer was a good thing and was grateful for the R1’s presence.
With the strong head wind hitting us too we decided that some serious drafting was in order. Jeremy creeping to within 1m of Chris’ trailer certainly improved his fuel economy.
I was getting hungry by around 10am and the Bacon & Egg roll that the Wifey prepared for me earlier certainly filled the spot. We passed Albury by 10:30 and my bladder had cried enough half an hour earlier. Jeremy wasn’t stopping and the fact that he refused to turn on the AC, “cos it sucked up too much power”, and it was 30 degrees outside, I was sweating so much that my bladder wasn’t getting any fuller.
We caught up with rest of the crew in Yass at the local Macca’s at around 1:30pm. Never have we seen so many signs leading up to a fast food establishment than what we witnessed coming into Yass for McDonalds. Fifteen large signs is not an exaggeration.
We hit the Sydney limits at about 4pm and got passed by a car of Nuns doing about 125kph. It’s fair to say they were “on a mission from God”. Unusual sight number 2 to the Hangmore crew was the abundance of green everywhere. I’d almost forgotten what it looked like. The grass was lush and the trees were full of foliage. Sydney must have known we were coming and cleaned the place up for us.
The Travelodge was a welcome sight after a long day in the car and it didn’t take long before we all had showers and were itchin’ for a feed. The crew decided all you can eat buffet was the place to be but Gags and I thought a plate of garlic prawns and a steak looked more enticing. We snuck into the all you can eat anyway and joined the crew for some serious track talk. It was gonna be a restless night, that’s for sure. Most of us waited in the car park till about 11:30 waiting for Vel to be picked up from the Airport. From all accounts, Sydney airport is one crazy place. Brett Wylie made good use of his time re-living a thriller novel he is currently reading. He looked more excited about that than the impending trackday.
Morning, 7am and its humid and warm. Macca’s for breaky and we were off to the track. Sydney roads can be very confusing and it only took us 5 minutes to get lost on the toll ways. I’m sure they design it that way to cost you money. We doubled back, got our bearings and where at the track 10 minutes later. The Eastern Creek complex is very impressive and buried in the middle of suburbia making travelling there for the locals very easy. Through the front gates and greeted by a bloke asking us if we were with any groups. We said yes, “we’re with Hangmore”. He then said “Hang on a minute, let me roll out the red carpet”. OK, maybe it wasn’t quite like that but when he told us our two pit garages were just over there, just unload and someone will be with you shortly to scrutineer your bikes and handle registration in there, we certainly felt like royalty. We even got a lunch voucher.
The morning briefing revealed a more relaxed attitude to trackdays than Phillip Island, something they could certainly learn from. It didn’t stop me from feeling nervous though. The bikes were ready, we were ready and the track just had a “gang” of street sweepers giving it the once over, so IT was definitely ready. Alicia got out first and the smile on her face when she got back in certainly gave me ants in my pants. I couldn’t wait. Watching the first groups pile into turn one was impressive. It’s a ballsy first turn. It was finally our turn and with most of the crew in the Medium Fast group the garage was looking pretty empty all of a sudden. First lap out and we were taking it easy figuring out where the track goes. It wasn’t long before we started to push and getting the bike move around on a slippery first session. The next session was a big improvement on the first with the guys showing a good turn of speed and already making short work of the locals. One local that we definitely didn’t get the best of was Wayne Gardner. He was there with Rapid magazine testing the new CBR600. One very quick man (even when he sneaks in an extra lap after the checker was already shown). The track itself feels a lot smaller than what it looks like on TV. The corners come up quick and the majority of the circuit is ridden in 2nd and 3rd gear with only the straight to stretch your legs. The rear is always trying to break loose powering out of the corners and there are plenty of places to pass. Thank your god for that ‘cos they certainly pack the groups in tight there. You are passing guys on just about every corner, which can be a lot of fun, but also never gives you a clean lap. One thing that also happens frequently is crashes. There was around one in each session with one crash serious enough that it stopped the sessions for an hour while a replacement Ambulance was called in.
