The Purple Ponies ride again

8 Jun 2010

The chrome was polished, the leathers on and the bikes ready to go as bikers from HMAS Toowoomba (Commander (CMDR) Ivan Ingham) roared out of Rockingham for the Purple Pony Motorcycle Club’s inaugural motorbike ride.

Fifteen keen riders including Toowoomba's Executive Officer (Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Simon Howard) and several other members of ship’s company took advantage of the fine weather to take part in the country cruise from Rockingham to Dwellingup.

The weekend ride found them winding around Serpentine Dam and eventually arriving at West Coast Motorcycle Clothing for a barbecue lunch hosted by the business owner, Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Michael Gill from Fleet Support Unit-Perth.

The motorcycles were as varied as were the skill levels of the riders, ranging from beginners on Hyosung 250cc bikes to the more senior riders on Honda Shadow Cruisers.

The slight hills and snaking roads of the inland countryside were appealing to all riders.

Able Seaman Electronics Technician (ABET) Williams organised the ride and said "It's about being a team and being mates. Building confidence in your own abilities and trusting in the people around you. It is about learning from the varied experience around you and just having a good time!"

The Purple Pony Motorcycle Club’s inaugural ride totalled 255km through the hills and along the coast of Perth's southwest region.

The ride aimed to promote confidence and mateship amongst a new crew, as well as developing good rider discipline and safety.