This week's ride Wednesday the 26 of April.

The weather forecast for to-day was 24° C in the city and 25° C in the west with blue clear skies, when I left home and headed up towards Blaxland it was quite cool , I could feel the sun warming my back as I rode along the freeway there was very little traffic on the freeway, I arrived at Blaxland at approximately eight twenty their were quite a few riders there already and to- day after speaking to Franz Garde we would be going to Berrima, we ended up with an 11 riders Franz Garde would lead the ride followed by Tom Lathouwers, Les Welch, Richard Mason Alan MayMak, Doug Bourke, myself, Peter Morris, Malcolm Kerri, John Mccrae and tail end Charlie would be Noel Harris.

We left at 9:00 AM and headed down to Mulgoa road where we turned right and headed to the oaks then down through Cawdor where we would stop at Picton memorial park for morning tea, the boys were really having a big discussion this morning so when we started to get ready to leave there were a few of them still having a discussion on a few different things, so we took off headed for Berrima around the back way past Bowral on to Moss Vale and then around to the Berrima park where we would stop for lunch, somewhere near Thirlmere we lost a couple of the riders and Noel was tail end Charlie so he knew where we were going so we did not bother to stop and expected him to catch us up a Berrima as we turned left at hilltop we passed three other riders going the other way they turned around and followed us and then somewhere along the way between there and there and Berrima we lost another rider so when we arrived for our lunch stop we only had 10 riders. I was about too get my mobile phone and make a call to find out where he was and then all of a sudden he turned up so we had our full contingent of riders again.

We had our lunch with the south westerly winds blowing through the park, the sun was warming us as we sat there but the wind was quite chilly and there were quite a considerable amount of leaves blowing off the trees, after lunch we decided that we would stop at Thirlmere for afternoon tea on the way home, we would go back along the old highway along remembrance drive thru Bargo .

We said our goodbyes at Thirlmere then headed for home Les Welch myself and a few of the other riders stopped at the oaks for fuel and then we continued on, around the back of Wallacia around the back of saint Marys were I waved goodbye to Les Welch and I continued on home to arriving at approximately 5:00 PM after having done 300 kilometres for the day's ride.

We had a tremendous day and the weather conditions were absolutely fabulous we really could not have picked a better day although we did experience a little bit of wind at Berrima. footnote Berrima was established during the 1830s and by the 1840 had a population of around 400 people it is quite an historic town with quite a lot of coffee shops and tourist attractions I believe there was also a fairly big jail there a fairly big courthouse that only dealt with local cases then became a circuit court , the jail is now a women's correctional center.

I have enclosed a couple of photos I told Franz to ignore this lady she just wanted to show us her tattoos and as you can see in the photo Peter is taking no notice of her whatsoever,

Well that's my record of this week's ride I had a great time and if you didn't get there then you missed a great day see next week.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

Wednesday the 21st of a April the weather forecast for to-day was 25° C and city and 26° C to 27° C in the west, I arrived that McDonalds 'at approximately 8.15 and there were already a few riders there, we ended up with a total of 10 and Franz Garde had planned the ride as to go to Worronora dam we would go around the back roads and the down to Liverpool to a place called Haigh park it is at the back of Liverpool and on the southern side of Warwick farm, I have never been there before and I was quite surprised at how nice the park was, when we arrived there was only one person there so we aren't a place to ourself as usual.

Franz Garde led the ride followed by Les Welch, Len Price,myself, David Kemble, Malcolm Kerry, John Mccrae, Rod Brigham, Peter Morris Richard Mason, and tail end Charlie would be Noel Harris.

The boys were having their morning tea I had finished mine and I walked down through some of the park, you got to the lake their was an Island and it looks like it is some sort of ethnic area called Satyam Ghat and there is a sign up for you to only throw biodegradable objects into the water the sign reads no coconuts no clothing to be left there no ornaments to be thrown in the water, so that gives you some sort of explanation of what they do there.

We had morning tea and then continued on along Heathcoat road down to the princes highway and then along to the turnoff to Worronora dam we arrived there and went straight down to the dam wall and the level of the water had gone down quite a considerable amount I had some old photos that I took 12 months ago and I reckon that the water level was down 4 to 5 m. John Mccrae stayed with the bikes to keep an eye on things as he was a bit concerned that maybe some aboriginals would jump out of the bushes and steal them, we went up to the top park too have lunch and you would not want to know it, the MG car club was there, we have run into them a few times and today they were not as snobby as they normally are probably because I had my Tats covered up and I had on a respectable shirt.

After lunch we headed back onto the old princes highway and then down to Appin Rd where we would turn right a ride along Appin road and through Douglas park stopping at Menangle for afternoon tea we then said our goodbyes and Les Welch Richard Mason David Campbell and myself would go back through Camden and along the northern road.

I arrived home at approximately 4:45 PM after having done 260 kilometres for the day's ride. To the riders that did not go you missed a fantastic day the weather conditions were absolutely perfect for motorcycles and the company was even better, because when we stopped at Worronora for our lunch there were some people arrived in a bus from an old people's home, and when you see how lucky we are ,that we can go for a ride every week, my philosophy is you have to grab it while you can and that is why I get into trouble when I am around good looking woman.

And it was a fantastic day and if you didn't get there you missed out on a really great ride at each other. I have enclosed a couple of photos I hope you enjoy.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

We left at 9:00 AM Franz led the ride and we had 11 riders to start with Les Welch, myself, Rod Brigham, Malcolm Kerry, Richard Mason, Guy Dernee, Len Price, Alan Sanderson, John Mccrae, Paul Sullivan, and Noel Harris would be tail end Charlie, we headed up the great western highway and turned off at Springwood to go down along the Hawksbury road around through North Richmond and then around the back roads of riding past quite a number of turf farms, I think Franz must have been looking for some new grass to put on his front lawn. You do not realize that there is that many Turf farms in that area.

We joined the putty road at Wilberforce and then turned left and continued on to North Colo where we stopped for morning tea the weather conditions were fantastic we had nice clear skies and it was just fantastic the weather conditions to ride in.

Where the Heck is Neville?

Our ride on Sat 17^th April was a real puzzler for most as no-one had any idea where Neville was, and the only clue we gave was that we had to go through Barry to get there.

8 bikes left Medlow Bath on a grey morning, Franz left us at Mt Vic and the rest of us continued on to Tarana under blue skies. Café Tarana is a good spot to stop and the coffee is good – they sell it in buckets (really big cups), the cakes and scones are yummy.

From Tarana it was onto the back roads, through Perthville and Newbridge to Neville. We arrived at the Neville Hotel (pretty much the only place in town) where Neville promptly pulled up, turned around and rode back down the road – did we upset him or something! Apparently not – he had gone to take a picture of the Neville sign. I offered to get a shot of Neville in Neville but he declined.

Lunch at the pub was pretty basic – hamburgers, fish and chips etc but it tasted good and there was plenty of it. Marion suggested we sit outside so we could watch the cars go by but it was a bit busier than expected and it must have been wood chopping day as three utes pulled in full of chopped wood, had a quick lunch and left again.

Back on the road to Blayney for fuel then through Bathurst where we left the highway not long after to ride Diamond Swamp Rd – quite a nice ride and there were those that hadn’t been along it.

A quick stop at Bowenfels to say goodbye then home before it got too cold and dark.

Everyone enjoyed the day and they now know where Neville is. Good company, good roads, good weather and good food – what more do you need.

Julie

BMBEN’s Adventure Rides
All welcome to join in

Ride Leader/Photo’s :- Franz (BMBEN) 0427 830 712

17th April 2010

Zig Zag and Bell Loops
New South Wales, Australia.
3328’35.5”S-15013’23.3”E

The weather conditions for to-day started out cool and overcast but ended up clear and a perfect day for riding.

I arrived at 8.15am at Medlow Bath to meet up with the Blue Mountains Ulysses (BMU) group, which were going to Neville for lunch. I rode with them as far as the top of Mt Victoria Pass and that was the last I saw of them. I find it best to be home early as traffic through the road works at Lawson, late in the afternoon is useless.

First stop was to have a look at Zig Zag Railway Station

After missing the turn off and going up a track that got rougher and being stoped at a large water hazard I came back and went up the correct road, took some photos of the Zig Zag and then to the station where the train was about to leave and took some video. Missed the train on the viaducts.

Then I went along the State Mine Gully Rd/Glow Worm Tunnel Rd

To the Old Bells Line of Rd and came out at Clarence, where I missed a photo opportunity of the train again. Had a quick bit for morning tea.

So I headed for home. Back along Bell Line of Rd to Bell where I through I would check out a road I keep seeing on the left. Sandham Rd, Bell. I had not been on it before and it was adventure. I found it runs back past the Clarence Coal Mine along the north side of the main western railway line. On the way it passes a coal loader for the railways.

So I ended up back at Clarence near the Zig Zag. Back along Bells Line of Rd to Bell where I turned right, this time onto the Darling Causeway to Mt Victoria and back down the Hwy to Blaxland.

Regards Franz.

Wednesday the 14th the weather conditions for to-day were 22°Celsius in the city to 24°Celsius and the west with no showers forecast I arrived at McDonalds' at 830 and there were quite a few riders there when I arrived, after speaking to Franz, the ride would be to the halfway house on putty we know it has been burned out that there is a little rest area just before you get to it and it was discussed that we might stop there for lunch, we would stop at Colo Heights for morning tea at the service station and on our way the stop there for afternoon tea.

We left at 9:00 AM Franz led the ride and we had 11 riders to start with Les Welch, myself, Rod Brigham, Malcolm Kerry, Richard Mason, Guy Dernee, Len Price, Alan Sanderson, John Mccrae, Paul Sullivan, and Noel Harris would be tail end Charlie, we headed up the great western highway and turned off at Springwood to go down along the Hawksbury road around through North Richmond and then around the back roads of riding past quite a number of turf farms, I think Franz must have been looking for some new grass to put on his front lawn. You do not realize that there is that many Turf farms in that area.

We joined the putty road at Wilberforce and then turned left and continued on to North Colo where we stopped for morning tea the weather conditions were fantastic we had nice clear skies and it was just fantastic the weather conditions to ride in they were probably about the best we've had for a long while.

We arrived at the burned out halfway house and pulled into the little park at the northern end where we had lunch as when we rode past the rest area just before halfway house and was rubbish everywhere so we decided not to stop there. We had our lunch and then we continued back down to north Colo where we would stop for afternoon tea I filled with fuel and some of the other riders did as well for afternoon tee we said our goodbyes and we went back over the Colo a river along Blaxland ridge road down through Kurrajong North Richmond and then around the back of the market gardens.

I left them at at Agnes banks and continued on along Castleraigh road I followed Alan Sanderson , Rod Brigham was in front of him, when I got home I looked at my odometer and I had done 320 km for the day's ride everyone seemed to have a good time and I look forward to next week

If you received this email earlier I pushed the wrong button and sent it because some good looking bird walked past and I pushed the sex button instead of the send button.

I have heard from Ross Pearson , he is at Exmouth till Monday and then he will be going to Corel Bay where he will spend five days and tomorrow he informs me that he is diving or snorkeling with the whale sharks. what a fantastic experience that will be for him.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

Wednesday, March 24
This week's ride on Wednesday, the 24th of March the weather conditions were forecast 26° C in the city and 28° C in the west with the possible chance of showers in the morning when I awoke it was overcast and it looked like raining,

I left home at 8:00 AM and arrived at Maccas at about 8:20 there were few riders already there and my ride of the mountain's was quite cool,
We ended up with a total of 10 riders for today's ride, and we would go up to Mount piper the other side of the Lithgow it is one of two power stations that we have in this area and I believe that you can do a guided tour of the powerhouse station and I think Franz said the cost was about $15.00 person.

We left at 9:00 AM and the ride was led by Franz Garde followed by Allen Rochester, David Evans, David Campbell, Andrew Jakeman, Alan Sanderson, Peter Morris, and a new rider Tom Lathouwers and our usual tail end Charlie was Noel Harris.

We headed up the highway to Springwood and down the Hawksbury Valley road through to Agnes banks and then around through North Richmond and up the bells line of road where we would stop for morning tea at the fruit farm at Bilpin, we had five BMWs and if Les Welch had turned up that would have made an extra one, so it probably would've looked like a BMW motorcycle club.

After morning tea we headed up the highway through Lithgow and on to Mount Piper where we would stop for lunch at the power station ,the traffic on the bells line road was a bit more than usual owing to the fact that they're working on the great western highway and I think there's more trucks are using this road there were some of us held up behind a furniture van and it took quite a while to pass this van owing to the double lines, we all managed to catch up at Lithgow.

The amenities at this place a very good and there were three coaches there from different places with schoolchildren that were visiting the power station and they had already started on their tour when we arrived, I spoke to the bus drivers and one was from Lithgow one from the north shore and one from Newcastle, we had lunch and then we walked through
An information center that had quite a few models behind glass cases of the power station and also some push bikes and scooters and winches that you could try generating power.

The weather conditions there was quite warm as we had ridden through the cloud that cleared when we got to the bottom of the pass at Lithgow it was so warm, on the way back quite a few of the riders would shed some of their gear . I needed to get fuel on the way home so we stopped at Lithgow and there were few of us that refueled.

On the way up the hill you could see the cloud in the distance and I did get a very small mist of water on my helmet, and it was starting to cool off again, when we passed the causeway Andrew Jakeman left us, we continued on along the bells line of road where we would stop on the left at Bilpin for afternoon tea, Noel Harris told us that he stopped to put his jacket on because of the coolness. The recreation area where we stopped for afternoon tea is the first one on the left on the way from Mt Tomah down to Richmond it is quite a big area and has all the amenities that you need and you can park down the back quite a large area.

We said our goodbyes and I continued down the hill where I left everybody on Castleraigh Rd at Agnes banks and continued on home to St Mary's after the day's ride I had done just on 300 kilometers. It was still overcast when I got home and it is hard to believe that just the other side of the mountain's it was so hot.

Well that was our ride for this week and the forecast for next Wednesday looks like we might have a shower or two I hope you enjoyed my report. I have also enclosed a couple of photographs you might enjoy.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

17th March 2010 Mangrove Creek Dam
Upper Mangrove Mountain NSW

The morning started out cool but warmed up within ½ hour so I ended up taking the wrong jacket as the day got warmer to near 30 deg.

We left McDonalds with 9 riders, me Franz G, Noel H, Dave E, Allen R (BMW), Alan S, Miss Kerrie W, Malcolm K, John McC and Otto B a friend of Allen R and Dave E came for the ride. No Eric B as he and others were doing the Taralga loop overnight ride.
Headed off at 9.00am, down the highway and through Penrith where the group got split in traffic. Regrouped at the White Water Stadium and continued out through Windsor, Maraylya and Arcadia. There was a big flashing sign on the side of the road but its position made it hard for me to read (to close to the corner) but I did read something about 9.00am to 3.00pm, continued onto Berowra Waters. Came to the next flashing sign and decided to stop and read it properly.
Road works Berowra Waters Rd closed 9.00am to 3.00pm.
This was interesting as morning tea was planed at Berowra Waters and we would go up the Old Pacific Hwy. To Peats Ridge. Group meeting. We decided to go through Galston Gorge. I had to ask Noel H to lead as I have not been through Galston since Amaroo Park Raceway had closed.
Stoped for a quick morning tea near Asquith and decided to take the Freeway to Peats Ridge to make up time because of the detour and onto Mangrove Creek Dam for lunch.
Lunch, nice and peaceful with the local wildlife circling us. 2, 1.2m + Goannas.
On ride home we stop at the rest stop/service station at Kulnura and look in at the sculptures. Lots of new letter boxes and other bits and pieces

Continued onto Central Mangrove, Spencer and onto Wisemans Ferry for afternoon tea. As we came to the ferry, the gates had closed but not left and the ferryman was kind enough to reopen them for us. We said our good byes for this days ride and headed for home.
When on the Sackville Ferry we got shuffled around because of a truck squeezing on and Noel H was leading again. Through Windsor, Richmond, Hawkesbury Lookout and back to Blaxland.
All in all a good days ride was had by all and the traffic was well behaved.
Interesting point, 4 of us had to stop at the breath test unit at Richmond Airforce Base. 3 breathalysed and 1 drug tested

I had travelled 310km and got home at 5.30pm.
Until next week, ride safe
Franz

It was Tuesday 16th of March when we met at McDonalds 'at 8:00 AM, we had four riders there was Les Welch, Peter Morris, David Campbell, and myself, this would be and two day ride with an overnight stay at Batemans Bay, and we would go to Oberon through Abercrombie road down to Goulburn and through Currowon state forest,
Spend the night at Batemans Bay and then come back through kangaroo valley and around the back roads back to wallacia where we would part company and head four home.

The weather forecast for the two day's was perfect conditions "and we did have perfect conditions," we left at 8:00 AM and headed up the great western highway and down Victoria Pass where we turned left at JENOLAN caves rode.

The weather conditions were absolutely fantastic it was a little bit on the chilly side, and the traffic was quite slow going up to the top of Mount Victoria, we normally don't start on our rides till 9:00 AM in the morning and I think this was one of the reasons why the traffic was heavy.

As we rode into Hampton the two wind generators looked like they were two giant sentinels guarding the valley, they were facing north east and their was not a breath of air, so they just stood their sparkling in the rising sun, we continued on around and turned in to Duckmaloi Rd into Oberon where we stopped for morning tea, when we were riding across the top of the ridge to Hampton you looked to your left into the Megalong valley and the low lying clouds looked like it had been trapped in the valleys and and it was an awesome sight, when you looked to your right the valleys were really green as the frequent rain we have had really has made the countryside looks spectacular.

After having morning tea at Oberon we headed along Abercrombie road the traffic conditions here were amazing, one motor vehicle passed us and we caught up with a learner driver who was Hogging a road, doing 35 kilometres per hour and her instructor was a blue cattle dog sitting on the seat alongside of her, there was about six kilometres of double lines so it took a little while for us to get past, and just after we had passed her climbing the hill I look to my right and saw three huge wedge tailed eagles, they were soaring using the thermals, looking for prey, I stopped and got my camera out of my bag and took a little bit of video of them it was just a magnificent sight seeing these huge birds just soaring, I reckon one of them had a 7 foot wingspan, they did not stay long as when I started to film them, they must have been watching me,

In the meantime our learner driver had passed me and there were the double lines , so it took me quite awhile to get past her again, we headed down the pass to cross the Abercrombie river it is quite surprising how steep this pass is , then into to Taralga where we would stop for lunch, we sat on the front steps of the memorial hall and had lunch, the country women's association was having their usual monthly meeting and I've tried to con some sandwiches and a cup of coffee but that did not work so I had to eat my own.

After continuing on to Goulburn we turned left and headed for Braidwood where we would stop a little bit further on for afternoon tea there was a rest area just over the bridge were the old highway used to run, the ambient temperature was now about 34°but their was a nice cool breeze blowing and it kept us cool. We left there and headed down to Batemans Bay where we would go down through Currowon state forest and down the pass to Batemans Bay where we booked into the caravan park just before the bridge on the left-hand side Les Welch had been there before and we booked two studio bungalows Peter Morris and David were in one and myself and Les Welch were in the other.

We unpacked our gear and had a walk around the park and it was really great to lookout to the east at the islands that looked like they were guarding the entrance to the bay, the manager of the park said if we wanted a lift into town he would give us one, but we decided that we would walk in, to the R.S.L. for dinner that night, the food was excellent and so was the company. The walk back home to the park was very pleasant , if I would have had another glass of wine I would have been swaying in the breeze.

We all slept pretty well and Les Welch and myself were a first up, we had a coffee and we left at approximately seven forty five we would ride back through the state forest along the Pacific highway and it was quite cool when we left, but you could feel it warming up as we rode along, we got to Ulladulla where we stopped for breakfast and then continued on to Nowra. were we stopped for fuel, as you ride through Nowra heading north there a very few service stations on your left hand side and where we stopped there were a few impatient people.
After refueling we headed into kangaroo valley where we would stop for lunch and we were passed by another rev head who overtook us on the double lines, after having lunch we headed up the pass and around the back of Fitzroy reservoir and into Robinson, where we headed out to wards Kangaloon and passed Wingecarribe reservoir, around the back roads through Hilltop through Alpine through to Thirlmere where we would stop for afternoon tea.

After we had had our afternoon tee we said our goodbyes and we left Peter at Wallacia Les Welch and myself and David continued around past the model farms park around the back roads where they parted company and headed on the M4 to their homes I arrived home at approximately four thirty after having done 750 km for the ride.

We had absolutely fantastic conditions and the ride through the countryside varied so much from valleys, mountains and plains to forests and in parts back to the mad traffic panic.
I have said it before if I had a Missile launcher on my bike I would absolutely have a great time some days, and I Sure would teach them not to chop me off.

I know that if you were to do this ride in another country you would absolutely pay a fortune to be able to do it, and we have it all here for free and for those of you that did not ride with us I feel that you missed out on a great two days the ride it was absolutely perfect and the company was exceptional.

I hope you enjoyed my report kind regards Eric Baldwin.

Well it is already the 10th of March and the weather is starting to cool off, the weather conditions for today were 23° in the city to 25° in the west with the possible chance of showers.
I arrived at McDonalds' at approximately 8.30 there were five riders. John Mccrae and was there in his car, as he had come down to discuss some things with Franz Garde, he had other commitments so he would not be going on today's ride.

The ride would be to Fitzroy Iron works and brick pit at Mittogong, Franz would lead the ride followed by myself David Campbell, Allen Sanderson, Malcolm Kerry, and tail end Charlie would be Noel Harris. We left at 9:00 AM and rode down to mulgoa road where we continued on out to past bents basin and onto the northern road around past Cobberty then around the back roads where we would stop at Menangle for morning tea.

It was overcast and it did look like it was going to rain and I did say to Franz if it rains I'm going home, we had morning tea and then we continued on around the back roads and down past Thirlmere and as we got to thirlmere it started to rain so when we pulled up at a stop sign, I informed Noel Harris that I was heading home, as I was not also feeling 100% in myself,

When I was doing a lot of diving one thing that always came to mind was that you must be fit for the dive, I personally think that when you ride a motorbike you must be 100% as there are too many bad car drivers out there that seem to have you and their sites set on you just make one mistake, and they have got you , I also think that applies when you're driving a motor vehicle because on two occasions I have had accidents where people have ran into the back of me. The cause, they had been taking painkillers and other medicines. I also think that this one of the reasons that we have a large amount of fatalities on our roads.

I did notice in the minutes of the last meeting, the club had made available to ride leaders first aid kits, well I have done my first aid course in the last 12 months and I carry a fully packed first aid kit in my pannier just in case, and I have also discussed this with some of our other riders and I have been assured that at least two of our regular riders have done first aid courses in the last twelve months. I just thought I would bring this to your attention as a matter of interest, I also received a reimbursement of some of the fees from the Ulysses club of which they promptly paid me when I sent my receipt in.

I have spoken to Franz Garde since last Wednesday and he informed me that the ride continued on to Mittogong with no problems and no rain but it got quite cold on arrival there, that is another reason that I continued home I had not dressed properly for the weather conditions, so that is another thing that I have put in to my memory bank.

Apparently everybody had a really good day it's a shame that it was a little bit chilly, but that is all part of riding a motorcycle.

We are going on our two day ride tomorrow morning leaving from Maccas and heading down to Batemans bay staying overnight by way of Oberon and then down to Goulburn and Batemans Bay and then back up through kangaroo valley to head home on the Wednesday, the weather conditions for the two day's ride look like it will be excellent.

I will give you a ride report with next week's report.

I have received an SMS from Ross Pearson on three occasions telling me that he was on his way to Perth and was at the victorian border and the wind conditions were extremely strong then the last report I got from him was he was in Perth and his wife would be arriving that night, I will SMS him again this week and find out where he is , I have not heard from anybody else.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

Masterpieces from Paris Canberra 2010

Not a big roll up for the ride to Canberra this time round. Galina and Warren, Jen and I met in the early morn at Blaxland. Two excellent deep blue BMW tourers fronted for the ride.

We left the map on the breakfast bar but really how hard is Canberra to find? The hotel supplied the tickets and off we went to find the Art Gallery. The line up to get in was lengthy, even with the tickets it took 2 hours to get to the artworks.

While standing and admiring it all made sense. BMW use famous artwork for the inspiration of the bike design. Van Gogh’s “Starry Nights” with the sweeping curves, deep blues and deep blacks, silver highlights of course the GT and RT series. Picasso’s works with the odd angles, bright red and yellows, weird triangles and 2 eyes of different sizes, the GS series. Maybe not!.

That night it was off to an Italian restaurant for a lovely meal and some nice red wine. It’s a bit cool at night, so remember that if you go there. The hotel was good and comfortable, next to the Tradies Club.

Sunday morning it was off to the War Memorial in Canberra. This is a really excellent attraction and Trooper Donaldson’s VC is on display there already. The exhibits are really good and interesting.

The ride home was mostly uneventful along the Tablelands Way. This is a lovely ride. 560Kms, home at 6.00pm

Brian and Jen

7^th March 2010 - Australian Motorlife Museum, Wollongong

Here I go with my first ride report.

The weather was reported to be showers for most of the day, but we managed to miss all of it for an overcast, dry and windy ride.

There were 4 starters for the ride.

Me Franz G (BMBEN) ride leader, Bruce G and Leo V left McD’s at Blaxland, picked up Allen G at Regentville on the way through to morning tea at Picton.

Had a quick stop at Mt Keira lookout for a look then headed for the Motorlife Museum past Wollongong at the Integral Energy Recreation Park, Kembla Grange (Dapto).

Had a look around the museum, even had a bonus with an extra 6 vintage cars parked out side, which were visiting to have a look at the museum as well, then some lunch and watch the bubbles going past from the kids playing in the park at least 500m’s away, blown by the wind.

Heading back to Thirlmere for some afternoon tea, we were detoured around as the Steam Festival was on, so we stoped at The Oaks instead. We said our good buys as the other were turning of at Penrith.

The traffic was medium and well behaved, most enjoyable as the back roads are always empty. I had travelled 295km for the day.

This week's ride the 3 March-

…….would be to the fly dam at Oberon, the forecast for to-day was 25° in the city 27° in the west with clear skies and light winds,

On arriving at Maccas at approximately 8.30 we already had our full contingent of riders who were, Franz Garde the ride leader, David Campbell, Les Welch, Allen Sanderson, Peter Morris, Malcolm Kerry, John Mccrae, Keri Wilesmith who is a lady rider and enjoyed herself last week so she turned up again, Noel Harris, and myself.

We left at 9:00 AM and headed up the highway traffic was fairly light and as we climbed up the mountain it really started to cool off and it was amazing how quickly the temperature did drop by the time we had got to the top of Mount Victoria it was really quite cool, and noel stopped to put a jumper on, as we continued down Mount Victoria Pass it did warm up a little bit but not as much as I had expected it to do and by the time we got to the service station at the turnoff to lake Lyell, We were all feeling the cold, we had morning tea there and then we would continue on out through Tarana and around the back roads to Oberon,

The ride through the back country side roads is really breathtaking and it was green as anything , the rain had done some good out in that area. About 12 months ago we had been to Oberon that many times that my bike knew the way and as I have reported before we used to stop at the old ladies home on the way back from the dam and have afternoon tea with them and usually a scone with jam on it, but today we decided not to do that as after our visit to the home usually caused some disruptions as the ladies did not sleep very well that night after looking at our Tats and bikes and a bit of reminiscing, Matron of the home had told me this as the poor old dears get too excited. Anyhow as they say dream on Eric.

We arrived at Oberon, at about midday and made our way to the fly dam, John Mccrae had left us at Lithgow, as he had some other pressing commitments, the weather conditions at the dam were quite cool and it was blowing like mad of reckon about 25 to 30 knots Nor'easter, we had lunch in one of the shelters as it was too windy to sit outside, and then after lunch we walked up the dam wall, there is still very little water and when you look at the water level it does not like they have had any rain at all and the across the top of the Dam Wall was open for the first time allowing us to walk across the wall proper , a few of us ambled across the wall and took a few photographs.

We then saddled up and decided we would head four home going back through JENOLAN caves and was still quite cool but what a great ride and apart from being cold the conditions were really good as we rode down through the winding road, then through the archway back up the hill and along past the Wind power generators, through Hartley and back onto the great western highway where we continued up Mount Victoria to the top of the pass where we stopped for afternoon tea.

