C J DENNIS RIDE FOR THE CFA - Whittlesea to Warburton
Saturday 27th March 2010
The VMMA supported the C J Dennis Ride for the CFA on Saturday 27th March 2010, this was an event organised by Damien Codognotto OAM with the aim to raise money for the Country Fire Authority, to attract tourists to spend holiday dollars in the fire effected areas and to promote driver awareness and road safety.
C J DENNIS RIDE FOR THE CFA commenced from the Whittlesea Showgrounds.
This event was some what different to many other charity rides for it did not have any registration or entry fee's, all money raised was via donations and a raffle with 100% of the proceeds going directly to a local CFA Station along the ride route.
The event also differed in that there was no structured ride with a lead rider, corner marks and a tail end Charlie rider. It was a ride that you under took individually or in a group of your choice, a suggested ride route was provided, but again you could modify your route to suit your circumstances.
Stopped at the Toolangi Tavern for morning tea, putting money back into the bush fire affected areas.
The VMMA had arrange to have two departure points with Dean, Johno, Chris and Sharyn traveling to the designated start at the Whittlesea Showground's and Bob, Jean, Colin, Rosy, Kevin and Tracy departing from Yarra Glen with our planned joining together at Kinglake.
We followed the suggested ride route which was from Whittlesea, Kinglake, Toolangi, Healesville, Marysville and over the mountain to Warburton.
Our first stop was at Kinglake to meet with the Yarra Glen group, Johno made arrangements for us to visit a mate of his in Kinglake who was fortunate not to loose his house but others in the street were not so lucky.
Toolangi CFA was the recipient of the funds raised on the day.
We then rode to Toolangi Tavern and stopped for morning tea, this is a very popular Tavern for all travelers through the area and if you want a counter meal all at $15 it is essential that you make a booking on Saturday and Sundays.
Our ride then took us down to Healesville and then through the Spur and up to Marysville were we stopped at the well-known bakery to again support the local businesses by purchase who lunch.
The final leg of the ride took us well up into the mountains riding on some of the best roads in Victoria on our way to the Warburton Sporting Complex.
Damien concluding the C J DENNIS RIDE FOR THE CFA by making the donation to the Toolangi CFA.
At 3.30 pm Damien called everyone together and explained the aims of today's C J Dennis Ride for the CFA and then proceeded to make the donation to the Toolangi CFA and then concluded the event with the drawing a the raffle, YES the VMMA cleaned up all 3 of the raffle prizes with 1st to Dean, 2nd to Tracy and 3rd to Jean.
VMMA raffle winners dean, Tracy and Jean.
It was then time to go our own way home, Chris was not ready to go home and took off for another 210 kms ride whilst every else including Sharyn headed home ward.
Reported by CW
