At the close of business for this year we have undertaken and participated in a number of interesting rides, solidified our connections with like-minded organisations, welcomed some new cyclists into the VetRide family; and maintained our commitment to honouring the service and sacrifice of our compatriots, past and present.

Queensland Visits

Early in the year and although we did not participate, some of us were on hand to welcome the Queensland VetRide group, who traveled south to enjoy a packed week on many of our rail trails.

Pollie Pedal

Over the years since we began in 2011, VetRide has been able to establish its bona fides through the backing of well recognized ex-service organisations, most notably the Victorian Branch of the Vietnams Association and that in turn has led to financial support from the State Government of Victoria and the Federal Government.

Since our first multi day ride from Echuca to Melbourne in 2012 and with the help of ongoing personal endorsement from previous PM, Tony Abbott and his then Defence Minister, Kevin Andrews, we have been able to continue to broaden our focus beyond the Vietnam veteran cohort.

As part of that ongoing partnership and at Tony’s suggestion, we joined the Pollie Pedal commitment to the ‘Soldier On’ cause, for a pre-ride event in April. A mix of about 50 current serving personnel and veterans joined with a number of politicians for a day ride between some of the RSLs in Melbourne.

Around the Bay in a Day

Following on from our joining forces with riders from Soldier On, Ride 2 Recovery and RSL Active for the 2017 Bicycle Network Great Victorian Bike Ride; we and a number of other service participants entered the annual 2018 Around the Bay in a Day event

For Bicycle network’s 25^th Around the Bay, about 80 military service linked riders took on the various optional rides, with the two biggest pelotons tackling the 210k and 100k distances. Weather conditions on Beach road were ideal and just for a change most of our riders enjoyed a pretty ‘cruisy’ day.

Centenary of Armistice

For our annual VetRide event we chose to undertake a ride in commemoration of the Centenary of the Armistice. With Kevin Andrews welcome sponsorship as the Federal Member for the Menzies electorate, we were able to obtain some modest funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the with 100k for 100 years as the goal, the ‘Ride of the Century’ took place on Saturday 10^th November.

At the completion of the 100k, the riders enjoyed some comradeship and refreshments at the Templestowe RSL. The success of the day was all about the bringing together of a good number of those who are currently serving, some who have more recently been discharged and those for whom the wearing of a uniform is a distant memory.

Incorporation

On other necessary matters and following from our discontinuing to operate under the auspices of the VVAA in 2017; the Planning Committee sat down this year to talk about our future. All options were on the table, however with WO2 Thommo’s strongly voiced enthusiasm for the organisation’s continuation, we determined to do so, unanimously.

For many reasons, including the ability to make agreements and apply for larger grants, we need to be a legal entity and as with other not-for-profit organisations, we have incorporated under the state-based Associations Incorporation Act.

The first duty of VetRide Incorporated was to hold its inaugural AGM and which was held on Friday 23 November, with acting Chair Melbourne Legacy President, Hugh Roberton. At that meeting the committee including the Executive was elected and some basic operational rules were determined.

As part of the change in status we have also been successful in formally registering as a Charity and obtaining ATO recognition as a Deductible Gift Recipient. The latter means that VetRide can receive tax deductible donations.

Given the broadening of interest in the organisation by younger veterans, we have enlarged the committee to 11 with the increase now to two members who are currently serving. As we look to the future and given the average age of a Vietnam veteran is 70, the shift to management by those who are younger is a no brainer.

In terms of the time it takes to make the generational transition, it’s already some time since the World War 2 veteran cohort passed the baton to the baby boomer generation. I pass on a comment made to me many years ago by a close friend and WW2 veteran, the late Laurence Sydney Black OAM. Laurie served with Z Special, a unit that operated behind the Japanese lines. In urging my generation to take the reins sooner (‘up Donner up Blitzen’) rather than later, he made the point to me that his mates were already running most of the RSLs in their 30’s.

On that note and on behalf of the VetRide committee, I wish all of our riders and their families, the very best for the festive season.

Peter Liefman

“Ride as much or as little, as long or as short as you feel. But ride”

– Eddy Merckx

For an ever-increasing number of us, riding a bike with a variable level of pedal assistance has some significant benefits.

It may be the difference between being able to keep cycling or not; or so you can keep up with and continue to enjoy the on-road comradeship of the group. It could be so you can confidently tackle longer distances and it’s  great for building confidence, especially for a newbie.

