Masonic Motorcycle Assoc. of Australia Inc.- National: 2012

www.themmaa.com.au

MMAA Tasmanian Chapter

MMAA National AGM – Griffith, NSW

Ride Report

Saturday 21 January, 2012 – Tuesday 31 January, 2012
Those in attendance were:
Wor Bro Craig „Deano‟ DEANE
Wor Bro Alan „AB‟ BURTON
Wor Bro Rick GONINON
Wor Bro Paul GONINON
Phillip GONINON

Saturday 21 January:300klms
At last, the day had arrived for the start of our long awaited for road trip and with yours truly having had the Shadow serviced, now packed and ready to roll, bade farewell to her indoors
at 1140hrs and headed for Deano‟s place to collect the first of our ride group. Upon arrival, and knowing that Deano was just as eager as the rest of us to ride off into the distance, I was astounded to find that he wasn’t ready!!!!! To be fair, he did have his son and daughter and in law there with their first born who at 9 weeks old, is taking some priority over Deano‟s actions.
That said, and with some rather harsh prompting from yours truly, it was farewell to the Deane clan who had assembled in the driveway to wave us off.
Off to the BP Servo at Brighton to fuel up and meet with Rick, Paul and Phillip we, as a group, ventured up the Midlands Highway (I’ll never complain about that stretch of Highway again – more later) heading for our first pit stop at Perth. Light refreshments had, it was off to Devonport to meet with the Spirit of Tasmania
(SPOT).
With a re-fuel at Devonport, it was off to the boarding desk to get our tickets and join the queue to board SPOT. That done, and having passed through the security/quarantine checks, we lined up with a number of other bikies, sorry, motorcyclists, who themselves where heading home having completed their own road trip around Tassie. They were all very complimentary with their comments of the roads in Tassie for motorcyclists re: bends etc: and of the hospitality afforded them, whilst around various parts of the State.
Once on board, we headed for our respective cabins with Deano & I sharing a twin cabin while Rick, Paul & Phillip shared a three berth cabin. Bags dropped off within the cabins, it was off to find something to eat before a few light ales as a nightcap were had. Whilst relaxing with a cold one or two, yours truly was accosted by one of the SPOT Stewards who stopped in front of me and with a grin as broad as SPOT itself, pointed straight at me. With strange looks from the rest of the group my first thought was that, as some would say I also work in the hospitality field, I may have afforded him some hospitality in times past, but he wasn’t familiar at all. As he approached closer, I braced myself for confrontation by hiding behind Rick, who wouldn’t, before the words “I was taught to be cautious” were uttered by the Steward. We then realised that he was pointing to the Masonic Square and Compasses and other Masonic memorabilia, as attached to the
leather bike vest as worn by myself. Introductions had (I can’t remember his name?) it turned out he is also a Mason and is a member of The Pacific Lodge, not that we held that against him, although he hasn’t attended a lodge meeting for some time, due to his current work roster. Another a drink or two later, we turned in for the night to ready ourselves for a big ride the next day.