We said our goodbyes at the service station up the top of Mount Victoria, and Les Welch and David Campbell and myself decided that we would go back along the causeway to wards the bells line of road and head home, as we were riding across the top of the causeway we did get a very light sprinkle of rain but it was so light that it did not even wet my helmet screen. We turned right and headed down the bells line of road back down to North Richmond were I waved goodbye to David and Les and I continued on around the back of Agnes banks and along Castleraigh road back home to St. Mary's.

I arrived home at approximately four forty five after having done 350 km for the day's ride and it was really a great day's ride and everybody enjoyed their ride , there was something wrong with you if you didn't.

And that is my report for this week and I look forward to next week don't forget if you are interested in going to the ride to Batemans Bay please let me know so I can organize accommodation. You had better do it cause if you don't take the opportunity to do it now it may be to late next week. My saying is the more you can do it the better it gets and I reckon it does.
Regards Eric Baldwin.

Wednesday, Feb 24
The weather forecast for this week's ride was 25° C in the city and 28° and the west with the possible chance of a light shower early in the morning, I awoke to overcast conditions and decided to go on the ride and trusts the weather report.

I arrived at McDonalds' at Blaxland at approximately eight forty we already had our full contingent of riders and Franz had organized for us to ride to Oberon, we then heard a traffic report that he said the highway was closed due to a traffic accident a truck had collided with a car and there was a fatality, and the highway would be closed for most of the morning.

So we decided that we would go to wiseman's ferry, we left at 9:00 AM and headed up the highway to Springwood where we would turn right and head down the Hawksbury Valley road, the ride was led by Franz Garde, followed by Alan Sanderson, David Evans, Les Welch Peter Morris, and a new lady rider Keri Wilesmith, and Malcom Kerrey had returned to ride with us again, tail end Charlie would be myself.

We got to Agnes banks where we turned left and then headed around to North Richmond and up the bells line of road where we turned right of Blaxland ridge road and continued through to the putty road where we turned right again and then a little bit further on we turned left and headed down to Sackville where we stopped at the service station for morning tea, Keri Wilesmith left us there as she had some commitments to attend to, it was a bit of a change to have a female rider with us and the boys were on their best behavior,

After morning tea we headed across the Sackville ferry and continued up the hill to turn left into river road which would lead us down to lower Portland and along the river road to Wiseman's ferry but when Franz went to turn left there was a road closures sign, we continued on up to the main road and turned left again to head towards Wiseman's ferry and then coming to the turnoff that led to lower Portland we turned left and halfway down the road there were some road work being done and the stop and go man could have told us that the road was closed further on, but he Didn't, when we got to the ski park there were signs saying that the road was closed due to a landslide so we turned around and came back up to the main road again and then headed off down to Wisemans ferry.
At the bottom of the hill Franz turned left and when we got to St, Albans ferry Franz turned right onto the ferry so we all followed thinking now that the destination was changed to St Albans.

We rolled off the ferry and then Franz turned left and headed for Del Rio, so I was thinking as I rode along this is a really great mystery ride and as we wound our way along the edge of the river to the Del Rio resort we looked at amazement with the mess that was strewn all over the park their was rubbish everywhere and some one man tents just left and there were quite a few of them still up, I spoke to one of the workers and he informed me that there had been a rock concert, with over 4000 people attending, when they left they left all their rubbish and some of their belongings, you really just could not believe the mess that was left and this was on a Wednesday and the concert had finished on a Sunday night.

We finished lunch and headed back to wards home we had experienced a very light sprinkle of rain in the morning, and we would stop at the rest area opposite the Richmond Air base for afternoon tea, David Evans left us at the turnoff to Mcgraths hill so we had lost another rider just before we got to Mcgraths hill Les Welch and David Campbell, turned left and headed around the back roads to their homes.

After having had afternoon tea we said our goodbyes and commented on the mystery ride, as it seemed that every where we went there were road closures, I headed home along Castleraigh Rd to my home at St., Marys having done approximately 220 km for the day's ride I arrived home at approximately four thirty, and it looks like next week we will be going to Oberon depending on conditions everybody seemed have a great day and we all had a lot of fun and that's what it's all about.

Franz Garde and I are trying to organize another ride where we go to Oberon and then across to Goulburn and down to Bateman Bay then back through kangaroo valley to home having an overnight stay in Bateman Bay. So I will email you the details when we have sorted it.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

Fleet Air Arm Museum at HMAS Albatross - Feb 21

SETTING OUT WITH THE BEST LAID PLANS
What a glorious day for a ride - blue sky and sunshine finally. BMU members turned up at Blaxland eager to hit the road after several weeks of rain.
There were new faces and old - Gerry and Jane had decided that the domestic duties could wait for a few hours; Bruce was looking forward to getting to know the local roads after the straight roads of the Northern Territory. Others were there too - Leo, Tony, Stewart, Paul, Ron & Julie. And of course Robert, the ride leader.
Alan joined up at Penrith and it was a pleasant ride into Thirlmere for morning tea, after which Gerry and Jane made their way home.

DISASTER STRIKES!
Disaster struck in the form of a fall for one rider. Paul was enjoying the run through Kangaroo Valley when suddenly everything went wrong.
Lost traction on the front wheel while maneuvering a sharp bend saw him slide across the road and land against the guard rail on the other side. Speed was not an issue as everyone was forced to slow down due to the amount of traffic - it was thought there might have been some gravel on the road.
Luckily Paul was OK - although he did need a smoke.
Not so good news for the bike. Tony took a walk back up the hill to locate the rider’s footpeg so it could be re-attached temporarily, the mirror was held on with 100 mile an hour tape. The dents, scratches and holes will have to be left to the insurance company.
Very cautiously Paul rode out of the valley and made his way home as the rest of us continued on after what could have been a much more serious situation.

IN APPRECIATION
Please pass on my thanks to every one on the ride, I'm quite devastated at the damage to my bike however the care & support offered by my fellow riders was very reassuring.
In particular Tony, Leo & Ron who helped to make the bike rideable again, Tony seemed to "jump" into action and take command ensuring that me & my bike were swiftly moved from the accident scene to a safer location, providing me with a drink and calming me down from the shock, retrieving my helmet / gloves etc, effecting a running repair to get me home, checking the bike over for any leaks and making sure the tyres / brakes etc were all functioning, on top of that he offered to follow me home in case any other problems occurred as I nursed the machine home.
I can't thank the guy's enough, they really are a great bunch and just goes to show that not only is there a great amount of fun / enjoyment to be had, but also the security of riding with the Blue Mountains branch. Apart from a dented pride, I'm all OK, my riding gear taking the brunt, the bike is currently en-route to the repairer with the insurance company (QBE) being helpful (so far), I'll let you know of the quality of service that they provide.
Paul Hooper

MILITARY HISTORY
The Fleet Air Arm Museum provides an insight into naval aviation history and is an interesting place to visit.
Robert did try to lead everyone in through the back gate - following his GPS and we all know how that works.
On arrival it was discovered that the café was no longer open - and hadn’t been for two years - so far that’s two fines to Robert.
The museum houses a nice collection of aircraft and memorabilia. Ron had a go on the helicopter simulator - crashing into the ocean more than once. No-one else was game.
Then it was on to lunch - Robert redeemed himself by finding a pub that served good food - even though we arrived almost on bistro closing time.

AT THE END OF THE DAY
Things seemed to fall apart on the ride home.
A fuel stop in Berry which was almost a parking lot then separated by traffic the group became a disjointed one.
A miscommunication saw Bruce unable to get off the freeway so he waved as he passed by and Tony believed that Alan was ahead of him so the exit was missed by him also.
A misunderstanding of directions saw three riders head up to Robertson while Robert and Stewart headed up Macquarie Pass. Unfortunately the pass was closed due to a motorcycle fatality involving three bikes and a car so Robert and Stewart were detoured around it.
Tony, Leo and Ron and Julie made their way home via an alternate route.
There was a near miss for Ron and Julie as a car pulled out from the Illawarra Fly turn off, and again in the servo at Silverdale.
The weather was good, the company great and the destination interesting but at the end of the day - 7 pm for some of us - it was a relief to get off the bike.

Thanks to Robert for organizing and getting us there and back - well almost.
Hope he remembers to bring his wallet to the next meeting.

Question of the day:
Who thought he was being clever and parked his bike alongside a small fence in the shade?
Lucky he did as the bike was leaning on the fence because the side stand had sunk in the dirt.

This week's Wednesday ride the 17th of February.

I arrived at the usual time of eight thirty at McDonalds' to find Franz Garde, and seven other riders already there and the ride would be to Avon dam the weather conditions for to-day were 25 in the city to 29 in the west and and buckley's chance of any rain.

So we headed off at 9:00 AM down the hill to mulgoa road where we turned right and headed out through Silverdale, around the back roads and on to Thirlmere where we stopped for morning tea the ride across the top of the ridge was exceptionally good and the rain that we have had has really greened the countryside, the air was crisp and clean, we stopped at Thirlmere at approximately ten thirty had morning tea and then continued on to the Avon dam, we arrived there at approximately eleven thirty so we rode down to the dam wall and then walked across the dam wall itself, it is built like the pyramids with laid blocks of sandstone stacked on top of one another to build the wall, the dam was built in 1921 and finished in 1929 and its water flow goes to prospect reservoir.

When you ride into the dam itself, it is quite surprising how far the ride is into the wall and the parking amenities, this is my first time to visit the Avon dam as it has only just been reopened in the last few months and it is well worth a ride in as usual all the dams amenities were spotlessly clean and tidy and there was an MG car club there so we did not have it all to ourself.

While having lunch with Franz Garde, Les Welch, David Evans, Peter Morris, Richard Mason, David Campbell, Noel Harris, and our visitor Malcolm Kerry, from the Nepean branch, in the top shelter we looked up to see John Mccrae ride in on his new bike it is a 2008 model Yamaha 1300 pearl white paint, with aftermarket shocks and exhaust system and also a small wind screen on the front, and it really is a great looking bike I hope it brings you many joyous miles john or I should say kilometers, so now if you see a Grey, Nomadic, Ulysseian, riding a white Yamaha, you'll know it is John.

After telling our usual jokes and stories and a bit of reminiscing about the good old days we headed off to Warragamba observation tower for afternoon tea but on the way, their

a few of the riders David Evans, and John Mccrae, and Noel Harris, who had some other things to do and left us to go their own way.

We stopped at Warragamba and from the observation deck and you could see where the damn water had risen quite a considerable amount the conditions had got quite warm so we decided that we would not have afternoon tea there and would make our own way home so after saying our goodbyes, I headed off for home with Les Welch and David Campbell following, I arrived home at approximately 4:10 after having done 200 kilometres for the day's ride.

I know there are quite a few of you Ulysseians that are leaving for Albany either this this weekend for next weekend, and I wish you all well last ride report and I do the same again.

I speak for all the Wednesday riders, we all hope you have a wonderful time and take care and ride safe.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

Wednesday, February 10
This week's Wednesday ride on the 10th of February, was too Bowral lookout. We would stop at the Burragorang valley lookout for morning tea have lunch at Bowral and then come back to Picton for afternoon tea.

The weather conditions for to-day would be 27° C in the city and 35° C in the west.

We left at 9:00 AM and headed down two Mulgoa road where we turned right and out through Silverdale on to the oaks and then out to the lookout when you look down into the valley you could see the water had risen quite a considerable amount, better still an undeliverable view from up on the lookout now as the work they did their last year really makes it a worthwhile stop.

We finished morning tea and headed around the back roads down to Bowral lookout where we stopped for lunch, I had not been there before and it is quite a good lookout one viewing station looks to the south west and there are toilets and the amenities there for you, the other viewing platform looks to the north north west, we spent a little bit of time there taking photos, or some of us did as it is a bit hard to take photos if you do not have a camera.

The trip down was really great and it was nice and cool heading down through the hinterlands, we had six riders the ride was led by Franz Garde, followed by Richard Mason, David Campbell, Peter Morris, myself ,and tail end Charlie was Noel Harris.

After lunch and looking at bowral from the viewing platforms we left , headed down the hill to Moss vale through moss vale and on to Berrima then on to the old Hume highway and back to Mittagong, Colo vale, Hilltop, Buxton, Thirlmere, then on to Picton where we stopped for afternoon tea, we stopped at memorial park just opposite the pub, and the sound of the cicadas in the trees were deafening, so we had afternoon tea and said our goodbyes and headed for home, the mornings run was a lot cooler than the trip home. I arrived home at saint Marys at approximately four thirty after having done just done 310 kilometres for the day's ride,

It was just as well that Franz knew the way home as I was completely disoriented, I did not have my GPS and when I looked the birds had eaten all of the bread crumbs that I dropped on the way down, but I had complete faith in Franz as I am sure that on some of the runs he takes us, he does a reconnaissance run, and we all appreciate his ride leading.

I would like to take the opportunity, to wish all you fellow Ulysseians that are riding and travelling to Albany to have a really wonderful time and a safe trip and all the Wednesday riders do likewise, take care and ride safe.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

Three Day Ride

Hello fellow riders, this is my ride report of a a three day trip to the Nabiac Motorcycle Museum, we left on the 1st of February at 9:00 AM from the Whitewater stadium at Penrith, the weather conditions that were forecast where for the chance of possible showers everyday,

So I had spoken to a friend of mine who informed me that there was a new product available for people that ride motorbikes in the wet weather, it is called Shew rain and comes in a spray on can and it is only available through word of mouth, so I got hold of two cans and gave us all a good spray before we left, and believe me the weather looked fairly animus

Our first stop would be at Wiseman's ferry for morning tea and we arrived there at approximately 11:00 AM , we had morning tea no rain as yet and then continued on across the ferry down to Spencer and up to mangrove mountain where we stopped at the service station that the gentleman does the Sculptures in metal and also does some timber work as well, that quite interesting to look at and I took quite a few photos as I have done in the past.

I had filled with fuel at Wiseman's ferry and Noel and Peter Morris had plenty of fuel so we continued on to Cessnock where we stopped for lunch, the conditions for riding were excellent as it was overcast and we had a little bit of breeze quite cool to ride in, from their we continued on to Maitland through Maitland and out to Clarence town and then through Dungog.

We we're going to go another way but decided that this was the best, we rode through Dungog and on to Stroud road where we stopped for afternoon tea.

We then continued on through Gloucester and down through the valley into Nabiac where we booked in at the Nabiac hotel it was $66.00 for the family room so three of us stayed in one room we had dinner at the pub and a couple of drinks and then hit the cot as we were fairly tired after having done 400 kilometres for the day's ride.

There was no problems with snoring or anything else and we all had a reasonably good night's sleep we awoke early and packed our gear, then rode just across the road to a coffee shop where we had raisin toast and coffee for breakfast,

We arrived at the museum at just after 9:00 AM and when we walked in, we were amazed at the amount of motorcycles that were there, speaking to the lady that owns the museum with her husband Margaret, she was telling me that they have a Vincent motorcycle there that was built for Vincent himself and they purchased it for $28,000 and at that particular time of their life they did not have any cash so they re leased things and borrowed money to purchase it, then six months later she was offered $65,000 for it but it is in the museum and is not for sale.

We probably spent 3 to 4 hours going through the museum and it is mind-boggling the amount of different motorcycles that they do have and there were some that I owned when I was younger, but they did not have a couple of the bikes I had had, Although they had a morone little BSA Bantom my second bike, I also had a Norton 500 single cylinder that they did not have but they had one that was similar Peter Morris and myself purchased a couple of T shirts and we sat outside and had a cup of coffee before we left.

We stopped down the road and had lunch, and our next destination was back to Dungog where we were booked in at the royal hotel for the evening, it still looked very much like rain as we headed back to Gloucester , as you wind your way through the valleys and up the mountains , just before we got to Gloucester there were two really large Wedge Tailed Eagles' soaring looking for prey, they really looked magnificent in the sky , I thought to myself it is such a shame that these birds are now an endangered species.

Just as we were coming into Gloucester their road was wet with rain, and I thought we were going to get drowned as we rode through the puddles , so we turned left at Gloucester and decided that we would stop at Wards River , it is only a small town but had a nice little Amenity park on the left-hand side heading south. We stopped there for quite awhile because we could see rain in the distance and it was raining like a mad women possest, We really thought we would get wet so we sat for a while and then decided to set off for Dungog again.

While we were sitting there and twin engine Diesel train came past laden with coal with another engine pushing it, we all commented on I wonder where that is goingwith all that coal on board as we thought there are no shipping ports power stations where it was heading, it is only a trivial thing but we were all wondering.

Before we headed off a Dungog I thought we would have another spray of the magic stuff, to stop us from getting wet so away we went, We arrived up at Dungog about 4:30 PM and booked in at the royal hotel showered and then went for a walk down the street.

We were so fortunate that we could park our motorcycles in the garage at the back of the hotel so they were parked and locked, While we were sitting having dinner at the hotel down came rain and it was really quite heavy and we thought we would get drowned the following day on our trip home.

The food was good and we had a few drinks and a few games pool, and I find the more you drink the better you get, but something must have been wrong with my thinking because I did not improve, anyhow we had a good night, as we all had separate rooms and it was $40.00 per person per night, the food was very good and it was about the same price that you would for any where else, the things that we all noticed was the vegetables were fresh as they will locally grown.

We awoke fairly early in the morning and had breakfast that was supplied by the hotel in the dining room by the time we packed our gear it would have been approximately 8:00 AM when we headed off to singleton from Dungog to Patterson then through Gresford and then on to singleton where I refueled and we had morning tea, it was only about 10:15 AM when we left singleton and headed back down the putty road. I still thought we were going to get drowned so I just before we left I gave Noel and Peter and myself are good squirt of Shew rain, then we headed off and it was really a great ride the along the putty road heading south east, we actually had fantastic conditions on the whole trip and as we headed past the burned out building of the halfway house we did get a shower but it was still not heavy enough for us to put our wet weather gear on we stopped down a little bit further at the rest area and had some lunch.

We then saddled up again and headed to north Colo were we stopped to refuel Peter had a coffee and we thought we would wait just wait a little bit, because we could see the rain heading slightly southwest from where we were., We headed on to Wilberforce where Noel refueled and it was there that we said our goodbyes and headed back through Windsor Noel went down through Richmond Peter and I went straight ahead and Peter onto the northern road and, I turned left along Blacktown road and then around the back road to st Marys.

We really had a terrific trip and the three of us look forward to the next one, for those who did not come you missed a great three days and three days of excellent company.

I will be doing a DVD of the museum and the trip etc., If you would like a copy, I would only be too happy to give you one , if any of you are interested in the new product called Shew rain please do not hesitate to contact me.

I arrived home at approximately 20 minutes past two after having done about 810 kilometres for the ride, and I immediately washed my bike and put it away. Can't have a dirty bike.

Regards Eric Baldwin

January 27
Well this week's ride, on the 27th of January because of the weather conditions, that were forecast for to-day we decided that we would just ride to the blue mountains, under Franz Gardes supervision as he knows the area a lot better than I do.

Temperature forecast for to-day was 28° in the city and 35-38° in the west.

We left at 9:00 AM from Maccas at Blaxland and the ride was led by Franz Garde, followed by myself, David Campbell, John Mccrae, Peter Morris, and our usual tail end Charlie rider Noel Harris.

We wound our way up the great western highway and around the back ways through to Wentworth falls where we stopped for morning tea the conditions were quite cool and comfortable , looking out over the lookout from Wentworth falls it was really misty but the view was still quite good and there were quite a considerable amount of tourists' up there on tourist buses, I was really quite surprised how many people visit the blue mountains daily but then again I suppose we take it all for granted as it is really is at our back door, and I suppose it's just like everything else it is under your nose and you don't even see it there.

After morning tea we headed up around past echo point to stop there to admire the view it really is a magnificent sight after our viewing there we continued on to Evans lookout where we had lunch. Unfortunately at that particular lookout there is not a great deal of seating, so we sat on the rail and had lunch.

After lunch we rode back down the highway where we would stop at the Salvation army corps at Springwood to have a look at the aboriginal carvings out the back of the main building, we received a nice reception there and were asked if we would like to have afternoon tea , we declined the offer as my sole is too far gone to be saved we then continued down to have a look at the carvings I think there are two Emus two Kangaroos and a Portuguese sailing vessel that is gaffe rigged and down in the corner is a a carving of a small union jack.

This was quite interesting to me, as being an old salt of the sea, I had read stories were the Portuguese had discovered Australia anywhere up to 300 years before captain cook arrived here, and I've also read another book where they had landed in Tasmania 200 years before it was discovered they were actually ship wrecked there, and they interbreed with the aboriginals.

We said our goodbyes about 3:15 PM and I continued back down the highway and back down Bathurst road through to saint Marys were I arrived home at approximately four thirty, after having done 171 kilometres for the day's ride, I arrived back at saint Marys it was really hot and you could feel the heat coming off the road, so I was kind of glad that we had only gone for a short ride up in the cool area.

Well that was this week's ride and tomorrow Monday the first of February we will be heading up to Nabiac for a three day ride.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

January 20

Well this week's ride, the weather forecast was 25°Celsius in the city 34° in the west, so Franz Garde had suggested that we ride to Bundeena, there was a little bit of a discussion as some of the riders wanted to go to Wattamalla and some to Bundeena, so it was decided that we would go to Bundeena.

We had a large role up of riders for the day, Franz Garde would lead the ride, followed by a Les Welch, Allen Rochester, John Allison, Peter Morris, myself Noel Harris, Andrew Hall, Andrew Jakeman, Robin Coop, Dennis Reardon, Guy Dernee, with Ross Pearson, and John Mcrae, and Peter Butler, turning up for a social visit.

We left at 9:00 AM and headed down the hill to mulgoa road where we turned right, and John Butler turned left to attend to his other commitments, we headed out along Mulgoa road through Silverdale and continued on through Rossmore down past the rebels Bikie club, I was nearly going to turn right and drop in for chat but I thought the better of it.

Then we went on to the M7 and then the M5 were we turned off there and went onto the Heathcoat road where we continued on to turn right,at the Pacific Highway to have morning tea at Heathcoat.

They were still discussing at morning tea, Bundeena or Wattamalla, so we headed off down the Pacific highway to Waterfall where we turned left and headed down through the national park where we stopped at the tollgate and the Ranger asked us where we were going Franz informed them that we're going to wattamalla and a park ranger on the gate said $11.00 entry fee so we pulled off to the left of and once they mentioned $11.00 we were all going to Bundeena.

On arriving at Bundeena they rode down to the ferry wharf and had a quick look around there and then headed back to the park minus three riders who went to the club for lunch, because they had not brought any lunch with them, so that meant that the group was now split into two.

We had lunch in the park and just as we were about to leave the other group of three headed off before us, so we packed our gear up and headed off to go back to Heathcoat for afternoon tea it was really pleasant riding through the national park and it was nice and cool and as we came up and passed the turnoff to Old Bar one of our group had a petrol problem, so after about three quarters of an hour we fixed that problem and headed off to catch the others who had gone ahead of us and would wait for us at the park at Heathcoat.

On arriving there we had our afternoon tea said our goodbyes and thanked one another for the company and headed off home we came back through Rossmoore and back onto the Northern road where you could really start to feel the difference in the temperature, were rode along to the Wallicia turn off where three of us turned right and I headed around the back roads into St Marys When I pulled up at a set of traffic lights I could feel the heat coming off the engine and I reckon it was over 40°as the heat was actually burning my leg,

I arrived home at approximately 4.30pm after having done 280 kilometres for the day's ride.

We had a good day and I'm sure everybody enjoyed themselves.

So that was this week's ride, I hope you did enjoy yourself and I look forward to next time.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

January 13

Well this week's ride, the weather conditions were not really good for riding, as the temperature forecast for to-day was 28 in the city and up to 36° C in the west.

So I arrived at my usual time at Maccas to find Franz Garde, David Campbell, John Allison, Les Welch, and arriving just after me John Mccrae, Franz Garde had suggested that we go to the Train Museum at Valley Heights, and would lead the ride ,then have lunch at the park at EMU plains Rowing Club at the northern end of the park. And after lunch we would visit the Japanese Sake factory. Franz had arranged a tour through the train museum as they are not usually a open on Wednesday, and our guide for to-day was also a member of the Ulysses club, and he rides with the Penrith branch.not that I would hold that against him he is a great bloke and really knows all about steam Engines. The fee for the tour through the museum was $2.00 , if you were a pensioner , I had to show ID again.

We left at 9:00 AM, and headed down through Mitchell's pass through EMU plains and onto Castleraigh Rd then along to Agnes banks, where we turned left and headed up the Hawksbury Valley road, it was only a short ride to-day so that is why we went the way we did.

Arriving at valley Heights Train Museum at approximately 10:15 AM we had our morning tea on arrival, and then met Peter, who was to give us our guided tour of the museum, it was quite an interesting one and a half hours that we spent there ,and there is a small building that houses quite a considerable amount of paintings, that are on loan to the museum from a gentleman called Neil Cram, who I believe is a solicitor in Penrith. So that is just as some sort of an example, of different people having a different hobbies and collections. We ride motorbikes and sometimes I don't understand why there aren't more people doing it, but to each his own.

It was extremely hot while we were there and I just could not believe the heat in the shed where the trains were, I came out and sat down on one of the benches and my shirt was Sopping wet from perspiration, so I just sat on the bench and waited for the guys to finish their tour.

We then headed back down the hill down Old Bathurst road where we would stop at EMU plains rowing club for lunch I reckon the temperature in the park had reached 40° C and I really was feeling the heat, it was not a real good day to be out riding motorcycles.

We finished our lunch and then headed around to the Sake factory, we arrived there at approximately one thirty Where we were met by Franz Gardes parents and they had bought along their next door neighbor as a guest, the admission for the tour was $3.00 I had to show ID "Again", and the gentleman that took us on the tour, was telling us that there was a huge amount of Ulysses members that went through the Sake factory when the general meeting was on.

It was quite interesting to do this tour and when we finished we did sample some Sake and some plum wine, I kind of liked the plum wine, as it reminded me of a woman nice to look at and quite sweet, and in my opinion it really tasted good, after a sampling of the wines or I should say Sake, we said our goodbyes and I headed home arriving at approximately 3:30 PM after having done 100 kilometers for the day's ride.

We are still trying to put a ride together up to Nabiac motorcycle Museum, it is a three day ride where we'll stay at nabiac the first night then visit the museum, then ride back to Dungog where we will stay in a hotel, and the next day from there we will go to Singleton

and back down the putty road.

If you are interested we would like to know your participation by the end of next weekend so we can organize accommodation.

I'm sure if you come along if you will enjoy the ride and the company, you need to do it now because you never know what will happen next week.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

January 6

Well I hope you had a wonderful new year and you got all the Xmas presents that you wished or asked for, if you didn't then the reason was because you were BAD through the year.

Wednesday, the 6th of January and I arrived at McDonalds' at eight forty five to find a seven riders there and we were going to the Small arms museum at Lithgow Franz Garde would lead the ride followed by myself John Allison, David Campbell, Curtis Ruhnau, Allen Rochester, Noel Harris and Steve Lear, this was the first time Steve had been with us and I think about the third ride that Curtis had been with us, and it was good to have their company.

We left at 9:00 AM and headed up along the great western highway to Springwood and down the Hawkesbury Valley road to Agnes banks where we turned left and went through North Richmond up the bells line road on to Bilpin where we stopped for morning tea, the weather conditions were really good and it was really comfortable going down the Hawkesbury Valley road,

After morning tea, we headed off to Lithgow and we would arrive there at approximately eleven thirty, the admission fare to the small arms museum was $8.00 and $6.00 if you were a pensioner I had to show ID again, cause they all reckon I look to young, we opted for a guided tour and I was glad we did be course there was a lot of rifles and pistols. You know drink all night and pistol dawn. I have always been interested in pistols and rifles, and I never realized how many different makes and types there were, I think in the pistol section upstairs there were over 900 handguns and in one case alone there were 40 handguns with a valuation of over five million dollars and they belonged to an 83 year old gentleman that had given them to the museum for exhibition.

I suppose our visit to the small arms factory would have taken about an hour and a half, we then went down to the memorial park and had lunch in a lovely shaded spot, after lunch we headed back up the bells line of road where we would stop for afternoon tea on the left-hand side just past the missing link, I suppose we were there about three pm so after we had had our afternoon tee we said our goodbyes and down the hill we came back to Richmond where I continued on along Castleraigh road to arrive home at approximately 4.30 pm after having done approximately 254 kilometers for the day's ride.