This is reflected within our own VetRide group and a number of our riders, including our ride captain, vice-chair and myself, who have all now made the transition. ‘e-bike or no bike: no brainer’.

Chair: Peter Liefman

The exponential growth in the number of brands and models on the market is testament to their rapidly increasing popularity and Dyson Bikes, a local (Mulgrave) company are producing a number of models, including the above Hard Tail Evo.

The proprietor David Metzke is offering a discount of $100 and q further $100 donation to VetRide, if you purchase one of his bikes. Website is dysonbikes.com.au and for David : 9503 8880 or mobile 0497 357 117. David welcomes you to pop down and try one for yourself, just call first.

Come and join us for a ride to commemorate the Armistice

What?   One day ride  When ?  Sat 10^th November 2018  Where ?   NE suburbs Melbourne

Contact VetRide Organisers if you are interested:

Chair: Peter Liefman

E:  liefman1948@gmail.com

M: 0418 992 525

 Secretary: Rhys Thomas

E: rhysthomas510@gmail.com

M: 0400 886 072

Download Entry form here: VetRide-entry-form-Centenary of Armistice

Around the Bay 2018 – Sunday 7 October 2018

100km Frankston return

Sunday 7 October 2018

Ride your way past icons of Melbourne, past famous sea baths and coastal bike paths, waving to people fishing from the pier before you finish with a cheer.

Ride features – Return ride, Rest stop, Super stop, Scenic Closed roads

The 100km Frankston return ride starts in Melbourne and heads along the iconic Beach Road to Frankston before making it’s way back to the finish line in Melbourne.

Over the total ride you will gain only 300 metres of elevation. The longest ‘climb’ is out of Ricketts Point, which lasts two kilometres and only reaches a gradient of 1% (that’s one metre of climbing for 100 metres of forward movement).

Early Bird Until Friday 27th July  – Adult $145.00 and Youth $105.00

Enter Now and get a bonus jersey!!

What’s included?

• Full route, medical and mechanical support
• A free jersey if you enter before the early bird deadline on Friday 27 July**
• A medal for anyone who crosses the finish line
• An unforgettable day out, getting active and creating lifelong memories
• Our Super rest stop (in Frankston) is the perfect place to refuel and recharge during your ride.

Please note: *Family pack option includes a ride entry for two adults and two children

Flyer: Around the Bay – 100km Frankston return
**The bonus early bird jersey is not available to children taking advantage of the free ticket option.

***You can double check jersey sizing for unisex jerseys (included with early bird entries) and elite fit jerseys (300km riders only) before entering.
Terms and conditions apply

Victoria Remembers Vietnam

STORYBOOK

‘Victoria Remembers Vietnam’ is a wonderful record of all that took place in 2016, to mark the 50^th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan; includes a four-page spread on our ride of commemoration to Canberra.

As a special offer and for only $25, a considerable discount off the original price, you can purchase a copy of one of these books, personally signed by Dave Sabben.

In January 1966 Dave was posted to 6RAR at Enoggera in Brisbane and was appointed platoon commander of 12 Platoon, Delta Company. The battalion deployed to Vietnam in June and on 18^th August, he and the other just over 100 members of D Company, fought what was a ‘David and Goliath’ battle at Long Tan.  

In support of the 50^th anniversary of the battle and in memory of the eighteen young lives lost, Dave generously agreed to be part of our VetRide Planning Group for the ride. He also rode with the peloton and completed the long ride to Canberra.  

The books are available for payment and collection from our Secretary, David Price at the Greensborough RSL, or alternatively, with the cost of the postage added, he has also kindly offered to send you your copy.  If you require the book to be posted, please contact David Price at drctprice@optusnet.com.au prior to making payment to discuss postage costs.

Payment options:

1. Cheque – send a cheque to our Secretary David Price, VetRide c/- Greensborough RSL, 111 Main St, Greensborough VIC 3088
2. EFT via our VetRide account BSB: 633 000 AC: 161 376 645

Please ensure you contact VetRide with details of your order: email vetride@vvaavic.org.au or include with cheque. If paying by EFT please place your name in the details.

Copies of brochure can be downloaded using this link: Victoria Remembers Vietnam – Commemorative Book

Our next away weekend:

 AUGUST 24th,25th & 26th 2018

What is The Away Weekend?

The away weekend is primarily organised as a social weekend, a get together with other like minded folk with the option to ride. Do your own thing. Bring your family and friends.

