Busy period for Albany Chapter.
6th November 2010 Written by Andy
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We are flat out down in the deep south, preparing for a Poker run, none of us have done this before, so we hope we get it right on the day. Not only that, just in one weekend some of us have done the Ulysses sponsored “Boyz and their Toyz” run in Katanning, followed by the next day on the starting line, as starters for the Albany Vintage and Classic MC’s hillclimb.
Seven bikes, including two of our three new Nom’s left Albany on Saturday morning at 6:30am. Weather was a little fresh with the small threat of a minor shower, yet there was a forecasted high of 23 c in Katanning, where we were headed. After a top up of the tanks in Barker we weren’t to stop until reaching Katanning where we fueled up the bikes and the inner man and woman, as we were unsure of the next stop for food. From here we headed to the start and registration point for a welcome coffee and our first roll of the dice.
An hour later the marshals, members of Ulysses MC who sponsored the run, had 77 bikes and half a dozen hot, or collectable cars, lined up on the road and ready to roll. With Police escort we did a lap of the main street twice to the delight of the public then following the lead rider pealed off on the road to the town of Dumbalyung?. This is where we all pulled up outside the pub, for a second roll of the dice and a cool drink. The first 50 km was done and things were warming up so off came the wet weather gear. Here we socialized for half an hour catching up with friends and making new ones while ACDC blared from the speakers that came out of the boot of the Ford Landau. It had been rigged for the sound and a PA system to keep us informed and abused.
Refreshed, the convoy reformed for the next blast up the road to the town of Wagin (I can spell that one!). Reaching Wagin and the Palace hotel car park, it was time for more refreshments and a BBQ and salad lunch in the beer garden. Though alcohol was consumed by most, I noted that all did so responsibly, as they were on the road and riding/driving. An hour later and well fed we were on the road again for a short run to the hamlet of Woodanilling. Though we pulled up outside the Woody Pub, it was closed with a big “For Sale” sign on the wall. What a shame as it looks a grand old two story building. The dice were thrown once again.
The road from Woody took us out to the Albany Highway and the convoy swung left and within a few Klicks arrived at Beaufort river s/stn and Tavern. Another roll of the dice and by now Andy had lost his lead when he threw a one and a two. Fuel up for some bikes with smaller tanks and drinks for the riders as Mr Plod, parked up keeping an eye on us from the roadside. They were kind to us, only issuing one warning to an overzealous official car. They then blocked the H/way for us to pull out and head for Kojonup and the top pub. 
This was to be the last roll of the dice. From here, some of the Albany people headed south for home with things they had to do before dark while some went back to Katanning to complete the round trip and attend the big party and judging of the “Show and Shine”.
The ride up and back including the dice run was also used by Albany Chapter to put Andrew and Caz, two of our new Noms, thru their nom runs. They rode well for close to 580kms on the day. Caz may be a bit sore having only a week prior managed to crawl out from under her Sporty which she say’s is still quite heavy to lift off oneself. Both Andrew and Caz fitted in well with the crowd and we look forward to them joining us as a full member and an associate member.
Sunday saw a few of us up at the AV&C MC’s hill climb with three of us acting as the starters. In past years I had been doing the job myself but it was a long hard days work being on ya feet all day. It’s good with a few of us to share the load and I no longer wake up with a sore right shoulder and sore feet. Thanks Trev and Harry.
As usual they had a successful day with about 80 bikes taking part in the hill climb. All were bikes of 25 years or older with about half being from the 20’s to 50’s. If your doing nothing next year come on down.
Stay on top!
Andy and the Albany Chapter