Yuli surprised me by flying to Sydney and coming to the track for the day before heading off to Cairns for work. What a sweety. Shrek managed to corner Comedian Ross Noble for a chat and probably signed him up to the club too as he partly lives in Melbourne near Kinglake. His comedy show at the comedy festival is mostly about bikes and Star Wars so is definitely worth a visit if that is your thing. Jeremy met a bloke who rides a TLR with only one arm and its his left one at that. He has the brake, throttle and clutch all on the left clip on. What a guy!!
For the last session all the Hangmore members in the medium fast group decided to stick together for a few laps and have a bit of a scrap. With Gags, Rodolpho and Chris ahead of myself, Jeremy and Brett, the lead three were showing such an improved turn of speed since their last track day that it was no easy task trying to get around them. It made for a very fun last session and turned a good trackday into an Awsome one!! That wrapped up the days proceedings with 10 very happy Hangmore members. We packed up and 10 minutes after leaving the bottle-O (The passengers wanted to loosen up) we were heading to Goulburn in the rain. Yes the weekend sure did have it all. Beautiful 30 degree day followed with it pissing down. Didn’t bother us though.
The trip to Goulburn was certainly an interesting one, with most of us not eating since lunch, it didn’t take long before the first beer was making its presence known, at least until Alicia was able to open hers. Silly chatter on the walky talky’s led myself to giving everyone the friendship test. It went something like this…
“Hey Rodolpho?”
“Yes Pete”
“I love you”………. They laughed. If you answered back with I love you, you failed. If you answered, I like you too, you passed. Well, only the two Brett’s passed. Everyone loved me back. There was just THAT much Love going around. These trips can do that to you. Vel wouldn’t stop talking and it didn’t take long before he was talking about his favorite subject, Honda’s. Vel thinks they are like gold….. Chris replied, “I agree Vel, they are like gold……. Soft”. The beer was hitting some harder than others and Gags reported that McLoud had just climbed into the back of the van to take a leak in the jerry can. 10 minutes later we had all pulled over to crack the seal. Still raining. Soon after that I receive a phone call from Alicia. The radio is on and the song playing certainly summed up the mood…. “Love is in the air, do do do do do do , Love is inn theee airrr woa woa woa……” They couldn’t stop lauging. Jeremy cranked up a little bit of heavy metal in the Magna and I decided that hanging out the sunroof would be a good idea. I think the other guys thought so too as Rodolpho and Wylie both tried to get their knee down hanging out the passenger doors and McLoud didn’t just moon us, he almost had his whole body out the window. Very funny stuff.
We finally rocked up in Goulburn and it was wet and cold. What a turn around from earlier on in the day. Some scrubbed up while most just headed straight to the local Indian restaurant, Bollywood Nights. Fine cuisine was had and more booze was drunk. The Indian video clips made us laugh, some more than others…. (those Bollywood actors are so daggy, aren’t they?). What a great way to wrap the day. I was pretty stuffed by the end of the night but some still had enough energy to stay up to 3am chatting and seeing who could fit in the air ducts. Although that’s what we think they were doing. That photo of Gags and Brett is pretty incriminating stuff. Daylight savings caught us out the next morning, waking up at 5:30am instead of 6:30am. Oh well the earlier start meant we were able to get away for the long drive ahead and arrive home just before 2pm.
I think Rodolpho summed up the trip really well…
“What a Weekend Guys!!!! It was awesome!!! I’m so happy to be part of this great club! The track was perfect the weather could not be better and the company was fantastic. The battles on the track are one of the best I ever had. And the travel to and from Eastern Creek was just a laugh. People coming out from their sunroof's, other ones that dragged their knee out of a 100km/h car and what not, it was just crazy and so so funny I even saw a van with feet sticking out from the side. U really see it all”
That wraps up Hangmore’s first ever group foray to Eastern Creek raceway. With the success of this one, I’m sure it won’t be the last. You gotta love this family. Where to next?
PeteR1
Yes another successful track day, well that’s what I keep hearing from every one. I must say it’s a very challenging track as some found out the hard way but that’s the nature of our sport I guess.