We had a great day and a great ride, and it is well worth going to the museum to look at. We were told they are still manufacturing rifles there and also doing some repairs we were told that they now employ staff 40 people compared to 600 people that were employed there during the Second World War. It is a shame to see this decline in labor but that is supposed to be progress, makes you wonder especially when I saw on the box that they now have a train system in China doing 300 kilometers per hour and anything under 1000 kilometers is quicker than Planes.

Some of the information that I gathered, The old single shot Lithgow rifle used to sell for 2 pounds five shillings. I gathered a lot didn't I.

Well that was our ride to Lithgow hope you enjoyed my report.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

December 29

This week's ride, the weather conditions were 24° in the city up to 29 in the west with the possible chance of an occasional shower, we met at McDonalds'at 8:30 AM and there was not a cloud in the sky.

So Franz Garde had suggested that we go to Wirrimbirra Sanctury, we had five riders Franz Garde led the ride followed by Les Welch, myself, Peter Morris, and Noel Harris, John Mccrae had turned up to wish us a merry Christmas and happy new year which was much appreciated,

We left at 9:00 AM and headed down the hill to mulgoa road around the back roads of Picton and the Oaks where we would stop at Menangle for morning tea, after morning tea and much discussion of our Christmas activities, we left there and headed around the back roads of Douglas park and arrived at the old Wirrimbirra sanctuary at approximately eleven thirty were we would have lunch there were two cars in the parking area and it was a little bit difficult to back your bike in. As the gravel in the car park was quite slippery under foot, and the parking area was not very big so Noel and Franz decided to park down the back area. There was only one other vehicle in this area and there was heaps of room.

We had our lunch and the donation of a gold coin to walk around and look at the sanctuary, so we donated our coin walked around and looked at the Kangaroos and Wallabies and Emus and birds, there were three dingoes in another enclosure and I walked around the back to have a look to another gate that was opened, and a voice from down at the kiosk loudly advised me that we were not allowed to walk around there, so I walked back down the hill to pack up and leave I noticed that the lovely old lady from the kiosk had walked down and put a sign up almost alongside Franz and Noels bikes, saying this area was only for staff parking. I had a really big chuckle to myself and I thought how petty anyone could be, but then again I suppose that's life, and I must stay calm and watch my blood pressure, because if this is all I have to worry about then I do not have any problems.

We left there and our intentions were to go to the new lookout at Warragamba dam so we followed Franz around the back roads and at one stage I thought we were going to Burragorang dam but we ended up coming back around through the oaks and then out to Warragamba to the new viewing area, it is quite interesting and is well worth the visit they have a video running in the lecture room and it was nice clean air conditioned and the amenities there are great.

After saying our goodbyes and wishing everybody a happy new year I headed home following Les Welch around the back roads of St Marys, arriving home at approximately 4:30 PM after having done 250 kilometers for the day's ride, the weather conditions for the day's ride ended up perfect no rain no showers and it was quite cool riding around the back roads.

This week we will we going to Lithgow to the small arms factory weather permitting.

So I hope you will have a very happy and prosperous new year and I wish you all the best.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

Wednesday, the 23rd of December and the last ride before Christmas the temperature forecast for to-day was 27° in the city and 38° in the west. So on arriving at McDonalds' at approximately eight fifteen I met with 10 other riders and it was discussed that we would ride to the Mining museum at Lithgow,

The ride was led by Franz Garde, followed by Les Welch, David Campbell, myself, John Allison, Allen Rochester, Richard Mason, Peter Morris, John Mccrae and our tail end Charlie was Noel Harris,

We left at 9:00 AM and headed up to Springwood then down the Hawksbury Valley road through North Richmond and up through Kurrajong were we stopped for morning tea at Bilpin, it was quite warm as we headed up the bells line of road, after having morning tea in the shaded area of the Bilpin fruit bowl, we then headed off to arrive at Lithgow at approximately 12:00 AM.

We reached the museum, and the entry free was $3.00 per person if you were retired or a senior and I had to show my ID again, it happens to me all the time as they reckon I am too young. We opted for a guided tour the person that took us for the tour was very pleasant and explained everything we needed to know, I personally found it very interesting, as I was unaware of really what goes on in the underground mines and I had no idea of what the early Miners went through when they were extracting coal, I still find it very hard to believe what they used to have to do and even what they do do now with all the latest machinery, I believe most of it now is controlled from up above buy computers cameras etc.

We had lunch there and then left about 2:00 PM as the tour took a bit longer than we expected, so after lunch we headed back up the bells line of road where we stopped at Bilpin again for afternoon tea. We had a reasonably shortstop wished one another a Merry Christmas and then we headed for home I arrived home at approximately 5:00 PM after having done 250 km for the day's ride. We had a great ride, and when you read this report I hope you had a very merry Christmas and I wish you all the best for the new year.

We will be riding again on Wednesday and according to the weather conditions they should be good. I look forward to this week's ride as once again I think how lucky I am to be a able to do it.

Regards Eric Baldwin

This week's ride the 16th of December, we had already decided that we would go to Jenolan Caves, and the weather forecast for to-day was 25° in the city to 38° in the the west with the with a possible thunderstorm so we left Mcdonalds at 9:00 AM with 10 riders in hand, the ride was led by Franz Garde followed by myself John Allison, Peter Morris, Rod Brigham, David Campbell, John Mccrae, Allen Rochester, Ross Pearson, with Noel Harris at the rear as our tail end Charlie.
We stopped at the service station to the turnoff to lake Lyell for morning tea and after morning tea, headed out through Tarana then around the back roads into Oberon and then on to Jenolan caves coming in by the `back way, we arrived there at about eleven thirty and had lunch, Franz Garde had gone to the trouble to prepare sandwiches and drinks for everybody, he carried this in his saddle bags of his Beama, so we thought that was a great gesture from Franz and was much appreciated by everybody and I would like to thank you personally Franz.
After lunch I left a little bit earlier than the others to film them coming through the archway, but unfortunately David Campbell turned left instead of right and continued back up the hill the way we had come in, so Peter Morris john Mccrea and myself continued on and the others turned back to find David we had agreed to meet them at the garage at the turnoff to lake Lyell, we arrived back their 3/4 hour before they did and we had our afternoon tea there,
We then left for home at approximately three thirty with a eight riders as Ross Pearson had gone back in the morning and Rod Brigham went a different way home as he had an other commitment to fulfill.
It had really gotten warm out their when we left, and I reckon the temperature was up to about 38° 45° C in the sun, but it was quite pleasant coming up through Katoomba as it was cooler Noel Harris was leading the ride coming back and we did get caught in some heavy traffic, coming up Mount Victoria I passed Franz Garde with John Allison behind me we continued on back down the highway where I turned left and went down bold Bathurst road, I arrived home at approximately five twenty five after having done 325 kilometres for the day's ride, there will be one more ride before Christmas and everybody that went this week was keen to go again next week so we should have a reasonable role up.
Well that was this week's ride in brief, and I look forward to next week.
Regards Eric Baldwin.

Wednesday, the 9th of December.

We had 11 riders turn up at McDonalds'on Wednesday morning, the weather conditions for to-day were 25° in the city and 30° in the west, so it was decided that we would go to fitzroy dam for a ride.

We left at 9:00 AM with nine riders as Ross Pearson and his friend Phil had come up for a social visit and to collect a DVD of the ride to Cowra, so nine of us left and headed down the hill to mulgoa road we continued on out through the back roads out through Silverdale and then down to Picton for morning tea.

Franz Garde led the ride followed by Les Welch, Allen Sanderson, Peter Morris, Eric Baldwin, David Campbell, John Mccrae, John Allison, and tail Charlie was Noel Harris. We continued on down through Bargo and then around the back roads down to fitzroy dam where we would stop for lunch coming down through the southern Highlands was really cold it was quite amazing, actually after having spent two or three days with 40° temperatures and then to find that you had put a sloppy Joe on underneath your jacket to keep warm, after lunch we headed around the back roads into Robinson for a fuel stop and then around the back of Robertson back to Thirlmere where we stopped for afternoon tea they are doing quite a considerable amount of work on the train museum at Thirlmere and all the trains were stacked up down the line.

In the morning when we had written to Picton john mccrae left us there as he had to go to the north shore so we only had eight riders for the day's ride.

After afternoon tea we said our goodbyes and headed home, having done approximately 300 K's ride for the day the weather conditions were of course great just a little bit on the cold side, but everybody seemed have a good time.

On Thursday night I rang most of our usual Wednesday riders to see if anyone would be interested on going for a ride on Friday Les Welch, John Allison, and Noel Harris, put their hands up so we decided that we would go for a ride to Tallawah dam so we met at 9:00 AM at the Wallacia pub it was a great day and the weather conditions for the day were maximum 30°so down through the Highlands it was blowing like mad and it was quite cool when we stopped at Bargo for morning tea,It blew the top off my cuppachino so Noel nearly got hit by a flying froth,

After morning tea we headed down the backroads , down to kangaroo valley and then out to Tallawah dam where we would stop for lunch, it is quite interesting at the the dam as they have a fish catcher installed it is abasket that attracts fish to bring up over the dam wall on their migrating trip, on talking to one of the guys there that was servicing the the system, he told me that it has cost $20,000,000 for this upgrade so that the fish can travel up the river and I asked him how many would come over in the basket at a time and he informed me that somewhere up to 2000 fish, as they have a similar system in one of the dam's in Queensland,

I was also surprised at the amount of Monetary Lizards that were walking around the park, you could get quite close to these and there were a couple of guys fishing and informed me that these lizards were a pest as they were pinching his bait, it was still blowing like mad while we were there so we had lunch rode back to kangaroo valley where I filled up and Noel Harris led the ride back home as we went back through Berrima and I did Not know the way, we stopped again at Thirlmere for afternoon tea and then said our goodbyes and headed for home,

I arrived home at about 5:00 PM after having done 350 km for the ride. And I sure slept well that night.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

Attached is photo of the group that went to Cowra.

Wednesday December 2nd

Well this week's ride we had nine riders and we assembled at McDonalds'at glenbrook at about eight thirty, the weather conditions were for the day a possible shower but mainly fine temperature would be approximately 25° C in the west. After much discussion we decided that we would go to the missing link restaurant coffee lounge just before you get to Bilpin, and then we would continue on up the hill till we got to the causeway turn left and head back down stopping at Govetts leap for lunch.

Franz Garde led the ride followed by a Les Welch, Allen Rochester, David Campbell, David Evans, Doug Bourke, Peter Morris, myself and Noel Harris, so at 9:00 AM we headed up the hill to Springwood and down the Hawksbury road down to Agnes banks and then around a little back road and up through Richmond were we stopped at the missing link for morning tea, it is really a nice spot to stop and their are a lot amenities and gardens there for people to look at and he's really trying hard to get this up and going and was talking to us about having movies running all day long on bike riding etc, we stayed there for about 3/4 hour as it was nice and cool and pleasant.

We left there and headed up along the bells line road until we got to the causeway then we continued left and down the highway to stop at Govetts leap for lunch, David Campbell took his lunch from his pannier it was a sandwich wrapped in allfoil, and he placed it on his seat while we walked over to the lookout to have a brief look, and the magpies and crow attacked it and within a matter of minutes it was gone we all had a good laugh as they even ate his muisli bar.

After lunch we said our goodbyes and headed back down the great western highway, I arrived home about 230 after having done 200 K's as we were all tired from our trip to Cowra on Monday I will give you a brief report on that ride.

We had eight riders we left from Glenbrook to Cowra on Monday morning the weather conditions were for showers so we left at 9:00 AM Franz Garde led the ride followed by Ross Pearson, Peter Morris Les Welch, Rod Brigham, Noel Harris, Allen Rochester, and Alan Sanderson, and myself we stopped at Lithgow for morning tea and then decided that we would go too Mount Panorama at Bathurst and do a lap of the circuit and head for Blayney where we would stop for lunch.

On our way from Lithgow to Bathurst we hit rain and nobody had their wet weather gear on and it was freezing cold and came down in buckets so we all got drowned but by the time we got to Mount Panorama we were dry so we did the usual thing around the circuit and then headed for Blayney where we had lunch,

It was blowing a S westerly and it was cold when we headed for Cowra. About 25 clicks out of Cowra we got rained on again but this time we had our wet weather gear on although that did not help a great deal as Ross Pearson had forgot to bring his. So when we arrived and booked in at the cabins in the caravan park at Cowra Ross was the first to use the dryers it stopped raining then so we parked our bikes and made ourselves reasonably comfortable, then we decided that would would go up to the ex service men's club for dinner it was really good value chicken schnitzel for $5 50 but you had to be a senior, I was forced to show some identification as they reckon I look to young.

After dinner we talked for a while told a few yarns at the club a few of the guys had a beer and then have we walked back down the hill to the caravan park where I don't think any of us really had a good night's sleep.

We were all up early in the morning, so we loaded all their gear on to the bikes and headed out to wyangalla dam where we would stop for morning tea, it really was a great ride out there and the conditions were absolutely near perfect just a little bit on the chilly side with blue sky everywhere, arriving at the park's entrance I walked in and spoke to the lady behind the reception desk and told her that we were Ulysses members and we would only be staying for a short period. So they waived the entrance fee of $3.00.

There were kangaroos everywhere I don't think I have seen so many kangaroos in that park. We had morning tea went up to the top lookout then made our way back down to the offers were we would start and take a couple of photographs with the lady that had led us in for free.

We headed off from the dam back through Woodstock and then on to Blayney and around the back roads to Neville where we stopped and looked at the train museum may have their it was quite interesting and then we headed back to Blayney to the pie shop for lunch.

After filling with fuel we head and around the back roads into Bathurst and then back to Lithgow where we would stop for afternoon tea looking at the clouds in the sky it looked like we would be in for some rain going over the mountain's, when we got to Katoomba we could see it running in the distance, so we stopped and Noel Harris and Allen Rochester donned their wet weather gear Franz Garde had continued on down the highway and ran into heavy rain you said it was heavier than the rain we experienced on the way to Cowra but fortunately the extra 10 minutes it took us to get dressed, the rain had passed on and all I got was my news wet on my jeans.

I arrived home and approximately 5:00 after having done 625 kilometres for the two day's ride, everyone said they had a great time and we intend to do another one at the end of January.

Enclosed is a photograph of us at Cowra Dam.

Regards Eric Baldwin

Wednesday, November 25

Well this week's ride the conditions forecast would be perfect for a Wednesday ride, so I arrived at McDonalds' at eight fifteen and parked in the usual spot there were a couple of riders already there Franz Garde was there Noel Harris was there and Ross Pearson,John McRae and Peter Morris arrived about eight thirty five and then Les Welch so we waited till 9:00 AM and nobody else turned up so we decided that we would go to Penrith Dam for the ride stopping at Nattai lookout for morning tea on the way,

Ross Pearson led the ride and unfortunately Noel Harris and Franze Garde would not come with us due to other commitments and the fact that Noel Harris's bike was being repaired, so off we went down Lapstone Hill to mulgoa road and out along mulgoa road to Wallacia where we turned left and headed out through bents basin, but Peter wanted to get there quickly so he went out to Silverdale, so we continued on past Bents basin down to the northern road we turned right and then turned right again through, Cobberty in to Camden and then we continued on out to Nattai lookout to catch up with Peter where we had morning tea this is really a great spot now and the view is magnificent.

We then headed out through Thirlmere around the back roads down through hilltop where we turned left their and continued around the back roads to arrive at Penrith dam where we had lunch. They are doing some work on the wall of the dam so you can only have access to the top picnic area. We had lunch and Ross Pearson had to get back to do some work on his daughter's car so he left us there.

We decided that we would go back through the oaks and have afternoon tea there, so we did this on the ride back the conditions were excellent almost perfect maybe just a little bit too warm, we said our goodbyes after afternoon tea and Les Welch and I continued around the back of wallacia on to Elizabeth drive where we turned left and I headed home to Saint Marys arriving home at approximately four thirty after having done 280 kilometres for the day's ride.

There are nine of us heading to Cowra on this Monday, the 30th of November and we will have a one night stay at Cowra and then head back home again on Tuesday so I will give you the report on the ride next week.

One of the reasons I put those reports in is to give the members share my idea of some of the rides we have , they are exceptionally good with great company and very little traffic as we usually go all the back roads I don't think any one of us has been pulled up by the police at anytime and we ride very safe, when I am riding I do get carried away sometimes with a beautiful views that we have, and I think how lucky we are to be able to do this.

So I would like to emphasize that if you have a Wednesday free come along and join us because if you are physically able to do this next week or next month you just gotta make the effort it could be too late too soon, I am 71 years of age and I wish I had started doing this when I was younger, as I'm sure you are all aware of what a great country we have and how Quickly time passes

Molong Motorcycle Awareness ride - Oct 2007

Four bikes with five aboard left Medlow Bath at 8 am sharp on a glorious Sunday morning. There was a learner in the servo at the same time - more on this later.

A short coffee stop at Bowenfels servo - Robert ate inside and we believe it was to hide the apple pie and cream he had for morning tea. See Robert - we didn’t tell anyone!

Off again through Tarana, The Lagoon, Perthville, Newbridge and into Blayney for a toilet stop under what could only be called a strange looking sky. Remember that learner? As we arrived in Blayney he was turning around, turned down the street we were in and turned around again to tag on the back. Seems he had been travelling with friends who had turned off somewhere and he had lost them. He was totally lost so he joined us for the remainder of the ride.

And no it wasn’t raining in Blayney - no matter what anyone tells you. Andrew jinxed us by informing us he hadn’t brought his wets (on a Ron ride of all things!) but Robert saved us by putting the waterproof cover on his tank bag - to save the GPS apparently. Just in case.

Travelling through Orange was a bike lovers dream. Bikes lined the street - many belonging to the Orange Ulysses Mob. But there were quite a few bikes in town and they all started heading out as we were leaving the servo. Bad timing!

Parking was at a premium in Molong so after a lap of the main street we ended up back where we started - guess we were just meant to walk! All except John who was booked in at the pub overnight so he had special parking. There were about 800 or so bikes in town - and it looked like the Harley Davidson support vehicle was there too. (check the photos)

Beer at the middle pub to quench the thirst - that’s when the rain hit (so much for the lambs wool cover on the bike seat!). Seems the only reason they organise this event is to bring the rain! Not really it’s a very important event on the biker’s calendar.

Lunch from one of the local community stands and a wander along the street. We managed to find the late rising BMU group - Jim stopped a bike in the middle of the road and was chatting to the rider - how could we miss that!

Photo under the tree as we avoided the rain, more wandering and a beer at the bottom pub as we discussed the route home. Robert mentioned something about Wellington, then Merriwa and Mudgee but we managed to talk him out of that one. The late risers had disappeared by this time so we assumed they had headed home.

Back into Bathurst - there was a thankful sigh as Ron stopped to discuss the route and there were more sighs after a visit to the loo. Robert took over and we headed through Locksley and into Tarana for a refreshing ale (coffee in my case) before heading back up the mountain and home.

It was a good day, good ride and good company - isn’t that what it’s all about.

Julie

Wednesday ride the 28th of October.

I arrived that McDonalds' at 8:00 AM on Wednesday, the 28th of October and I was the first person there, Alan Sanderson arrived followed by Peter Morris, then Franz Garde, and John Mccrae, Les Welch.

We decided that we would go to cataract dam for the day so we left at 9:00 AM and headed down the highway Following Franz Garde who led the ride onto Mulgoa road, where we turned right and went through Wallacia and around past Bents basin and then on to the old shop at Menangle where we stopped for morning tea after morning tea we headed out around through Douglas park and onto the Appin road and then into the cataract dam where we would have lunch, but have as usual there was hardly anybody there so we walked across the dam wall and it was quite surprising today to look down into the the water and see and long necked turtle and some carp as well as a large dragon lizard, on the way down to the dam I stopped and took a photo of an Echidna walking across the road so we saw a little bit of wildlife to-day.

After lunch we headed back through Picton and made our way out to Nattai lookout and Burragorang, for afternoon tea on arrival at the lookout there was a bus there with the group of people from the Provis Club, there were all happy and friendly and commented on how good the lookout was now.

Looking down the valley from the lookout we could see a huge cloud filled with rain and it was dropping it in the valley and it looked like it was heading our way so we decided to leave, we came back through Silverdale and Les Welch left us at Wallacia, I continued on to mulgoa and headed up to the northern road and then home but on the ride across the ridge to Wallacia you could see the rain on our left and and it was really bucketing down in the mountain's and I thought we were all going to get drowned but fortunately it dissipated and nobody got wet.

We had a great day and the weather conditions were perfect apart from the threatening cloud, I did a total of 270 kilometres for the day and arrived home at approximately four thirty.

On Friday morning the 30th of October I met with Peter Morris at the entrance to Whitewater stadium as I had rang him on Thursday night and he said he was up for a ride so we decided we would go too Mangrove dam, we left at 9:00 AM and we stopped at Wiseman's ferry for morning tea then we continued on up to Mangrove dam where we stopped for lunch and the conditions were absolutely perfect it was really cool riding along from Wiseman's ferry down to Spencer as it was all shaded when we got to mangrove dam for lunch it was starting to get warm as the forecast for the day was 30° C so we had lunch looked at the dam which is a marvelous site and stopped at the service station near the dam turnoff for fuel, there were quite a few bikes there having lunch and last time we were at their I met the guy that does the Sculptures, and when you get around the back of the servo there is quite a lot around there as well, and he lives in the old boat, He is quite an interesting man to talk to and has done quite a lot of sailing in that boat that he is living in at the moment. I have enclosed a photo we then headed back down to Spencer and back up to Wiseman's ferry where we had our afternoon tee and then back through Windsor were I lost Peter in the traffic at Windsor, I arrived home at approximately four thirty after having done 300 kilometres for the day's ride.

So that is another two rides I have done this week according to the weather report we might make another rain free one on Wednesday as we could be lucky again.
Regards Eric Baldwin

This week's ride the 21st of October we met at McDonalds' at Glenbrook at approximately 8:30 AM we had nine riders Franz Garde led the ride followed by Les Welch, Rod Brigham, Allen Rochester, Peter Morris, Paul Sullivan, John Mccrae, Alan Sanderson, and tail end Charlie was myself.

We decided we would go and do the loop up to echo point in the mountain's and then down too Megalong valley where we would stop for morning tea, after morning tea we headed up to Mount York.

When we joined up with the great western highway again John Mccrae left us as he was suffering from the flu. The scenery from the top of Mount York is just breathtaking and the amount of tourists that were there is quite amazing I did not think personally that these places were so popular, I took some photographs looking down into the valley, we then saddled up and headed down Victoria Pass where we would go too Hartley Vale for lunch, there really are some old mining shack's there.

After lunch we headed back through Lithgow and along the bells line road where we stopped at Bilpin for afternoon tea we then said our goodbyes and headed home I arrived home approximately four thirty after having done approximately 250 km, the weather conditions were fantastic it did get a little bit warmer at Lithgow but I was really nice and comfortable riding along the bells line of road.

Peter Morris had spoken to me and suggested a ride on Friday as the weather conditions were reasonably good I spoke to a few of the riders and rang a few of the others that evening and we decided that we would go for a ride on Friday.

We ended up with Les Welch john Mccrea Franze Garde and myself, and we decided that we would ride to Robinson we met at the roundabout just near Glenmore park turnoff on mulgoa road there were only three of us there and we left at eight forty five, the weather conditions were perfect as we headed out the back way to Wallacia and then on to the oaks where we would stop at Thirlmere for morning tea we picked up Franz Garde at the Wallacia Hotel.

I led the ride and it really was so invigorating riding along the top of the ridge To Thirlmere where we stopped for morning tea Franz Garde left us there as he had to go to Wollongong and to get some bits and pieces for his BMW. We continued on around the back roads through Bargo and arrived and Robinson at approximately eleven thirty were we had lunch at the pie shop.

After lunch we headed towards Wollongong and then left to along the tourist road around the back way and back through Bargo and Thirlmere and then continued on out to Nattai Lookout or Burragorang valley as you would know it. They only reopened it at the beginning of this month and a rejuvenation they have done is amazing more tables the car park has been changed some new signs and some new shelters they have cut down a lot of the trees in front of the viewing area to make it more accessible and the view is amazing is well worth looking at or taking a trip out there again now that it has been done.

After afternoon tea we said our goodbyes and headed back to Wallacia Les Welch left us there and John and I headed back along mulgoa road where I left him at mulgoa then I went up to the northern road and home to St Marys I arrived at about four thirty after having done 300 kilometres plus we had a great day and the weather conditions were terrific and and riding around on the back roads through that area really is worth looking at.
Regards Eric Baldwin.

I will endeavour to incorporate the ride we had on the 7th of October and the ride on the 14th of October,

As due to the weather conditions I did not expect to ride on either days, on Wednesday the seventh the weather forecast was for a strong winds and possible showers so I had already rang a couple of riders on the Tuesday evening and told them that I probably would not be going be course of the bad weather.

So when I awoke on the Wednesday morning too blue skies and no wind I made my lunch and headed up to Glenbrook Franz Garde was there and Alan Sanderson, we waited till 9:00 AM and nobody else arrived because of the weather forecast, after a very short discussion we decided that we would ride to Colo and have morning tea and then back to Sackville where we would go across the ferry and around to Windsor for lunch the conditions were not too bad and by the time we got to Windsor the wind had started to pick up a little bit so we had lunch there, then I headed for home to arriving home about 2:00 PM so it was only a short ride but still enjoyable although it was cold.

On Wednesday the 14th of October the weather conditions were supposed to be fine with strong winds and a possible shower so when I arrived at Glenbrook at 8:30 AM Allen Rochester, and Gary Baker were already there at about eight fifty Peter Morris arrived so that meant we had three Harley Davidson's and only one BMW so after a short discussion it was decided that we would go to Halfway house on the Putty road stop in for morning tea at Colo Heights,

We left at 9:00 AM and went up to Springwood down the Hawksbury Valley road across to Richmond and up the bells line road where we turned right and went a long Blacks ridge road through to north Colo where we stopped for morning tea I decided I would fill with fuel there just to be on the safe side, everyone commented at morning tea at the amount of motorcycles that we passed on the putty road and also there was quite a few highway patrol cars we spoke to a couple of Ulysses members of other clubs and some of the riders were heading to wards Phillip Island.

We left there and then we headed up to the Halfway house and on arrival there we found that it had been burned out so we ate our lunch in the paddock on the northern end of the shops,

After lunch and walk around the burned out site we noticed that their was police tape around the burnt off garage as well as fencing so we thought that it may be of suspicious circumstances, we headed back down the putty road with the intentions of having a afternoon tea at north Colo and on the way back I was the last rider and I looked in my mirrors to find a red highway patrol car sitting on sitting on my tail in the 80 kilometer zone I flashed my lights to Peter Morris who was in front of me but he did not see them lucky he does not speed.

When we stopped at Colo Heights for afternoon tea it started to rain and it really got cold so while we were having a coffee the boys' put on their wet weather gear I didn't have mine with me as it was in the garage at home so a fat at lot of good that was going to do me.

Then we looked to the west and the blue sky was appearing so we decided to wait a little bit longer before we left, the cloud cleared and the road road dried off in a matter of minutes, so we said our goodbyes and headed for home I arrived home at approximately four thirty after having done just over 300 kilometers for the day's ride.

It was a great day and we had a great ride. And this week's weather conditions looks like they will be an excellent.

I am going to put a ride together in the next couple of months to go to Cowra and we will stay overnight in either a hotel or the caravan park, depending on discussions that I have with some of our Wednesday riders we will either stay in the town or at Wyangala dam maybe we will stay in town overnight and then continue on out to the dam the following day and then back home and I would also like to put another ride together with an overnight stay at the aberombie caves maybe a two night stay there sure that you can have a look at the caves one day, if you are interested and you would like to contact me on any of this you can ring me on 0425 260 885 or my email address svminke@hotmail.com I'm only thinking of this at the moment and it will mean a bit of discussion so if you are interested please let me know, because if it is successful I will try and organize a few more of them through the year where we can go way through the week for a couple of days and get away from cutting the grass.Etc.,

Regards Eric Baldwin.

Ride report - Book Barn Sept 20 09

What a glorious day for a ride - seems others thought so to.

