Congregating at our meeting place of Maccas, Gold Creek, saw a happy gaggle of excited ladies, some who had never ridden a long ride, over 100km/hr or in the rain before. All of what we were about to experience. So,
after our photographer Brendan Maunder took pics of all with their bikes, and the WIN News delaying our departure for an interview, we set off.
Ulysses was well represented in the FRoC (Female Riders of Canberra) numbers, with Julie Hyland, Kim Moorey, Genelle Mills and myself. Marilyn Starrick also attended the event representing CDDC (Canberra District Ducati Club).
We arrived in Dubbo without incident, however still full of excitement. This excitement did not wane for the entire weekend and we all arrived home quite exhausted on Sunday afternoon.
Our Canberra group of FRoC-ers were a well-organized, tight team. Easily identified by our colourful FRoC shirts and flags waving proudly from our bikes, we were notably one of the biggest groups all travelling together.
Standing in the queue to register for hours in the hot sun was taking a toll on everyone,……. Until one of our supporters dragged over the esky to the middle of the crowd.
Women from all over Australia surrounded him and were about to jump on him for the cold bottles of water the esky contained,… until they were warned by a
voice from the crowd “FRoc-ers only”.
If you didn’t see us, you sure would have heard us. When we took off on the parade our engines revved and our horns tooted constantly.
I pillioned one of our girls who was unable to ride, so that she could still take part. The Boulevard loaded with moon-booted pillion and crutches we exited the arena.
Dubbo put on a great show of support and we were surprised at how many older people had come out to cheer the procession through. A favourite memory was of a little girl of about 5 who was waving a big sign she had made saying – “Girl Power”.
With 1002 women on 880 bikes, ranging in age from 16-74 years, Australia regained the title of “Most women on a motorcycle ride”, stealing it back from the Poms who took it from us in 2015.
Our group had no break downs, no bike drops or spills and no injuries,…….except the torn ligaments caused by a jumping pillow when adults forgot to adult.
Lovely weather for our ride home saw our amazing weekend away come to a close. Of course, what happens on tour, stays on tour,……………..;-)
Julie Hyland Honda CBR500
Genelle Mills Triumph Bonneville
Marilyn Starrick Ducati
Andrea
