Day 3 commenced with every one going to the local truck driver servo for breakfast, you can always count on having a good breakfast were the trucks stop and this was no exception. By the time Chris and Sharyn arrived every else had finished breakfast and ready to hit the road, it was decided everyone would go to Shepparton for Matt had done a good sales act in regard to the new Triumphs on display and with a couple of members looking to purchase new Triumphs it was a fore gone conclusion Shepparton was on the way to Learmonth.
The main group headed south whilst Chris and Sharyn enjoyed their breakfast (Chris did not eat all the bacon, could not with Sharyn present), we l re-grouped up at the Triumph dealership in Shepparton to have a good look at the new models and to discuss availability and prices.
Sharyn's bike (yes Harley this time) battery decided not to play any more, hence purchased a battery at the YES Triumph Dealership which had to be charged prior to installation so once again the main group departed for Ballarat whilst Chris & Sharyn are left behind waiting for the battery to charge before Chris installed it for Sharyn.
Proof of Harley requiring attention.
The day was becoming extremely hot and we still had a good distance to ride, finally Chris & Sharyn departed Shepparton and look a different route to that on the main group by traveling via Rushworth to Bendigo and to our surprise we had caught up to the main group as we rode out of Bendigo.
Time was getting away from us so we traveled directly to Ballarat via Castlemaine, Daylesford and Creswick by this time it was 5.30 p.m. and we were expected at Learmonth Lodge at 6.30 p.m. for a BBQ tea, other members Dennis, Bob and Jean were already booked into the motel and ready to join with us at Learmonth Lodge, Bob and Jean provided everyone with a nice cold drink on our arrival (thank you).
We all quickly unloaded the bikes and cleaned ourselves up and departed for Learmonth Lodge riding in formation up the Main Street of Learmonth to the Masonic Centre were we found a great number of cars parked up and down the street, this was a good sign for a great evening.
What a great sight cars parked up and down the road at Learmonth Masonic Centre.
The VMMA numbers continued to increase for this important visit to Learmonth Lodge with Eric, Mal, Michelle, Erin, Mal and Lynn joining with us for the conclusion of the fundraising for the "Rifton Walker" which started at Learmonth Lodge last December.
What a unbelievable reception on the arrival of the motorcycles, we arrived dead on 6.30 p.m. and were encourage to move to the rear of the Masonic Centre to meet with the large crowd of people who had come along to be part of this special visit.
A great deal of effort by the Learmonth Lodge members had gone into preparing for the evenings entertainment with all the grass mowed, gazebo's erected for shade, BBQ's all setup, tables laid out with refreshments, seating provided and inside the south all the cooked meat and salads along with the traditional supply of absolutely outstanding cakes provided by the retired local baker and ladies of the lodge.
Great support to the visit by brethren and the local community.
Matt was invited to enlighten everyone of the significance of this particular visit and our affiliation with Learmonth Lodge since our visit in December 2006 seeking the Lodges assistance with being the starting and finishing point of our special fundraising effort for a VMMA members 4 year old daughter who requires a specialised piece of medical equipment which will give her the ability to learn to walk.
The enlightenment ended with Matt waving the remaining donation tickets of which there was not that many, it did not take long for those in attendance to make sufficient donations to complete the fundraising for the "Rifton Walker". It was announced that the fundraising effort was complete and that the four gifts to recognise the donations would now take place.
In attendance was Erin the recipient of the "Rifton Walker" who assisted with determining who received the fours gifts which went to Anthony Quantrell (VMMA Member) Pastille, Mac from Leopold Lodge who was in attendance VMMA Bomber Jacket, Michelle Philips who was in attendance slab of bourbon and Anitia Setterfield (VMMA Member) a meat tray.
Erin assisting with determining the recipients of the gifts to recognise the donations received.
A heart warming response came from Michelle on behalf of Erin and the family, Michelle spoke of the medically recognised ability of being part of something good gives us a boost in our well being. Michelle spoke of the love they have for everyone who had contributed to the fundraiser even though they may not meet again, this act of charity will give Erin the opportunity to learn to walk of which her progress indicates she is now ready to take this "STEP".
The basic "Rifton Walker" costs around $5000 and is continually modified as required to match the progress being made, this fundraising effort raised $5900 which will assist with some modifications into the future. Erin is already booked in to see a specialist for a fitting of the "Rifton Walker", those present at Learmonth Lodge contributed $398 on the evening (a big big thank you).
A photographer from the Ballarat Courier attended to take some photo graphics of this charitable event, it was in the Tuesday edition of the Ballarat Courier.
Dennis giving the ladies a good time !!!!
The Lodge was to Tyle at 8.00 p.m. and we were still socialising and providing a number of motorcycle rides to those willing participants, finally the Lodge was opened and closed and we all adjourned to the south to continue the good will that had encompassed the whole evening.
Matt and Chris concluded the evening by addressing those present of the VMMA history, future objectives and sincerely thanking Learmonth Lodge for seeing the worth of such charitable acts and providing the first and final stepping stone to this particular worthy cause.
On return to the motel at Ballarat tables and chairs were obtained and set up outside Bob and Jean's room, it was still very hot and a great way to concluded the Presidents Ride.
There was no formal plans for Sunday so everyone made their own way home under their own steam, a small group had breakfast together at Ballarat some had a big breakfast.
Eric is that your breakfast?
This Presidents Ride like all the others was a great success in many aspects such as involving brethren throughout Victoria and a small distance into NSW in a charitable event, developing friendships and ongoing contact with Lodges along with sharing our enthusiasm of the tenants of Freemasonry.
Reported by CW
