The Big October Ride was, once again, well attended and very successful.
The two rides attracted 180 riders and we left the Showgrounds at 8.30am with Ken, Officer in Charge, Dayboro Police, leading us down Mt Mee Road, up Williams Street and then right into McKenzie Street.  The “short” ride turned off at the cemetery and the “long” ride continued to Sellin Road.
The Dayboro Rural Fire Brigade brought up the rear and the Apex Club picked up the horse poo.
Our Club extends a BIG THANK YOU to Ken Robinson; Glenn Bell and his crew;  and all the Apex crew, for their invaluable assistance.
The “short” ride had 96 riders and the “long” ride 84, with no injuries - although 4 riders had a bit of a swim at different points on the trails!
Our back up crews did a magnificent job providing cold water, cordial, orange slices and Minties at various points and also assisting with lunch at Ocean View for the “long” ride.
Riders on the “long” ride’s return journey, through Joe Bradley’s property, were well and truly drenched after being caught in a hail storm - a different experience, and some bruises from the hail!
The function Saturday night saw Sharryn Bell have everyone enjoying some great music and dancing right up to the end.
Our thanks to the Grapevine for a great article on our “Big October Ride” in October’s magazine.
Bob Ebert,  President.
(Now read on for the latest news . . . .  next column)
Our last ride for 2008 (held in November) attracted 26 riders.  This was a parlicularly good ride as, due to the rain we had previously received, ALL the creeks were running - BIG TIME!  Our normal social BBQ was very pleasing.
The Christmas Break-up Party was the biggest ever, with more property owners and sponsors attending, and it was a fun day with plenty of games, food and drinks.
Don Lee is our Club Person of the Year - As in the past, he is another member who supports and contributes to the club to the max.
The club’s first ride for 2009 - held on January 25 - will be over and our next ride will be on the 22nd February.
AGM:  Our Club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Thursday 12th February - at the Clubhouse commencing at 7.30pm  Come along . . . Have a vote . . . Bring some new ideas!!
Membership is now due:  $55 per year (Youth Under 18 $50)
A.T.H.R.A. WEEKEND AT DAYBORO - 2 Rides and AGM:  The Queensland Branch of the Australian Trail Horse Riders Association (A.T.H.R.A.) will be camping at the Dayboro Showground from 13th to 15th February and will hold their Annual General Meeting on Saturday (14th)  1pm.
The Dayboro Trail Riders, as hosts, are supplying meals - Saturday lunch and evening; and Sunday breakfast and lunch.
As a member of Dayboro Trail Riders Club you are part of A.T.H.R.A. and therefore entitled to attend.  There will be a 3 hour ride Saturday morning and a 4 hour ride Sunday morning.
For any information on our club go to www.dayborotrailriders.com.au or phone Kayleen 3425 1650 or Bob 3425 1651.
Bob Ebert,  President.