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Lusaka
Bikers
By Ginty Melvill
This
informal group of guys, [and girls, occasionally], are going from
strength to strength, and from a humble start (with only two of
riders, there are now a good dozen) meeting regularly on Sunday
mornings at la Mimosa, Arcades, for coffee/breakfast and a bike
ride, tar roads only.
Longer road runs have been organized; to Livingstone, Mkushi, Monze
and Siavonga and these are usually once a month for the overnight
runs where families are welcome. The latest was a run to Eagles Rest
at Siavonga, when there were twelve bikes; two from the Copperbelt;
two from Mazabuka, Charlie Coxe and Zambian Moto X Captain, Dave
Reeve, who we have nearly converted from Moto X to road runners; and
eight from Lusaka. The run was great fun, with even the Police doing
their job at the Kafue rail crossing, and running the gauntlet of
speed traps. They are, quite rightly, very hot on the traffic
violators at that dangerous level crossing. We all should keep up to
date on the regulations at crossings, reference to overtaking,
stopping, crossing solid white lines, etc. Parts of the Escarpment
road on the way to the Siavonga turn off are a nightmare, and great
care is needed.
This was a very successful ride and great fun was had by all.
Several of the wives were also there to keep an eye on the
Boys. Eagles Rest is a super place for such a gathering. Thanks to
them for looking after us all.
As usual, a cash kitty was created to cater for the liquid and solid
intake of the group, but this time the eyes were much too big for
the tummies, and with a bit of additional assistance from the Boys,
the sum of K750,000 was raised and handed over to the Dave Reeve,
to put towards the fund for Emma, who will be representing Mazabuka
(and all of us) at the London Marathon next year where she will be
seriously competing. If you see a lone slim chick running the roads
in the Southern Province, you will know who it is. The Bikers Group
wish her all the best for the event.
The next definite run is planned to Ndola in October, when the
Ndola Motor Sport Club have their annual big event - Moto X,
possibly flat tracking, go carting and a few laps of the old tar
Circuit, for old time sake [some of us older riders used to compete
there in the 1950’s] and then a long night affair at the Yacht
Club. This is a very serious BASH. Loud disco music, drinking,
dancing etc etc. Eight riders ventured up there last year and had a
great time, as guests of the Club.
We need more Bikers to participate in the runs, so drag the irons
out of the shed, dust them down, grease and fuel them and come
along. There are plenty of bikes out there; come join us on the road
- we meet at la Mimosa, Arcades every Sunday morning at 9 am.
Keep both wheels on the tar |
September 2005