We're very sorry but this event will be cancelled.
Reasons. 1. There are very signifigant road closures, and ramp closures on and around the Westgate freeway for tunnel works from now until late February as the freeway is expanded from 8 to 12 lanes. The Around The Bay circle is broken, or severely bottlenecked, at the very beginning and the very end of the ride. You can see the (positive) spin on the road closures here on the official site. As you will see, it is pretty diabolical.
2. Covid. It is expected that the Omicron pandemic will peak in Victoria on that weekend. The event is an 'uncontrolled' event involving more than 100 people, mixing in cafes at various points, and then coming together. We are all concerned and uncomfortable about the 100 + morning tea at Stefan and Ira's neighbourhood in Chelsea. There is also a hesitancy among our members: we are finding it diffilcult to get enough people to commit to corner marking and assisting the ride this time, as many are advising infection or 'close contact' or hesitancy. We are also worried about the staffing levels of the ferry service, and whether the level of service can be guaranteed on that date. Please appreciate the amount of work that goes into planning an event such as this.
To cancel an event is a heavy decision, but moving 100 + Vespa around the bay needs to have all variables eliminated in order to go ahead. We'll do our best to plan a future event. In the meantime our club events will be smaller and designed to be covid safe. All the best everyone, and take care. _____________________________
The Dry Run
A ride for everyone. Our main aim is to unite the club right around that big bay. A core group rides around the bay on a tight schedule involving as many riders as possible. The target is 100 + rider participation. You can ride one, two legs, or right the way round. It's all about your choice and ability. Be at one of the meeting points with a full tank and geared up and ready to ride. It's a charity ride too, so there's a $10 rider levy, donated to our Cambodia Project. Register at a meeting point and get your badge.
NOTE: Yarraville now leaves at 8.15 AM. Williamstown Rd both ways is permanently closed under the FWY. City bound on-ramp to bridge is closed. City bound off-ramp is closed. We need the leave early to backtrack to the Millers Rd on ramp. We've given the All Clear' on this ride. But: There are significant roadworks taking place along the around the Westgate Tunnel project, and last minute announcements may cause changes this ride. Keep checking back to this page.
Departing...
6.45 AM Geelong. The Edge Cafe. Refuel when you get to Yarraville so that you can make it home.
8.15 AM * Main ride leaves Yarraville. Dad and Dave's Cafe (Bus station) Good breakfast and coffee too.
9.00 AM St Kilda. Shakespeare Grove car park along Luna Park. A big meeting point! Be ready to go when the ride arrives.
10.40 AM Chelsea. Morning Tea from 10 AM by members Stefan and Ira at their home at 8 Village Cr. Thank them very much.
11.30 AM Mornington.Wilson's Road. Regroup only. Don't gear down, we ride as soon as tail rider is in.
1.00 PM Sorrento Ferry. $20 cash for Vespa Club members. $30 cash others. Have small notes ready to pay Julie as you pass through the gate.
Lunch is on the ferry. Bring something nutritious to eat, (or use the kiosk). We need you fed and alert for the rest of the ride.
1.45 PM Queenscliff - ride to Port Arlington. Don't miss the beauty of this ride. We'll refuel there. 'Buddy up' and share the pumps to save time. We'll ride to Geelong where we'll say farewell to the Geelong riders.
3.30 PM. We'll leave Geelong, through Corio and Lara. North of Little River we'll join the freeway for 15 minutes. Unavoidable if we are to get you home. Don't worry. We'll ride as one big convoy at a speed to suit all. We will look after you all the way.
4.30 PM. Main ride arrives Yarraville. Drinks at Vault bar.
Understandings.
- We can't stop for breakdowns. If you have an issue then you'll need to be prepared to deal with it through your Roadside Assist.
- We are on a tight schedule and cannot wait for stragglers Be geared up and ready to ride on time. Don't gear down at 'regroup' stops. Take your lead from the Lead Rider.
- The ride is organised and marshalled so that everyone has a good time. If you are not a VCoM member then you are our guest! We ask that you follow the directions of the ride marshals and ride safely. We reserve the right to exclude you from the ride if we consider that you are putting other riders at risk,
Comments
We're very sorry but this event will be cancelled.
Reasons.
1. There are very signifigant road closures, and ramp closures on and around the Westgate freeway for tunnel works from now until late February as the freeway is expanded from 8 to 12 lanes. The Around The Bay circle is broken, or severely bottlenecked, at the very beginning and the very end of the ride. You can see the (positive) spin on the road closures here on the official site.
2. Covid.It is expected that the Omicron pandemic will peak in Victoria on this weekend. The event is an 'uncontrolled' event involving around 100 people, mixing in cafes at various points, and then coming together. We are all concerned about the 100 + morning tea at Stefan and Ira's neighbourhood in Chelsea. There is also a hesitancy among people: we are finding it diffulcult to get enough people to commit to corner marking and assisting the ride, as many are reporting infection or 'close contact' or hesitancy. We are also concerned about the staffing levels of the ferry service, and whether the level of service van be guaranteed on that date.
Please appreciate the amount of work that goes into planning an event such as this. To cancel an event like this is a heavy decision, but you movong 100 + Vespa around the bay needs to have all variables eliminated in order to go ahead.
We'll do our best to plan a future event.
All the best everyone.
Hi Julie & Greg. I can be a corner marker for sure. Cheers N
Corner markers urgently needed.
Hi everyone.
As you know we are running Around the Bay on Sunday 30 January, and so we are starting from scratch in organizing how the day will run.
Could you please let me know asap whether you are available to assist on 30 Jan?
Also please confirm from the start point to end point. Eg: “Yarraville to Geelong” - Our preference is that you assist almost all the way round.
You would be part of an official team, 'yellow jackets', to ensure the ride runs smoothly. The club will supply ajacket if you don't have one.
You would probably only end up marking one corner per leg.
Please let me know by adding a comment below.
Cheers
Greg
Meet up at Mornington. Granddaughter will be pillioning with me. Yes she is old enough and has more protective gear than me. She has been riding a motorbike for the past 3 years. Wo woo. I'm doing my 'keep away rain dance'. 😳
Yes, I'll sign up for this one again and fingers crossed for fine weather this time ! Looking forward to a big, fun ride !
Devastated, but Richard and I cannot attend. I was so looking forward to taking "Goldy Horn" out on a big ride! I'm sure it will be a wonderful day, ride safe 🛵💨💨💨
I register, (with fingers firmly crossed)