Our ride leader Kathy arrived and realised she would have to increase the number for lunch. 13 bikes with 20 people. A few more than expected apparently.

Tony and Bill had both arrived on new bikes so they were the talk of the day and quite possibly fine material. Tim and NIcki joined us for the first time on their Goldwing.

On the road and out through Warragamba to Thirlmere for morning tea where it got quite warm as we enjoyed the always delicious pies and coffee. It was quite busy in town as the steam trains were running so we wound our way out and headed the back way to Mittagong.

It seems it was a good day for car club outings also. The group was separated as some of us had to wait for the twenty or so fords to pass by so we could get out onto the main road. This created a bit of confusion at the lights in town as some of us went left and some went straight.

Robert chased after those who had gone straight but they must have known the way because they were waiting for us at the Book Barn. The resident dogs loved the attention as those not buying books sat in the sun outside. Tony tried to convince us that he had bought book on how to service BMWs (guess what the new bike is) but most didn’t believe him as he hadn’t bought an encyclopaedia with multiple volumes.

On to the Blue Metal winery for lunch and some wine tasting - once everyone finally managed to pull themselves away from the two new beasts in the pack. Food went down well - as did the wine for those not driving. The waitress had to explain a few things on the Jackeroo platter for the uncouth - like the quince paste and the artichoke.

By now the weather was starting to turn and black clouds were moving in quickly so it was time to head for home. We just missed the rain but rode through the puddles left behind. A quick stop at Blaxland to say goodbye and then home.

Thanks to everyone for the great company, Kathy for organising and Mal for getting us there.

Julie (Kathy asked me to do it)

Wednesday, the 30th of September I arrived that McDonalds' at Glenbrook at 8:30 AM to be the first person there shortly after Noel Harris arrived followed by Franz Garde, Richard Mason Alan Sanderson Les Welch and last to arrive as Peter Morris.

It was discussed amongst the riders that we would go to Berrima to the old book barn I had never heard of it before so this was a new experience for me, Franz Garde led the ride followed by myself then Les Welch, Allen Sanderson Richard Mason and Peter Morris and tail end Charlie was Noel Harris.

We headed down Lapstone Hill to mulgoa road and then headed out to Wallacia and around past Bents Basin and on our way to Picton where we stopped at the bowling club for morning tea, it is quite a nice little memorial park at the front of the bowling club and the amenities were clean and tidy.

We left there and headed around the back roads down through Bargo and through Bowral were I stopped for fuel as it is a pain in the backside the small tank on my Harley. We went through Bowral where we stopped on the old Hume Highway at the book barn and now I know why they call it the book barn. There were three of us that got booked, and I'm sure that they were only small fines.

We left there and then we headed up to Mittagong to the old steel foundry where we had our lunch and it is just hard to believe what they built back in the early days with the equipment that they did have, I looked the site up on the Internet and you really just can't believe.

We left there and headed back to Picton where we would stop for a afternoon tea opposite the old pub everybody on their motorbike goes to at one time or another after afternoon tea we headed back to Narellan to take a northern road and home I turned off at the wallacia turn off and around the back of saint Marys to my home after having covered about 270 kilometers for the day's ride.

We had perfect conditions weather wise, it actually got a little bit warmer on the way home in the afternoon.

Everyone had a great day and Franze did a great job leading the ride I have enclosed a couple of photographs to make it a little bit more interesting.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

The Clayton’s Cowra Ride – 26^th September 2009

This is the ride you have when you’re not having a ride. Martin and I weren’t hopeful of many starters for last Saturday’s ride – the wind was fierce, the dust was dusty and we knew it wouldn’t be nice walking around the Japanese Gardens in Cowra in wintry, windy conditions. Still, as good little ride leaders we turned up at Macca’s at 7.30 (and breathed a sigh of relief to find no motor bikes there). Our second pick-up spot was Wentworth Falls Caltex Station so we fought our way through the cold and bitter wind up the highway. As we got closer to the petrol station we could see a bike there. “Who’s the madman wanting to fight this weather to Cowra?” we asked each other. Who else, but Malcolm Waugh! What support! What optimism!

We pulled up next to Mal, didn’t even say hello – I just said, I’m not going. No way. Not on your nellie. So there. Fair enough he says. Martin then says let’s go to the Conservation Hut and have brekky. Great idea. Ring Andrew and Sue (having a peaceful morning between their b&b guests – they meet us at the Conservation Hut – it’s closed. It is after all only 8.20 a.m. at this point. Most sensible people are still in bed on this cold, spring morning. We scoot around to Andrew & Sue’s warm and welcoming Blue Mist Lodge and enjoy a lovely warming coffee and a chat. At opening time off we go and have a beautiful breakfast and thoroughly enjoy ourselves.

So there you have it. If you want to go on a ride to Cowra’s Japanese Gardens just ask us – we’ll take you to the Conservation Hut for breakfast and you’ll have a very nice time. I promise.

And I have to add – no fines! We did turn up!

Marion Greaves – pillion and Clayton’s co-ride leader.

This week September 16 the weather forecast for to-day was 12-24° C I arrived at McDonalds'at Glenbrook at 8:30 AM by 9:00 AM we had eight riders, so after a very brief discussion it was decided that we would ride to Saint Albans we would go up to Springwood down the Hawksbury Valley road over to Richmond up through Gross vale and Kurrajong then across the top of the ridge where we would go on to wind our way down to Sackville to have morning tea at the garage just before the ferry.

We had Franz Garde leader of the ride followed by Curtiss Runo, Allen Rochester, David Campbell, Les Welch, myself, John Mccrae and Noel Harris, we left at 9:00 AM and rode up to Springwood down the Hawksbury Valley road over to Richmond were we turned left at the traffic lights in Richmond and headed up through Gross vale and then back down the hill too Sackville where we had our morning tea, the conditions were overcast and that is how it stayed all day.

We left Sackville and went across the ferry down to Wisemans were we turned left at the bottom of the hill then over the webs creek ferry out to saint Albans, where we arrived about twelve thirty for lunch.

On our way back the temperature had risen to about 24°and it was quite warm as we caught the ferry back across to the other side of the river then we turned right and headed up the river road to lower Portland where we again, caught another ferry and ended up back Sackville where we had our morning tea and that is where we had afternoon tea.

Noelharris and john mccrae left us at morning tea as noel had a slight problem with his Windshield on his bike as a couple of nuts had disappeared off the back of it, John Mccrea followed him home just in case.

We had a great day conditions were perfect and and I think I did about two hundred and fifty kilometers for the day's ride.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

Ps., We sure can attract some nice Birds and they like the pillion seat too

Wednesday, the 9th of September and the weather forecast for to-day was 12-23° C I arrived that McDonalds' eighty thirty AM to be met by seven other riders .

Franz Garde who would lead the ride followed by myself Les Welch, Allen Rochester, David Campbell, Allen Sanderson, followed by Noel Harris,

After much discussion was decided that we would go to the Australian MotorLife Museum at South Wollongong, just as we were leaving we had two more riders arrive Karen and Jim Hillmurray, so they joined us as we headed down to Mulgoa road out to Silverdale and then on to Menangle where we would stop for morning tea.

We left there and headed out through Douglas park then went down to Mount keira and made our way down the pass and the museum that we were going to is almost at Dapto, when we arrived there we were the only ones and cost was $7 50 if you were and NRMA member or if you were senior it was a $8 50, it was quite an interesting museum really had some nice old vintage cars and Bikes as well as some other interesting things like one of the early Eskies as well as old trucks and some early Austin sevens.

There was also an early model car called an Auburn it is up for sale and the lady had refused an offer of $87,000for the car it is beautifully restored and the guy in the museum told us that it will still do 110 miles per hour.

We had lunch there and then went further south down to Dapto we turned right and went up through Macquarie Pass and we continued around the back of Robertson to find a way to Thirlmere where we stopped for afternoon tea.

When we were at the museum Karen and Jim had to leave us and head back, scare and was on mike shift that evening.

On our way back from Thirlmere across the ridge to the oaks I was sitting behind Allen Rochester on his BMW the wind was really strong from the west and I reckon he moved almost a metre across the road when a gust of wind hit him nice trick riding Allen,I reckon the winds were gusting up to 40 50 Knots that were hitting us

I left them at mulgoa and headed home to Saint Marys arriving home at approximately four thirty pm, after having ridden about two hundred and eighty kilometers for the day's ride.

We had quite a good day and the museum is really worth a visit, so that was the end of this week's ride who knows where where we'll go next week.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

Wednesday the second September

I arrived at McDonalds' at Blaxland at about eight fifteen and there were four riders there already and by a about 8:50 we had 11 riders after much discussion it was suggested that we go to either Portland or Ruby's at the bottom of Bulli pass and we would have morning tea at Thirlmere Franz Garde led the ride, followed by myself then Les Welch, Allen Rochester John Allison, Alan Sanderson, Richard Mason, David Campbell, Peter Morris, Rolf Lattau, and our tail end Charlie was John Mccrae, weather conditions for the day were nine degrees to twenty three degrees Celsius so we left at 9:00 AM down through Lapstone Hill onto mulgoa road where we turned right and headed out through the oaks through to Thirlmere where we stopped for morning tea the ride across the ridge was really nice that you could still feel a little bit of byte in the air,

After morning tea we headed out to Picton and then turned right and headed down to Wollongong where we turned left at the bottom of mount Ousley and made our way back to ruby's where we stopped for lunch. They were painting the shed, so we sat on the telegraph poles at the edge of the grass area and looking out to sea we sat and had our lunch they had pumped the pool out and we're going to paint it. So I walked down and looked at the paint that we using and it was in 20 litre drums and it was a rubber based paint and I reckon it would've been worth about $600 each 20 Litre drum of which they had six.

Our discussion at lunch was which way we would go back, and it was decided that we would go back through Stanwell Park and part of the national park where we would go up to waterfall and have afternoon tea at Heathcoat.

After afternoon tea we headed home along Heathcoat road onto the M5, and I think we missed a turn because we ended up at Campbelltown where we then turned right and headed up through Narellan onto the Northern road, Franz then took the ride back around past Bents basin back through Silverdale and then back along the mulgoa road where they headed up Lapstone Hill for home I continued straight on along the northern road and around the back of Saint mary's and I arrived home at approximately four thirty after having done 280 kilometres for the day's ride.

The conditions were great for the day and everybody had a great ride but Noel Harris absence was conspicuous, as he was off having some medical tests on a knee that he had injured a couple of months ago.

Well that was our ride for this week and I looks forward to next Wednesday.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

Wednesday the 26 of August,

We had six riders that met at a McDonald's at glenbrook at 8:30 AM the weather forecast for the day was 12-24°Celsius with possible strong winds,

So we decided that we would go to Subline point, and we would stop at Menangle for morning tea.

John Allison led the ride followed by myself Alan Sanderson, David Campbell Franz Garde and tail end Charlie was Noel Harris, Noel Harris nearly always leads the rides and he decided that he would like somebody else to take over for the day so that is why John Allison led the ride, and while I'm on the subject he did a great job.

We went down the hill to mulgoa road and out through Silverdale and across the ridge through mowbray park to Menangle where we stopped for our morning tea we had no wind and conditions were near perfect.

After morning tea we headed around through Douglas park down to Appin where we turned right and headed down to Subline point where we stopped for our lunch still did not have any wind and looking down from the lookout the water was crystal clear and it was as flat as a mill pond, after we had had lunch we decided to head back to the oaks for a afternoon tea and when we arrived there it was only just after 2:00 PM so we decided then that we would head out to burrunjuck lookout, and when we arrived there the gates were shut and it will not be open until the 3rd of October because they are doing an upgrade of the park. So we then decided to head to Warragamba, I got to Warragamba and I did not stop but continued on and arrived home at approximately 4:00 PM after having done two hundred and eighty kilometres for the day's ride.

We came back through Appin and when we were coming across from Mowbray park to the Oaks we were getting some really good gusts of wind from the west as we rode across the ridge I reckon some of the guest would've been 60 kilometres per hour but that was the only place we really experienced any problems with winds.

Everyone seemed to have a good day and now the weather is warming up really makes it pleasant out there.

Regards Eric Baldwin

Wednesday the 19th August

I arrived at McDonalds' little bit later than usual and the weather forecast for to-day was 8 to 22° C and it was decided that we would go to Pioneer Park at Gosford and we would stop for morning tea at the Wanderer restaurant on the old Pacific highway.

We left at 9:00 AM and headed down Lapstone Hill everybody thinking that we were going to turn left into mulgoa road but the traffic was banked up from the lights ride back onto the freeway so Noel continued on to the northern road exit where he turned left and headed out the back of Saint Mary's and then back across to the Windsor road through the back roads up to Pennant hills road and up onto the freeway we then turned off at the top of mount white and around through to the Wanderers Restaurant where we stopped for morning tea.

We knew we had lost two of the riders when we turned left off the freeway onto the northern road, John Allison, and Peter Morris had turned left onto mulgoa road and we thought that they might meet us at the Wanderers restaurant.

We waited for a while and they did not show so we continued on through Gosford and out to Pioneer park where we stopped for lunch.

This park has been dedicated to the early pioneers of the area and there are some very old graves and quite a large monument in the park with quite a few names on it. It is a really nice spot to have a picnic as it is well shaded and there are toilets there. We walked around the park and surveyed the monument. After having done that we then geared up and left for home stop at the Pie in the sky restaurant for afternoon tea.

Richard Mason had left us and gone back to Sydney after morning tea, so now our riders were Noel Harris was the lead rider followed by Rolf Lattau, Alan Sanderson, Franz Garde, Les Welch, and myself.

I purchased a couple of their pies to have for dinner that night and believe me they were well worth purchasing. Just as we were about to leave I noticed on the drive belt of my Harley that there was a stone protruding through my drive belt I did not have any tools so Noel Harris grabbed a pair of pliers from his toolkit and removed the rock for me, I had picked it up somewhere in my travels and it had gone right through the belt from the inside,

I rode home without any problems and decided that I would purchase another belt and replace it just in case, because I did not want it to break when we are out on the back roads somewhere,

So it was an expensive day for me as the price of the new belt with out having it fitted it is $354. On discussing this with the Harley spears department, they informed me that it does happen but not very often so maybe that is some consolation.

I arrived home at approximately four forty five after having done 298 kilometers.

But here is the funny part on the way home near McGraths hill we passed Peter Morris and john Allison, who were on the side of the road having a smoke for a moment I thought that they had been waiting there all day for us, we waved as we went past,

I rang Peter that evening and they had gone to the wrong restaurant to find us for morning tea so they continued on and did their own ride back through gallstone gorge then on to Wiseman's and then back home.

Well that was this week's ride I look forward to next week's and we all had a good time.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

This week's ride Wednesday the 12 of August, we had nine riders and the weather conditions for to-day were 10-21° C,

So are there early morning discussion at McDonalds'we decided we would go to Spencer down through Wisemans ferry and across the river go on to Spencer where we would have our lunch and back up to Portland for afternoon tea.

The ride was led by Noel Harris followed by myself Les Welch, Allen Sanderson, David Campbell, Richard Mason, and a new rider whose name was Doug Bourke, followed by Rolf lattau and then Peter Morris.

We left at 9:10 and headed up to Springwood and down the Hawkesbury Valley road through Richmond and Windsor and then we turned left through Pitt town and down to Wisemans ferry where we stopped for morning tea,

The police were there breath testing vehicles as they left the ferry, and when we pulled around to cross on the ferry we were breath tested to nobody showed a reading and the police were quite friendly to us. And then asked to see our license, for a moment I thought that they would check a registration label, there is some dispute with the police with the role up one's.

No problems so way we went down to Spencer were we stopped for lunch, after we had lunch and walk around a very crowded place there were four people and dog and we talk up nearly all parking spots along the river, so I would hate to imagine what would happen if a crowd of people arrived.

After lunch back up to the Wiseman's ferry ferry where we crossed the river and headed up along the road to lower Portland where we stopped for afternoon tea the weather conditions for the day, were absolutely fantastic so we all had a great day and a great ride I arrived home approximately four thirty after having done 250 km for the day's ride.

So it will be really nice when the weather warms up a little bit more and we get to around about 25-26°then it will be really lovely

I enclose a couple of photos of the riders having lunch at Spencer.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

This week's ride Wednesday the 5th of August, and the weather forecast for to-day was 4-21° C.

I left home at 8:00 AM and it was really cold as I rode along the the freeway up to Glenbrook one I arrived there there were only three riders but by a eight forty five we had a total of nine,

We decided that we would go for a ride to Rubies which is at the bottom Bulli pass, so we took off at 9:00 AM down Lapstone Hill onto mulgoa road and out through Silverdale, and intentions were to have morning tea at Menangle, it was still really cold as we went through Silverdale but you could see that it was going to be a really nice day as you looked across the valleys while riding across the ridge.

The ride was led by Noel Harris, followed by a myself, David Dwyer, Alan Sanderson, Franz Garde, Peter Morris, David Campbell, and John Mccrae. After our usual discussions at morning tea we headed off around through Douglas park and through Appin then down too Bulli pass and then on to Rubbies beach where we would have our lunch.

It was really nice sitting in the sun and there was a light northeaster blowing and the ocean was really calm so it would have been a good day for fishing

After lunch we decided we would head back through Picton and a stop at Cordeaux dam for afternoon tea, we arrived at Cordeaux dam at about two thirty, and after afternoon tea we decided to head ride down to the Dam wall where we walked across.

We would ride back through Picton and around the back roads through the Oaks then Silverdale through Wallacia back on to Mulgoa road where I would say goodbye at Mulgoa, and head up to the Northern road and then home after having done approximately 290 kilometers arriving at four forty five.

We had a great day and the reason for going to Rubies was to find out a little bit more about a petition they had running, as Noel had heard that they were trying to shut the place down, so we found out that it was only just to replace or renew the lease on the premises, so Rubies will be there for quite awhile yet.

I have enclosed a couple of photos I hope you enjoy them one is of the crew standing on the water at Rubies, so as well as riding motorcycles they are learning to do other things as well, and will be able to assist the boss when they go upstairs.

We had a wonderful day and everybody enjoyed themselves.
Regards Eric Baldwin

Wednesday, the 29th of July the weather forecast for to-day was 6-20°Celsius but I am Shore it was a colder than that when I when I rode along the freeway up to Glenbrook.

I arrived there at approximately eight fifteen and we had five riders there already by about eight forty five we had eleven, Paul Sullivan had turned up but was not going on the ride as he had some bike problem's.

So we decided that we would try to go to wattamolla again, as we had tried to go there twice before, the plan was to have morning tea at Heathcoat and then ride down through the national park too wattamolla where we would have lunch.

We left at 9:00 AM and there were 11 riders Noel Harris led the ride followed by Rolf lattau, Peter Morris, Ian Fryer, Eric Pulford, is a friend of Noel Harris from Canberra who has ridden with us before Peter Mason, David Campbell, Franz Garde, john Mccrae, Ross Peterson, and myself.

We rode down Lapstone Hill to mulgoa road and out through bents basin through the back of Liverpool and onto Heathcoat road turned right at the end of Heathcoat road and stopped for morning tea in the little park on the right-hand side,at Heathcote.

While having morning tea and sitting in the sun it was a great day to be alive. After morning tea we headed south to waterfall where we turned left through the Nationial park to Wattamolla.

The conditions were really good riding through the national park as they have just finished doing up the road, Peter Mason had lost us at morning tea and when we arrived at wattamolla he was there waiting for us.

We had lunch and walked around the top of the waterfall where there were some small pools, then one of our riders who's name I will not mention slipped on the green moss and fell into one of the pond's, we thought it was hilarious at the time but when you thought about it afterwoods he could have really hurt himself but fortunately it was only a bit of pride, but he had to ride home wet.

We left there after about 1:00 and headed for home through the Nationial park to Stanwell tops then up the hill to the Pacific highway and down to Bulli tops we turned right along Appin road on our way back through Douglas park where we stopped that Menangle for afternoon tea.

We then rode back through Silverdale through wallacia on to mulgoa road and I said goodbye at the freeway turnoff.

We had a really great day and the conditions were perfect and I am Shore everybody had a wonderful day we did 300 kilometres in all and we finally made it to Wattamolla.

I will just give you a little bit of information on Wattamolla, Wattamolla is the local aboriginal name meaning place near running water name was recorded by Matthew Flinders as Watta Mowlee Flinders George bass and a boy, William Martin stopped there in the boat Tom thumb the second on the evening of 29th of March 1796 they had been pushing north woods in the boat along high cliffs and they wanted to find a cove with some sort of shelter at about 10:00 PM they came upon breaking waves and and Flinders saw the dark outline of cliffs ended and so turned the boat towards Shore. They had found Wattamolla and in just moments were in the calm sheltered waters of the lagoon. Such was there relieve that they were going to call it Providential Cove until later learning of its aboriginal name.

Well that is all I can tell you about this week's ride but if you don't come with us on a Wednesday you sure are missing out on some great Rides.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

Wednesday July 21

Well the weather forecast for this week's ride was 12-23°Celsius and fine condition, so I expected at least 10 people there when I arrived as the morning was really warm as I rode up to Glenbrook. When I arrived there were only four riders there Noel Harris Alan Sanderson Ian Fryer and I was quite surprised as it looked like it was going to be such a really great day.

We had Franz Garde, David Campbell, and Peter Morris arrived before 9:00 AM, so Noel Harris suggested that we ride too Wattamalla, everyone thought that would be a good place to go, and we would stop at Heathcoat for morning tea.

We headed off at 9:00 AM down Lapstone Hill to mulgoa road where we headed out two wallacia down past Bents basin and around the back roads through Rossmoore and down the back of Liverpool onto Heathcoat road then through to Heathcoat where we stopped for morning tea, we then went to Waterfall to go down through the national park. I think this is one of the greatest rides that there is around Sydney but you have to be careful of the green slime across the road as it does make it slippery and when you look at the amount of plastic off bikes that is on the side of the road there are quite a few Bikies that come to grief in the national park. when we got to the bottom of the hill we could not turn left as the road had been closed for sealing, so Noel made a quick decision and turned right down through Stanwell tops where we went down across the seaway and continued on to Coldale, where we stopped for lunch we had a fairly brisk northeaster blowing as we sat in the sun and had our lunch.

Noel suggested that we head back and stop for afternoon tea at Cordeaux dam but when we went back up Bulli pass you could see the dark clouds coming across so we did not stop four afternoon tea as you could see you could see the rain in the distance, I did not think we would get home without getting drowned so we came around the back way through Camden through Oakdale back through wallacia back on to mulgoa road and where I turned off.

I arrived home at approximately four thirty after having done 270 kilometres we did miss the rain and the weather conditions were really quite warm it reached a maximum temperature of 26° at Penrith that apparently broke the record.

So we had another good day again and as usual and Noel Harris led the ride and a great day was had by all.

July 15, Wednesday Ride

The weather forecast for this week was 6° C to 16° C with the possible chance of some showers and thunderstorms late in the afternoon, so I was really reluctant to go but when I got up in the morning the sky was clear and it looked like it was going to be a good day, so I packed my lunch and put on some warm clothes and headed off for McDonalds' at Glenbrook it was really cold going along the freeway only about 8°and when I arrived at McDonalds' there was a big black cloud over the top and it was starting to sprinkle, so I nearly Woosed out.

There were only four riders, Alan Sanderson, John Allison, myself and Noel Harris who would lead a ride, and we had decided to go to sublime point, we left at nine fifteen and headed down two mulgoa road where we would turn right and go out through Silverdale and a stop at Menangle for morning tea. It was raining when we left but when we got to the bottom of the hill the rain stopped and the cloud cleared and it looked really fine in the south but it was very cold as we headed along mulgoa road towards Silverdale.

Having morning tea at Menangle we sat in the sun which is hard to believe had morning tea and then headed off to sublime point we had quite a good ride and the weather favored us it was really quite comfortable in the sun while we were looking out over the lookout, we had lunch and then headed down Bulli pass and back along the ocean front over the Seacliff way through Stanwell tops and down through the national park turning left up to wards Waterfall then back along the highway where we would stop for afternoon tea at Heathcoat.

We left Heathcoat about 3:00 PM and headed home along the Heathcoat road around the back of Liverpool and through Rossmoore, where I turned right on northern road and headed back home through the back of St Mary's I arrived home about 4:20 PM having done about 230 km and did not get wet at all.

So all in all we had a great day and a great ride and the weather forecast for next week looks like it will be excellent.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

Whale Ride 2009

The collective noun for a group of whales is a punnet (as in strawberries). Well that is according to one of our well respected Ulysses members. The number of whales in a punnet is 16 and that was what we saw today on the Whale Watch Tour 2009.

The whales just out numbered the Ulysses with 14 showing up for the full ride.

The 14 members who made it to the Cape got to watch the whales frolic in the sea just off the shore.

This year was easily the best viewing we have had whale watching.

We now have 100% success in seeing whales on this annual ride and perfect weather 2 out of 3 times. Pretty good average really.

The ride to Bundeena allowed the GS riders to try out some dirt thanks to some road works in the Royal National Park.

Comment of the day went to Mal when he asked “Is it just me or are all the drivers down here ratbags?”

The reply from all those within earshot in unison was “It’s just you Mal”

It was really good having so many pillions along today and should be encouraged.

Warren brought his son in law Troy along for the ride. Troy is from San Diego and flew in the day before. This was a great way for Troy to spend the American Independence Day weekend if you ask me.

Great day, weather perfect, whales in abundance, good food and company see if you can come with us next year.

Brian & Jen

Wednesday, July 1

The weather forecast for this week's ride was minimum 12 degrees Celsius maximum 21°Celsius so it was quite pleasant for a change riding up the freeway to Blaxland were I arrived at McDonalds'at about 8:20 there were already six or seven riders there, and then we ended up with a total of 12, we decided that we would go to Saint Albans.

Noel Harris would lead a ride, and the list of riders was Peter Morris, Alan Sanderson, Ian Fryer who I had not met before and was on his nice looking Harley, Les Welch, Allen Rochester, Peter Mason, Rolf lattau, Franz Garde, John Mccrae, and myself.

It was good to see Paul Sullivan come for the ride with us because he usually meets us at McDonalds and then as other commitments that stop his riding with us for the day.

We left Mcdonalds at 9:00 AM headed down Lapstone Hill where we turned off at EMU plains down the western highway where we then turned left at Castleraigh Rd, and continued on to Richmond,

I think it is a great ride along that stretch of road past the lake's sceme, we headed past the Richmond aerodrome through Windsor where we turned left at wiseman's ferry road down through Pitt town and then on to Cliftonville road where we would stop for morning tea it was really pleasant sitting in the sun on the river at Cliftonville ski gardens.

After morning tea we headed down along the river road past the water ski resorts'and it is really amazing how many of these there are, the traffic there on the weekend must be unreal I reckon it would be like skiing in a washing machine, I used to water ski there back in the fifties and even then you had to find calm water.

Noel Harris does a really great job leading the rides, as his main concern is to make sure that everybody is safe and has a great day, I think everybody really appreciates his leadership.

We arrived at webs creek ferry about eleven forty five and had about a 5 minute wait for the ferry to come across to us, leaving the ferry we headed off to saint Albans and the road was all sealed although there were a few how you're going patches, and the bridge into saint Albans itself is only one lane but the ride to there is really quite a nice ride through the bends, but you need to concentrate or otherwise you could end up in somebody farm.

We had lunch at the old hotel and it really has some history I believe that saint Albans was actually a Port back in the early days for the paddle steamers that traded on the river. Noel Harris has spoken to an elderly gentleman that told him all about the early trading days of the paddle steamers taking their goods down the hawkesbury river and apparently took quite a bit of farm prodjuce down to Pittwater where it was then taken to the markets or horse and cart, I was also led to believe that there is a first fleeter buried in the cemetery at Saint Albans, we did not have a real good look around the place, and I believe it is worth another visit to spend a little bit more time there.

We left there at approximately one thirty and headed for home the weather conditions were still warm as we crossed the river on the ferry and we turned left and headed into wiseman's ferry where I had to get fuel, Les Welch and Allen Rochester left us at wiseman's ferry and headed their own way home, so now we only had 10 riders left of the dirty dozen so we headed back towards Richmond were we had afternoon tea opposite the airstrip.

