VOG Report

VOG REPORT Velosolex Owners Group Velosolex Owners Group

DECEMBER & JANUARY RUNS

Well talk about wrong decisions and incorrect weather reporting, December 14th 2021 was to be the day that the VOG’s were to have their Christmas run around the Leeston district, but alas this didn’t happen. VOG 1 had been listening to weather reports leading up to the big day and all looked doom and gloom in the form of considerable precipitation falling down upon us. So the decision was made to pull the pin on the run but all to no avail as the morning of the 14th was brilliant. All was good though as VOG 1 had organised that we go to lunch at the Papanui Club and what a success that was with a fantastic turnout of 22 loyal members turning up. I think I redeemed myself I even awarded myself with the “Hardluck Trophy” because of the “Clayton’s” wet weather decision. And now to a New Year and new beginnings. We did actually get to do the run intended for December – Tuesday 11th January in fact was the great day. Gary Thompson was the journey director for the day and what a magic ride it was starting from Doyleston at the Osborne Domain with 17 riders heading around the back streets of Doyleston viewing remains of the old railway siding and many of the original homes in this early little Ellesmere district village which along with Brookside serviced the farming communities of yesteryear. It was then a leisurely jaunt back over

Leeston Rd and eventually onto Volkmans Rd passing a graveyard in a farmers paddock of older English vehicles (quite a few Morris Marina’s were noted in the pile) but VOG 1 fears most of these vehicles would be beyond redemption (sigh). We eventually ended up on Leeston Rd and diverted left into Station Road passing the well known Millers Machinery company and their yard of dead tractors – surprising how many of these had been destroyed by fire. A quick ride down Station Rd, Leeston Lake Road, Woodville St, through Leeston Sports ground to eventually end up at our lunch stop at the Crate and Barrel hotel. What an amazing place this is. If you haven’t visited this establishment yet it’s well worth the trip just to see the collections of memorabilia within the building even to a couple of Indian Motorbikes attached to the walls. The upstairs part of the building is really the highlight with one room set up with musical instruments of all types attached to the walls, another area for the rugby fans and sporting fans of all interests. It will “blow” you away. The food is real great too! A short ride down the Leeston Rd “cycleway” eventually returned us to Osborne Domain and the end of yet another GREAT VOG group adventure. Thanks to Gary Thompson for organising. Hoping all our avid readers had a great Festive Season and are now looking forward to a healthy & happy 2022. Royce