It’s great to see the club doing what it does best on days like these, pulling together and sharing the workload. My thanks go to Chicken Hawk, Jackie, Greg, Yuli, Peter, Jeremy, Jen, Rob, Heather, Troy, Gordon and everyone else who helped on the day. From what I’m told by the track officials we were much more organised compared to some groups that have had days there, and they were very happy with our event. There were a lot of new comers at the track and extra sessions. We didn’t seem to get it right at first but we did our best.
That was my first time at Broadford and I have to say I love that track. The off camber corners were a worry at first but that just made it interesting for me as I took it easy through them. And for getting my knee down only two laps in was a surprise for me, as it would have normally happen at the end of the day. I missed the first session but that’s no biggie it was great to see every one happy, or in some cases nervous and shaking with excitement. I’m not going to bring up the bad parts of the day, as there wasn’t much to bring up. The day was almost perfect, with the exception of the BBQ that was there, CRUSTY, DIRTY and just bad. Next time I will bring the large BBQ from home.
As most people would have seen, Dale from MRA / Two Wheel Torque was there taking some footage, so you might be on it and we will keep you posted on the date of channel 31 telecast. Dale interviewed myself and Emma my daughter, she told me what questions were asked and her responses so this could be interesting on how it comes out. It was Emma’s first track day and second ride on a road bike ever, first was when she went for her learners, so you can just imagine how she felt about riding on the track with other people watching her. Being black flagged on the track in the two-up session for a little wheelie was a bit harsh, as I was only testing the clutch out!!! I didn’t even do the whole back straight, mind you I was trying. Emma had a ball and didn’t know that she was on her own for a few laps. I will never hear the end of it (how could you leave me on my own, it was my first time) I believe in the old ways of teaching, just throw them in and let them swim or sink. Never the less, Emma loved it and wants to go again.
I have come to the conclusion that we must do this again as a club run event. The numbers for the day were 51 riders, which were quite good for a club day, but we can do better. The chat around is that we should do it very soon. This may or may not happen; we will see what you decide. I have spoken to quite a few people who say it’s better than Winton and would rather go to Broadford but as I explained to them Winton is the clubs preferred track for end of year track days at the moment and it is a little closer for the NSW’s guys to travel. This will be discussed further if the majority of club members would like. So most people loved Broadford including myself, it’s a track that will take some getting used to.
So if you love track days please put your hand up early not at the last minute, it will make things easy to organise, and say yes and it will go ahead. I really don’t want to have that over my head every time we organise a track day. Winton is different, it is going to happen unless something goes horribly wrong. To all the new members a track day is a nice way to meet every one and learn your place in the riding food chain. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did and I will see you on the road.
MacTLR
Tales of a Red Bull Captain:
The day we all so eagerly awaited was finally here. Friday 11th….
“The Tassie Tour”
Departure Day:
I arrived at the Princess Pier around 5pm but Brother Chris has beaten me to it. One by One Hangmorians gathered at the fish and chips shop and hunger taken care of, it was time to board the spirit. It was fun watching people do laps of the ships corridors looking for their cabins but eventually we gathered at the meeting place- the back bar!!
The mixture of Tassie TT veterans and newbies (or fondly referred to as ‘Tour bitch’s) was getting into the trip with gusto. A couple of video cams were produced and I was a target!! For what reason I don’t know, but it continued right through the trip. Mark and Heather gave us all a lesson about their favourite sexual position, right there with lights on, suggesting music & the camera was going. Talk about Shameless, Heather pleeeeaseee!!!! Horny as hell we eventually retreated to our cabins. (you can guess the rest!!)
DAY 1: DEVONPORT TO COLES BAY
How do you manage to put your knee down on a boat?? You don’t - you put your whole bike down!!! The only person I know who has crashed in Bass Strait…
Scott- TAKE A BOW!!!
Bright and sunny Tassie welcomed us aboard and fuelled up we set for Launceston and Scottsdale. In Launceston, Corner Marshalling took on another dimension and only an hour or so into the trip, you could see smoke coming out of Jeremy’s ears!!! The Prez was not happy!!