We all had a great day and the conditions were near perfect apart from a little bit of wind that came up in the afternoon we followed Noel back to the Hawksbury Valley road where they turned right and three of us continued along Castleraigh road to arrive home at approximately four thirty in the afternoon, after having done approximately 220 km

It was really a great day and I'm sure everybody enjoyed the ride and I will say it again Noel Harris does a great job as the ride leader and takes us to some really great spots of which he puts a lot of thought into and I look forward to next week's ride.

Regards Eric Baldwin

Wednesday, June 10
Hello anybody interested, I have not put in a report for the last three weeks due to the simple fact that I have not gone because of the weather, and the weather forecast for Wednesday, 10th of June was strong winds with a maximum temperature of 14° C so I was doubting very much whether I would be riding this week, when I awoke in the morning the sky was blue and although it was cold there was not a cloud in the sky so I made my lunch and decided what the hell, I have been going stir crazy sitting at home waiting for the weather to get better.

When I arrived at McDonalds'at about eight thirty AM there were already eight riders there it was quite a shock considering the temperature was about 8°heading up through Lapstone Hill; so I think they must have all been going stir crazy too, I spoke to Noel Harris and he informed me that himself and John Mccrae had gone for a ride last week to Wiseman's ferry and although they missed the rain the roads where wet and a bit slippery so when I heard that, I was glad that I did not go last week.

We had our usual discussion on where we should go and it was suggested that we ride down to a museum at Wollongong Noel Harris would lead a ride and their was Alan Sanderson, David Campbell, Allen Rochester, Rod Brigham, John Mcrae, Franz Garde, and myself, I left first at about nine fifteen and went down the road to take a little bit of video of the members riding past we headed down Lapstone Hill to mulgoa road and out through Silverdale and on the back roads to Menangle our ride leader Noel picked up a pop rivet in his rear tire so we pulled off to the side of the road to check it out and immediately there were 15 repair kits on offer, so we decided to head to the nearest service station to repair the puncture.

This was absolutely a major operation as you had to be superman to be unable to push the plug into the tire after about 20 minutes and 15 people giving instructions Noel managed to repair the tire so we decided we would have morning tea in the park opposite the servo.

So after morning tea and much discussion on how to repair a puncture we headed off through Douglas park and down through the back of Picton to go to Wollongong but we realized that we really did not have enough time to do this, we pulled up on the site of the road again and had a quick meeting and it was decided that we should go to Cordeaux dam, when we arrived at Cordeaux dam it was about twelve thirty and the wind had started to pick up so it was quite cool as we walked across the dam wall after having lunch and a usual friendly discussions.

We then decided we would have afternoon tea at the Nepean and Avon dam I think its only about 25 K's from where we were, so when we got to the Avon dam it is still closed so we turned right and headed down to the Nepean dam it was still cold as we walked across the wall. We then came back up to the parking area at the top called EMU something or other. Rod Brigham had left us after we had fixed Noels puncture as his flu symptoms became more predominant.

We left the Nepean dam at roughly 3:00 PM and headed for home but on the way home I was tail end Charlie and believe me the wind was that strong from the southwest it was blowing us all over the road and we really needed a sideways bob instead of a tail end Charlie.

The trip home was really cold and I arrived back at Saint Mary's at about four thirty after having ridden approximately two hundred and fifty kilometers, it took me awhile to Thor out, but it was really good to go out on the bike again with my friends I am sure everybody had a good day as we really did have a reasonable day considering it was the middle of winter, and also I think the main factor is that we are still able to do it, as when I look at some of these other unfortunate people that are hobbling around I really think I am very lucky.

Well that's all the news from this week I did take a DVD of the Ulysses grand parade and if anybody who would like a copy of one it has been edited and had background music put to it so if you would like a copy you can ring me on 04 25 260 885 or e-mail me at my email address of ericbaldwin7@BigPond.com I need you to do pay me for the DVD and a postage the cost of the DVD is about 50¢ and the cost of the posting would be no more than about four or $5.00 so I am only too happy to do this for you if you wish.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

PS if anyone has any good tips on how to repair a puncture with one of these puncture kits I would sure appreciate your advise as I reckon you would need a Gorilla to push the plug in and I haven't seen one on a bike while I am sober. Thanks.

Wednesday the 13th of May the weather forecast was 14°Celsius to 22° C and when I left Saint Mary's it was covered with thick fog, and as I rode along the F4 the fog lifted at the Penrith turn off to clear blue skies with not a cloud visible, I arrived that McDonalds' at approximately eight thirty and there were already a eight riders there, by five to nine another five had arrived, and we decided that we would ride to the halfway house on the putty road to wards Singleton. John McCrae did not ride with us as he had other commitments. We left at 9:00 AM and headed up the great western highway towards Springwood following Noel Harris, leading the ride followed by Les Welch, Allen Rochester, Rod Brigham, David Campbell, John Allison, Alan Sanderson, Franz Garde, Peter Morris and myself, Paul Sullivan would ride part of the way with us and leave us at Agnes banks,
We turned right at Springwood and headed down the Hawkesbury road to Agnes banks where we turned left and headed around through North Richmond turning right at North Richmond and going through the back of Arcadia we found the putty road which was not lost, turning left onto the putty road we continued on through Colo up to north Colo where we stopped for our morning tea.
The discussion for the day at that time seemed to be the latest Riding On magazine and some of the letters that had been published in it, after morning tea and much discussion of the magazine we headed northwest along the Putty road, I left ahead of the others so that I could take some video recording of them riding their bikes.
We also had a new rider with us, Alan Sanderson on his newly purchased Harley Davidson Ultra Classic, he had not ridden for over 40 years and this was his first ride with our Ulysses club, who seemed to handle his ultra classic very well for the day. it had a problem with the engine on the first part of a ride, but that was soon sorted at our morning tea break.
At the halfway house where we had lunch, we were discussing what a great day it was and I think the general discussion was partly about the AGM, after lunch some of us needed fuel and they don't forget to charge you the extra for the country delivery.
We left there at about 1:00 PM and headed back down the putty road where we would stop at the service station at North Colo we took our time coming home and as we were heading along the putty road, where were passed by a young man on a sports Bike who overtook us overtaking us on the double lines and doing in excess of 100 miles per hour, as he went past us I just shook my head as he roared down the road. I do not know how you educate them.
After saying our goodbyes at North Colo, we continued back to the turn off where we turned right and headed along to kurrajong along the ridge road, the weather conditions were still great, some of our riders continued straight ahead, and some turned right and headed back around through Agnes banks and along Castleraigh Rd and some turned right at the Agnes banks intersection and headed back up the Hawksbury Road.
I arrived home at approximately four fifteen PM after a great day of riding approximately 320 km everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and I hope we have a great role up next week.
Regards Eric Baldwin.

Wednesday, May 6
This week the sixth of May, the forecast for the day was 14 to 20°Celsius so we met at McDonalds' at our usual time of 9:00 am ,we had nine riders David Campbell from eastern creek ,Les Welch ,John Mccrae, Peter Morris, Rod Brigham ,Allen Rochester, and a new person that I had not met before Gary Baker, on his really nice shiny Harley our ride leader was Noel Harris,

We decided that we would go to Chiffely Dam so off we went we were spread out fairly thin again going up the mountain,

Due to the traffic and as we wound our way up you could feel the drop in temperature I reckon by the time we got to Katoomba it was only about 12° C so on we went up to Mount Victoria and down the pass where we stopped at the service station just before Lithgow at the turnoff to lake Lyell where we had morning tea, as we came down the pass on to the flat it still did not warm up a great deal, and as we sat in the sun at the service station you could feel it warming your right through.

After morning tea we headed out over the dam of lake Lyell and on our way out through Tarana the conditions now were nearly perfect and the countryside looks absolutely marvelous with all the poplar trees shedding their leaves the change in color is absolutely amazing when you ride along the top of the ridges, we continued out through the back roads and arrived at Chiffely Dam at about midday where we had our lunch it was quite warm out there as we walked across the dam wall, it had been nearly 12 months since we were last there and the dam level had dropped considerably, but when we got to the other side the vandals had managed to break the only solar panel that was not covered with Lexan, I just do not understand them, we had a lovely lunch and a bit of a gasbag and then saddled up and headed for home, we would stop at the top of Mount Victoria for afternoon tea. Two of our riders did not stop as they had commitments so they continued on. We said our goodbyes and we headed back down the hill the weather was still cold coming through Katoomba but you could feel it warming up as you went down the hill I suppose when I got to EMU plains the temperature had risen about 6°and and I further continued on to St Mary's arriving home at approximately 5 minutes past five covering the distance of approximately 310, kilometers. We had a wonderful day and I look forward to next week.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

Wednesday, the 29th of April there were nine of us that met at McDonalds' Brian Ingram David Campbell from eastern creek Les Welch John Goymore Peter Morris Rod Brigham Allen Rochester myself and Noel Harris was back on deck to be our ride leader, it was good to see Noel had mended but there were still some soreness there,

The weather conditions for to-day were 16-22°Celsius with the chance of a shower, so we headed up to Springwood, then down the Hawkesbury road on our way to lower Portland, I reckon the temperature was about 16°when we were heading down the Hawkesbury road, we continued on through Windsor and down to Sackville where we stopped at the service station for morning tea, we then headed down to the lower Portland ferry, where we crossed the river and headed down the narrow winding road to lower Portland where we had lunch the weather conditions were now absolutely perfect.

After lunch we headed back along the Wiseman's ferry road through Pitt down and then on to Richmond were we had afternoon tea at McDonalds', it was now about two thirty and we decided to head four home, with a few of the riders going different ways I was going to go along Castleraigh Rd and just before we got to the 80 kilometer zone, the police had Closed

the road and directed us to turn left and go back up to Londonderry road when we got to the corner we saw a motorbike imbedded in the front of a a BMW, some of our crew knew the rider, and we all thought the worst Rod Brigham followed it up, and it was one of the Ulysses club members who was taken to Penrith Hospital with serious injuries, and when you looked at the accident it looked like the young driver in the BMW and come straight out without even looking to is left where the bike was coming from and just drove straight into him. The gentleman's name is Peter Knight.

So that was the end of the ride to-day and when I arrived home I checked with some of the other riders to make sure they had arrived home safely, we had done a total of about 200 kilometers for the day's ride and we were lucky we did not get rained on.

The week before on the 22nd of a April I did not ride as I expected it to rain as the weather forecast for that day was showers with some heavy falls expected, so there were only three riders that turned up at McDonalds' John Mccrae Allen Rochester and David Evans, that ride was led by John Mccrae and they went down the back roads through the back of Baulkam hills where they stopped for morning tea at Berowra waters then continued up to Brooklyn where John left them and he continued up to the central coast to see his family. Allen and Dave then continued back down to Berowra where they had afternoon tea and then they continued home, they were also very fortunate and did not get wet, and according to the weather bureau we could be in for some more rain this week.

Well that's the finish of this week's and last week's ride report, Ride safe because I reckon they are getting worse there seems to be more P plate drivers than ever.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

Brian’s Shorty 26-4-2009

Sunday in the upper mountains dawned bleak with freezing sleet and rain driven before gale force winds. A few hardy souls decided that the lower mountains could not be any worse so they ventured down for Brian’s Shorty.
Meanwhile in the lower mountains a zephyr of breeze rustled the trees and sent small clouds scudding across the azure blue sky. Cool temperatures made the wearing of riding gear quite comfortable. In other words perfect weather for riding!
Eric, Leonie, Julie & Ron, Andrew, Paul, Jen, Brian x 2 and Don lined up for the ride to Lake Burragorang and then to Picton for brunch.
The ride was nice until we got to the Lake lookout where the wind was blowing straight off Antarctica. No, colder than that, straight off Katoomba. It did warm up by the time we reached Picton however, and we settled down to a massive Big Breakfast, coffee and social talk. Great Stuff!
A rather malignant gust of wind reminded us that we had overstayed our welcome. It managed to up turn signs and tip over chairs. A folded up café umbrella snapped in half and clouted Julie and Jen before smashing drink glasses and knocking helmets all over the place. They tell me riding a bike is dangerous, I think an out of control umbrella is more of a hazard.
Nice ride home arriving at Glenbrook at 1.00pm 175Km.

Brian and Jen

19/04/2009

When I arrived at Maccas I thought this is going to be a hard ride with such a large amount of riders. There was Brian on his VFR, Steve and Lee on their VFR, Phil on his Honda and me on my Triumph. We were going to meet a mate of mine Mick on a 28year old BMW at the Oaks then head down to Gerringong if we can find the way. Steve and I flipped a bike to see who would lead, Steve said he wasn’t sure on how to get there, I thought that was good enough and he took the lead with me at the tail in contact with each other thru our trusty 2 ways, that was until Steve’s batteries went flat again( last time I was with him his batteries went flat). Steve and I swapped lead positions just before the Oaks, we picked up Mick with everyone having a quick intro and I’m sure we were just amazed that an old BMW was still going and in original condition. We arrived at Thirlmere but decided to go on to Bowral for coffee. Approaching Bowral the weather closed in quickly then started to rain, a quick stop to waterproof ourselves (those who had wet gear) then on to Bowral. We found a lovely pie/cake shop that had nice pies and coffee and as we sat there the temperature was a lovely 12 degrees. When we finished we headed off towards Robertson but unfortunately the weather was turning sour by the minute with the rain increasing with no sign of letting up so we decided as a group to change route and head back towards Picton for a beer and lunch. We stopped at the pub that brews its own beer to have lunch. Brian ordered a bowl of wedges that was so big neither he nor those helping him eat them could empty the bowl. We all had a great chin wag then decided to head back over Razorback then cut back through Silverdale then head home. Mick dropped off just before to head home. Steve needed a toilet break so we said our goodbyes at Wallacia thinking that the run home would be dry. Just as I approached Penrith the skies opened up again finishing our ride off a wet one.

All in all I would say we had a great ride with good company and that’s what is all about.

Tony

Wednesday, April 15
The weather forecast for this Wednesday morning was 12°to 24° C with a slight westerly to nor westerly and a possible late thunderstorm,
When I arrived at McDonalds'there were 10 riders but three of them did not come with us, Franz Garde is still having problems with his beama and Paul Sullivan and Ross Pearson could not come for the whole day ride
So we decided that we would go too Safala so we headed off with a seven riders John Mccrae led the ride followed by myself Les Welch Rod Brigham Allen Rochester Peter Morris and Rolf Lattau,
We left at our usual time of 9:00 AM and away we went the temperature was about 14° we were spread out over a fair distance because of the traffic that was going up the mountain, this was unusually heavy for a Wednesday, as we were riding down through Mount Victoria Pass you could feel the weather getting warmer as we got down onto the flats we stopped at the service station at the turn off to lake Lyell where we had our morning tea I filled with fuel and we headed off through Lithgow and turned right towards Mudgie, the conditions were perfect and it is amazing the colors of the leaves on the trees how they change in the Autumn.
We turned left after a few miles and down into Safala where we stopped for our lunch it was quite warm now but there was a strong wind blowing, we finished our lunch and headed back through Bathurst, Ralph and Peter stopped for fuel they were at the back of the ride and John went back to look for them, I also needed fuel so I pulled into another service station my bike only has an 11 Litre tank so I have to have a fuel stop quite regularly, Which is a bit of a pain in the A, so when John, Les Welch Allen Rochester and Rod Brigham, had caught me, Rolf Lattau and Peter Morris had decided to turn right at the Oberon turn off at Bathurst and go back through Tarana, the five of us continued on to Mount Victoria and we were experiencing gusts of wind I reckon they were hitting 80 km and they were big gusts that were quite cool.
We had our afternoon tea at the service station at the top of Mount Vic we had had a great ride and Safala was really a nice little place that is the first time that I have been to Safala, and all I really enjoyed the ride. We parted company with a handshake and we headed down the mountain . I was quite amazed how quite it was because the wind was blowing from behind and I had no wind noise in my Helmet and this was really great, I have been thinking of buying another Helmut and have made a few inquiries but everyone tells me that they still have a fair amount of wind noise in them, so I have put it on the back burner. The weather was still really cold up the top right you could feel it warming as we rode down the hill, I arrived home at about 5:10 after having ridden 400 K's, Peter Morris rang me that evening to say that they also had arrived home safely and had had a wonderful day, it really was a wonderful day and I'm looking forward to next week again but at the moment the weather forecast is not looking too promising.
Regards Eric Baldwin.

This weeks ride Wednesday, the 8 April was a bit of a lucky dip as their were six of us that met at McDonalds', John Mccrae Peter Morris Rolf Lattau Les Welch Ross Pearson and myself,

the weather conditions were absolutely perfect so we headed off at 9:00 AM with our ride leader being Ross Pearson, on the understanding that we would ride down the hill to mulgoa road and out to Silverdale road where we would travel over to Thirlmere for morning tea when we got to Silverdale we had a little bit of a detour then back on to Silverdale road and around the back roads down through the back of Picton and then on to Thirlmere where we had our morning tea, John Mccrae and Ross Pearson were in contact by radio so john was at the rear of the ride. After we had had our morning tea and a bit of a discussion we still had not decided where we were going to go, so we headed off through Yanderra and out through Yerrinbool then around the back of Mittagong past the small historical airfield and down through the western end of Robertson and around the back roads to Fitzroy falls where we stopped for lunch the ride around the top of the ridges was absolutely Breathtaking as the countryside is just so green and rich at the moment, after we had had lunch we headed off back past the service station at Fitzroy falls where we had filled up our bikes with fuel as my bike only has a small tank. We then headed back around the back of mittagong back past the airfield again then we turned left and headed out through Colo vale, Hilltop, Balmoral, Buxton and then we crossed the railway line again at Bargo and we continued on back through Picton and when we got to the top of the hill where Anthony Hordens tree was we turned left and continued around the back of the hill then on through various other roads and the next thing I know we were at Cobberty where we stopped and had afternoon tea next to the school, they sell great pies and cakes, we then headed along the northern road where three of us turned right at the Koi farm sign, Peter and Rolf and John turned left at Werrombi road and headed out back through Silverdale. So after that ride I could honestly say that I had never traveled on so many of these back roads and it was a very interesting experience, we had an absolutely fantastic day and I'm sure that everybody had a great time. I have spoken to Noel Harris and any informed me that his leg was healing quite well and that he was of his crutches, so maybe we might see him next week, the distance that we travelled on the day was according to my Speedo three hundred and twenty five Ks.

So on my behalf I would like to thank Ross Pearson for the great job he did as our fill in a ride leader, and now the weather has cooled a bit and the autumn leaves are falling I can't wait for next Wednesday. Ride safe, regards Eric Baldwin

Wednesday, March 25

The weather forecast for this Wednesdays ride was maximum temperature 34°with the possible late afternoon shower or thunderstorm.

I arrived at McDonalds'at approximately eight forty five and was met by a Rod Brigham, Allen Rochester ,Franz Garde ,John Mccrae, Paul Sullivan, Ross Pearson, Les Welch, Peter Morris and our first lady rider Pam Patterson.

They had already decided, that we would be going to Oberon, so I was looking forward to afternoon tea at the retirement village because we have been to Oberon so many times that we stop there for a afternoon tea and scones with their homemade jam, and on some occasions we have a quick game of bingo and the ladies love to look at our bikes.

We left at about nine fifteen and headed off with a seven riders as Franz, Paul Sullivan, and Rod Brigham did not come for the ride we wound our way up the mountain down Victoria Pass and continued on to the service station just before Lithgow where we turned left to have morning tea. After morning tea we continued on out past lake Lyell through Tongarra Sodwells and then we turned left into Jerry Meadows road, then we followed that road up through the back of the pine forests and into Oberon then through the middle of the town down to the fly dam, where we had lunch. There were some kangaroos of to the eastern side of the dam, I walked up the hill and along the dam wall and if they do not get some rain out there soon there will be no water in the dam, as it had dropped over a meter since the last time we were there.

After lunch we headed back through Hartley and Hampton and the ride was really pleasant but the country is very very dry down through Hartley and back up Victoria Pass, we stopped at the service station at the top of the hill for afternoon tea,

Ross Pearson Pam Sullivan and Les Welch decided that they would turn left and go along the top of the pass over to the bells line road and down through Kurrajong where Pam Patterson would leave them, we continued on down the great western highway and you could feel the temperature rising as we headed down the mountain and looking to the south east you could see a huge thunderstorm building. Fortunately we were lucky again and arrived home without getting wet after having done approximately 280 kilometers it was a great day and I'm sure everybody enjoyed their day. I think that was the first time that we had had a lady rider join us for the day, and I think we all enjoyed her company and she rode very well. I am looking forward again to next week and I hope we have good weather.Our usual ride leader Noel Harris has an injured leg and looks like he will be out of action for a little longer Noel we all wish you a speedy recovery.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

Wednesday, March 11

I arrived that McDonalds'at 8:45 AM to be met by Noel Harris John McCrea Peter Morris John Allison Rolph lattau and Les Welch, Franz Garde arrived at 9:00 AM to advise us that he would not be coming to day, as he was still having problems with his computer on his Beama.

The weather forecast for the day was overcast with a possible shower so after a meeting of about half an hour we decided that we would go to Cordeaux Dam so we headed of down Lapstone hill to Mulgoa road where we turned right and headed out towards Silverdale and on the way there we ran into a brief shower, we rode along towards the oaks and then turned left at Werrombi road then through Cawdor to Menangle where we had morning tea.

I could not believe that there were a couple of guys drinking long necks at 10:30 AM and they were going back to work, I scratch my head with amazement.

So we left there with dark clouds threatening us, it was only a short run through Douglas park down to the dam, we arrived there about midday and this is the first time that we have been to one of the spots that there have been other people on a Wednesday, we had lunch and then rode down to the dam wall parked our bikes and walked across the dam wall, we were there a few months back and the water level had actually fallen and they were letting a lot of water out so all water from here goes through two prospect and the media never reports on the level of the Prospect Reservoir. They only ever give the percentage of Warragamba. When we got to the other side of the dam wall you could see the rain in the distance, and I thought that we would really get a wet back side so we left there about 1:00 PM and headed for home deciding to stop at the Oaks we went back home through Picton Douglas park then to the Oaks ,where we had coffee we still had managed to miss the rain, so we saddled up and headed for home when we got to wallacia we got some showers, so Noel Peter and John and myself pulled into the service station and and they put their wet weather gear on just as they were dressed the rain stopped, so we headed off again it was now just 3:00 PM so we had to slow for the 40 kilometer school zones. I turned right of mulgoa road and headed home I got a few sprinkles on the way, but managed to get home with just the knees of my jeans getting wet.

I arrived home at about 3:45 PM after doing 220 km for the day's ride, you could not believe that we had got away with another day without being rained on. The next day I received a phone call from Noel Harris telling me that he had dropped the trailer on his knee and a spent a few hours on the Wednesday night at the hospital he has not broken anything but will be out of action for the next 14 days so if you wish to be a ride leader next week then please come along and join the fun.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

Wednesday the 4th of March.

We met at the usual time at McDonalds', and decided this week's ride we would go to Worronora Dam so we left at 9:00 AM and headed down the hill onto Mulgoa road where we headed out to Wallacia out through Bents Basin then through Rossmoor onto the M5 then on the Heathcoat road where we turned right we then had morning tea at Heathcoat after morning tea we got back onto the princes highway and turned right of the princes highway and down to Worronora dam wall where we had lunch.

The ride from Maccas down to Worronora dam was actually a little bit on the cool side, and while we were having lunch a strong southeasterly came up and their was hint of rain. We were the only ones there so we decided too walk across the dam wall the dam is only about 60% full and there were some old photos of the camp site and the construction of the dam in the top shelter, the start of the building of the dam was in 1927. And I wondered how tough were those people, and when you look at the conditions that they had how lucky are we,

After lunch we headed back to the Princes highway and turned right again down through Darks Forest continuing on past Sublime point and then turning right onto the Appin highway and onto Appin where we turned left and headed through Douglas Park onto Mittagong. There we had afternoon tea and we had still managed to miss the rain.

We then continued on to Camden becourse I had to get fuel then onto Narrelan road when we got to the Wallicia turned off to the right and headed home the back way to saint Mary's after riding three hundred and forty kilometers I arrived home at 5:00 PM.

The ride was led by Noel Harris with John Mcrae myself followed by Rolf lattau and then Peter Morris, Franz Garde had met us at Maccas, but he had a problem with the computer on his Beama and decided to take his bike to get it fixed at Wollongong, I have not spoken to him so I do not know how we went. We had an exceptional day and the weather favored us as we did all that ride with only a few drops of rain.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

Wednesday, February 25th

This Wednesdays ride on the 25th of February was too Pattonga, after two weeks of rain it was great to be on the road again we left Mcdonalds at our usual time of 9:00 AM there were six riders Noel Harris led the ride followed by Les Welch myself John Allison Franz Garde Peter Morris, we headed down the highway two mulgoa road turned left and headed out to wards Windsor along Castleraigh Rd and through the back way along past Richmond aerodrome and through the back way of Rouse Hill and Arcacia through the back roads of Baulkam Hills, traveling along Noel was leading and a fully laden fuel tanker came over the top of a hill doing a good 90 K's, per hour, and the high ace van in front of Noel turned right into his driveway, if it would have been one second earlier we would have all been in trouble I still have I cold shiver run down my spine when I think about it.

We got to Berowra waters where we had our morning tea it was a really good ride down to there as it was nice and cool, we went across on the ferry and headed up the to the old Pacific highway where we continued on to Pattonga where we had lunch. It really is a nice spot Pattonga, it was really quiet and seemed to have been left alone from all the developments.

We left there about one thirty and headed for home, there looked to be a storm brewing coming from the west, it had started to warm up on our way home but was not uncomfortable and by the time we had made our way back across the ferry where we had a drink back at Berowra the time was starting to slip away, so we headed for home Les Welch left us and went through gallstone gorge so that meant there were only five of us now.

It was a really good ride and by the time I got home we have done 310 K's and coming through the back of Windsor there was a huge Pantec Van that had run over the top of a small black car, so the road was blocked off and I had to divert along the back road so I arrived home and approximately five thirty after having had a great day.

The week previous to this apparently John Mccrea and another rider had turned up and they went for a ride by themselves, They were not there this week so I could not find out where they had gone.

Well that was this week's ride regards Eric Baldwin.

Wednesday, February 4th

We met at the usual time of 9:00 AM at McDonalds'and I was running a bit late this morning be course there was problems getting onto the freeway, but I arrived there a few minutes after 9:00 AM Noel Harris was there but unfortunately his bike was in the shop for some repairs, I suggested that he get on the back of Peter Morrises Harley Davidson and come with us, but he declined the offer so their were five of us and we left after much discussion at nine thirty and headed for Oberon,

The ride through the mountain's was fantastic as we had a couple of drops of rain and it was lovely and cool, after winding our way down through Mount Victoria we stopped at the service station just before Lithgow where you turn off to go to lake Lyell, where we had our morning tea. The ride was led by Allen Rochester with Peter Morris John Mccrea myself and Franze Garde, the weather cleared when we got to the bottom of Mount Victoria so the temperature had started to rise as we headed out over the dam wall of lake Lyell and out through Sodwells through Torana and wound our way along the mountain range, the country is exceptionally dry out there and when you look up to the top of the hills, it is amazing how many Pine forests there are, but then when you look at Oberon they have a huge timber mill, and that is one of their main industries we arrived at Oberon and headed out to the fly dam where we had lunch, we had a nice cool breeze coming through while we had our lunch that kept all the flies away thank you, we then walked up to the top of the dam wall to have a look at the level of the water in the dam and it is really low at the moment and the country is so dry when you walk on the grass it breaks or cracks.

We left there about 1:00 PM and visited the old people's home on the way out as we have been to Oberon so many times that they now have hot scones with jam and cream for us when we arrive, I showed a couple of the old Dears my Tats and nearly lost my virginity. I am only joking, the ride back through Hartley was really great and when you ride along the mountain range it looks like part of the forests has been rubbed out to make some sort of the design

where it runs along the top of the ridge,

We stopped at the top of mount Vic at the service station for a cool drink and headed down the hill you could feel the temperature rising as you were going down the mountain, I arrived home about four fifteen after having done about 310 K's.

When we were at the fly dam there were quite a few Black cockatoos and we also noticed some kangaroos coming down the side of the hill to get water in the creek there were also some guy's fishing in the dam, and I believe they catch quite a lot of trout there.

Well that was this week's ride and the reason why, we decided on Oberon was be course of the weather but coming back through Hartley the tar was starting to melt again.

