Australian Bike Friday Club

13th Annual Australian Bike Friday Club Gathering

GRINNING IN THE GRAMPIANS, March 26-29, 2009

The 13th ABFC will meet from 26 to 29 March 2009 in the small tourist town of Halls Gap with 300 residents in Western Districts of Victoria where Major Thomas Mitchell, the intrepid explorer, geologist and Surveyor-General, clapped his eyes upon and named the wonderful rugged range in 1836.

The Grampians National Park is approximately 100 kms long and 60 kms wide. Major Mitchell was the first white man to climb 1167 metres to name the highest peak Mt William, and probably wished he had a Bike Friday to zoom back to camp. As possibly the original Grumpy Old Man, MM is variously described as quick tempered, arrogant, blunt, hot headed and inclined to disobey instructions from Colonial Governors. He was father of six sons and six daughters. Apparently he was the last man in the country in the 19th century to challenge another to a duel, with three shots each, fortunately resulting in nothing more alarming than a shot through his opponent's hat. He is also credited as the one who opened up the fine fertile grazing land which was known as Australia Felix. There are waterfalls, walks and wildflowers, lakes and lookouts, ferns and forests, aboriginal art, creeks, rocks and wide views, birds, animals, fresh air and peace. And good places to ride Bike Fridays.

Brambuk is the Cultural Centre just along the valley with exhibitions, gifts, displays, coffee and bush tucker. www.brambuk.com.au

The base camp is the central Halls Gap Caravan Park, bounded by the National Park, phone (03) 5356 4251, info@hallsgapcaravanpark.com.au or Manager Mel Griffin, PO Box 70, Halls Gap, Victoria 3381. This is a non-smoking establishment. There are over 40 cabins and vans of various sizes accommodating from 2 to 8 people, with prices ranging from around $105 to $45. Caravan and tent sites are about $25. Extra rates apply for more than two. Swimming pool, bbq and tennis courts are on site.

Be sure to mention that you are with ABFC when booking as a discount may apply for those who stay 3 or more nights. There is a wonderful ice creamery just across the road near the coffee shop and store. Expect to see kangaroos every day. Children are welcome.

ACCESS: By train and coach combination from Adelaide or Melbourne, phone V Line 136196 or check the timetables which are available online at www.vline.com.au

For Tourist Information, contact Halls Gap Visitor Centre on 1800 065 599 or hallsgap.info@ngshire.vic.gov.au

The first ride will be on Thursday 26 March starting at 11am. Rides will be predominantly on flattish roads, with options to grunt up a Grampian or two and stretch the legs with extension rides. Victorian BF riders will be the route leaders as they speak the language. Everybody will be required to sign an ABFC indemnity form and all need to be responsible for insurance, road safety and mechanical repairs. Be sure to check brakes, bring spare tubes, locks and pack your own grins. No grumps in the Grampians please.

As always, all participants will need to register by 1 February 2009, including model and colour of BF and with cheques or postal notes for $70 made out to Margaret Day, 9 Church Rd, Mitcham, Sth Aust 5062, to cover the cost of the Saturday night communal dinner and the Sunday lunch. Please notify by 1 Feb if vegetarian meals or other dietary needs are required. If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

For more information, do not hesitate to contact Margaret Day,
mday@picknowl.com.au (08)8271 5824, or Bronwyn Laing,
bicycle@aapt.net.au (02)6255 1195.

Read multimedia report
of the 2008 Gathering in Cowra

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Australian Bike Friday Club: CENTRAL AUSTRALIA ADVENTURE

August 2008 Aug. 20 - 27

The Australian Bike Friday Club will conduct a group ride which has been organised in central Australia, 20 to 27 August 2008, based in Alice Springs.

Rides will be in the east and west MacDonnell Ranges among the National Parks, chasms and gorges, including north to the Tropic of Capricorn.

The riding is predominantly flat, with some dedicated bicycle paths, the scenery is stunning and weather at that time will be perfect. Maps and routes are tried and tested. Numbers will be limited.

For more information, contact Margaret Day mday@picknowl.com.au

Pictured: Michael Challen's painting of the McDonnell Ranges borrowed with gratitude from www.postnewspapers.com

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JUST FOR TANDEMS: LE TANDEM TOUR DE DUBBO

Le Tandem Tour de Dubbo is an annual event for Bike Friday tandem owners. For 2008 the dates are 25, 26 & 27 October. We will probably ride about 70 - 80 km each day, although the Monday could be less to allow people to depart from Dubbo same day. Most people will come Friday. We need to know who's coming to arrange accommodation. It's for tandems! Contact Graham Keast, keasty446 at gmail dot com

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A BIT OF CLUB HISTORY ...

Every year since 1997, the Australian Bike Friday Club meets for a gathering that spans 4 days of fun and frolics in an idyllic location.

All Bike Friday owners and those contemplating ownership are welcome. Margaret and Graham Day, Bronwyn Laing and Dave Boyling are the founding organizers. The location rotates between Adelaide, Victoria and New South Wales each year.

The event is low-cost (pay your own way) with a communal dinner, lunch and charity auction. A representatives from the Bike Friday factory including Australian Sales Experts Peter Berra, make the trip each year.

MEET FRIDAY FOLK ACROSS AUSTRALIA!

Join the ABFC message board to connect with over 100 Australian BF Club members.

Canberra contacts - www.bikefriday.com/clubs/canberra

Sydney contacts - www.bikefriday.com/clubs/sydney

Melbourne: There are several Bike Friday owners in the Melbourne Bicycle Touring Club which hosts a well-attended weekly meeting. Bicycle Victoria is the nations biggest bicycle touring and advocacy organization, headed by Harry Barber - a Bike Friday owner.

South Australia: check out Cycling For Pleasure

RELATED LINKS

Australia on a Friday Customers share their adventures downunder plus other useful cycling links

Why this Aussie bought a Friday Ken Hall weighs in

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