You can steal my thunder any time you like John!!
What a fantastic turnout this morning in Kelmscott to take on the "German Paul Memorial Ride Part 2"!!
I was very nearly struck speechless (But not quite) as rider after rider rolled up in the car park, many of who had not given prior notice and it was a very gratifying sight to behold!!
Thanks must go to Cookie, Brian/5 and Spacey on his brand new 1250GS for taking the time trouble to ride out to farewell us on our ride
14 riders departed with Peter leading the group through a meandering course through the back streets of Kelmscott, Armadale and onwards to emerge on the SWH in Byford where we deviated up to the Hills and Jarrahdale.
From there we wound our way through Serpentine Damn, past Karnet Prison Farm and then back down the escarpment to the SWH again.
A quick dash up the highway bought us to our first stop for a 5 minute break at the Caltex Servo in North Dandalup. There we met up with a couple of "old" stalwarts namely Bemer Dave and Hermann!!
It was here I addressed the group regarding the main purpose for today's ride being in Paul Keller's memory and thanked them for attending.
Suitably refreshed and tanked up, 16 riders continued down SWH to the Alcoa Refinery turnoff where we threaded our way back into the hills to Dwellingup.
We continued through without pausing with Peter ably guiding onto the Pinjarra - Williams road for a very enjoyable cruise along it's twisting winding and hilly route to the Lower Hotham road which we took to the Quindanning Hotel for a lunch break!!
Following and observing the long stream of riders winding their way along the highway in brilliant Autumn sunshine made me feel a real sense of pride and of belonging to such a great motorcycling club!!
I had forewarned the pub about today's ride so they were ready and waiting for us when we rocked dead on mid day where the group waited for their food orders to be prepared.
It was an enjoyable break with riders managed to catch up and speak each other for the first time since the COVID 19 virus reached our shores!!
I won't mention everyone that joined us on the ride but would like to note the presence of both Tom and Bilby, both of whom we had not seen in our midst for a very substantial amount of time!! Welcome back boys!!
We returned to Dwellingup taking the vaunted Pinjarra- Williams rd. on which I was stopped and spoken to by the police last Thursday.
This time there was no Highway Patrol cars lurking and we returned without further notable incidents for the main group!!
However I must reveal here that tonight I received a text from Steve N. who had decided to take an alternative route home, got lost and ended up in Harvey quite by accident where he had traverse a police road block in order to return home!!
Once back in Dwellingup, the group split to make their ways home!!
It was a fantastic day out in beautiful riding weather in terrific company and I would like to thank each and every one of the riders who joined me on Thursday's ride and the guys who accompanied me on today's ride!! Thank you guys!!
Paul would have been ecstatic in Paul's old grumpy way if he could have seen so many club members paying homage to his memory on the first annual ride/s in his honour
I had some time earlier post phoned Paul Keller's ride because of the COVID 19 virus hitting our shores to a date to be advised. Like maybe after the regional Boundary Restrictions had been relaxed but I would like to mention here that both rides that took place last Thursday and today were only initiated after John Wightman bought up the subject again after the state government relaxed it rules which now permitted up to 10 people in gatherings so my thanks go to you John for stirring the pot which allowed me then to organize both rides!!
I also wish to thank both Bozo for leading Thursday's ride and to Peter for leading today's ride so ably thus relieving me of that responsibility. Thank you both very much for taking up the reins for me!!
I am of the opinion that this memorial ride for Paul be held annually on or close to the date of his passing and also that the destinations of these rides be varied from year to year in order to maintain rider interest and participation in this fine event!!
Regards to all and thank you so much for your participation over the last few days!!
Swampy