Sunday 22 January: 430klms
Docking in Melbourne on time, we were one of the first group off which is always good to do. Rick, unfortunately, got stuck behind a tractor (a Harley for those not up speed with bike talk) whilst waiting to disembark the SPOT, and inhaled a substantial amount of exhaust fumes, burning oil Rick?? Helmet off quickly, he had a coughing fit which quickly brought about comments with regards to the experiences of the Tasmanian Chapter Riders who rode behind him when riding his own tractor prior to purchasing his current ride, a Honda CB 1300.
After a quick ride brief from our Road Captain Deano, and with Paul riding as Sweep (Rick as Ride Marshall) we headed afterwards Geelong, Torquay and the Great Ocean Road but not before stopping at a BP Roadhouse for breakfast, just past Avalon Airport and the turn off for Lara.
Hitting the Great Ocean Road, we were not alone as riders with an array of „locals‟ riding hard and fast on their „patch‟. We did in fact stop at one point (a scenic lookout) and got talking with a bunch of local riders, who said that this was one of their regular Sunday rides.
With various stops namely Split Point Light Station and London Bridge in particular, our next pit stop was at Princetown were we re-fuelled and had a cold drink and/or a icy pole. I can’t recall whether the next two events were just before or just after Princetown but either way, the following occurred. Deano, being out in front as Road Captain, encountered a Fox as it sauntered across the road in front of him before realising that evasive action was required before becoming another road statistic, namely road kill!!! Having heard/spotted Deano bearing down on him fast, the Fox went left, then right before literally jumping in the air, spreading all four legs wide and with eyes wide in panic, dropped to the road before darting off to the side of the road and
into bush. Had Deano taken evasive action, he would have collided with the Fox. Had the Fox not darted right and off the road into bush and taken a left turn instead, yours truly would have „cleaned him up‟ for sure.
Further along the road as we rounded a bend, Deano put the customary „hand up‟ signalling caution/to stop, as a farmer was shepherding a flock of sheep across the road from one paddock to another. Phillip, realising a split second too late, hit the anchors rear brake first and screeched to a halt in a cloud of smoke. All I could see in my mirrors was Phillip sliding towards me, as well as sheep in front of me running for their lives!!!!
Excitement over, we arrived safely at our first overnight stop being Heywood, were we indulged in pizza and beer for dinner (pizza ordered for delivery, with Rick heading for the bottle shop, to bring back some cold amber fluid after a long days ride in 36 degree temp)

Monday 23: 271klms
Leaving Heywood at 0700hrs in order to get a good hour or so ride in before the temperature started to rise, we headed for the South Australian border with our destination being Mt Gambier
some 90klms or so away. Arriving in Mt Gambier, it was off to the hotel where they served all day breakfasts. Bacon, eggs, big breakfasts ordered with various cold drinks (juices) ordered, we settled into the breakfast room to admire the building itself with high ceilings and period architecture.
After brekkie, Rick, Paul and Phillip departed to see their rellies while Deano & I crossed the road to take in the Cave Gardens which is a marvel in itself. That done, we headed for the Blue Lake which was true to it‟s title.
Meeting later with the infamous GONINON trio, we departed Mt Gambier for Bordertown, our next overnight stop. Whilst the road was good even though it was as straight as the eye could see, we were buffeted by strong, hot gusty winds resulting in high RPM‟s on our trusty machines. Rick stated later that on average, his
RPM @ 100klms/hour was 3,500. With conditions as mentioned, it rose to 5,200 RPM.
A trip to the pub for some liquid refreshment at the bar, before a shopping trip to the supermarket for some meat etc: for a bbq, a stop at the bottle shop was had, for some more fluid whilst at the bbq.

Tuesday 24: 418klms
Again with an early start, we set off for Mildura via Pinaroo and Renmark. Accordingly to our ride coordinator Deano, we were supposed to ride through a State Forest. What Forest???
(there were a few trees either side of the road – does that count??)
It was on yet another long straight piece of road, that we encountered a family of Roos hopping alongside of the road when, yes you guessed it, they chose to „play chicken‟ crossing the road in front of us. They were big buggers as well, not like their smaller Tasmanian cousins. With Deano and Rick braking hard, followed by yours truly, Phillip and Paul (no skid marks - so to speak - this time Phillip) we managed to avoid some serious damage. Whilst we did encounter several more „families‟ along this stretch of road, they stayed to their side of the road. No wonder the area is called Pinaroo. We very nearly pinned a couple along the way!!
With a brekkie stop at Pinaroo itself, we saddled up yet again heading for Renmark. Whilst riding through the township, Rick noticed a Lodge Building. A quick stop for a photo and a stretch of legs, it was off again for our destination of Mildura, riding in 39 degrees.

Arriving in Mildura and booking into our cabins, it was a walk to the bike shop down the road for a quick look, a trip to the shops for lunch, before returning to our cabin park to change into bathers/shorts for a dip in the pool. How delightful it was too although yours truly, despite the high temp, complained that the pool water temp was cold, having ventured to put in my big toe first before jumping in. Woos!!!!!
Dinner was off to the Gateway Hotel, a short walk up the road, where the special of the day was had. Parmagiana‟s for $10 with vegies and chips................it was a big meal. Paul and Phillip chose steak, but wished they‟d had pyjamas too.

