Tourers Xmas ride to Lake Mountain
by Santa
This ride report was originally published in the January 2010 issue of the Motorcycle Tourers club magazine, ‘Chain Lube’.
Another year was drawing to a close and once again it was time for Santa to lead his band of merry men on motorbikes to spread Christmas cheer across the countryside.
The day started off dark and gloomy with the threat of rain as Santa and 18 of his helpers met at South Yarra. After a relaxing latté or two at the café in Domain Rd, it was decided that the group should head towards the fire-ravaged communities and mountains around Marysville and Lake Mountain to give some Christmas cheer, and then on to Richmond where Hosko was preparing a delightful picnic in the park. So away our group set off down the freeway towards Lilydale with tinsel flapping and Christmas trees swaying in the breeze (see photos attached for explanation).
At the second pick-up point in Lilydale we were greeted by a few more members of the Tourers wanting to join in on the festive ride. Santa once again rounded up his band of men and headed them off down the Warburton Hwy through the sleepy hamlets of Yarra Junction, Warburton and Reefton where there was a quick stop at the beginning of the spur road for the boys to regroup, catch their breath and to check that the decorations on the Christmas trees attached to certain bikes had survived the rough twisting roads.
A few of the riders were itching to head off and continue to spread Christmas cheer though the fire-ravaged mountains and onto lunch at the Lake Mountain Chalet, so keen were they that they headed off ahead of Santa, as the rest of the group climbed and twisted their way through the blackened mountain range.
As we reached the turn off to Lake Mountain we stopped to admire how Mother Nature had started to cover over the blackened ground and trees in a cloak of green. Lunch was on our minds now as we negotiated the last climb to the summit of the mountain; what a fantastic road and views over the distant ranges as the group arrived at the café for a leisurely lunch.
After a relaxed meal and plenty of conversation it was time to head off again this time down the mountain range and onto Marysville before the festivities that Hosko was arranging at Richmond. Down and down, corner after corner, we made our way down the mountain until we reached the hamlet of Marysville where the group witnessed the power and destructive force of fire and how the spirit of community can over come any obstacle as they rebuilt their tiny mountain village.
On we pressed back to Melbourne through Healesville and the Maroondah Hwy towards Richmond for our festive fair and presents from Santa. It was late in the afternoon and the sun had come out when we arrived at Hosko’s picnic in the park. As usual Hosko had laid on a fine spread of food for the weary riders with nibbles, salads and meat sizzling on the BBQ.
We all had our fill of fine food and drink and were sitting in the shade of a mighty gum tree when we heard that distinctive HO HO HO. It was Santa John with a bulging sack of gifts to thank the boys and girls for spreading the Christmas spirit to the community. We all huddled around Santa John and his helper Chloe to receive our gifts and cheer, what a wonderful day it had been for all.
As the sun was setting on the horizon and the air started to get a chill it was time for every one to head home and reflect on another Christmas with friends and the year ahead.
Thank-you to all that came to share the Christmas spirit, A special thank you to Hosko who always does a fantastic job organising the party and food and for all the members of Melbourne Motorcycle Tours. I hope you had a great Christmas with you friends and family and a safe and prosperous New Year.
Love, Santa.
Ride Photos:
