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.
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.