Wednesday 25:
A lay day was had in Mildura, where we decided to take a morning trip up the Murray River, on PS Melbourne, a Paddle Steamer celebrating it‟s centenary this year. A taxi was booked by
Deano for the journey into the City, where breakfast was had by all. It was then a stroll to Apex Park, where we boarded the PS Melbourne. It was during same, that we entered a working „lock‟ being lowered in height, to meet the level of the Murray further up/down? river. On the return trip, we entered the „lock‟ again,
returning to our original height.
River trip over, we could all feel a cold one coming on so it was off to the Mildura Brewery to sample the local stuff. Upon entry, Rick noticed that you could get a „sample tray‟ of the beers they produced, so off to the bar with a request for five (5) sample trays. In all, there were eight (8) samples to try which, at $10/tray, wasn’t that bad mind you, none of us were too keen on trying anymore as they weren’t to our taste.
A quick walk around the City with lunch had by some, a call to the cab company was made after which, a thirty (30) minute wait was had in 40 degree heat.
Back „home‟, it was into bathers/shorts for yet another refreshing dip in the pool before showering and heading out yet again, to the Gateway Hotel for the evening $10 pyjama special.

Thursday 26: 377klms

Australia Day saw us leave Mildura early, with our destination being Echuca via Swan Hill. Entering the Township of Euston, NSW we were undecided as to which road to take when,
noticing a Police Station, it was decided to stop and ask the local constabulary. Deano, as he was walking to the front door, was met by an officer at time, Deano said “good morning”. I‟m not sure what language they speak in NSW, but he was ignored with the officer heading straight for our group with a stern look on his face.
Upon reaching us, a lecture was received for stopping to close to a roundabout, we were off the main road on a side road with no traffic whatsoever, and he said, stopped in a loading zone. What happened to friendly „country cops‟??? He did however point us in the right direction for Robinvale, our planned breakfast stop,
but not before saying that we could get a good breakfast down the road. We declined the offer, as we were not sure if there would be any parking or not?
Into Robinvale for brekkie and a chat with a few of the locals, who themselves were having a coffee at their local cafe.
Stomachs satisfied, it was off for Swan Hill were we re-fuelled the trusty machines. There was always a discussion between Deano and Rick about what fuel we should use with Deano preferring BP, and Rick Caltex. Personally, I didn’t care as long as we did re-fuel as a few times so far during the trip, I was running on reserve.
Outside of Swan Hill, we saw where the famous „Willow‟ is grown for our cricket bats.
Into Echuca and our Cabin Park when having dumped our gear, we rode into town for a look around. That done, we found a local fish and chip bar which served freshly cooked fish and chips at a reasonable price.
Lunch had, a late lunch at that, we were in need of something to wash it down with so Deano, Rick & I headed for the pub while Paul & Phillip chose to head for Holden Motor Museum and a look around there.

