CMA AUSTRALIA 08 NATIONAL GATHERING – A FEW PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS

 

Five days down the track my recollections of the National Gathering have taken on a bit of perspective and the early conclusions have only been confirmed. The 2008 National gathering was “Great”!

 

We were blessed with wonderful weather - cool and clear for the whole weekend.

Most members arrived by lunch on Friday and after a quick lunch we mounted our two wheeled steeds and set off for Bathurst and Mount Panorama. When we got to the top of the famous race track we met up with members from the Southern states and, after completing a very cautious lap of the circuit we all headed back to Mt Victoria for dinner and later some “mixing and mingling” games.  

On Saturday we headed off to Jenolan Caves via some windy back roads. Most of the CMAers took the tour through the Lucas Cave before tucking into a delicious barbeque. Seconds were offered once again and even out in the open one had to be careful not to be swept away by the avalanche of hungry lads rushing to top up. The return trip was via more windy roads – motorcycle heaven!

The programme listed a “Special Event” for 1700 hrs on Saturday. About 1630 hrs we were directed to line our bikes up in two rows on the oval about five meters apart and to stand by our bikes ready to fire up the motors and give them a good rev when someone arrived on a trike. The mystery deepened when Trevor Bestt appeared under the goal post dressed in his best leather vest and a clean pair of jeans. He was accompanied by a few visitors dressed in quite formal normal clothes. The mystery deepened when the Reverend Wayne Shepherd (CMA SA) appeared near Trevor holding a Bible and Marriage Register.

 

The truth dawned when, at about 1720 hrs (20 minutes late!!!!), Trev’s fiancé, Nadine was driven onto the oval on an AusTrike and down the isle of bikes to the waiting Trev. It turned out that Trev and Nadine had planned to get married amongst their CMA friends and had everything set up without too many members knowing about it. Well! The knot was tied in beautiful sunshine with about 140 surprised guests and another dozen or so who were in the know there to witness this happy ceremony. Trev and Nadine may the Son shine on your life together as the sun shone on you that Saturday afternoon..

 

Sunday featured a Church Service with a number of members taking leading roles. After lunch a few keen motor cyclists contested the traditional Gymkhana. The most significant thing to come out of this activity was established by one Mick Davie. Mick showed once and for all that the Suzuki VStrom was the slowest bike present at the weekend.

What a weekend! Now my maths says:  140 members, representing all States and the Capital Territory, present plus some great rides plus wonderful fellowship plus the renewing of old friendships, plus the establishment of many new friendships equals “A Great Weekend”! 

 

I can hardly wait for the CMA 09 National Gathering in WA. Bring it on!

 

Noel Boyce