Continue on and fun started on the road to Scottsdale thru Sidelings, Weldborough Pass and forest into St. Helens. Stopped for a break and everyone was babbling about how good the roads are. And then…
We took the coastal road to Falmouth and those awesome sweepers. Done them a few times and I just can’t have enough of that road. Personally, I felt like I was racing at the isle of Man TT, Slipstreaming sometimes, Leading sometimes- not…. Just Awesome!! Had Pancakes at the Elephants Pass and you should have heard the Bench Racing!! Did the loop through St.Mary’s and back on those sweepers again… No Complaints!! Tank up at Bicheno and then another great run thru sweepers into Coles Bay. The cabins we stayed in were absolutely sensational and are already on the agenda to stay at next year4. Had a big barbecue, couple of drinks and that was after checking out camera footage from the ride earlier. In the following days that became the Modus Operand I: Check into the accommodation, then check the tapes. We had some detailed, lengthy weather reports mainly coming from Pete, Chris and Mark, Also at the barbeque, Chris started to entertain us with his bashing stories (how appropriate!!) then it was the time to check out Coles Bay pub (one & only!) The pool table got a workout and a few guys got punished by yours truly. Eventually we went back for some well deserved rest…
DAY TWO: COLES BAY TO HOBART
After brekky time for a group photo on the foreshore, back on those fast sweepers and on to Swansea, Triabunna, Orford and Hobart. More great roads, and in Orford the shock… .A SPEED CAMERA!! 3 years of Tassie TT and this is the first one I’ve seen! I think Jeremy stopped and had a chat to his brother in uniform as well (probably pleaded innocence!!) More awesome roads (starting to sound like a parrot), Regroup in Sorrell and into Waratah Hotel- Hangmores home away from home when in Hobart!
After dumping (our gear, that is) it was decided to go to Tahune Air Walk… ‘cause there are some great roads there and the scenery isn’t bad either!! As usual, when we got there, we had to revisit our childhood days and act silly!! ‘Tahune Sway Walk’- I say!! On the way back we started swapping partners… Talking ‘bout bike here!! Also a few of us went to Mt.Wellington and what a sight that is… For the ones that didn’t go, you missed out big time!! Ah, well, there’s always next year… That evening another tradition took place… Hangmore’s visit to ‘La Porchetta’ pizza house. ‘Pee-Ping Chris’ (the pervert) and his partner in crime Pete, has his camera on me again (as I found out later). There was some indecent exposure there as well!! All I can say is that growth at the end of it is really worrying me… Brother, you should seek professional help!! After a night tour of Hobart streets and a wheelie display, we ended in Salamanca Square for a nightcap. I tell you after so many silly antics it is hard to go to sleep, because of stomach pains from so many laughs…
DAY THREE: STRATHGORDON RUN
OOOOH Yeah, just mentioning Strathgordon’s got me salivating!! Weather was perfect, but still, every couple of minutes somebody pointed their front wheel skywards, just to be sure. Sights on the way to the Dam are awesome, but the road is a bit worse for wear… Blame the log trucks! Maxine got a ride with Chris she’s not gonna forget in a hurry. She was a different person when she got off…
At the Dam, a few of us went for a walk on the actual Dam wall. Going down is a breeze, but going up weeeeellll…. Just ask Scott!!! Speaking of which he left his mark on a parking lot in front of the chalet… his slider mark that is!!! After a decent meal, it was time to go back somehow (Read: Thru skill, guts & big…..) I managed to hang on to Jezza’s & Basher Chris’s pace, and I was pleased and Prez was surprised! Little did he know that Cradle Mountain was still to happen…!! That night Prez wanted to see fireworks and what Prez wants, Prez gets, so off we went to the carnival!! Fireworks were ok, but the highlight of the evening was a Bitchfight!!! Man, did they get stuck into each other. Chris Loved it. Then a few of us went to the Irish pub where there was plenty of eye candy… However in the weeee hours we went home…alone!!
DAY FOUR: PORT ARTHUR RUN
Over breakfast we discussed the plan for the day. After picking up a few members back from the Cadbury factory tour, we headed off to Port Arthur. It was a fairly tame ride, partly because there were a few drizzle spots. As I’ve visited Port Arthur a few times, I took off for Eaglehawk Neck and the Worlds Best Raspberry/Strawberry, Syrup & Ice-cream. Oh, what a treat!! Naturally I talked everybody into dropping by on our way back… see for me once is not enough….Yum, Yum, Yum!!
