After two years of interrupted rides, and cancelled social events, there was a wonderful turn-out for the annual Christmas party, in the Hyland Room at Fyansford Hotel. It was a gathering of old and new friends – some appeared new, scrubbed up and without the bike gear, but turned out to be old pedalling-mates.

Stephanie and Geoff turned on the Christmas bling once again, with splendidly decorated tables, including crackers (complete with silly hats and ‘dad’ jokes) and tinsel. Santa turned up very cycle-safe with lights flashing. However, the Christmas present (from Mrs Santa?) proved un-rideable – as it appeared to have only one wheel, and no handle-bars. The machine was field-tested by David Salamy and President Kevin (with support from Bill and Dirk) but pronounced impossible! Santa will clearly need to take uni-cycle lessons before next year.

As ever the annual Kris Kringle was welcomed with great gusto – though there were one or two awarded the ‘naughty’ prize. (Luckily, Santa being environmentally conscious, left the coal lumps in the ground where they belong.)

On a more serious note, those present marked the tragic loss of our long-standing member and friend, Peter Smith, with a minute’s silence. David Jones talked of Peter’s friendship and contribution to the club.

Peter and Swee Smith joined Cycling Geelong in 2005. They quickly became involved in regular rides, leading many, including the very popular post-Christmas rides along the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail. Peter (ably supported by Swee) took on the editorship of Flashing Pedals (the club newsletter). Peter was Cycling Geelong President from 2014 to 2016. Illness had stopped Peter cycling on group rides for some years, but his delight in the new-found pleasure of e-bike riding meant that he was once again able to ride with friends. He is sadly missed by his friends at Cycling Geelong. Our condolences to Swee and family.

It is fitting that the President’s Award, first awarded in 2018, was made and donated to the club by Peter Smith.

This year President Kevin awarded the trophy to Helen Lyth (President 2018-2021) for her contribution to the club over many years.

We wish all members, and their families, a very happy and safe Christmas season. (Naturally, our regular rides continue without pause over the season – what better way to exercise off the Christmas pudding.) Watch out for Santa trying out his uni-cycle, e-bike, recumbent, racer or maybe behind the reins of his sleigh.

Thanks to Rosemary for photos

Fyansford Hotel Function Room

The room was bursting with cyclists’ chatter.  Stephanie had done a superb job of decorating the tables, and everyone was in festive mood.

After a bumper year for Cycling Geelong, with many thousands of kilometres ridden, millions of pedal turns, and coffees too numerous to count, this was a most fitting party to end the year, and celebrate Christmas.

CYCLING GEELONG PRESIDENTS’ AWARD*

After a year with our Moonlight Ride Queen, Tina, it was time for the President’s Award to be given to a new recipient.  This year there were joint winners.  Two members had put in many hours, without turning a pedal, to ensure that our members could ride far afield from Geelong, in certainty that their bikes would arrive safely at their destination.  Allan and Kelly have spent many hours, and probably a few sleepless nights, planning, drafting and researching the best possible solution to refurbish the club bike trailer, and many hours sourcing parts, getting welding done, building, painting, and ensuring roadworthiness.  Up until now, it was a difficult job to load bikes, and the trailer could not deal with some non-standard bikes.  After the refurbishment, the trailer is stronger, simple to load, and the bikes are held securely, allowing for easy towing over long distances.  The trailer was trialed with the Drysdale ride participants, and since then has been used for the annual Goldfields Tour and the Red Rock ride.  This was a most fitting win.  Allan and Kelly are long-time members (Allan a foundation member and Life Member) and have contributed greatly to the club over many years.  Congratulations, Kelly and Allan.

The President’s Trophy – for outstanding service to Cycling Geelong

After this formal business was over, Santa appeared on his trusty fold-up bike, to give out the annual Kris kringle gifts to everyone.  Santa then led the rousing singing of cycling-themed Christmas Carols, with words modified by our bard, Doug Merritt (who, unfortunately was unable to appear in person, though he has been seen around Geelong, on various bikes since).

Thanks to Stephanie and Geoff for all the planning for the event.  Thanks to all participants at the party, and special thanks to Santa and Doug (wordsmith) for making the function such a festive one.

*The Cycling Geelong Presidents’ Award is awarded annually to a club member chosen by the president.  The trophy was made by Peter Smith, a long-term member and past president.