Arrive Friday: meet and greet, do your own thing/join us for drinks at the pub. Open discussion and plan of attack for Saturday.  Organise a ride yourself and discuss if anyone wishes to join in.

Saturday: Walk, Ride, Tour and take in the sites. It’s up to you.

Saturday evening:  BYO BBQ (food & drinks) Saturday night and/or sit around the fire.

Sunday: Breakfast, goodbye and check out, unless you are staying on.

Where:  FORREST

Forrest, is a small rural township in the Otway Ranges, Victoria, 2 h 2 min (159 km)via M1 and Cape Otway Rd from Melbourne CBD.

‘Make your own booking and travel arrangements’

(It is advisable to book early)

Forrest is a small rural township in the Otway Ranges originally established to support the forestry industry of the area. In modern times the town has become known as the Gateway to the Otways and consists of a microbrewery, upmarket restaurant, “pub”, general store, bike hire cafe, guesthouse, and a variety of accommodation rentals. Modern times have seen the town rapidly become a hub for foodies and adventure tourists.

Things to do and see       https://www.forrestvictoria.com/activities

On ya Bike

Darren Smith has mapped out rides for the skinny tyred brigade “these are for you”. Check out on RidewithGPS links below.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27554516 (Beech Forrest)

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27433564 (Birregura)

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27444591 (Skenes Creek)

NOTE: these are not organised rides, just suggested routes you may wish to ride.

For those of you with mountain bikes – there are 60 kilometres of sign-posted single track that circles the town.  In nearby Beech Forest there is Old Beechy Rail Trail which provides 50km of gradual downhill all the way in to Colac. If gravel is more your style there is the Tiger Rail Trail departing from Forrest, although only 7 km in length. Of course, there is plenty of ‘undulating’ roads in the area for the skinny tyred brigade.

Forrest Walking Tracks & Hiking Trails

Whether it is an afternoon stroll with the whole family, or a challenging hike, Forrest’s nature walks, walking tracks and hiking trails have something to suit everyone. Brochures with details on the variety of walks, and general Forrest tourist information are available from local visitor information centres.

Forrest Brewing Company is an equal parts microbrewery, eating place and mountain biking hang-out. Offering a true boutique product not widely available outside of Forrest, all beers are brewed using water from the Otways rainforest.

Otway Estate Winery and Brewery occupies a forest clearing in the northern foothills of the Otway ranges, 10 minutes south of Colac. Set amidst the backdrop of native eucalypts, the estate is home to a winery, brewery, function centre and café, as well as three self-contained spa cottages.

Accommodation     Accommodation in Forrest is a booming industry. While the number of places to stay has markedly increased in recent years, it’s the wide variety of accommodation types now available in Forrest that is most impressive. There is something for just about any holidaymaker and budget.

• Forrest Caravan Park/ The Wonky Stables Holiday Park – Located at no 1 Station Street in the beautiful township of Forrest. The park is set on approx. 20 acres (8 hectares) with a lovely panoramic view taking in undulating landscape & bush surrounds. – Wonky Stables Holiday Park.

Note: If you choose to stay here mention to Rob that you are with the VetRide Group

1 Station St, Forrest VIC

Call 03 52 36 6275

Email: info@wonkystables.com.au

Website: http://wonkystables.com.au/

• Otways Forrest Retreat – Otways Forrest Retreat is a fully self contained two-bedroom holiday house. Comfortable accommodation in the heart of the Otways – http://www.otwaysforrestretreat.com.au/

Note: 2 minute walk from Wonky Stables

• Forrest River Valley B&B – Situated only 2 hours from Melbourne or 30 minutes from the Great Ocean Road and in the heart of the Otways, Forrest River Valley B&B offers that unique experience for the visitor seeking a quiet restful weekend away with nothing to do but lay back and soak up the peaceful ambience of our rural property adjacent to the Great Otway National Park. – https://www.forrestrivervalley.com.au/

Note: 4 Minute drive. 9 minute on your bike. 29 walk if so inclined.  2.9 K’s from Wonky Stables.

• Full list of accommodation can be found here – forrestvictoria.com/accommodation

We look forward to seeing you there!

If you have questions please contact us:

VetRide Chair Email: vetride@vvaavic.org.au

Steve Masters Email: steve3154@gmail.com

Print here: CCC-Wonky Stables August 2018