Dinner was at a place called ‘Ball & Chain’ in Salamanca and after it was time to head to Joe’s Garage, an institution of a bar in Hobart. Myself and Prez (yep, rank has its privileges) got to ride the Big Triumph Rocket III Well, I’ll tell ya, it was an experience!! (plus Matt gave me a free drink for some Hobart stunt work… niiiice! PeteR1) Some news filtered through that next year Joe’s might not be at the same place. Well, wherever he goes, I know Matt’s gonna make it even better, if that’s humanly possible!! It was great to see all the familiar faces in Hobart and believe me after 16 trips to Tassie, there’s quite a few familiar, friendly people I know.
DAY FIVE: HOBART TO STRAHAN
I wanted to experience sunrise from Mt.Wellington, so I put on my alarm early… very early… But you can’t experience sunrise while it’s raining… so I got two more hours of sleep, maybe next year. Tassie tradition from previous years was broken… we got a bit of rain for a change. Wets were on but the pace was still very very healthy. I hear Heather certainly enjoyed it!! First stop was to be at Bronte Park and with the weather as it was, I was hoping… and hoping… and was not let down. The place’s got a couple of massive open fire places, the fire was on, and it was a bliss!! We just took over the main restaurant room and had a couple of very very relaxing hours in front of the fireplace. Definitely worth it!! The weather was looking better when we came out too. After push starting Mark’s bike (a Suzuki, say no more) we tanked up at Derwent Bridge where the wets were taken off!! From there to Lake Burbury, where the road is corner after corner after corner…. Unreal !! Stopped on the bridge for a wheelie and stoppie festival. That’s where I discovered that my rear tyre cried enough- I had canvas showing in a few spots, so I had to behave. Onwards to Queenstown and those 96 corners in 5kms of road. Certain members just about use up their knee sliders on the way down. Another great road from Queenstown to Strahan. Strahan’s the place where the term ‘SCHLAPPER’ happened courtesy of Maxine and Anthony… I will not go into details here… you just had to be there!!! Must be something in the water, I don’t know, but Strahan’s got a strange effect on brother Chris. He gets this itch, you know…. This desire… to take all of his clothes off… So he gave in to that desire!! Happened last year too!! Maybe that’s why we decided that next year we’re bypassing the place. Those who had any appetite left (Jezza, after what you’ve seen, how was the food??) went for dinner and then on to the pub, where a few cleansing ales were had, as well as a few games of pool. After that it was time for a ‘schlapping’ session for a lucky few!!! And no Chris wasn’t there!! Too busy bashing!!!
DAY SIX: STRAHAN – LAUNCESTON
The roads were dry as we left back towards Queenstown. Matt from Joe’s Garage has kindly sent a rear tyre to Queenstown. So one group went from Queenstown early towards Launceston, while a few of the boyz kindly stayed with their Captain while the tyre was changed. Ahhh, the feel of fresh rubber (get your minds out of the gutter, you lot!!) is always great! Lake Plimsoll Road is another gem in Tassie, and boy did we hoe in!! that was fun and then some!! But wait, that’s not all, there’s more. Cradle Mountain Roads next!! Another Blitz Krieg of a road, so next stop at Moina felt like 10 minutes. One car brake checked us doing about 40km/h (him, not us). On DVD looks ordinary, but in real life it was a bit of a moment. Happened so fast I thought that car went backwards. While relaxing there a dog took such a shine to Michaels jacket, you just couldn’t get him off it!! (must be the scent of Schlappin from the night before). The others also caught up there and off we went via Mole Creek to Launceston.
That part of the road is now known as Heather’s road. Boy did she unleash!! Her and hubby were leading the ride nice ‘n’smooth, it was a pleasure to watch. Her massive grin at petrol station said is all- Heather you kick ass!!! Caravan park was conveniently located so it was time to check latest road & weather conditions on Video!! Rang my good friend Steven (last year on a BMW) to join us for dinner. He turned up on a Ducati 999s dripping with carbon fibre, titanium & other tasty bits. Man, that looked nice. Certainly got my juices flowing, and the dinner was good too. The rest of the evening was fairly tame, just the usual Hangmore tall stories… but all true!
