In August many NSW CMA members enjoyed the National Run held in Hervey Bay and Hosted by Queensland CMA. I rode there over three easy days with the pillion-in-a-million via Port Macquarie, Ballina and Noosa so I was not the least bit fatigued when I arrived on the Friday afternoon.
The venue was comfortable, the food terrific and the program well thought out with plenty of time for socialising and a little bit of bike maintenance. I was surprised that a few people brought their swags and tents and preferred camping in the grassy yard rather than sleeping in the dormitories with a dozen other smelly, snoring blokes. Can’t see why really.
I made the effort to be at each of the 7:30am Devotions before breakfast each morning as well as the Men’s (and women’s) Talks by John Wesley Ogden Jnr (and Sally Ogden) who is the President of CMA USA. He is a naturally gifted speaker and had everyone’s attention with a powerful, scripturally based talk on the real dangers of sin and how Christ has removed its hold on us. ”With our eyes on God, nothing can stop us!”
Everyone enjoyed the big group ride to a Bowling Club for lunch. I don’t think that club had ever been invaded by so many people all at one time – and not a bowling ball between us.
Saturday night was a Bush Dance and camp fire sit-around before Sunday began with Devotions, breakfast, Church and finally the Whale Watching trip. We saw heaps of whales right up to and under the boat – very exciting.
Sunday night was lots of speeches and awards (Karen and Michael Nieuwendyk – Life Membership) and the ubiquitous rally awards which were beautifully crafted wooden boxes containing model bikes.
The three-day Post Run was where the Qld CMA people really excelled. All breakfasts and dinners were catered for by the Qld mob who had organised quality accommodation in each of the towns we visited. We saw the Bunya Mtns, the Big Peanut, a winery dinner, devotions and prayer each morning, great fellowship and an opportunity to explore towns and roads I knew nothing about.
I’m so glad I bought new wet weather gear for this trip because that guaranteed that the weather was perfect the entire time. CMA National Runs are an excellent adventure and a great excuse to see more of Australia by our chosen mode of transport with great fellowship throughout. Make sure you book in early for 2024 in Tasmania which has possibly the best riding in Australia.
Grahame