Can't wait for next weeks ride hope you enjoyed my report regards Eric Baldwin.

Wednesday, January 28

We met at Maccas usual time, and decided this week's ride would be to Bundeena, there were six riders Ralph Lattau, Rod Brigham, Allen Rochester, Franz, Noel Harris and myself the weather forecast for the day was 28°Celsius in the city to 36°Celsius in the west,

So we left at 9:00 AM and headed down the freeway to Mulgoa road where we continued on out through Silverdale, then along the back roads where we stopped for morning tee at an old pub and service station at Menangle, the ride through the back roads was absolutely superb, we had nice cool conditions as we rode along the top of the ridge, the countryside is very very dry as you would be aware of with all the hot weather that we have had. After morning tea we continued on around the backroads through Douglas Park then Appin, down to the top of Bulli Pass where we turned left on the old Pacific highway through Darks Forrest. I can rember when I was sixteen going flat out on this stretch of road on a BSA Bantam going from Sydney to Lake Illawarra and I think the top speed was sixty miles an hour. We continued on to Stanwell tops where we turned left through the national park, down to Bundeena the weather conditions were starting to warm up now and you could really feel the temperature rising, by the time we got to Bundeena the temperature was probably at its maximum, we could not find a park too have lunch in, so we had our lunch at the ferry terminal.

We filled with fuel at the local service station and headed for home approximately 1:00 PM, the ride back through the national park, is just one of the best rides that you could have, you have to look at other countries to compare with what we have here, our Country is just fantastic, on the way back to Menangle for afternoon tea you could really feel it getting hot, so we stopped for a cool drink and then headed for home.

I arrived home at about five thirty PM after having ridden approximately 340Ks, when I arrived home the temperature out here in the western suburbs had reached 38° C so it was really a hot day . Well I have checked this ride report and there does not seem to be too many mistakes although I would not get an A four grammar, but at least it lets you know what sort of rides we have.

Regards Eric.

On the road to Orange Sunday 25.1.09

We had lovely weather for our ride to Orange with our pre-Aussie Day barbecue lunch to be had at Lake Canoblas Reserve. I think we were all grateful we didn’t have quite the high temperatures of Saturday too. We left Macca’s as usual at 8.30 with Franz, Bill and Thomas with Tony and his friend Paul as pillion. Paul was visiting Tony and Sandra and it was decided that he’d like to ride with Tony and have a day out with all of us. Doubt that Paul’s backside will ever be the same again after this ride! Think we did about 450 kms. Quite a distance when you’re not used to being on the back of a bike!

We stopped at the Caltex Service Station at Wentworth Falls to pick up some more people. Andrew and Sue, Robert, Stewart, Warren and Galeena, Paul and Cecilie, and Mark. Onward to Medlow Bath to pick up Ron and Julie. First stop Bowenfels for a bit of morning tea and Franz, Bill and Thomas left us to head back home. Then on to Orange via Tarana, leg stretch at Blayney and finally Lake Canoblas Reserve. Was a beautiful warm day and all enjoyed our barbecue. Paul and Cecilie were truly dressed as Aussies with shorts for Paul and pretty skirt for Cecilie, complete with thongs. I handed out a few Chupa Chup prizes for such things as our newest naturalised Australian, our longest naturalised Australian, our newest Ulyssian and our longest Ulysses member. Paul got a prize for the most Aussie hat and Julie got a prize for remembering the Aerogard. Cecilie got a prize too for the best thongs! Ron got his beer open before anyone else got their drinks open, though Sue was a pretty close second I must say. Tony and Paul had their steaks cooked and on their plates before you could say ‘Bloody flies’! Yes, the flies were pretty friendly but they seemed to leave us alone after a bit.

It’s a very pretty spot at the Reserve with a kiosk and kayaks for hire and plenty of barbecue facilities. We were on our way home again by about 2 p.m. and it had warmed up quite a lot. Was a pretty warm ride along some of those roads behind Bathurst I must say. We stopped at the pub at Tarana for some liquid refreshment and a chat and I think most people could happily have stayed there. A few of us left earlier than the main group and headed for home. I think backsides were getting a little sore and I know the idea of my couch and a nap was sounding good to me. I’m not as young as I used to be!

Was a lovely day and thank you one and all for a great time.

Marion and Martin Greaves

RIDE to Bathurst via Bangalang with Blue Mountains Branch

Well it is a beautiful sunny Sunday & perfect for a ride. After a few beers at our special Nepean meeting last night a ride was organised to Bathurst, depart 10am from South Penrith, no, change of plans, depart from Maccas at 8.45am was the late decision by the acting ride leader.

Sunday morning & at the servo for fuel & air in that flat bald tyre on the mighty mid size DeauVille. Five minutes to get to Maccas so should make it, a group of bikes ride by & I thought i recognised two of them, must of left early, better get the Honda cranked up & chase them before they turn off. Is Mulgoa really on the way to Bathurst ! Stopped at a stop sign & saw some Ulysses stickers on the bikes so ‘knew’ it was that Nepean mob, must of changed their route or is this a very long way round to Bathurst.

Arrived at Thirlmere & stopped for morning tea at a nice cafe. Helmets off and I did not recognise a few new faces, crossed the road & a few more new faces, oh dear I do not recognise anyone.
Then spotted one familiar Julie Hawkins from ...Blue Mountains branch, yep joined the wrong ride with the wrong group going to the wrong location. Oh well as someone said we are all one club.
The mountain mob all made me welcome & promised not to tell anyone of my mistake, much.
The coffee & tart was wonderful & just what was needed.

About to head off & ride leader says we are early so will go on an adventure tour (I think this means we are lost). The usual route is taken to Robertson & we pass one turn off to Bangalang, a second turn off to Bangalang and then a third turn off to Bangalan. Ride leader waives me past & I am second in line, does that mean I am assistant ride leader & I can get lost to!
Definitely lost, but could be going to Berry, Bowral, to see Bradman or any other “B” places which are all beautiful, but best if we have a nice cold beer wherever as the weather begins to warm up.
Two bikes pulled over to the left at the pie shop and the others kept going turning right. We then did the loop to Jamberoo way & back up Macquarie Pass to Bangalang where we found the others already keeping the seats warm & already drinking a cold one (how smart are they) as we arrived.

A great lunch with lotsa laughter shared by all in a sunny courtyard at a quaint old pub.
Some yarns & experiences were shared which all of us old farts acknowledged & debated.
A few fines were issued for behaving disgracefully and then the lunchtime crowd arrived so the overused smelly septic tank said it was time to go.

Back on the bikes and we are homeward bound in one long line of machines around the sites of the southern highlands, a fuel stop for tiny tanks, soon to Thirlmere where things warmed up so clothes came off & a pit stop for farewells & cold drinks.

A great day, a great ride & a great bunch of Ulyssians whom I had the misfortune of fortunately meeting.
I think I will try another accidental ride next Sunday, and see which club I run into...

Paul Cheetham

Editor’s Note: Please insert Burrawang where ever Bangalang appears. And we were never lost – we were on a GPS Adventure tour

Wednesday Ride, January 21

This week's ride was in extremely hot conditions that were forecast, so often meeting at Maccas we decided that we would only go for a short ride so the destination was Colo. We started off with seven riders Noel Harris led the ride with John McCrea, Peter Morris, Peter Mowen, Rod Brigham, Paul Sullivan and myself. We left at 9:00 AM and headed up the great western highway to Springwood where we turned left and then continued on down the Hawkesbury Valley Road it was lovely and cool as we rode down through the shaded tree area and when we got to the bottom of the hill there was a really nice big diamond Python on the right hand side of the road that had been run over.

I really wonder how many of these road kills that happen are really necessary I think some people just do it to run over something. Anyhow we continued down to Agnes banks where Paul Sullivan left us, we continued on to Richmond and up the Bells Line Road where we turned right into Blaxland Ridge road, we followed that along till the end and you could feel the temperature rising as we rode, when we got to the end of Blaxland ridge road we turned left and in a matter of no time were at Colo were we turned left and under the bridge too have lunch.

After we had had lunch we headed back up the hill and turned right again into Blaxland ridge road joining up with the bells line road and then down the hill back to Agnes banks where myself and Peter Mowen left the other riders and we continued on a long Castleraigh road where I turned left into Andrews road and headed for home,

You could feel the temperature rising as you rode and it was extremely uncomfortable I think the round trip was only about 180 K's and I was glad to be home at about 2:00 PM.

So that was our Wednesday ride this week I still am looking forward to next week and I hope the weather conditions are more suitable. When I do these Wednesday ride reports I am using as speech recognition program to do this report so if it is a a bit mumbly jumbly I hope you will understand why.

So have a happy Australia day and I look forward to doing their report next week. Regards Eric Baldwin.

Wednesday, January 7

Wednesday ride on January the seventh started at the usual place Maccas at 9:00 AM . The weather forecast for the day was extremely hot conditions and the temperature would get to 40° C so they decided to ride to Mount Wilson hoping it would be cool . There were five riders Peter Morris Richard Mason Paul Sullivan Allen Rochester and was led by john McCrea we left Maccas and headed up the great western highway to Springwood where we turned right and headed down the Hawkesbury valley road out to Richmond and up the Bells Line of road where we had our morning tea at the fruit bowl at Billpen. You could feel the temperature rising as we rode, and when we reached Mount Wilson even in the shade of the magnificent trees that grow over the road the temperature had risen to about 30°Celsius this is one of the most picturesque areas in the mountain's and is well worth a visit by motorcycle or Car I have been to this area on several occasions and have taken some wonderful photos

After having had lunch we continued back to the Bells Line road where we continued up towards Lithgow we turned left at the top of the hill and headed along to ridge to the Great Western Highway at Mount Vic then turned left again and headed down to the mountain pie shop where we had our afternoon tee and a cool drink to escape the heat for a moment . We left there and headed down the mountain and you could feel the temperature rising as we continued down the hill we arrived home safe and sound at about 3:00 PM and a wonderful day was had by all.

The Wednesday rides that we have are so good there is no traffic to speak of and the rides are never over the speed limits and we really go to some wonderful places. Most of the times there is nobody in the picnic areas that we frequent so this is one advantage of the Wednesday ride but I am hoping that we do not experience any more of these hot days as it does make it somewhat uncomfortable.

And around trip that day was approximately 250 kilometers it was only a short ride but was well worth the trouble every time I ride I keep thinking how lucky I am to be able to do this.

Regards Eric Baldwin.

Wednesday 31/12/08

Our our ride last Wednesday was on New Year's eve and we decided to go to Sublime Point. We left at 9:00 AM there were four riders Noel Harris led the ride as usual followed by Rolf Lattau then myself followed by Peter Morris we went via Lapstone Hill down two Mulgoa road where we continued out through Theresa Park where we had morning tea at Menangle and then continued on the back roads through Appin. We had lunch at sublime point it was a perfect day maybe a little bit too warm, we had westerly winds blowing and looking at the ocean you could see the Reefs quite clearly. We decided to go down Bulli Pass and then head north through Stanwell Park and then the first part of the national park up to waterfall where we had our afternoon tea and then headed back along Heathcoat Road where Noël left us and we headed back around the back of Liverpool and along Elizabeth drive where I left Peter and Rolf and turned right to go along Mamre Road to my home. All in all we had a marvelous day I made a bad mistake of taking off my jacket and paid the penalty with the upper one parts of my arms getting sunburned so I will not go there again, and we arrived home about 4:00 PM and I don't think I saw the new year come in so that was this week's ride
I think that the ride through the national park is one of the best rides you can have and it's free, every time I do that ride I cannot believe how good it is, and I hope you all have a wonderful new year. Regards Eric.

It is Wednesday the 24 of December, Xmas eve and I arrive at McDonalds' at 8.30am and find Noel Harris already there. At about 8:50 Peter Morris arrived and we decided to ride to Pie in Sky. The weather forecast was a possible early shower so we headed down through Knapsack Ridge where we continued along Castleraigh road to Windsor and around the back roads of Baulkham Hills down to Berowra waters where we had our morning tea. We experienced a very light shower but it did not deter us, we crossed the river on the punt up through the hills and along the Pacific highway to Pie the sky where we had our lunch. We left there at approximately 1:00 PM and headed for home down through Gallstone gorge where it started to sprinkle again, our aim was too have afternoon coffee at McDonald's at Richmond but unfortunately the weather started to close,
I left Peter and Noel at Rouse Hill and fortunately arrived home without hardly getting wet so, gave my bike a quick hose of before going inside and ringing Noel to make sure he had arrived home safely I think that was the first time that I had got wet , We will be riding next Wednesday which is me 31st of December so I would like to take the opportunity to wish you all a merry Xmas and a safe and prosperous new year, regards Eric Baldwin

Wednesday Ride, November 12

Their were Five of that left McDonalds at nine am Wednesday 12th November on our way to Tallawah Dam down at Kangaroo Valley a distance of approx three hundred and fifty Ks return, Our usual ride leader was Noel Harris the other four were John McCrea, John Alistair, myself and Les Welch who unfortunately had to leave us at Bargo where we stopped for morning tea at the wild life Sanctuary, what a great spot there is a walk through a part were there are Wallabies Kangaroos Emus Possums and other Aust Animals there is also a Dingo in a separate enclosure, also plenty of tables and chairs in a covered area and toilets with a small shop what a great place .

We left there and headed down the backroads past Fitzroy falls and down through the valley but when we turned right to head out to the dam we saw a sign that read closed till the ninth of March 2009 so we then headed back to the Pub at Kangaroo Valley where we had lunch .

Leaving Kangaroo Valley behind as we climbed up the mountain just after 1 pm we were heading for Robinson and we skirted there on to Moss Vale and back through Bowral then back to Thriller were we had afternoon tea.

The weather had warmed considerably since we left but conditions were still comfortable so we headed for home after a great days outing probably having a cool drink by five thirty.

The main reason for me writing this is to maybe inform some of the other members of what great rides we go on on a Wednesday and we go to such great spots no traffic all the picnic areas are empty and the comradery is unbelievable.

Regards Eric Baldwin

Pink Ribbon Ride – Oct 19 2008

We turned up at Maccas at 8 am – a mix up on the calendars had two different starting times. We were soon joined by Jack and Carla, Colin and Leonie, Kevin and Robyn (hope I got it right), Tim and Sonya, Thomas and Bill who arrived with Elaine on the back followed by Warren in the car. And I must apologise to Colin who I kept calling Craig – he did bear a striking resemblance to our son in law Craig.

Daryll stopped in his way home from picking up the bread and milk – once again on one of his little monsters. He is officially addicted – he now has seven. There were several suggestions about storing them on racks in the garage.

With pink flags and ribbons flying we made our way to Hornsby for the ride start. Not as many bikes this year, although the car park was full and we had to park round the corner. Word went out for the ride start so we climbed aboard and headed out – to discover that we had ended up ride leader. Has to be the biggest ride Ron has ever led – quite by accident as the main group was still sorting itself out.

Problem was we were taking the shorter route and if we turned everyone else would follow so we pulled over – and so did everyone else. We managed to wave them on. Finally back on track we made the checkpoint before everyone else so a quiet drink was in order. We tried to bribe the checkpoint marshall for the answers to the trivia questions but no luck..

The other riders started to arrive and there were certainly some sights to be had. Hawkesbury Ulysses tried for the biggest group again this year but were pipped by Northern Beaches Social Riders with 79 attendees.

Back to Hornsby for lunch and presentations. Must note here that Ron is following Robert’s footsteps as the GPS led him into a shopping centre carpark – almost. His excuse was he wanted to make sure everyone was following him.

Another winner from Blue Mountains this year - Thomas won the lucky rego prize of a Stay Upright Course and a voucher for motorcycle stuff.

Headed home via Galston Gorge with Thomas as the ride leader. Have to say that this was one of the most relaxed Pink Ribbon rides we’ve been on – probably because we didn’t stay in the pack and have to worry about what everyone else was doing. It was a good day and may possibly have been the last one. Time will tell.

Julie

Rockley Ride - 12^th Oct 08

Maybe it was Bathurst, maybe it was getting over Phillip Island, who knows but we turned up at Maccas to find a forlorn looking Jack and Carla wondering if they were going to become the only ones on the ride.

With Ron up front, Jack as tail end Charlie and no-one in between we mounted up to leave. At the last minute Bill arrived so now we had a middle man as well.

Undaunted we headed up Bell’s Line to the Farmhouse at Hartley where we knew others were waiting – we hoped. It was a great ride across the top, beautiful weather and stunning views, worth the ride even if no-one else turned up.

Jim and Frances we found as we headed down Victoria Pass, and we found Peter and Ann, Sue and Andrew and Mal and Kathy already into the coffee at the Farmhouse. As usual the coffee was good, the sun was warm and the day turning out better.

Off to Rockley. The ride was great along those wonderful mountain roads under blue skies – okay, there were a few clouds about, but that was not deterring anyone.

Into the park at Rockley and the unthinkable happened. Kathy and Sue got to the alcohol before Ron! Shock horror! It was all Andrew’s fault – he cracked the wine bottle and Kathy and Sue literally ran across the grass to grab the wine he was pouring. Ron was busy cleaning the BBQ so everyone could use it – and yes I got in trouble for being too slow.

Some of us cooked and others headed to the pub. We had a ring in from Bathurst – a friend of Andrew and Sue and for the life of me I can’t remember his name – sorry! Pretty sure it started with ‘S’.

After a wander around the Mill Museum and the antique store it was time to head home. Once again great roads – we managed to get out of the car park without Mal dropping both Kathy and the bike in the dirt this time. A stop at Mt Vic servo for goodbyes and hot chocolates for some.

And for those who didn’t come you missed a nice relaxing day in the sun. Has everyone noticed that it hasn’t rained on a Ron ride for over 12 mths – and now I’ve probably jinxed us.

Julie

Pie In The Sky – Aug 17 2008

A last minute change was made as Tony was too crook to lead the ride to Pie in the Sky. But that didn’t stop those that turned up from heading out on what was a chilly but beautiful morning. Newbies Galina and Warren came to see what we were all about and were made most welcome.

Daryll turned up to see us off on his way to get bread on one of his little mean machines - has four now apparently. On went the gear and off went the riders - six bikes with eight on board. Thought we’d lost Mal down Hawkesbury Rd but he was only stuck behind a horse float.

Barnstorming Bill led the way to Wiseman’s Ferry across Bull Ridge Rd and the Sackville ferry. Into Wisemans for coffee and a big brekkie for Bill and Thomas. The sunshine was warm and it was a while before we eventually decided we had to leave. Bill to return home for grandkids sports, the rest of us on to Pie In The Sky (PITS).

The group suddenly grew quite large as we boarded the ferry – there were a lot of bikes around and most of them heading across the ferry it seemed. Rocking Ron (often sings and grooves to the music) lead off the other side with a long line of headlights behind – had to be at least thirty bikes. And of course it wasn’t long before we were overtaken – only to catch up at road works down the road.

It was a great run along the river – not too much green on the road thankfully. Across Peats Ridge – John left us to head for Newcastle at this point - and up the old road into PITS. We won’t mention the spurt up the hill will we Thomas.

It was an enjoyable lunch amid the company of many other riders. As usual there was a great collection of machines on display. Old Number 1 turned up and settled himself in the sun but sooner or later we had to leave.

Home via Berowra Ferry with a goodbye stop at Hawkesbury Lookout. We must have been good company as Galina and Warren are eager to come and join the club.

It was a good day with great weather and good company. And it wasn’t that cold either – but we were home by 4pm!

Ride Report: ‘Woolerina’ Weekend to Forbes, 12/13 July

This could have been both a miserable and even dangerous weekend. Snow, ice, wind and very low temperatures, with black ice on the road around Lithgow the week before, and on the day before we left it blew a gale!

So imagine our relief when we woke to clear skies and even some sunshine on Saturday morning! 24 souls braved the elements, comprising 12 bikes and 3 cars. Ray and Brenda’s friend Wayne joined us from Hills branch, and John & Dorothy’s neighbours Harley & Margaret came, having met quite a few ‘disgraceful ones’ at our last two Trivia Nights. The mood was really up and friendly as we met at the Wentworth Falls servo, and stayed that way all weekend.

Great riding despite the cold. The Rolfes and The Muffets were fabulous hosts and we enjoyed a great BBQ, and Warwick had all the Woolerina range on show. Wendy Muffet told us about their practice of holistic, stress-free farming of their lamb at Taroona. Motel in Forbes worked well, and only about 100 paces from rooms to the Golf Club for our evening meal. Followed by a fire bucket and potatoes in the coals after dinner for those still awake.

Ride home via Cowra and Lithgow for lunch at the Workmen’s Club brought things to a most satisfying end before the ride home.

A few different voices from a memorable weekend…

Marion & Martin: “A lovely weekend… beautifully organised… really nice and relaxing time… everything taken care of with no fuss… the company was terrific, and good to meet new people too!” Heard lots of “What’s the temperature now?”, and “You have to read the intinerary!”

Wayne (Ray and Brenda’s friend from Hills branch): “A well organised ride and great weekend… I look forward to joining you for other rides… the Woolerina products are absolutely fabulous!… had a lengthy trip home down Bells Line due to the Pope arriving at Richmond.”

Ray & Brenda: “Highlight of the Saturday was a wonderful and very scrumptious lunch of BBQ lamb (raised by ‘stress-free farming’ by Kim & Wendy) at Warwick & Robyn’s home… At our table cooking tips and recipes were being traded… a pleasure to meet Margaret & Harley, and loved how Harley became involved as our own personal club photographer!”

Janelle & Wayne: “Despite layers of thermals, clothing and wet weather pants we had to pull over this side of Bathurst for a hot cuppa and some thawing out!! (I did say we were (C)OLD Farts!!)… after a delicious lamb BBQ with dessert & coffee, we left to go to Janelle’s home town of Forbes (after 15 years away) to visit graves of loved ones in the cemetery and swung by my old house that Dad built in Farnell Street… a great trip, and Wayne got to test his new thermal top, Longjohns and socks on the ride home.”

Dorothy composed this on the ride home on Sunday:

“The Woolerina Weekend Weather Report”

The sky was clear blue and the air very cold,
As twelve bikes and three tin-tops, twenty-four bold,
Gathered and greeted each other before
Comparing the number of layers they wore.

With temperature low but the breeze nicely still,
They set a good pace down Victoria’s hill,
And out past the road-ice signs they went west,
To sample the products that sheep do the best.

They lunched in the sunshine and ate stress-free lamb,
And bought more warm layers from the wool-clothing man.
Then as the sun lowered they headed for town,
To have a fine evening before bedding down.

The clouds were about but the rain stayed away,
For a great ride from Forbes to Cowra next day.
Then after warm coffee they stretched out in a row,
To surf the strong winds for some lunch in Lithgow.

An enjoyable weekend with bike-minded mates
Kept everyone warm, and kept part of this State’s
Wool and lamb business going a little while longer.
Now the “24 bold” gladly layer more under.

John introduced (accidentally, not by design) the practice of ‘leading from the rear’. Because everyone had maps and the itinerary well in advance, he encouraged everyone to ride at their own pace. Turned out that ‘the pack’ was at the back most of the way! Worked well.

Sorry for those who missed a great time.

The “24 bold”.

Whale Ride 2008

Thar she blows, 12 bikes and 15 riders lined up for the annual whale ride to Cape Solander. The club has a 100% record of seeing whales on this ride and the day did not disappoint.
Unlike last year the weather was perfect for whale spotting and riding. Today marked the return of Tony after a 4 month lay off with an injury. Welcome back Tony.
The day went well with a nice ride through the Royal National Park and a good feed at the Bundeena RSL Club.
Did you know that there is no mobile phone service at Cape Solander? I did manage to get a brief broken message to the RSL and they set a table for 15 just for us. That’s what I call service.
After a very nice meal it was off home through the Park and Waterfall.
Only managed to lose 1 person and he caught us up later anyway.
Nice day 260Km

Brian and Jen

Sea Bridge Walk 15-6-2008

Looking out the window at 7.00am did not inspire any confidence for the ride to Sea Bridge and the walk. It was a hard decision, Option 1 stay home in the warm and read the newspaper or Option 2 go riding in the rain and cold.

Tough choice.

Jen took one look out the window and decided Option 1 was good
Sometimes being the ride leader is a drag. Still maybe no-one will show up at Maccas..
By the time I got to Maccas the day looked almost reasonable. Windy, cloudy and cold for sure but it was dry. There were even a few hardy souls who wanted to go on the ride. There was Thomas, Mal, (Kathy took Option 1 this time) John, Steve, and myself.
The roads were mostly clear of traffic and we made good time to the coast. The green moss growing on the road surface in the National Park is interesting!
Quick stop for coffee at the top of Stanwell Tops and then it was down the hill for the walk.
It was so cold down there that the local flasher was seen describing himself to two women.
The sea was “working” and the walk was quite scenic. There was the opportunity to take a few photos on the bridge, so why not show off a little. See photographs for Mal Knevel, thrill seeker.
I’m getting rather good a having people meet my rides at the half way point. I must admit I was surprised when Steve and Lee showed up at the end of the Sea Bridge. I was in fact, so surprised that I did not recognise them.
Well it was up Mount Ousley and on to Picton for lunch. John carried on home alone and we were not far behind. We arrived home at 3.00pm for 250Kms. Not a bad day actually.

Brian

Getting High at the Fly

The Illawarra Fly is one of only 4 treetop walks in the world. The remaining three are also in Australia. Jen and I have been on 2 of the 4. The Otways on the Great Ocean Rd was the first and now the Illawarra Fly. Maybe this is a challenge to be fulfilled, visit all 4.

The tour had a strict timeline. Even if it run to schedule we were still due back at Glenbrook at 5.00pm. So we had to move out from Maccas a little earlier than usual. Hope no-one showed up late and found us already gone.
We took off at 8.40am and in attendance were Andrew, Thomas, Bill, Mal, Jen and myself. By the time we had reached the morning tea spot Ria had caught up to join the party. Apparently she didn’t know it was us, and just followed a likely looking mob of bikes heading in the right direction.

We made good time to Thirlmere for morning tea and chat. The idea was to get to the Fly via all the back roads.

The cross country roads took us through some very scenic parts of the Southern Highlands. Speeds were pretty slow as the roads were not wide or particularly smooth.
It could have been that I was leading and in the way! Not sure.

The Fly was pretty spectacular and worth a look. The food at the venue was OK.

After the necessary extended stay in the venue we rode down the escarpment to Albion Park via the very twisty Jamberoo Rd and returned back up to Robertson via the Macquarie Pass. These are great roads to ride.

We had to blast home via the fastest route with a quick stop for coffee at Picton. The sun set as we travelled through Silverdale and it was near dark by the time we reached Glenbrook. Weather was clear and cool, it was a good day. 370Km home at 5.34pm.

Brian and Jen

Millthorpe Ride Report - Mar 30 2008

What an absolutely brilliant day for a ride. Admittedly it was a bit chilly - especially at the top of the mountains, but otherwise spectacular weather for a Ron ride. 7 bikes headed west from Maccas, along the way we collected Bill with Elaine on the back and Warren on the BMW, Ria at Medlow Bath and Gary, Stewart and Clint joined us at Lithgow. Andrew tried to convince Sue to don the gear so he could pick her up but she preferred to stay where it was warm.

Into Bowenfels servo where Steve Norris left us as his clutch was playing up and didn’t want to take the chance. Warm coffee went down well as we watched Mal and Kathy check out Andrew’s bike for size - Kathy mentioned that the seat had high points in all the right places and she might enjoy the ride a bit more than usual - maybe there is something Sue isn’t telling us!! With that we hit the road again.

Then we had a first - a police escort! Not really - there was a cycle event on the road out of Tarana - definitely some sights that really shouldn’t be seen!! The police car was setting the pace. Ron wanted to go round him but was pretty sure he wasn’t allowed to when his lights were flashing. Thankfully the cyclists went left towards Hampton. Bill, Warren & Elaine left us at O’Connell as we continued on.

The back roads to Millthorpe are great to ride - when you can avoid the pot holes in places. Everything went to plan and we settled in for lunch at the Old Mill Café in Millthorpe. Don’t panic! It was fully licensed so Ron could still have a beer - the pub didn’t want to know about us so the Café got our business.

And what a great lunch it was. The service, food and atmosphere were excellent. Food was ordered by name and separate bills made out so there were no hassles with payment. The staff were very friendly and made us feel extremely welcome. We would highly recommend it as a place to eat.