DAY SEVEN: CRADLE MOUNTAIN RUN
Morning arrived a bit drizzly so wet weather gear came in handy. We decided to go to Trowunna Devil Park!! Apparently, Tassie Devils are dying from an unexplained disease, so in this park they look after them in ‘a clean’ environment. Despite their wale & hissing, they are cute little bubbas. After that a few of us decided to revisit
Cradle Mountain Road. And then on to Hellyer Gorge & take the coastal road back to Launceston. Road was a bit wet and I’m not making any excuses: Don’t know what it was, but I enjoyed it immensely, so much that I was in front to my (and everyone elses) surprise. When we stopped at the T-Intersection and Pete asked: How the…can you ride so fast in the wet??” Weeelll. That was all the ammunition I needed. Man, can I talk shit!!(and then some... J PeteR1) It’s all in the name of fun, though. So after getting wet at an intersection without everybody there, we backtracked to Moina. One rider thought we’re going to actual Cradle Mountain so he made the turn. Wasn’t a problem (but we know who you are & where you live) cause we feared a breakdown or worse. Being wet and all we abandoned Hellyer Gorge & went back to Launceston. After dinner, we all went to a pub with no crowd!! A few games of pool later (and drinks) we went to another nightclub (sort of) still with no crowd. That’s where ScottR1’s drink got spiked with double vodka. I also remember handling a plastic cup shaped like a penis but don’t ask me why I did it!! No idea!! After a few more drinks we all went to another nightclub… with heaps of people in it. The music was pumping, drinks were flowing and Heather was on the loose again! Never mind her riding, boy can she Boogie?? She danced up a storm and a big one at that. I also recall seeing gay Spiderman & Robot man on the dance floor, but that’s another story!! It was a huge night but eventually had to go back in the wee hours of the morning. As I hopped in my bunk, I checked on my bike and seen that it was gone. (after putting such a display on a wet Cradle Mt. road, no wonder that everybody wants it!) Anyway, I knew that the SP was in good safe hands. Plus, it’s a Tassie tradition too, and I was curious to see what’s gonna happen. Anyway, Chickenhawk wasn’t there, so the SP couldn’t be attacked with a small dick!!!
DAY EIGHT: LAUNCESTON- DEVONPORT
Woke up with a sore head (must be from that penis!!) and went to search for my bike. At 7am to see the almighty SP in one of the units, so I decided for a surprise of my own. After trying to wake ‘em up with a few pinecones (failed miserably) went and had my usual red bull laced breakfast, and then went back. Ah, no matter what they do to the SP it’s still gorgeous!!! All wrapped up in foil, it had to be taken for a spin around the caravan park. Should’ve seen the faces of other campers, probably though I was a loony. Will look good on the DVD, too!! Time for a macca’s breakfast!! The faces of the Prez & Chris, when they started their bikes & acorns started plopping out of their pipes- priceless. Why them I hear you ask?? I knew they had something to do with foiling of my bike. I’ve known them long enough to know!!! (try stealing Vel’s key, that was the hard bit… PeteR1)
After macca’s time to relax in our own private Hangmore resort. Well, not really, but it’s nice to dream!! Cataract Gorge was the venue. The pool was refreshing, so swelling of my head went back to normal. Apparently there was a mermaid washed up on the rocks nearby, so guys went to check… and check… and check!!! Believe it or not, a true story.
Lazing by the pool, hours idled away and it was time for a barbecue. Yum, Yum, it went down a treat. Then it was time for a death defying leap from a high rock ledge into crocodile infested waters…(no death, wasn’t high, no crocodiles… what do you think we’re stupid??) all went well so Hangmore clubhouse is still just a dream!! Time to leather up & go via Batman Bridge & back roads to board the ferry. Some more bike swapping took place, and now Heather was blessed with SP smoothness. A bit later though Heather got blessed with a busy bee. It hit here in the throat and stung and Heather was in a lot of pain. Luckily the saviour in the form of spiderman was there and all went well. Boarded the boat, dinner, more fun in the back bar. The committee was busy planning next years trip on the top deck. Then bunks, and next thing you know, another Tassie trip over!!!