Friday 27: 305klms

Leaving Echuca for our next destination being Griffith, NSW via Deniliquin and Findlay, we again encountered miles and miles of straight road during which time, we saw wild Emu‟s on the
side of the road/highway - all except Deano that is. I think he had had enough of wild life on the side of roads and stopped looking even though on numerous occasions, we narrowly missed those wascally wabbits as they ran across in front of us to the point where one ran right between the wheels of Rick‟s bike with Rick actually lifting his feet off the pegs, to allow it to pass underneath him!!!! Very kind of you Rick.
Lunch was had at a Caltex Roadhouse in Findlay, which caused panic for the local attendant. Having seen five (5) bikes pull in for fuel, then head inside for breakfast, she said that she was overwhelmed at such a number and actually got on the phone and called in some re-enforcements‟ to cope with „the rush‟.
Panic over, we rode out for Griffith on yet another wonderful piece of straight road. Arriving at Griffith Caravan/Cabin Park we met Brian, a fellow Mason, who himself had not long arrived, as this was where all the National Chapters were staying as well. That said, they had all arrived the previous day, and had chosen to ride to a liquorice factory some 200 odd klms away. It would want to have been good liquorice!!!
Again, we dumped our bags in respective cabins and then rode into town for some lunch.
No names mentioned, but having purchased lunch at a local bakery being 24 chicken nuggets and chips, no joke, Deano chose to eat his tub of ice cream first before eating his lunch, saying that it would melt otherwise!!!!! At least Rick ate his lunch first before having his dessert.
Back to the Cabin Park and into shorts again, for a cooling off splash in 40 degree heat after which, we returned tom our cabins, showered and changed into more shorts and a clean top, to await the return of our colleagues from their day trip, and the evening bbq as planned/put on, by the Central Coast Chapter.
Whilst waiting, Paul & Phillip headed for the bottle shop to gather some more liquid refreshment, as we had to
keep up our fluid intake due the high temperatures.
Day trippers returned, we arranged the bbq for, conveniently so, in front of the cabin as shared by Rick & I.
With old acquaintances met and with new ones introduced, the bbq was underway, with plenty of tucker provided by our hosts. As always, there was the usual Masonic stalls set up, with merchandise being sold by “special price” Webby, being joined by Bongo distributing coffee mugs, beer glasses etc: as previously
ordered and RU (pronounced Roo) selling his protective Masonic Bells, imported directly from America for the meeting, to attach to the bike of purchasers – yes I bought one!!!
We were also joined by members of the local Masonic Lodge being Lodger Ibis, who very kindly offered their Lodge Room for our AGM on Saturday and the provision of supper in the South afterwards.
A good night was had by all.

Saturday 28: 200klms
Having had breakfast in the Township, we all met as one outside Lodge Ibis @ 0900hrs for a scheduled photo shoot and narrative, with a reporter from the local newspaper (Deano has asked
for a copy to be sent to him) Formalities over, several of the Lodge Ibis members, themselves fellow riders, took us on a sightseeing tour of the local area before arriving at our first destination being the Black Stump, home of what is believed to be,
the tallest bar in Australia.
Drinks and social chit chat had, some of the group rode on to the next destination for lunch whilst a number of us chose to stay and return to Griffith from here. Paul & Phillip chose to ride on for lunch, and I am not sure as to exactly how far their round trip was?
Our return trip to Griffith was done so in a downpour of rain, with Deano, Rick, Webby, Jason and I, arriving in Griffith soaking wet with Deano and yours truly having our boots full of water. Squelch, squelch. With hot coffee‟s had, we returned to our cabins to shower and freshen up for the AGM @ 1600hrs.
Arriving in plenty of time, conversation was had with Lodge Ibis members. Our National President called the meeting to order at 1600hrs with the Agenda items as listed, including a yearly report read and submitted by yours truly as President of the MMAA Tasmanian Chapter, and general business discussed, was conducted in the usual Masonic manner.
It was during general business that in short, after some robust discussion, it was agreed by the majority present that the next AGM being 2013, would be hosted the Tasmanian Chapter. A fantastic result for our Chapter for which I am certain, that all members will get behind and support your committee to ensure we are well represented during his time and that we yet again, as with the Easter Road last year where we acted as hosts, ensure a successful and positive meeting is achieved.
Meeting concluded, we retired to the South for supper of which was a credit to members of Lodger Ibis and just as importantly, the wives/partners of members. Thank you to all.
A raffle was conducted by the Central Coast Chapter, with proceeds going towards assisting the nominated charity.
A presentation in appreciation of the support received from Lodge Ibis, was made by yours truly for which a bound collection of Masonic Lectures was presented to the Worshipful Master. This was made possible, through the cooperation and support of the Freemasons Tasmania Public Relations Committee in particular,
Very Worshipful Brother Alan A‟CHURCH, and was presented on behalf of the Tasmanian Chapter with acknowledgement and recognition of the MMAA National Body.
The evening was closed in peace and harmony by our own Worshipful Brother Rick G, with all returning safely to our respective places of abode.