Then Gary started a trend by ordering desert. It should be noted here that Brian is practising how to be romantic so he agreed to share a Pavlova stack with Julie. They are off to Paris in a few weeks so Julie wants him to be romantic while they are there - he did mention something about boinking under the Eiffel Tower and Gary was sure Julie mentioned plugs - not the type he thought!!! Strange what can be mis-heard!!

Mal almost insulted the owner of the Café by commenting that she was short because she stood on a chair to take a group photo - the pot calling the kettle black! Kathy got her own back though by calling Mal her purse. He was dragged kicking and screaming into the patchwork shop over the road - or was it a case of him wanting to keep an eye on Kathy’s spending.

After an extended lunch - two hours isn’t too long and it wasn’t because the food was slow in coming - we donned the gear and watched as Clint rolled his bike down the street to get it started - had a bit of a problem with the battery not charging. Off to Bathurst with a stop at Raglan for fuel. This time Gary got his daily exercise by pushing Clint to get him started.

Onto Diamond Swamp Creek Road towards Tarana where there was an incident with a bird and Mal had to stop to make sure the BMW wasn’t injured. A stop at Mount Vic to say goodbye with all agreeing that the day was perfect, the company great, the roads wonderful, the weather spectacular and the lunch well worth the trip.

Bet you’re sorry you missed it.

Ron & Julie

Easter Sunday – A Ride to Orange

Being a long weekend, we weren’t confident that we’d get a lot of starters on this ride and the weather was a bit iffy too so it was lovely to see a couple of familiar faces at Macca’s when we started out. Alan and Colleen and Robert joined us for the trip to Orange. We did see a couple of other familiar faces too at Macca’s but they were heading in different directions. We said hi to Daryll and Jenni (off to the Royal Easter Show, hope they had a beaut day) and we saw Adriaan swing through the car park. (Maybe to check out the drive through menu!) Anyway, off we went. Turned out to be a lovely day – weather was just great – a tiny smattering of rain at one point but on the whole really good. We went up Bells Line of Road and caught up (and no, we definitely were not speeding – double demerits you know!) with another familiar face – Gary leading a group of friends. Morning tea at Lithgow Macca’s and we met Chris and Enid and Carl and Sue from the Hills Group travelling with Gary. We all left Lithgow, the Hills group going up the highway and Martin’s group (including Gary) on all the side roads. By now, most people know that Martin much prefers small country roads to highways. We all got to Orange and met up at the Royal Hotel (the pub was expecting us – I did book). A very nice lunch and a very nice chat. Colleen disappeared at one point. She badly needed to have a little nano nap and went across to the park across the road to put her head down but ‘those noisy locals’ put a stop to her little rest. Some people just seem so determined to spoil other people’s rest!

We headed home in front of the Hills Group. Stopped at Bowenfels for a leg stretch and decided on the best way home. Gary headed down Bells Line of Road – the rest of us went straight down the Great Western Highway with Alan showing us all the shortcuts to beat the traffic. Was very nice to go sailing along and look over to the highway and see all those four-wheeled monsters inching along.

Was a really good day. The weather behaved itself and the company was just great. Many thanks.

Marion and Martin

MOGO ZOO February 2008

Jen and I really wanted to go on this ride but, we waited to get the long range weather forecast first. We were very glad we decided to go as it was a great ride through some of the best roads we have ever ridden.

The day started warm and sunny as we gathered at Maccas for the 8.30am start. We waited till 9.00am as we were one short. Scratch one participant, believe it or not, a Triumph “failed to proceed”. So there was Robert, Stuart, Phil, Gary, Andrew and Sue, Brian and Jen, Steve and Maureen, and Rea on her Honda 250.

Morning tea at Thirlmere for some heart starter coffee and a banana, then it was off through back roads and lanes to lunch at Ulladulla. The lunch spot was under a shady tree overlooking the harbour. Bliss.

Four pm saw us at our digs in Moruya for a quick cuppa and then back to Mogo to the zoo.

This place was amazing. The staff were quite obvious in their affection for the animals and the animals responded. With the possible exception of the South American Tapir, who managed a well directed pee on the tour guide. Glad I missed that experience!

Most of us had a go at feeding a Giraffe. Did I tell you that they are really big? No, well they are really big!!

I think one of the Chimpanzees in this zoo is a Ulysses member. He even has a bald head, just like a lot of us.

There are tigers, white lions, meerkats, red pandas, and gibbons. Big snakes, and even bigger giraffes, deer and the mandatory roo or two. Nice zoo actually.

The BBQ meal was great, with desert and after patting some snakes and lizards we departed back to the motel for drinks.

Stuart made friends of the local (how do you say this?) blokes who had been in the pub all day, and then left Robert and I to listen to their jokes, Do you know what a Shih Tzu is? A zoo without any animals.

Great stuff!

They turn the beer taps off at 10.00pm, the savages, and the lights at 11.00pm so it was early to bed for all.

Another beautiful day dawned on Sunday for the return trip. Phil decided that he wanted to lead and headed North. Unfortunately, no-one knew he was leading and they went South and then East with Robert.

Phil led himself to Braidwood while the rest took the scenic coastal route to Batemans Bay first.

The road to Braidwood must be one of the best bike roads, it was brilliant. Smooth with lovely corners. It got a little windy in stages but the road made up for it. We met up with Phil in Braidwood for coffee then it was off to lunch in Goulburn. The back way to home via Oberon only has about 2 Km of unsealed road instead of the 72Km on the signpost at Braidwood. Mt Victoria was the final stop for farewells and then it was off home through the traffic and road works of the GWH.

840 Km for the weekend

We arrived home at 5.00pm tired but very glad we went.

All compliments to Robert for arranging a great trip. Well done Rob.

Book Barn Ride - Berrima

Sunday dawned fresh and clear with a forecast of 24C and late showers. In other words, nice riding weather. On arrival at the usual Maccas carpark we were met by the Ride Leader, on foot! Apparently the mighty Royal Star had failed to proceed. Adriaan could not come and looked thoroughly embarrassed.

We needed to elect a ride leader between Bill, Mal and Cathy, John and Dorothy, Brian and Julie, Andrew, Alan, Ria, Brian and Jen.

Bill was elected to the exalted position of Ride Leader and led off for a leisurely ride through Picton to Thirlmere. Bill took us through some out of the way country lanes which added to the day considerably.

After a quick bite and coffee at Thirlmere it was off to the Book Barn. Maybe not, as we flashed by at 80Km/h.

The riding was so good Bill forgot the point of the ride as we stopped at Berrima for a short break. Then it was onwards to the Burrawang Pub for lunch.

Wang Burgers all round please.

Off after lunch through some very pretty back roads we passed Lake Wingecarribee. Cath had a brief stop at the craft shop in Mittagong and it was off home via Bills favourite coffee shop at Thirlmere.

This was a very nicely paced day through some back roads in the Southern Highlands.

Well done Bill.

Brian and Jen Gore

Bill's Day Out - Feb 2, 2008
Two reports on this one......

1. Decided to miss Patonga and go to the Pie in The Sky (PITS) instead.
Left Maccas and rode to Wisemans Ferry via Windsor, along the Putty Rd to Bull Ridge Rd then down to the Sackville Ferry.
Stopped at Wisemans for coffee then on to Mangrove Mountain for a fuel stop at the compound then on to Somersby.
The road that we used to take (Old Pacific Highway) is still closed because of the wash away fatality so we had to travel the freeway, across Mooney Mooney bridge and get of at the Peat's Ridge exit.
Back onto the old road and down to Brooklyn - 60kph all the way to the bridge but still a nice ride. Across the bridge and 80kph up to PITS - even better riding.
Left PITS and came home via Berowra Ferry and Pitt Town. 8hrs all up, very little rain, lots of wet road patches but a great day.
Who was there - Bill (pressganged into leading), Warren & Elaine, Phil (took pictures), Steve and Andrew.
Warren & Elaine were second in line and were happy to be up front instead of tail enders - should be more of it.

Bill - official ride leader
.................................................

2. Six hardy souls went looking for a leader on a very overcast day, obviously the thought of rain deterring all but us fools. "don't know what the problem is" says Steve "It's only when you mix soap with water that it becomes an issue".

Andrew and Warren stopped talking and Bill took up the challenge and expertly led the way to Wiseman's ferry via Sackville showing that he not only knows every pretty face in the region but every back road as well. Coffee at the ferry cafe where Warren insisted Pie in the Sky was only a short distance away and the dark clouds were an illusion. Bill deftly led on, faltering only once as he tried to take us though Somersby via the washed out road.

Lovely pie, great company, gorgeous weather, now and home via Berowra Waters ferry, I waved goodbye at Windsor with Elaine looking very comfy on the back of the trike.

Phil

Rockley Ride Report - Jan 27 2008

What an absolutely fantastic day for a ride. Blue sky and sunshine must have awoken the need to blow away a few cobwebs as 20 bikes and 1 car joined the ride to Rockley - making a total of 30 people out for a great day.

A leisurely ride up Bells Line - it was double demerits after all - regrouping at Bell where Brian Doherty left us to go home, the rest of us headed across the Darling Causeway to the Farmhouse for coffee.

Stewart and Gary made themselves at home in the shadiest and most comfortable spot. Others found what shade they could as the temperature seemed to get very hot. After a yummy break Tony and Thomas headed home and the rest of us continued on to Rockley.

One can never seem to get enough of those roads out around Tarana and O’Connell - especially on a day like this - perfect riding weather, everything was green, the river was running and very little traffic. Up Rockley Mount and into Rockley where we just about took over the place. Martin decided to go off road and get a prime parking position right by the tables in the park.

Those of us who brought our own lunch proceeded to BBQ while the rest headed into the pub for lunch. Kathy was getting impatient with Mal as he didn’t appear with her drink - sitting in the air conditioning chatting apparently while Kathy cooked lunch. His excuse was that there was a line at the bar - yeah, yeah!

It was a lovely spot to have lunch, large shade trees and electric BBQs with undercover tables. There was mention of having a play on the playground equipment but it was decided there was no adult to supervise so we couldn’t do it. And there were those springy rocking toys that Chuck enjoys so much!

The pub lunchers eventually rejoined the BBQ group and we all enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere and good company. It all got too much for Marion though as she apparently needed a nanny nap. (see photos) There was a comment apparently from the locals in the pub about us bringing our own blood wagon (Colleen’s work vehicle)

Reluctantly we donned the gear and headed out - only to have Stewart call a halt as there was a bike down in the car park. Mal allegedly lost control and dropped the bike and Kathy - don’t you just hate that! Kathy suffered a bruised leg and the bike was OK too - not to sure about Mal’s pride though!

On the road again - and what great roads they are - into Oberon for a fuel stop then onto Mt Victoria (isn’t it strange how Victoria Pass seems to have some sort of hypnotic control over bike riders!! Must be all that leaning!) Goodbyes at the servo where some stopped for coffee and others departed for home.

We must make a special mention of the wonderful corner markers we had today - the ride flowed extremely well considering the number of turns we had to make in what was unfamiliar territory to many. Thanks guys for making it work and setting a standard that may be hard to beat. Also to Alan who had his own reasons for staying at the back - although Colleen (and Rachel) was probably the true Tail End Charlie in the car.

Thanks to all who came along and made it a great day!

For those who missed it - tough luck! And to top it off it was a Ron ride and it didn’t rain!

Maybe next time

Julie

Rylstone ride - Nov 25 07

For all you doubting Thomas's it was a glorious day in Rylstone - check out the pics.

Five bikes with seven aboard left Maccas - admittedly under grey skies - for the run to Rylstone. Wayne was there and a possible new member - Cliff, Andrew and Martin & Marion and of course Ron and myself. Thomas (doubting of course) stopped in to say hi - blamed Ron for his having to go to work as it always rains on a Ron ride and he didn't want to get wet.

We picked up Stewart at Hawkesbury Lookout and Tony and Sandra at Agnes Banks. There was almost confusion as another group of bikes got there at the same time - seems we were destined to run into them.

Through the back lanes to Bell's Line where we met up again with the same group of bikes. The two groups intermingled - the second group definitely slower. We stayed together until Bilpin where the other group stopped for a break. On into Lithgow to Maccas for coffee where we found Jack and his daughter waiting for us. Carla, we won't tell you that Jack was there and that your daughter was wearing your name tag. That's our little secret.

Cliff left us to head home and the rest of us continued on. The skies by now had started to clear and the roads had dried so we had a good run into Rylstone - it should be noted here that Ron actually led from the front - all the way! Past Lake Windermere which is almost empty but people were still skiing on it and into Rylstone. We had no sooner ordered than guess what - the other group of bikes turned up. It was Macarthur Branch with about fifteen bikes. Made for a noisy mob of Ulyssians under the awning at the pub - a rather warm spot as the day heated up.

Tony and Sandra wandered across to the junk shop but controlled themselves well and didn't spend any money. Lunch was yummy and plentiful as usual. Back on the bikes for home - behind the Macarthur lot again who turned off to Sofala - a long ride home for those guys. Martin whizzed past at one point and Tony had to make an impromptu stop at Cullen Bullen for Sandra.

The skies had turned dark by this time as storms started rolling in. We were either just ahead or just behind the rain - well mostly. Ron tried to convince everyone that the ride had ended at the marker just outside Cullen Bullen and not at the Servo in Lithgow where we pulled in to say goodbye - slightly wet! Andrew explained that his wet jeans were from projectile incontinence - either his or the person he was behind! Tony and Sandra stopped to put wets on so of course it stopped raining.

It was only a short downpour - lucky to last five minutes - just enough to hold up Ron's reputation! Goodbyes were said and some headed home via Bell's Line and the rest via the highway. From the look of the sky over Bell I am guessing that maybe there was more rain. The highway was dry.

It was a good day even with the rain, good company and conversation. What more could you ask for.

Julie

Phil's Bulli ride sat 13 oct 07.

This was a gorgeous spring ride for 4 of us who prefer to watch Philip island on TV, Andrew, Shane, Steve and myself, the master of the mystery ride. Daryll was at maccas with his very nicely restored Honda 50 cc (see photos) .

First stop Thirlmere where a very nice French maid on his stag do agreed to a photo with Andrew and his thuxton for the news letter unfortunately I dropped the wife's camera in my excitement so no photo only a strange mental image. next Bulli lookout then Bulli for lunch and quiet ride home. BUT the boys were fired up and lunch at kangaroo valley via Jamberoo was the go, so I abandoned my swim and deftly navigated !!!! us to the pub, it was here that Shane incurred the first fine not for overtaking me but for not doing it 20 minutes earlier. I again tried to offload leaders role but no takers ( didn't they know my reputation) It was while leaving pub car park 2nd drop occurred this time my bike and 2 strangers helped me pick it up as 3 riders waited on road wondering who the idiot was who kept beeping his horn, note, do not drink Guinness and ride, nice ride home via hilltop stopped at Mulgoa to say goodbye and thank all for great company and home in 5 minutes while Steve and Andrew had to slog on to Katoomba . ps managed to fix camera so didn't have to eat humble pie.
Phil

ps things come in 3s, dropped camera, dropped bike, went to send my 1st ride report and monitor packed in hence very late ride report

Wollombi Loop 4.11.07

The weather looked a little dodgy at first sight early Sunday morning but it turned out to be an absolutely glorious day. Perfect for a bike ride! By the time we left Macca’s the sun was shining and some of us were regretting the rain pants. Colin, you must have been a good luck charm! Do come again! (Colin was a little concerned that maybe leathers and the forecast of showers were not a good match.) So we left Macca’s. Martin and Marion on the ever trusty GS. Colin, a newcomer and ever so welcome, on his VFR (Robert, another friend) and Tony, on his ever-changing Sprint. A small group but very special. At Winmalee we spotted Bill walking Isaac. Or maybe that was Isaac walking Bill. I think Bill should teach that dog to ride. Still at Winmalee and Alan and Colleen were seen heading in the wrong direction. It seems Alan also thought the weather was a little dodgy so almost decided to stay home. Then the sun shone so it was a bit of a scramble to get moving and get some petrol. At Hawkesbury Heights Mal and Kathy on another trusty GS were waiting patiently for us. Thank goodness another pillion! A couple of minutes and Alan and Colleen were with us after getting the fuel and off we went.

First stop, Wisemans Ferry for morning tea. We went to the bakery rather than the coffee shop. Perhaps not a smart move. Tony said it was the worst latte he’d ever had and I have to say Martin and Marion’s hot chocolate was more like a cool chocolate. Still, the sun was shining and the carrot cake was beaut. On to the ferry and Martin said hello to a group of Queenslanders on bikes. Bit of a chat and it seems half a dozen or so had come down to Sydney to go to the bike show and were now on their way home. Seems like a very poor excuse for a ride to me.

On we went. Stopped for a leg stretch at one point thinking this is all very leisurely and good fun. Turned out Martin’s GPS was on pre-daylight saving time and we were running an hour late!. Whoops! A fine I think. We thought a fuel stop at Broke would be a good idea and on the way Tony and Colin had a little bit of a run. Martin and Marion caught up at the petrol station and we waited for the rest. And we waited. Seems Alan and Colleen and Mal and Kathy came to a bit of dirt and decided it wasn’t the right way so turned back. Just for a little bit. By now we’re all a little peckish. Only a few km’s to lunch. We thought we’d try the Cockfighter’s Tavern at Bulga. As we pulled up in the parking spots I thought that Suzuki bike looked familiar. Tony sussed it out and sure enough, Suzuki Garry was sitting out the front of the pub having his lunch! Lunch was okay and the people running the place were very nice. They even arranged some music for us! Nobody cares about a few flies but I think they need to work on a bit of fresh food besides salad. Little too much of the fried stuff. Anyway, who cares! The sun was still shining and the company was good. Thank goodness for Tony’s Aerogard.

Down the Putty Road. There was an awful smell at one point and I was trying to get a look at the soles of my boots while we were beetling along to see if I’d picked something up. Then all became clear. We caught up with a big transport truck with little piggies in it. Once we were past that the air was clear and still the sun shone.

Leg stretch at Colo Heights (and Mal did not share the water with Kathy. Shame on you!) Tony started talking about chicken strips and I had to be educated about them. Alan’s tyres were looking a little suss and Colin was probably a bit bemused by all this carry on. The piggy transport cruised by and it was silently agreed to wait a bit before we set off again.

We said our goodbyes at Agnes Banks and Hawkesbury Heights. Martin and I had a terrific day. Couldn’t believe the weather after Saturday night’s storms but how lucky are we? Ron, you should have been with us. Not.

Marion (I sit at the back) and Martin (he decides where we’re going).

P.S. Martin’s contribution - Good weather, good riding, good company. Says it all!!

Molong Motorcycle Awareness ride - Oct 2007

Four bikes with five aboard left Medlow Bath at 8 am sharp on a glorious Sunday morning. There was a learner in the servo at the same time - more on this later.

A short coffee stop at Bowenfels servo - Robert ate inside and we believe it was to hide the apple pie and cream he had for morning tea. See Robert - we didn’t tell anyone!

Off again through Tarana, The Lagoon, Perthville, Newbridge and into Blayney for a toilet stop under what could only be called a strange looking sky. Remember that learner? As we arrived in Blayney he was turning around, turned down the street we were in and turned around again to tag on the back. Seems he had been travelling with friends who had turned off somewhere and he had lost them. He was totally lost so he joined us for the remainder of the ride.

And no it wasn’t raining in Blayney - no matter what anyone tells you. Andrew jinxed us by informing us he hadn’t brought his wets (on a Ron ride of all things!) but Robert saved us by putting the waterproof cover on his tank bag - to save the GPS apparently. Just in case.

Travelling through Orange was a bike lovers dream. Bikes lined the street - many belonging to the Orange Ulysses Mob. But there were quite a few bikes in town and they all started heading out as we were leaving the servo. Bad timing!

Parking was at a premium in Molong so after a lap of the main street we ended up back where we started - guess we were just meant to walk! All except John who was booked in at the pub overnight so he had special parking. There were about 800 or so bikes in town - and it looked like the Harley Davidson support vehicle was there too. (check the photos)

Beer at the middle pub to quench the thirst - that’s when the rain hit (so much for the lambs wool cover on the bike seat!). Seems the only reason they organise this event is to bring the rain! Not really it’s a very important event on the biker’s calendar.

Lunch from one of the local community stands and a wander along the street. We managed to find the late rising BMU group - Jim stopped a bike in the middle of the road and was chatting to the rider - how could we miss that!

Photo under the tree as we avoided the rain, more wandering and a beer at the bottom pub as we discussed the route home. Robert mentioned something about Wellington, then Merriwa and Mudgee but we managed to talk him out of that one. The late risers had disappeared by this time so we assumed they had headed home

Back into Bathurst - there was a thankful sigh as Ron stopped to discuss the route and there were more sighs after a visit to the loo. Robert took over and we headed through Locksley and into Tarana for a refreshing ale (coffee in my case) before heading back up the mountain and home.

It was a good day, good ride and good company - isn’t that what it’s all about.

Julie

Pink Ribbon Ride - 21st Oct 2007

Four bikes and one scooter donned the pink for the annual Pink Ribbon Ride for Breast Cancer. Thomas met us at Maccas but left us at Penrith - perhaps the pink was a bit worrying! Colin was a newbie who probably thinks we're all mad by now! Ron and myself, Jim & Frances, Jack and Carla and Richard made up the rest.

There weren't many bikes obvious as we neared Campbelltown and we wondered if we'd got the wrong day. That thought was soon wiped away as we turned the corner into the RSL carpark - a sea of pink awaited us. There were bikes, trikes, scooters and a couple of bikes with trailers - more room to decorate apparently.

On the road and the line of pink waiting to turn at Narellan Rd was most impressive - not too sure the cars who had to wait thought so. A pink snake wound it's way through to Thirlmere for the first checkpoint. The town was crowded and pink - bikes everywhere and it was market day too! I'm sure the locals wondered what had hit them!

Off again through Hilltop and back up into Picton for the second checkpoint. There were numerous discussions about the trivia questions and many were convinced that they had the correct answers. One Triumph rider convinced many of us he knew the answer - had seen the film so he said. Turned out he got it wrong and so did everyone who believed him!

Back to Campbelltown RSL for lunch and presentations. Jack and Carla won a prize for donations collected under $250 dollars. The pretty pink necklace and bracelet looked good on Jack - Carla tried to convince us the granddaughter would like it - hmmm! (photo's a bit fuzzy but you get the idea) There was a tie between Hawkesbury and Northern Beaches Ulysses branches for best group attendance - seems another trophy has to be bought as they couldn't agree to share. It should be noted here that there were a couple of ring ins from Blue Mountains with Hawkesbury - you know who you are!

Time for home and a final stop at Glenbrook for goodbyes. It was a good day of fun and good company for a good cause. Same time next year.

The Museum Ride - October Long Weekend
The October Long Weekend was the choice for a ride taking in the Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum in Tamworth and the National Motorcycle Museum in Nabiac.

There was still some hope in the hearts of the Manly fans that they could win the premiership. So I guess there must have been a lot of Manly fans in the BMU group, most members stayed home to watch the game.

The weather forecast for the weekend could not have been better. Three days of sunny weather that even the combined efforts of Ron and I could not change. Not a cloud to be seen.

Jen handed out “The Schedule” at the pre ride briefing in the Macca’s car park.

Six of us saddled up for the trip. Ron & Julie, Tony, Rob and Jen and I.

2 nights, 3 days, 4 bikes, 6 friends and 1200Kms.

By the time we had reached Richmond we had passed 2 highway patrol cars and I’m thinking great, cops everywhere, I hope we don’t get booked! Then Alan joins us for a blast up the Putty Rd. That lifts the spirit.

First stop the Half Way House for breakfast (for some) right on schedule (for Jen) and (At this stage Manly is looking good.)

The Durham pub at Wingen was the lunch spot and the publican had a table reserved and all ready for the club. This is a very nice pub, good food and nice people. WE are right on schedule and (Manly is still looking good.)

Around this time Tony informs us all that Dragon jeans chafe his behind.

Most people:

1. Didn’t need to know this

2. Are susceptible to the power of suggestion

So now my jeans start chaffing me!

400Km on the trip meter and my jeans are chaffing, I’ve lost interest, I’m tired and Tony takes the lead for a detour via Werris Creek. This of course is not on “The Schedule” and Jen reminds me just as I accidentally switch the CB to VOX. Ammunition a plenty for the boys. Werris Creek is closed and a detour is in place but we have an appointment in Tamworth so we press on.

The bikes in Tamworth are simply stunning; the MV Agusta comes to mind and the beautiful Ducati MHR worth over $250,000. Not to mention the Triumph Trident. All these bikes are in concourse condition.

Beer o’clock is at the nearby pub, where I nearly got some free beer. Later after a few it was on to the Serviceman’s Club for seafood and live country music.

Assessment - Great day, great bikes and right on schedule, (Manly still looking good.)

Day 2 - On to Nabiac.

The day dawned clear and sunny and we were off (right on schedule) for a leisurely cruise to Walcha for coffee. The Oxley is a great road, maybe next time, as we turn off onto ~~Thunderbirds~~ sorry, Thunderbolts Way. Sorry Triumphs on the brain.

After coffee we had another leisurely ride to Gloucester for lunch. This part of the trip was fabulous. The road is excellent condition and the traffic almost non existent. Cruising down the road it was easy to get into the rhythm of the road. Biking Nirvana! I was feeling a bit laid back so I thought it was a good time to sing some Neil Young songs to Jen. Unfortunately that stupid VOX switch was on again!! Who designed that thing? More ammunition for the boys.

On arrival at Gloucester we meet up with Gary who rode all the way there to save us a parking spot and have lunch with us.

I kid you not he was standing on the road guarding a parking spot big enough for 5 bikes right at the door to the Cafe. Thanks Gary. Lucky Gary had a copy of the Schedule. (Manly’s chances were starting to look slim The Storm had made it to Sydney alive.)

We had another leisurely ride to Nabiac arriving right on schedule. We had an interesting couple of hours showing each other the examples of the bikes we had owned, sold, crashed, loved, hated, burned, lusted after, threw in the tip, stole, raced, gave away, dumped in the river, really want and need. There is a good mixture of bikes here with some really beautiful examples and a few wrecks. It is very easy to spend a couple of hours here.

Beer o’clock was right on schedule at the motel at Forster. (Not looking good for Manly, the Storm have arrived at the ground)

Down to the pub for dinner and watch the game. Order meal, get little flag thing with number on it, find table, drink more beer. (Manly in trouble now, the Storm has run onto the ground)

We wait for dinner, And wait for dinner, And wait for dinner

Dinner no longer on schedule (Boys not happy, beer money running out)

(10.00pm Manly whopped and BMU Manly fans sit at home and contemplate the ride they missed out on.)

Dinner has not arrived when last drinks called.

Around this time Tony informs us that his dinner orders almost always get stuffed up.

Most people:

1. Needed to know this

2. Suggested to the waitress that now would be a good time to serve our dinner.

Assessment – Leisurely ride, great road, great day, great bikes and right on schedule, Where’s my dinner? (Manly stuffed, Jen and I are Eels fan anyway.)

Day 3 – Home

The day dawned clear and sunny and we sat down to a breakfast of Pancakes and bacon with Maple syrup. After this fabulously healthy breakfast we were off (right on schedule) for the ride home. (Who played in the grand final anyway?)

The beautiful Cape Hawke Lookout for a heart starter view is just down the road. The State Emergency Service showed up just on schedule to care for Ron, Julie and Robert should they decide to walk up to the top.

Did they get up there? Do photos lie? Check the website soon. I leave it to your imagination.

Riding along the Lakes Way we arrived at Bulahdelah, and the traffic and the 4000 police cars and the speed cameras.

Rob, fire up the GPS and get us out of here!

We arrive at the Bellbird Pub via every back road known to “Whereis.com” and we find it almost deserted. They don’t serve food on Public Holidays. (Didn’t they know they were on the schedule?)

Back tracking to Cessnock we find an even better pub for lunch so all is not lost.

Lunch within, we make tracks for home and find for some reason the distance between Spencer and Wiseman’s Ferry has increased. Or maybe we are just tired from riding into the sun for hours.

We said our farewells at the servo near Windsor and it’s off home to have a nice quiet beer.

