Newsletter

March-April 2010

Here it is people, your latest installment of dirt. Our deepest apologies for not having the news to you earlier…….it’s been chaotic as ever with meetings to be had……..rumors to dispel and of course riding to be done. Better late than never though, so please read on………

Bunnings BBQ

Let me tell you a couple things about the Bunnings BBQ. Firstly, they’re bloody hard work. Especially when you’re short on numbers. Secondly, you can never be too organized. Thirdly, when you drive to the bunnings to do the day……DO NOT HAVE THE ONIONS ON THE BACK SEAT AND BRAKE HARD. Its been nearly 8 weeks and the smell of onion has only just started to fade. Lastly, you find out who your true friends and supporters are…….. big thanks again to Darren for the snags,  Dave Crampton (Bakers Delight) and Sylvia  for the bread, Brony and Stacey Heaney for their time and a massive thanks to Deb’s friend Laraine for coming all the way from Macedon - not as a member or anyone with a vested interest, just as a person who felt she could help. We raised 900 odd clams for the club which will be directly injected back into you.

Time to upgrade the crew

So what to do with the coin? The executive has decided that if we are to mount any sort of campaign to return to the track, we will need to skill people up to open the premises. You will need steward’s accreditation and level 2 first aid AS A MINIMUM. That said, MMCC will fund half the bill for the first 10 willing Melton MCC members who want to get their first aid accreditation. The life you save may be your own or someone very close to you. this course is usually some 180 clams so have a think about it and call us if you’re interested.

VicHealth comes up with the goods

Our application for funding was somewhat successful with VicHealth fronting the cash for the club to purchase a brand new professional sports First Aid kit. (some 300 bucks worth…..nice!) we will use this at all of our upcoming events.

Mark Campbell Resigns from MV

Unfortunately, we must report that Mark Campbell has resigned as GM of Motorcycling Victoria this month. Mark has been pivotal in moving MV into a swinging new home in Port Melbourne, putting people in key roles, instigating a modern constitution and lining up some HUGE sponsorship deals never before seen. Mark made himself available for Melton virtually 24/7. We wish him the best of luck in whatever role he takes next and would like to thank his family for not losing the plot every time we came calling.

Honda Broadford Bike Bonanza 2010

A few hardy souls from the club ventured north for a few days of Vintage-ness. It was a well run affair, with officials having the autonomy to run it as they saw fit, which smoothed out the operations successfully. The Broadford MX track was prepared by applying a gazzillion square metres of mulch (wonder where that idea came from!) on top and once it was roosted around a bit, made for a fun track, as long as the low lying sprinklers were turned off. This event is so much more than just riding, with a show and shine, swap meet, bench racing and generally being able to catch up with some old friends. The Pres was having a ball throwing the XR around on the MX track, but to see the smile he had after riding the Enduro loop, I knew I had to give it a crack. I swapped bikes with him and left him to the MX track as I headed to cut a loop. Ever wondered what it'd be like to ride in an old Cadillac, with 7 fouled spark plugs and suspension that was the floatiest thing you could imagine? Try the XR! Even more, I was reduced to sucking on lemons form a few days to get the smile from my face - and I wasn't alone. The smiles shown all around were proof that the organisers had fulfilled their duties!

Bonny Doon run – the case of the runanway Winnebago

Friday night, 3 of us meet at Rod's place, load up the trailer and 'bago, heading for Bonnie Doon. We stopped off at a Roadhouse just out of Wallan, filled our bellies then filled the Jerry with premium. Problem was, Rod had fuelled the 'bago, the jerry's and taken on fuel for the 'bago's onboard generator as Heath was finishing with the Jerry. A couple of blokes at the bowser next to us made a remark about "roughing it" and were handed back a quick remark, with Rod easing the clutch out. Sitting down in a chair, I said to Rod "don't forget Heath".....well 4 gears and 200 meters later, Rod decides it's NOT a joke and we wait for Heath on the side of the road. Turns out this wasn't the only time Heath was to be left behind for the weekend. Saturdays ride was cut short due to fire burnoffs in the region, not really allowing us to check the tracks we wanted, but it was a just a good, fun ride. Sunday morning was cut short as we wanted to get back "early", but it still produced a few smiles. Highlights? The food at the Yarck pub - sensational. Do youself a favour if you're up that way and drop in a for a frosty one and a Reef'n'Beef! The Suspension on Rod's new 400 was outstanding. Breakfast - nothing like a good BBQ brekky to start the day.

Meeting with Leisure Services

Pres and Vice Pres met with Adam Boyle and Glenn Mulcahy of Melton shire Leisure Services this week and we have to say they have been honorable in their assistance of the club. After much reading and consulting, the leisure services executive signed off on the MMCC Business plan and presented the plan favourably to the Councilors. The Councilors have asked that a current environmental study and cost analysis be conducted on the site to see what it will take to get the club back on and what condition the site is in. These items have been slated to be completed by the 5^th of May…… followed by a face to face meeting with the new executive. Hopefully a decision can be made from there.

A new hope in the west

People will have noticed the Wyndham MX track has been closed for some time. The word is that following a very rocky tenure a new executive has been elected at Wyndham MX Club and work may be starting very soon to get the track open once more. The track (affectionately known as “lavvo”) is close to the city and to Melton residents. We have been in talks with the new executive and hope to secure at least some dates for the club to ride there.

Semper Fidelis

Pres & Tbone