A small contingent of VMMA members attended this event to support Master Elect Bro. Des Honicke on this important day/night. It was also pleasing to see David Thexton in attendance, as he was supposed to be recovering from nose surgery but he informed me that the surgeon was not able to operate on him in the week prior to the installation. I was later informed that there were other motorcycling masons in attendance from Bombala – good to see.
Apart from the local Orbost area members Des and David, other attending VMMA members included Gary and Glenda Power, Brian Sanders (The Colonel), Robert O’Meara (Big Red), Robert van Lunenburg (The Red Baron), and Pedro.
L to R: Pedro, Red, Baron, Gary , Brian and Glenda behind the camera.
The Baron and I took the opportunity to ride the twisties (oh gee, how unusual!) to Orbost over the following route. I left Bendigo early on Friday and rode up to Euroa (Miepol actually) to pick up the Baron. We then proceeded through the Strathbogie Ranges (always an exciting ride) to join the Mansfield road at Merton. We were very lucky that my long distance vision was working well as I spotted a highway patrol car parked up a dirt track a few k’s up the road. We dutifully washed off some speed but it appeared that the officer was more interested in cars going away from Mansfield. I was later surprised to hear The Baron ask me why I had slowed down, and he also admitted that he thought it was just a farm ute parked. Dear of dear Baron, you must get your eyes checked! After refuelling at Mansfield we headed up the Whitfield road. We saw first hand the results of the recent devastating bushfires. It was amazing that more property was not lost, as the fire has burnt much of the area around Tolmie and further on towards Whitfield. Those who know this road will attest to how enjoyable it is, but it can also be quite dangerous for the unwary. Our progress was quick but safe through these exciting twisties, and on nearing Whitfield I was greeted by a lyrebird crossing in front of me, and shortly after a medium size kangaroo. Relating this to The Baron later he informed me that there was a second ‘roo which bounced out between us, just in front of him. Luckily, no problem for the experienced Baron who has had a couple of altercations with ‘roos in the past. Interestingly, during our ride from the bottom of the hills outside of Mansfield to Whitfield we didn’t see any other vehicles. So it pays to ride this road carefully. We rode on in the dark to reach the Myrtleford Hotel by about 1930. Pity the headlights of my Triumph were pointing skywards as this is quite disconcerting. After a very nice dinner we retired to bed, early - ish.
Look Pedro and Baron did ride this time!!!!
Saturday dawned bright and cold and we packed and tried to get out of the pub by 0730. Unfortunately, we were locked in and had to wait 25 minutes for the cleaner to come and unlock the place as well as the gate on the outside yard where our bikes were parked. Our next stop was Bright for breakfast and fuel, then on to Bruthen via Mt.Hotham. The ride up the mountain was absolutely fantastic (as usual) and although it was 3 degrees at Hotham we felt very comfortable in our gear. The bikes were running well and the ride down to Omeo and Bruthen was a blast as well. Coffee and scones were taken at the Dutch Café next to the Shell servo. A bit pricey but definitely worth the cost. Lovely owners, excellent coffee and food. The next phase was the rather boring ride to Nowa Nowa and on to Orbost. We booked in to the Country Road Motel (very comfortable and gives Ulysses discount) about 1330 and waited for the others to arrive. Glenda wasn’t feeling that well, so she and Gary drove up, as did Brian (also not 100%) with Big Red.
L to R: Gary Power, Rob O'Meara, Des Honicke, David Thexton, Brian Sanders.
We socialised for a while before getting ready for the installation; which tyled at 1530. There was a good size crowd in attendance but the sea of dark blue Masons was apparent. This installation included an open investiture ceremony, which was very interesting. The Installing Master was RWBro. Vaughan Werner DGM accompanied by members of the current GL team. Vaughan is a supporter of the VMMA, and it was great to have a quick chat with him and get him in a photo. On completion of the installation a goodly number of masons, partners and guests adjourned to the local football club rooms for the banquet. We chose not to attend due to our need for an early morning start. After a nice meal at the Club Hotel in Orbost we headed back to the motel for bed.
Baron has just announced its bed time and Brian's looking real pleased!!!!!
Sunday morning weather was glorious and we headed out about 0730. Gary and Glenda departed also, while Brian and Rob took it easy before their journey home. Our route this time was back to Bruthen, Bairnsdale for breakfast at Mackas, then on the highway to Nilma and the turn off to Neerim, on to Yarra Junction and Healesville; where the Baron forced the stop as he had only 1.5 litres of fuel left. Our intention had always been to make Strath Creek for lunch and meet up with the other VMMA members on the April Fools day ride. From Healesville we came in the back way to Strath Creek via Glenburn and Flowerdale – more wonderful roads to ride for those interested. Arriving at the Strath Creek pub at 1300 we enjoyed another pleasant social event with those in attendance. See separate report on the Aprils Fools ride for details.
My trip meter reads 1230km for the weekend away, and I can truly say I enjoyed every kilometre of it.
Ciao for now, Pedro.
