Patra's Other Place

I started out with Patra's Place, primarily dedicated to my linen collection and stitching projects. But I kept getting side-tracked, so I decided to create Patra's Other Place for anything not related to embroidery topics. So you now have a choice. If you are interested in me, read this. If you only want to see my linen and stitching, visit Patra's (original) Place! (Please note that by clicking on any of the photos, they will be enlarged to fill your computer screen.)

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Location: Melbourne, Vic., Australia

I was married to Ken for 43 years, but he died in October 2022. So I am now alone with two cats, eight hens, and a few finches and parrots in one aviary.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Our Australia Day Ride to Remember

It was an early start for us, as it took nearly 40 minutes from home to the starting point at the Formula One racetrack in Melbourne. Great sight when we arrived though - bikes stretched from one end of the straight to the other!
Pit Lane at Albert Park, 7.30 am.
The souvenir stall did a brisk trade in Aussie flags and other memorabilia.

We stopped half way, at the Woori Yallock cricket ground, where the Police provided everybody with bottled water. Bikes almost circled the cricket ground where a local match was being played. The locals had been warned about our group's visit, but it must still have looked intimidating! This pic. shows just one side of the ground.

Ken and a friend discussing Ken's bike, at the cricket ground.

Bikes arriving in the Upper Yarra Reservoir Park.

Most bikes had flags attached, but the Harley riders had to be bigger and better than everyone else - lol!

Nearly 1000 people had to queue up at one food outlet for their lunch of a hamburger and sausage in bread! We stood in line for nearly an hour.

Once everyone was safely in the park, the cops joined forces (excuse the pun) and left the bikers to themselves. Ken and I are going to suggest to the organisers that the police should circulate among the bikers - after all we were there to show our support for the Foundation.
The Police "Code One Rock Band" entertained us for a couple of hours. Does any other police force have their own ROCK band? Ours has several other orchestras and bands as well as this one.
On the way home, on Reefton Spur Road, looking in the direction we were headed. This region is one of Melbourne's most important water catchment areas.

Reefton Spur Road - looking back where we had just ridden.

Marysville - our last stop before we headed for home.

The cafe where we stopped for a much needed cup of tea.

Ken looking pensive...we were both aching after riding for nearly 300 kilometres!

2 Comments:

Blogger Scribe With Gold said...

Gina,
That looked like a wonderful fun day. :)

Sunday, 27 January, 2008  
Blogger Pear tree cottage! said...

Gina, great photos, I love the one of you all around the oval, You must be very proud of yourselves making monies for such a great need.

The photo of Ken in the cafe is great too but yes he looks like he was ready for home!

I hope today is as much fun and Monday of course.....love to you my friend Lee-ann

Sunday, 27 January, 2008  

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