We had a very successful Rally again this year, after a long period of shut-down's, the Motorcycle Fraternity were enthusiastic to get out and get riding. With the initial entries coming in, it looked like we were going to have a large Rally. As we take late entries it makes catering quite a guestimate.

My estimates of entries were within the tolerances I allow. After Ivor and my initial investigations of the route, all was set to go. Fingers crossed that the weather would play its part.

We, Secretary John and I journeyed down to Mirboo North on the Friday , to be greeted by absolutely great weather. Up early Saturday morning to set up the BBQ and Urn, the morning was chilly and misty, promising a fine day. After the excellent briefing by Ivor, I am still astounded that some entrants do not listen to instructions and particularly take note of our destination.

Some 70 bikes and back-up vehicles headed off through Boolarra towards our destination, The Military Forces Museum, West Sale. We rode through Yinnar, then along side the Hazelwood Pondage and into Churchill, where we met up with twelve members of the British Two Stroke Club, then on past the very impressive Loy Yang Power Station to Rosedale,

We regrouped at the B.P. Service Station, in Rosedale, what an impressive sight it made, bikes of all ages parked everywhere, I was surprised at the number of Club Eligible bikes on the ride. After a minor hiccup at Rosedale we all arrived at the Museum where the  BBQ and Cuppa were ready for us, I think you will all agree, the photos taken at the Museum are impressive, after a too short stay, we journeyed back to Mirboo North in the reverse direction we had ridden. A few of the riders experienced a bit of precipitation on the way back, I personally made it all the way back without getting wet. We deliberately planned our route to be as short as possible to avoid the very busy main roads.

Sunday, after the customary BBQ we proceeded out the Grand Ridge Road, the scenery was superb, the ash, tree ferns made for great sightseeing, but the riders had to be alert because of the changeable road conditions , all made it safely, we had one bike that got a flat tyre, this was quickly put on the back up vehicle.

The regroup at Seaview made a very impressive line up, some 70 - 80 bikes parked on the side of the road with magnificent back-drop of the Latrobe Valley. Please check out the photos! On to Yarragon for a regroup, then off to Gunn's Gulley B.P. Service Station.  The Local Highway Patrol came to have a look at the Bike's,  after a discussion on our concern we had of  getting the bikes safely back onto the busy road, the Police offered to direct the traffic for us. A big thank-you to the Policemen involved, they went above and beyond on our behalf.

On through Narracan to Bill Robinson's farm to view his collection of old tractors, this was thoroughly enjoyed by all. We then journeyed to Thorpdale for a late lunch and the finish of another successful Brass Monkey Rally.

As with all Rally's a lot of work goes into running a successful event, without people volunteering their valuable time, the events could not be run. A big thanks to the following people for helping to make the Rally a success, our lead rider and fellow run-co-ordinator Ivor, Lisa and Chris and their helpers at the BBQ, Lisa for collecting the entries, Val, Cooper, Chris and David Tree and the other contributors for their photograph's, Lynn, Kim and Gary for their back-up duties and Terry the manager of the 1st Tee Golf Club.

The Golf Club rooms are all booked out for next year, if you plan to attend again next year don't hesitate to book early, the run's next year will be around the district, I'm sure we will again come up with rides that will be thoroughly  enjoyable to all who ride them.

I look forward to seeing you next year.

Denis Reed-Smith  Rally Co-ordinator.