VMMA Official Visit to Rutherglen Lodge No. 188

RALLY @ RUTHERGLEN

Thursday 12th March 2009

Reported by David Hall                                                    Return to Reports 2009 Index

The North East part of Victoria is one of the most beautiful areas in the world and any opportunity to visit the region should be grasped with both hands. Lovely scenery, very drinkable wines and hospitable locals add to the attraction.

 

The official V.M.M.A. visit to the Rutherglen Lodge could therefore not be missed and from the moment it appeared on the website planning for the trip began by the lad’s down Phillip Island & South Gippsland way. A phone call to Dave (The Duke) Kent resulted in a resounding ‘yes’, he’ll be in it, but the Hume Highway must be avoided as much as possible, it’s quicker to go the long way you see.

 

 

Bob's trike with freeloaded and David's bike has a walking stick side stand addition!!!!

 

Due to the distance involved an early morning start was required, plus the fact my mother in law is living with us at the moment and it is always preferable to head off the Island early, really early.

 

As is always the case the drought decided to go into remission on that day and full wets were required. After navigating the eternal road works that span almost the entire length of the Bass Highway (or so it seems) The Duke and I met at The Gurdies and after a quick ‘defog’ of the visor and The Duke fixing his helmet hair we were on our way, The Duke in the lead on the flying Yamaha (minus tail lights). Now be warned, The Duke’s direct route is what the normal person calls a ‘zig zag’, big time. An interminable number of hours and a full tank of juice later we finally made it to our lunch stop at Alexandra.

 

  

Mick a supporter of the VMMA travelled to Rutherglen to catch up with us.  Bob the entertainer!!!!

 

On route to this beautiful town we travelled through many of the areas that only a few short weeks before had been devastated by the tragic bush fires of Black Saturday. It brought home to the writer a taste of the reality of the situation, miles of road surrounded by burnt out bush, Marysville still closed off and Police everywhere, and not one interested in the passing traffic, their attention was taken up by far more serious matters.

 

How ironic that both Dave Kent & myself were donned in wets and at times fighting off the cold, rain & fog while riding through the blackened Black Spur.

 

After lunch we made a ‘bee’ line for Euroa where the one & only Red Baron was waiting for us at the Bakery. The afternoon’s entertainment was provided by watching the Baron gorging himself on the traditional apple cake covered in cream and the gulping of a mug of coffee. Quite a sight when we consider the red bushy moustache adorning the old boy’s upper lip.

 

David trying to give Baron good advice!!!!

 

The interlude over we were once again astride the bikes (after The Duke fixed the helmet hair again of course) and on our way, this time up highway 31. The Baron decided that as he knows every T.M.U. police officer in the district by their first name, (Sir), he would play it absolutely straight and not exceed the 110 klm speed limit even by a fraction. This provided his travelling companions a unique opportunity to witness an event never before seen, The Baron riding with true respect or perhaps fear of the law.

 

On arrival at Rutherglen we checked into our $45.00 motel rooms located at the back of the Pub with some trepidation, but were pleasantly surprised by the clean modern rooms that awaited us. Also waiting for us were Captain Fluffy (Chris Wells), Deano Lugton and Bob Nicholls.

 

Alas the ‘Iron(ing) Lady’ Sharyn Wells was absent, so once again the V.M.M.A. boy’s went off to Lodge with creases in their shirts.

 

Arriving at the Rutherglen Masonic Centre.

 

The Lodge meeting consisted of the full closing in the three degrees followed by a talk on the V.M.M.A. presented jointly by Dean, Chris & David Hall. Although we touched on the history & aims of our association most of our talk was focused on the ‘Breathless’ ride and our appreciation of the support given to the event and to the V.M.M.A. in general by the Rutherglen Lodge.

 

The fact that Wonthaggi now has an almost constant supply of electricity in some parts of the town on selected days was also mentioned, and the look of hometown pride at this incredible achievement that filled The Dukes face was a joy to behold for everyone present.

 

 

L to R: David Kent from Wonthaggi, Bob from Mooroolbark and Baron from Euroa at Rutherglen Lodge for a mid week visitation.  David Hall giving an overview to the history of the VMMA in the lodge room.

 

The South was very enjoyable and a nice supper supplied. The Brethren of The Rutherglen Lodge also presented us with a supply of local Muscat to raffle at one of our future community events. A word of advice to all members, when you see this prize being offered buy as many raffle tickets as you can, the Muscat is wonderful, those of us who were there know this to be true as samples were on the tables during the South.

 

The evening concluded with the Tyler’s Toast being sang by the Lodge choir with all present joining in at the appropriate times, a fitting end to a terrific visit.

 

The W.M. Bro. Peter Dinsdale made a presentation to Dean of 13 bottles of Chambers Rosewood Vineyards Muscat that were kindly donated by Bill Chambers to the VMMA to utilise to raise charitable funds.

 

The morning dawned and Chris & Bob were already on their way home closely followed by The Baron. His resolve to live by the limits set by society for the good of all was somehow forgotten as on the way back to Euroa he was pinged for doing 106 in a 100 zone. Some people are just unlucky!

 

 

David Hall looks very content in the south and even more content back at the motel after a big day riding up from Phillip Island for the visitation.

 

The Duke & the author headed home via a route that allowed us to ride in a straight line for more than 100 metres at a stretch for a change. Grumpy (Graham) Hocking kindly had lunch waiting for us when we visited him at around noon in his Mooroolbark home. With full tummies and an empty bottle of Rutherglen Red in the recycling bin we headed through the spiritual home of the author (The Dandenong’s) back to Wonthaggi & the Island.

 

Another terrific night was had representing the V.M.M.A., hope it’s not too long until the next.