CanTeen Victorian Division
Annual Motorcycle Ride Day Report
Sunday 19th February 2006
Congratulations to all the motorcyclists of Victoria who joined with the V.M.M.A. Inc. to once again provide the Victorian Division of CanTeen with their Annual Motorcycle Ride Day.
Suiting up at Keysborough
Well, the ride has been ridden, and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Words cannot truly describe what an absolutely fantastic day we had.
We started on time from the Royal Children’s Hospital and apart from a slight mix up on group riding we rode on to our first stop at Keysborough Masonic Centre, where we were completely blown away by a huge morning tea spread. Again, words can’t describe how much work and preparation the folks did to make us welcome and fill our tummies. Special thanks to Vivienne Cash who worked extremely hard with the other man and women to get it all cooked and set out.
Sooo much food.
Our next leg was to HMAS Cerberus where we were warmly greeted by the Executive Officer and his willing crew of workers; many of whom came in on their day off to support us. Our lunch was served under a camouflage net (reminded many of us of our Army days) and we then went on a boat ride, as well as a tour through their very interesting museum.
Executive officer of HMAS Cerberus CMDR Michael Murray (seated centre front) and the assemble crowd of Members and volunteers.
The Foden (1920?) steam truck was also available for rides around the base.
What followed was a surprise to 98% of group, and we were gobsmacked when 2 Army Blackhawk helicopters flew in to land right in front of us on the footy oval. We crawled all over these great aircraft and lots of good photos were taken.
The 2 BlackHawks put into service for the day
The CanTeen members and other children present were very impressed. Having made some presentations and thanked the staff we sadly said farewell, but not without an invitation to come back again.
Commanding Office of HMAS Cerberus Capt. David Garnock receives a certificate of appreciation
After a shortish ride to the Baxter Masonic Centre around mid afternoon, we dismounted for yet more food and drink; this time tea, soft drinks, and ice creams. Again the hospitality shown by the people from the 3 local Lodges was fantastic. And so, we mounted up and rode back to Melbourne, where we said goodbye to our passengers and fellow riding companions.
Baxter Masonic centre - squeezed on to the front steps
A large group of us then adjourned to a nearby bakery/restaurant to reflect on the day and not unusually much talk about bikes.
Many of those who attended the ride took photos and I would ask that they contact Drew Webber (0416 116 563), our webmaster, to discuss whether he can use your snaps.
So, the ride has been successfully ridden. The planning was excellent, and mostly through the hard work of Matt Turner, Brian Sanders and others who helped. The ride marshals and corner markers did a great job in keeping us on track. The Navy was brilliant in their support and organisation. I really don’t know how I’m going to express our gratitude to all those organisations for their wonderful support and hospitality on the day, when I sit down to write the thank you letters.
The only trouble now is that we will have to work super hard to organise something at least as good for next year.
Thank you all for attending and helping make it such an enjoyable day for the CanTeen members. For those who couldn’t make it, you really did miss a great day; maybe next year?