Thing being my third trip, I was wondering what’s this one gonna be like?? To sum it up: UNBELIEVEABLE!!! A mixture of new & old faces. There’s always something different no matter how many times you go. On a personal note, I’d like to thank everyone that went on the trip. The people that go make the trip. What it is. I hope everybody had as much fun as much as I did. These Tassie trips are the best holidays I ever, ever had. Without a single accident in Tassie (Scott, yours wasn’t Tassie soil) Well, that is another tradition to keep and promote.
Many happy returns!! our Captain VEL.
Overnight ride to Port Campbell / Apollo Bay:
One by one we all rolled into the Mobile petrol station past Geelong. After the obligatory smoke and top up with red bull (of course, the bullshit featured strongly as well), we all heading off down the Great Ocean Road.
For those of us up the back (namely myself on the CB250) cruising at 80km/h the scenery was fantastic - white beaches, crashing blue waves with the odd surfer created the feeling of a holiday. For the others (everyone else!), they only saw the road, the white lines and maybe a pesky car or two whizzing past - apparently they have never actually ‘seen’ the beaches and beauty of the Great Ocean Road - only the road itself!
After an awesome ride, we rolled into Apollo Bay. We found our club mascot in Apollo Bay - he was so cute in tiny pooh green shorts, stubby legs, his pink bucket hat - and his beer gut was true to the club’s name of HANGMORE! That was the clincher - he has not seen his ‘bling-bling’ in a while!
Once we had all recovered from playing ‘spot-the-idiot-in-the-tiny-pooh-green-shorts’ we dumped our stuff at a couple of back packer joints - we were a fairly large group, so we split into two accommodation groups. It was still early in the day, so off to Lavers Hill for lunch - where we encountered some furry, white, innocent looking Alpacas. During lunch, the comments thrown towards these poor Alpaca’s meant that they were not so innocent after lunch! I think, someone thought it would be cosy to take one home as a bed-buddy. Although, an Alpaca as a pillion, would be an uncomfortable idea.
Post lunch, the sight of the Twelve Apostles were calling for some of us - the others ‘woosed’ out and left for Melbourne (someone ‘forgot’ to pack their clothes, and had to go to a Christening - where are your priorities?!). The Twelve Apostles lived up to their name of being magnificent. For many, this was the first time seeing the Apostles since school days (a VERY, VERY long time ago - all you old ‘codgers’).
On our return to Apollo Bay, and since it was a hot day (the real reason was that Vel was DYING to show his budgie smugglers) - some of the more manly members of the club lowered themselves into the freezing waters of Apollo front beach, while the others sat outside the back packers spinning yarns. A can throwing competition, some body slamming and a couple of packets of chips and ‘beam’n’coke later, we met Heather and Jackie (who had worked all day, and rode down to meet us - now that is dedication!). They brought with them a car full of giggles, short skirts and Scottish Haggis in the form of Emma, Jen and Rob (hence the Scottish Haggis).
We found a pub with a very scary he/she singer. She did manage to get the girls up dancing, and the best part was Jen had a wonderful time with the tambourine - and we all agreed that she should have been paid as one of the band members. After a great feed, two of the Hangmore ladies entertained the locals with some great cleavage being shown across the pool table - jaws dropped and there were some very happy faces around. There were plenty more shenanigans - and a trip would not be the same without them! Late in the night, we headed home, and finally fell asleep after much bed swopping, and ‘Haggis light disco effects.
We were greeted the next morning with Ian, Mick and Captain Vel in full leathers with their jocks on the outside (stuffed with socks and such-like) (Ian: actually mine was natural)- beautiful! I even had the pleasure of trying out the Fazer F1 - courtesy of Brendan. What a bike! I am hooked!
It was the usual route home - and everyone agreed that these overnight rides are excellent fun. Can’t wait till the next one!
Cheers
Jo CB250 - Rossette (Nickname courtesy of Mark TLR)
