BiSCUiT RiDE

from BMWMCQ Journal December 2021

hEllo PoSSUMS

GEORGE & MAGGIE’s BISCUIT RIDE #12 – GIRRAWEEN NP

By Tony Gray, Member #3905

The Club stages a full calendar of events throughout the year seeking to cater for all tastes. Some events are especially popular and none more than the annual ‘George & Maggie’s Biscuit Ride’. This year was special in several ways – Covid put paid to the traditional August date, we had a new venue at Girraween NP, a new organiser in Peter Todd and this was the first year without event co-founder George Rafanowicz although George was very much with us in Spirit. The one thing that was constant was the great turnout of 50+ members old and new. The forced move to early November and a more volatile weather period was unavoidable due to a Covid shutdown in August. Peter Todd had put his hand up early to organise the event and Maggie once again insisted on being the sole baker of her delicious selection of biscuits and slices. Peter battled the National Parks bureaucracy and copious paperwork for approval to hold the event at Girraween which presented a very attractive setting and backdrop. Most members chose to stay in Stanthorpe on the Saturday night prior to the Sunday morning biscuit ride so a casual dinner was arranged at O’Mara’s Irish Pub in the centre of town. Over 30 attended what was an enjoyable, boisterous night. The Sunday weather prediction for Stanthorpe and Wallangarra was a 100% certainty of steady heavy rain so it was with some trepidation that I peeled back the curtain to reveal a cloudy but fine morning. Maggie is a very devout lady so I can only assume that she called in a favour and managed to delay the predicted spring deluge. A few days later and Stanthorpe suffered significant flooding which was much welcomed by the locals who have endured years of drought. The weather radar was clear so off we set to EM’s café not far along the main street from O’Mara’s for an early brekkie. A great array of BMWs (and a couple of Triumphs) assembled after breakfast for the 30 minute group ride to Girraween NP. Now for the benefit of those new members who may not be familiar with BMWMCQ led ride protocols, rides are conducted within the terms of State road laws and offer the opportunity for riders to brush up on their riding skills. One skill that needs regular practice is the ubiquitous U turn. No matter how straightforward the ride might be, you will always get an opportunity to practice your U turn skills. This short Sunday morning ride was no exception. Maggie greeted all arrivals at Girraween with a smile and a hug, the club banner was hung and the table was heavy with a tempting array of biscuits and slices for our enjoyment. A great time was had by all as is common when this group of like-minded people gather to meet & greet over a fine feed. The huge hole left by George’s absence was assuaged in some small way by a collective bear hug which was George’s signature form of greeting. Maggie was presented with a

bouquet of flowers by Geoff & Ellen Hodge on behalf of the club. There was nary a dry eye in the house when Maggie expressed her humble appreciation for this small gesture from the club for this very fine lady and much loved club member. Toddy is already planning for a return to the traditional August event date in 2022 so make sure you mark your calendar early when the date is announced. This is one event you do not want to miss.