Sunday 29: 352klms
The Tasmanian Chapter joined with the Victorian Chapter and left early, 0645hrs, for the ride South with Webby and Jason heading for their homes in Melbourne, while we were heading for our
next overnight stay at Seymour. As with our ride to Griffith, a pit stop was had at Findlay where the owner of the roadhouse was in attendance, and took our orders in a calm and relaxed manner – unlike our stop as previously mentioned.
The only break in a boring stretch of road, was when farmers were herding cattle across the road where we had to come to a complete standstill. When passing through the herd, we noticed that one of the cows had enough, choosing to lay down in the middle of road and would not budge. Guess McDonalds‟ are happy?
Another boring piece of road although as to be expected, the volume of traffic increased the closer we got to
Seymour/Melbourne. Stopping at a roadhouse some twenty (20) minutes out of Seymour for a coffee, farewells were given/received by all, as Webby and Jason took another direction on their journeys home.
Arriving at Seymour, Rick & I headed for a Car Club meet for which was in the throes of packing up being late in the afternoon of yet another hot day.
Returning to the caravan/cabin park, yet again shorts were donned for a splash in pool although only Rick & I ventured in with Deano catching up with some friends – yes, we were surprised he has some too!!! With Paul & Phillip having a siesta?
Deano‟s friends suggested the pub across the road for dinner, saying that they have eaten there a few times and have always a good meal with good portions served. They did actually return later that afternoon and joined us for dinner. No disappointments, great meals at a good price.

Monday 30: 120klms
Today being our last day in Melbourne and last day of the trip, we all had differing agenda‟s, and left Seymour on a rainy morning. That said and with the rain having stopped, we all met in
Elizabeth Street around 1300hrs, and as usual, a walk through the bike shops was had. Curiosity had, we saddled up and headed for St. Kilda were a stop in Ackland Street was had.
Which shop to go in, as all the cakes and goodies looked good??? Decision made, Rick, Deano & I headed into the Ackland something or other shop, pastries and cream being bought, washed down by a good cup of coffee.
Having walked up and down Ackland Street, we met Paul & Phillip for the short trip to ferry terminal where later, Jason rode in to join us for a fish and chip dinner, before the Tassie 5 boarded SPOT for our return trip home. We knew we were in for rough trip, as the wind was exceptionally high so much so, that when SPOT
finally arrived, she had to guided/assisted by a tug boat into berth.
Having again said farewell to Jason, we took our place in the queue meeting a group of riders who were heading to Tassie for their own tour.
Once on board, and dumping our bags into virtually the same cabins as came across in, you guessed it, it was off to the bar although no one drank alcohol to start with, choosing the purity of H2O.
You wouldn’t believe it, but we had the same crew as we sailed over with, with our Masonic friend acknowledging our presence.
Once under way he came over to us and said that it was going to be a rough trip once out of the shelter of the Bay, which would be around 2330hrs. After having a few drinks, both Paul & Phillip retired early with Deano, Rick & I choosing to stay up till the magical hour, and see how rough it was going to get.
Out of the Bay, it was evident that it was going to get rough as we started to roll about and take some
water/spray over the top of the boat, as evidenced by our presence on the outside rear of Deck 10. Trying to
walk straight, which we could have done had we have been drunk, it was off to our cabins to bunk down for the night.
Did we sleep I hear you say? Not likely, it got that rough being tossed from side to side, and climbing and then sliding down huge swells being met with thunderous bangs at the bottom, no one slept with Deano & I, having a Port Hole Cabin, spending most of the night watching SPOT disappear under a wall of water only to
see open water again as we reached the peak of yet another swell, before crashing down again.
We did hear a bit of yodelling from the cabin of Rick, Paul & Phillip but being the gentleman that Deano & I are we will not divulge who that person was, in view of him being the youngest of our group.

Tuesday 31: 300klms
Arriving safely in Devonport, we were again amongst the first off and sped away for our first pit stop being the roadhouse at Perth, to both re-fuel the bikes and have a bite to eat for brekkie.
All done and with farewells given, we headed down the Midlands Highway, bends and all, for our respective homes.
Ride/road trip verdict: A great road trip was had by all, one of which will be remembered for a long time for a number of reasons not least, the long consecutive days in the saddle where all of us, at some stage, got saddle sore.
Finally, many thanks of appreciation to Deano for his organising the road trip. Whilst yours truly assisted to some degree, it was Deano who organised all of our accommodation, including the return on SPOT. Great
job.
Alan „AB‟ BURTON
President/Ride Reporter
MMAA
Tasmanian Chapter
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