Throughout November anticipation was slowly building for the Canberra Riders Christmas Party at the palatial abode of our Grand High Poo Ba, Lurch, and his ever understanding and creative wife Jess. Momentum built as we saw people signing up for a night of Hawaiian themed frivolities. Given our bikes keep us broke, we can dream from time to time of cocktails by the beach, moonlit dance floors, enchanting tunes and admiring gentlemen *sigh*

But in this case the reality was far from the dream (but still a bloody awesome party ). Lurch and Jess had gone to an amazing amount of trouble to ensure that their abode was fit to house a 40 person biker party – a mean feat, especially when you consider you lot!

When I arrived I could do nothing more than (after getting myself a bourbon) marvelling at all the work that they had done to transform their abode into a Hawaiian delight, there were leaves and a mirage of sandpits which, thankfully, did hold ice and alcohol!, decked out tables and chairs, dinner cooking on the spit and a couple of Hawaiian shirts had already turned up to lend its weight to the festive scene. And then I was told I needed to be laid (yes, well, insert varies puns here) and had a string of beautiful flowers laid around my neck. I was even given a coconut to drink from which came in handy as I saw Mumma Leen come hurtling around the corner with the CR punch bucket and various other assorted bags underarm.

Mumma Leen began cooking up her concoctions as her arms began flailing wildly and muttering could be heard from miles away. Finally, the punch was ready for sampling. Leen had outdone herself, there was a choice of berries, mixed fruits or watermelon (in the watermelon) all of which were sampled by moi, which is why after a few coconuts my head was feeling rather lighter then when it had arrived.

I was saved when the food bell rang, there was a marvellous choice of dishes (including for those vegetable*insert Yedi* inclined). An array of salads, chicken, beef and the list went on, oh and there was Punch! :) , but I think I already told you that.  After dinner and bon bons (and the most meaningful experience of my life, Seph and I became engaged. Honey if you’re reading this I will treasure my little plastic ring for eternity:) desert was served hmmmm apple strudel hmmmmm.

After dinner it was time to see who had and had not been good girls and boys this year and yet amazingly, the table was full of gifts :O One after the other they came out: Seph got a pair of beer goggles, hopefully it will help him see and stay out of gutters; Ant got a spelling poster, which I hope will help him to finally read his Triumph manual; Supamodel got a childrens book entitled ‘I want to be Famous’, he may need to borrow Ant’s poster though; Ricecooker got a Chickenstrip Inspection Squad Kit, very apt; Adr1an got a pink scooter, just in case he comes to the realisation of how linear the R1 is; Gypsy got glow in the dark shot glasses, which should be reserved for home and not weekend rides, right gyps??; Craig got a booby torchlight hehehe and I got a HTFU long ride g-Banger. I was disappointed it didn’t come in a larger size with floral print – RIICHO!!! Can’t believe you chickened, very very disappointed in your lack of commitment. I hear MIZ RX3 is especially heart broken

As the evening progressed and the buckets of punch slowly drained the dancing began and there was dadadadida mess

And naturally the clothes swapping began.

But thankfully the CR Bouncers stepped in to save the rest of us from public indecency….

Oh wait

Well CR’ers I won’t dwell on the rest of the nights shananigans because you should have been there to see them yourselves (and ok, so maybe my memory is a little fuzzy). Needless to say everyone had an appalling time, and I doubt anyone will bother showing up next year (pst Lurch, reserve me a ticket)

Thanks to all those who lent a hand putting the night together and pulling it apart again, honourable mentions go to Lurch and Jess, Mumma Leen and Garm for the tables. Thanks guys for a truly great CR Christmas in Hawaii!