Busselton Day 1 - 3 Feb 2018

With some of the bags packed

and the bikes loaded

it's off to Busselton for the 2018 edition of the Over 55s Cycling Club's Camp.  HQ is the RAC Busselton Caravan Park but for those without the money or influence to secure a spot at this upmarket resort it's a rush after unpacking to get there in time for 'Happy Hour'.  In particular, one didn't wish to miss the opening Presidential address

before an attentive and captivated audience












in an almost packed auditorium,

some of whom were unfortunately caught up in the continuing Freeway chaos resulting from 55,000 disgruntled fans all exiting Optus Stadium at the same time on Thursday night.  In a stirring speech, after stressing the need for safety and  courtesy at all times, the President reminded us that there were sprints out there to be won and King of the Mountain points on offer on all the climbs, and what's more, he intended to be out there winning them, so 'bring it on, baby!'

Gary T then attempted to explain the rules of the mysterious 'Boules', in particular the banning of the double-underhand 'googly' applied with side spin.

Some members of the audience seemed somewhat bemused by this

but Gary persisted

until he was sure we all understood.

Following PP's careful explanation

of the large variety of rides on tomorrow

it was time for the 'happy' part of 'Happy Hour' as the mingling got into full swing.

Some members engaged in a sculling competition

 and the discussion of the rules became quite animated

as others looked on with interest

or wanted to join in

until Sandra was forced to grab the microphone and explain the rules to all and sundry

which led to Joy deciding to run a book

on the likely outcome as Daphne signed up for $100 on the winner.  All proceeds to go to the club charity.

In another money-making venture, the Treasurer, having scored a couple of especially juicy melons at a bargain price on the way down, and deciding they were, indeed delicious, 

offered a taste to members at what he said was a bargain price

of $100 per slice, part proceeds to go to the club,

while he hoed into a couple of hundred dollar's worth himself.

While this was going on, Eric and Ronnie's book stall was in full swing, with a generous10% discount offered to members

who turned up in fancy dress.  While Sandra tries to argue

 that a cycling T-shirt IS fancy dress, Graham is desperately calculating how much he could save on 6 books if he dashed home to Perth and put on his kilt and sporran.

And so the evening ended with Michael G, holder of the 'Christopher Columbus Navigation Award', and the only cyclist who takes 3 months to complete a 1 month tour of Europe, and leader of the 1's ride tomorrow, explaining to the Ride Captain how he plans to have everyone back home in time for the movie at 7.00 p.m

PP looks far from convinced.

Safe riding.