Overall Assessment - Great days, great roads, great weather, great bikes, great friends, great fun, great trip. 1202Kms and right on schedule.

Brian and Jen

Brooklyn Ride - 23rd September

Another glorious spring day in the mountains. It was hot enough for quite a
few bikes to come out of hibernation, particularly the big silver one from
Wentworth Falls.

We had:
John and Dorothy on the new Goldwing
Ron and Julie on the old nail
Thomas on the Suzuki
Tony and Sandra on the Triumph ST
Jack and Carla on the BMW RT
Sean (Tony's son) on the Hyosung
Andrew on the Thruxton because the GS hasn't come home yet from its travels
Steve on the new VFR
Phil on his new bike (Steve's old CBR 1300) and with a NEW helmet
Stewart on his shiny VFR
Bill on the Yamaha
Richard on the scooter
Gary on the Suzuki - he joined us at Berowra Waters

We headed off via Hawkesbury Heights to pick up the late risers, and then
down to Yarramundi. On the straight bit we came across a push bike rider who
had just been skittled by a car. He had torn the rear view mirror off the
car with his shoulder and was feeling a bit low. We patched him up, calmed
down the poor woman who had hit him and headed off, hoping that it wasn't
going to be one of those days.

For a change we went through North Richmond, along the terrace and into
Wilberforce via Kurmond Road. We then took the Sackville Ferry and doubled
back to Halcrows Road, then Cattai Ridge Rd to Glenorie.

Our coffee stop (also for a change) was at Andy's (a.k.a. the Arcadia General
Store) on Arcadia Road. The coffee was good and the service was quick.

At the ferry there was a very large queue, fortunately all on the other side,
The road up the hill is very narrow and can be pretty scary if there is
oncoming traffic, and there was plenty of that. We all made it safely to the
Old Road and eventually to Brooklyn, where a cold beer and lunch was waiting.

Andrew was the centre of attention as he was wearing his Isle of Man TT
decorated helmet. We knocked back an offer to buy it from another patron -
he had his wallet out and was serious. Unfortunately Andrew came back from
the bar before we could seal the deal.

The ride home was via Galston Gorge and Annangrove Road, then up through
Nelson and Oakville before joining Windsor Road at McGraths Hill.

We didn't lose anyone, we did our Good Samaritan impersonation and we had a
good feed.

When's the next ride?

Rob

Mystery Ride - 25th August

This ride was so mysterious that not even the ride leader knew where it
started or how to get there. Consequently not many people turned up. By not
many, I mean hardly any at all. Just one. Me.

It was a great ride. No one got lost, no one was disappointed by the route
or the destination or the speed. We (the VFR and I) didn't have to wait for
the stragglers, or worry about corner markers.

The ride actually turned into a bit of a meander. We went down to Richmond
and because there was a slow car in front we turned left and headed for
Bells Line. Simple decisions on the spur of the moment - my kind of ride.
Having got to Bell, naturally one's thoughts turn to Victoria Pass and
Riverlet Hill. At Mt Vic however the random route generator kicked in and
suggested Mt York (the mystery photo for those who have seen it). I got to
explore a bit of history and enjoy the spectacular views.

The intention after Mt York was a quick run down the mountain, turn around
at Little Hartley and have a quick run back up the hill. The RRG said
otherwise and insisted on Tarana Pub. What could I do? By the time I got to
Tarana, it was pretty close to the time that I left Mt York and it was too
early for a meal. Once more the RRG was consulted and suggested Oberon.

After a pleasant lunch at the Bakery in Oberon, the bike seem to get a sniff
of the home trail and headed off on the most direct route back to its
stable.

It was a pleasant day and ALL of you who missed it should hang your heads.

Rob

Funny Day Wednesday, September 19, 2007.

I rode to Blaxland Macka's as one does on Wednesday and met up with Noel only to note that Noel was the only one there. I said: "what's up, only us two"? "Nah" says he, "Had to send little Richard home to put his boots on. He turned up in his slippers". It was going to be that sort of day.
After trying to fasten my helmet had to enlist friends help to do up helmet strap, it gets better. Anyway five bikes headed in the direction of Lithgow etc... Get to Lithgow, for Noel to discover that somebody or something was micturating on his boot. Oh, bloody fuel system had sprung a leak and that was the end of Noel's day out. So we proceeded to chew the fat and our cud for morning tea.
After about an hour of "Have-a-chat" regaling us with his deeds of past present and future, his "She-who-must-be-obeyed" informed him that it was time to get home as she needed her beauty sleep 'cause she was working that night. Beauty sleep, the woman does not need it.
So that left three of us standing around in a triangular circle wondering what to do. Now instead of going to Chifley Dam as we had originally intended and time being late, and probably getting lost trying to get there, we decide to go to Bathurst. Yes, you guessed it, took the wrong bloody turn but eventually found Bathurst to our surprise. Now this is what happens when you have three leaders and three tail riders out of a total of three riders. I told you our mental facilities are still good, just confussed.
Had lunch and yarned, and the usual comfort stops. Now me being a bright fellow and wearing trouser braces to keep me strides up, could not fasten the bloody things and had to get little Richard do me up. So you see not only do you need younger riders to lift us older farts onto our machines because of our arthritics we also need youngsters like Richard to dress us.

Now Judy (you see, I never forget a name) will the above qualify me for the BMU literary prize this year. I can assure you the above is or is not true fiction. Oh, a ride report you wanted? Yes got to Bathurst and rode home again.

Ruff

Can't even remember me name. Told you all it was a good day.
:-)
Bowling Night Sat Sept 22 07

20 people sent an RSVP - 14 turned up but four people turned up unannounced which made a total of 18. With six to a lane the challenge was on. There were excuses about old age, haven't bowled in years etc, anything to explain why the scores were low.

Several people wanted to make sure the gutters were clean - after the third or fourth time we assured them they were clean enough. Brian stayed off the VB this time - worse luck for everyone else as his score went up. No amount of coercing with free beer helped either! Tony was determined to beat his son, Stewart seemed to like the left hand side of the lane - hardly ever hit the right. There were a few comments about the camber of the lane - must have been built by the RTA!

Then the lights went out and Casino bowling began. There were more moans of despair as the arrows disappeared into the darkness - it didn't matter that the lines in between were lit. Robert and Sue did alright with prizes, a couple of Freaky Friday passes and some free games. Tony complained that everyone was winning but him!

In the end Tony was the overall winner - just beating his sons - closely followed by Ron and Brian. The wooden spoon went to Stewart who only lost to Jen by one point.

Then it was time for air hockey. There were challenges to do with nipple piercing and running around naked but thankfully no-one lost out. Except maybe Sue who hadn't seen Ron's nipple piercing - he was quite happy to show her and she walked away squirming. It was amusing to watch Tony play on the race car - he was leaning so far over in the seat he was almost laying down - didn't help - the car still hit the wall!

Everyone agreed that it was a good night. We had a laugh, had good company and a good time.

Julie

Destination Denman
Father’s Day 2.9.07

A small but select group left Macca’s right on time at 8.00 a.m. We had Martin and Marion on the GS, Ron and Julie on the Virago and Peter on his Yamaha FJ. The weather looked beautiful and it was a nice day to be out and about. Alan and Colleen had a better offer and decided to go on a 10 day cruise rather than be with us. But Alan was listening for the bikes to go past his house in Winmalee before he left on his cruise and tested his new bike radio to wish us well. We really do hope he and Colleen have a fantastic time.

At Hawkesbury Heights we picked up another small but select group – Mal and Kathy on another GS and Robert and Stewart on matching VFR’s. We had a leg stretch at the service station at Colo Heights and all agreed we had to be wary of coppers lurking in unmarked orange Commodores and silver Commodores with whip aerials and frangipanis on the rear window. Mal and Kathy were bringing up the rear and as we all pulled into Halfway House we were joined by Gary on his Suzuki. Bit of a relief really. Somewhere between Colo Heights and Halfway House Gary joined our little group and Mal couldn’t decide if Gary was a copper so kept slowing down, Gary couldn’t decide if Mal was Mal so he slowed down too. Just as well it all came together at the coffee stop. Halfway House and an earnest discussion on the merits of brown leathers versus white leathers. (This came about because we saw a very nice young man there in white leathers – he kind of stood out.) Nothing decided. Still wary of rozzers but so many other bikes out and about enjoying the fine weather that it was thought there were plenty of decoys and maybe the coppers wouldn’t worry about a few decrepit old Ulyssians. On to Bulga for a top up for some fuel tanks and Stewart left us at this point to head for home.

Denman right on time – 11.53 a.m. I think. Just before the Father’s Day crowd arrived. Something to drink and a very enjoyable lunch. An earnest discussion about the road surface on Tasmanian fire trails. We left there about 1.30 and headed for home. Stopping again at Halfway House for ice creams, drinks and coffee and further discussion on merits of brown leathers versus white leathers. Think it was decided that white leathers had something to do with Storm Troopers from Star Wars and was therefore perhaps not a good look. Peter left us there and headed off home. Was good riding with him.

Onwards for home. Gary was to leave us as we turned off the Putty Road. We were fairly spread out but beetling along at a pretty good pace. Robert taking point and enjoying the bends in the road, others spread out behind him. It is a bit surprising that bikes get such bad press when we were overtaken by a group of five cars, the two in the rear being green P-Platers. Stunning really.

We (the ride leader and his pillion) had a beaut day. As Ron said when we met up at the service station at Macca’s in the morning – isn’t it great to do what you want to do on Father’s Day! (and I didn’t have to deliver breakfast in bed!!)

Thank you one and all for a terrific day.

Marion (the pillion) and Martin (the one in front)

Patonga ride report - Wed Aug 29 2007

It was a glorious day for Ron’s RDO so we joined the Wed mob on one of their infamous rides. Not knowing where we would end up we joined the Wed regulars Noel, Rolf, Les, John and Peter at Blaxland. Jim and Frances had the same idea so that made for 7 bikes with nine people.

Patonga was the destination for the day with morning tea at Pie in the Sky. Noel led us through the back roads of Sydney’s western suburbs, across to Berowra where we just missed the ferry which gave us a ten minute stretch.

There was a conversation here that discussed something seen on the way but was missed by some because they were too busy watching the ‘big boobs!’ Must have missed that one!

Morning tea at Pie in the Sky was great - weather was perfect, view awesome and conversation uplifting. A warning here - don’t get in between these guys and their morning tea. John and Peter had an issue with the raisin toast and coffee with Peter convinced John had his order. Some fun bantering ensued with the outcome being that they shared the two orders of raisin toast - something about John already having his mouth around a piece!

On to Patonga where those of us who didn’t carry our own lunch had to wait an eternity for fish and chips. Was delicious though! The local dog who helped us eat it thought so too.

The return journey was a bit longer - a bingle around Dural causing traffic chaos but we eventually made it to Windsor and stopped at the tourist info centre. Rolf was not impressed that the café was closed so he had to settle for his own coffee and snack.

A familiar face came walking along the footpath at this point - Marion and friend out for their daily walk. A quick hello and she was gone. And so were we - goodbyes and thanks for a great day then home.

Thanks to Noel for his excellent ride leadership and thanks to the Wed guys for making us feel welcome.

Julie

TEMPLE RIDE 5.8.07

Well the day started off well with the sun shining and the temperature not to cold. The meet at McDonalds saw a great turn out of 21 bikes and 27 people. We left on time and met up with the Hawkesbury group at Mulgoa consisting of approximately 15 bikes and 20 people making a large group when combined with us. We headed for Mt Keira via Picton with four of our riders heading to Thirlmere. We had coffee at Mt Keira lookout and unfortunately the waiter taking the order didn’t get it totally right but everyone had a drink and we left for the temple on time to make our 11.30 tour

Upon arrival at the Temple we were met by our guide who strangely enough was called Zan. Some of our group were waiting to meeting Ying and Yang. Zan explained a great detail about the buildings and what Buddhism is about. Conditions of entering the temples was that no shoes are allowed so as we all took off our boots I did a quick sock check and no holes were found. Zan explained that incense is burnt to represent time in life but I wonder if the real truth is to cover the foot odour.

The tour ended by 1 pm and we all headed off to Ryans Hotel at Thirroul which Kim from Hawkesbury had booked us into. Unfortunately Kim lead the group through Wollongong Centre thus adding 10-15 mins to the trip and the group got separated. Slowly the group arrived at the pub only to find out that parking was not existent and they hadn’t catered for the 37 people that we had booked for. Food was at least 1 hr wait time and quite a few dishes had sold out. Some of the group didn’t stay and others went to the local chicken shop. When the food did arrive it was good, although everyone was hungry and food always tastes better when you’re hungry.

Hawkesbury left us to run up the coast and we agreed we would head up Bulli then through Campbelltown and home. I led the group (badly) from the pub with my GPS primed with the right directions and within 3 kms I missed the turn (user error). If only the GPS could steer. A quick regroup heading up Bulli then the GPS says turn right in 250 m, turn right in 50m. I’m thinking no worries, this technology is just great, I turn right then up the road, left onto Mt Ousley Road and SHIT, we’re on the wrong road and I see Ron and a couple of others go under us on the bridge. My next thought is I HATE THIS TECHNOLOGY and with a shake of my head and a weary smile there goes a $2 fine (Bugger). We back tracked to Picton Road then and headed towards Picton with the thought of cutting across to Appin to try to catch up with Ron, Jacques and Brian & Jen. My trust in the GPS is starting to come back as it maps a new route for me and gives me new information. It says turn right 1.5 km onto Fire Road. I look right and turn and then see the roads have gates on them and that they are private for the mines. GPS – who the hell checks the maps, a blind person? Now I’m depressed – another $2 fine.

We finally get to Appin – no Ron or group – so we continue on to home. A quick stop near Penrith Golf Club and quick chat and goodbyes said we all head home.

Many thanks to everyone who come on the ride, Ron for going tail end and Rob for taking Sandra so I could take her friend and Lee for telling me she had a great time.

All in all I think that the day and ride was successful and everyone arrived home safe and sound.

Tony Myk

Lead Rider (financially poor extraordinaire)

Whale Watch Ride2007

There are days when the yin matches the yang and all is in balance. At times like this the weather is fair, the bikes run sweetly, traffic light, nice company, the road is good.

This was not that day.

Alan felt the imbalance early and bailed as soon as we reached Penrith.

“Oceans Eleven” headed for the coast on 8 bikes. We managed to lose 4 bikes on the way. GPS was fitted to two of them! (Explain that Tony)

The forecasted 40% chance of showers gave it a 60% chance of rain and rain it did, right on us. Wet weather gear was tested, wet weather riding skills enhanced, and a Harley Davidson which had never been wet, got near drowned. By the time we made it to Cape Solander we looked like whales ourselves. You know padded, black in colour, and wet.

Well at the Cape we spotted some whales, and photographed them for prosperity. There was one sceptic in the ranks who denied the existence of the whales for some reason. (What are you up too Ron?)

I knew we were in trouble when Ron’s ultra reliable Yamaha had to be bump started before we could leave Cape Solander. Exit one wet Harley Davidson before lunch, going home early for a wash and polish.

The Royal National Park was beautiful. And then it rained again.

Bundeena RSL welcomed 10 soggy bikers with open arms and a drying rack for the clothes. The food was great, discounts were offered for future rides and the club was nice and warm.

The sun broke through the clouds briefly while we had lunch.

The road called and we departed for the ride home.

All went well until Prestons when the group lost contact with each other in the failing light, split up and went 3 different ways home. I’m not sure if this is a record for the number of lost participants on the one ride or not. I’m sure we will find out at the next club meeting, when the fines are tallied. At least as ride leader I got to lead Mal home.

As one rider put it

“I had a perfect day and a perfect ride, unfortunately it wasn’t today”

“But you know, it was pretty cool seeing the whales”

Let’s hope it is a bit drier next year.

Brian and Jen Gore

The Entrance Ride Report - June 3 2007

Only a small turn up on what was a beautiful day but with a cold start. There was a comment here about those old people who can’t take it after a week in Coffs and the fact we wouldn’t have to wait long for lunch as there weren’t many of us!.

Tony foolishly took his jumper off and five bikes with six people left Maccas. We picked up Steve & Lee at Hawkesbury Lookout and headed down the mountain to Wiseman’s Ferry.

We hit the fog at the bottom of the hill and the temperature dropped even further - we’re sure we could hear Tony’s teeth chattering at the back. We traversed the road through a surreal world of white around Pitt Town before the fog finally lifted and we could see again.

The coffee at Wisemans was a welcome relief on cold, white fingers and Tony wisely put his jumper back on.

The road on the other side was a bit of a nightmare in parts - moss was growing on the road which made for a slippery ride. There was plenty of moisture on the road and the shadows didn’t help. The bit of gravel (which was actually slippery mud) was even worse. Gary commented that we had wider tyre tracks than normal and the back was definitely wider than the front!

Lunch at the Entrance Hotel was fine fare as usual - although they have gone up market with refurbishments and their prices match. Darren got lucky - no not that kind! - he won the seafood tray.

Then came the dilemma of how to get it home - packed into plastic bags, ice and garbage bags he then proceeded to squash it into his gearsack! As you can imagine there were numerous comments about smelling fish and dripping bags on the way home. (and many others I won’t mention here!)

After a relaxed long lunch we headed for the Pie In the Sky. More hot coffee to warm the hands. Home via Berowra Ferry and a quick stop at Windsor to say goodbye.

The day was cool but nice and it was a good run with good company. Thanks to those who turned up and we look forward to the next one.

Julie

Oberon ride - Sun May 6 2007

What a glorious day - blue sky and sunshine and it was a Ron ride! (originally a Wayne ride but he had to move furniture because his house was being painted)

There were fifteen bikes in the car park at Maccas - then Alan had to go home because Colleen had locked herself out of the house. We'll remember that for a fine at the next meeting. Joe & Robyn were there on their new Harley - notice it's their bike now that Robyn has got the riding bug - she's still waiting on that sissy bar though.

Off we went - collected Alan at Hawkesbury Lookout and headed up Bell's Line. The speedsters soon shot past and were waiting for us at the Bell turn off. Across to Mt Vic then down the pass to the Farmhouse Cafe for coffee. Robyn and Carla snuck into the lolly shop while the rest of us ordered coffee and cake - yummy it was too! Steve and Lee left us here and the rest of us headed to Oberon via Jenolan Caves.

We would have picked up pace except for the cars that wanted to do ten km under the speed limit. Once again the speedsters shot past - you know who you are! We soon came across Driz who was turning around and coming back - Tony following to make sure he was OK. Seem his GPS unit fell off. Is there something about these GPS units we should know - Robert's leads him into supermarkets, Driz's fell off. Lucky for Driz though his $900 unit is still working.

There is something about the sound of a group of bikes travelling through the Grand Arch at Jenolan Caves - everyone turns to have a look. Out the other side where Ron came face to face with a car on the hairpins going up the other side. Apparently the car driver didn't like being on the edge so was travelling in the middle - good job we were on a bike!

Into Oberon for fuel then through Mutton Falls to Tarana. We actually confused Martin (who happened to be out in front - way out in front - fancy that!) because he had never travelled that particular road before. Into the pub where Bill - who ordered last - got served first. It must be his smiling face that does it every time. It was like being in a raffle as the waitress called out numbers and a hand went up - that's mine! Food was good as usual though.

Did I mention that this was a Ron ride and it didn't rain - and there were no cows!

Back on the road and heading home. We didn't see any of the expected traffic from the Brass Monkey Rally which was good. A quick stop at Mi Vic where we were informed that the highway had been blocked at Linden and probably would be for some time. Thanks to Steve who called and let us know. Most opted to go back down Bells Line.

It was a beautiful day, perfect for a ride. We had good company, good food and plenty of conversation and laughter. Just what the doctor ordered.

Julie

T-Ball Challenge - April 29th 2007

The challenge was sent out and accepted. Hawkesbury was determined to win back the trophy from Blue Mountains.

On a beautiful sunny day the two sides came together in Sun Valley. A sumptuous morning tea was provided by Frances and Kerry wandered across with fresh made scones - we had thought of rock cakes to weigh the Hawkesbury mob down but took pity and gave them muffins and slices instead.

Daryll tried to cheat by calling heads after the coin had dropped but that didn't work. Blue Mountains won the toss and elected to bat. Up went the score, puffed went the players while those on the sidelines laughed at the whole thing. Thank the heavens for the kids who wanted to be runners! Everyone certainly took advantage! We had an unbiased player for a while until his owner came and led him away - the dog could catch but trying to get the ball back was fun!

Injuries - Alan with a hamstring, Elaine with a pulled calf, Ron with a twisted knee - and that was only the first innings!

Seemed to take forever but eventually Hawkesbury managed to get Blue Mountains out. Then Hawkesbury went in to bat - not for long though as Blue Mountains quickly sorted them out.

Daryll tried to steal second base - literally - he picked it up and ran off with it! Julie tried to knockout her own team mate by almost hitting Margaret in the head with the ball.

Two more innings and lunch break saw Blue Mountains in the lead. There were numerous sighs of relief as we headed for the chairs. Our BBQ trailer was broken in and highly praised. Daryll's paint tin urn was the topic of the day as everyone wanted to know how it worked.

After lunch there was a huge upset - Hawkesbury must have had Viagra for lunch because they got Blue Mountains out in no short order. But the BMUs were back in form by the second innings and once again the score climbed.

More injuries - a busted fingernail, a bruised finger - not to mention tired legs! Kerry fell on top her daughter while running - lucky the ground was soft.

Jenni M made the catch of the day - she didn't believe it either! (we won't mention that Jenni and Rex were ring ins from Nepean!) That was pretty much the final straw for Hawkesbury. Blue Mountains won! Score - 85 to 56. Blue Mountains hold on to the trophy for another year. There was talk of organising a ten pin bowling challenge next year - we don't have to run for that!

It was a great day and a great opportunity for the two branches to come together and have fun - isn't that what being in this club is all about! Thanks to everyone who attended and we look forward to the next one.

Julie

Mudgee Overnighter - Feb 24th & 25th

Day 1.

Rumours of rain on a Ron & Julie ride must be fading. 21 bikes, our Motorcycle Support Vehicle (the Chuck Wagon) and one car gathered at Maccas - we did pretty much fill the car park with both bikes and people. Quite impressive really! We had thirty six people going to Mudgee for the weekend and several more joining us for the run to Lithgow. It was great to see the regulars but it was also good to see some of our newer members and their spouses as well as two couples from other branches.
It was an absolutely glorious morning, just perfect for the run up and over the mountain. We picked up another bike and car at Bullaburra, then another car and bike at Medlow Bath. With everyone collected we picked up the pace to Lithgow.
A quick stop at Bowenfels for a stretch, a coffee and to say goodbye to those not going on to Mudgee. 18 bikes and four cars continued on to Mudgee - Gary was the only one not staying overnight but he came to Mudgee for lunch.
We had a small splinter group once we hit the Mudgee Rd - Martin had already excused himself to Ron for passing the ride leader and as we know Martin well enough we let him off, along with the other speedsters who passed us.
There was a bit of confusion in Mudgee. We stopped to wait for the tailenders but the splinter group was already at the motel. We found Andrew & Gary heading back out of town as they had no idea where the lunch stop was and missed the turn to the motel. Robert was waiting on a corner by himself. (actually he was doing the right thing and acting as a corner marshal)
Those of us still together headed to MacDonald’s Bakery (not Maccas) for lunch. A great eatery if you’re ever in Mudgee. It actually didn’t work out too bad - the tailenders group was just finishing as the Splinter group arrived so the staff had less pressure - although they did have advance notice we were invading. Of course there were excuses about how things got confused but to use Martin’s words - ‘did you read the itinerary!’
Book in at the motel and quick change before getting on the bus. Once again we did the tour thingy. First an Olive farm where Tony discovered he didn’t like olives - hope that mangled olive with olive seed he dropped in the grass doesn’t sprout! Others discovered that bread dipped in olive oil is not to their liking - there were some screwed up faces in the group! Give us the wines (or a beer) was the cry!
The first winery included a short tour and explanation about wines but the tasting room was a self serve operation - about a dozen bottles of wine on a huge table. Wasn’t that enjoyable! There was one particular person (you know who you are) decided to eat the grapes on display - we did tell her that they were the ones that had got squashed between the toes and didn’t make it into the wine!
On to the next winery and then the next one where Br Luke wanted to know if we could fit the row of church pews in the back of his car. We were all pretty much relaxed by this time so back to the motel.
Without really intending to we took over the pub next door (The Oriental). Moved tables and chairs etc - as we usually do but eventually we had to leave as they wanted to set up the reserved tables we’d blocked off. So showers and on to the next pub for dinner. (The Waratah)
This is where we joined up with the Mudgee mob - 15 of them so that made about 51 for dinner - the pub loved us I’m sure. Good company, good food and beer - what more could you ask for! At one point it looked like Tony was trying to teach everyone the Macarena but he assures me he was only trying to get Marion’s attention. Yeah right!
At 10 o clock the band started playing - loud, noisy and not the best - so those of us remaining did a mini pub crawl back to the Oriental and rearranged the beer garden.

Day 2

Apparently a few people were up and at it around 6 am for a morning walk to clear the heads. Seems a good walk and good coffee (with free, fresh baked shortbread biscuits) will wash away any seediness from the night before.
Into the Butchers Shop Café for brekkie. Service was a bit slow (seems they ran out of bread and they knew we were coming!) but food was OK.
Packed up, fuelled up and on our way. Phil and Julie left us at this point to visit Wellington Gaol - no-one has seen them since so we’re hoping they’re not still there.
Onto Lue Rd through to Lue & Rylstone where things got a little chaotic. We were in the midst of a trialathon - the cycling section. There were cyclists weaving in and out - there was a comment from Chuck about the shape of seats (not the leather kind) and he pointed out that he was waiting to see the bumps out front to make sure he was looking at the female kind.
Then came the cows - does this mean Ron will now be known as the cow god too? Some of them were actually quite friendly and wandered over to say hello - Chuck swears one winked at him! Once more almost everyone ended up in front of the ride leader who waited for the tail enders. Picked up a couple of lost souls along the way then down through Sofala to regroup at the Wattle Flat Café.
Lunch at O’Connell pub, once again fine fare and good conversation before setting off up the mountains.
Then it rained! Guess Ron hasn’t lost his touch after all. A stop at Bowenfels to don the wets and say goodbye to some. Up to Mt Vic where a warm hot chocolate hit the spot and more goodbyes.
It was a great weekend made better by great company. Thanks to all who came along and we’ll have to do it again!
Ron & Julie

Spencer ride - Saturday 27th Jan

We left with 13 bikes.

Martin and Andrew on GS's

Joe on the Harley,

Tony/Sandra on the Triumph,

Bill on the new Buell,

Brian on the new Kawasaki cruiser,

Alan Colin Thomas Rod on the common as muck GSX1400s,

Wayne on the Viagra,

Ray on the Triumph,

Robert on the trusty VFR.

Alan dropped out at Agnes Banks, then Colin dropped out at Sackville - that's two of those pesky Suzukis that couldn't handle the pace.

The omens were not good when two bikes missed the Lower Portland ferry. We waited for them at the other side. The run up the river bank was cool, but it is quite a narrow and twisty road with lots of blind corners, so we spread out a bit. Actually we spread out quite a lot.

We waited at Wiseman's Ferry for about half an hour for Joe and Ray, then Wayne volunteered to go back and find them, without success. Perhaps the 400m of gravel road was too much or they may have missed a turn. No doubt we will find out later.

The splitting virus had now taken hold and all but Martin, Andrew, Tony/Sandra and Robert turned back. The stayers continued on to Spencer for a cool drink.

There was a 40 minute wait on cooked food at the general store, so we elected to go on to Pie in the Sky for a pie - except for Tony and Sandra who had also caught the spliiting virus.

Three out thirteen made it safely back to Hawkesbury Heights. Is this a record for a Blue Mountains ride?

It's too ### hot to go to Picton ride - Sunday 20th Jan

The forecast said 41 degrees for Penrith. It was not a hard decision to go in the opposite direction. We asked Ron to point us in the right direction but he seemed to have a problem with that.

Eventually we headed up Bells Line of Road to Lithgow and then back through the Vale Of Clywdd (surely there should be at least one vowel there) to Little Hartley. Tony made a spur of the moment decision to stop at the gallery because it had a sign advertising Pizza and Coffee. It was too ## hot for pizza.

We raided the cafe for chairs and sat outside on the front verandah where there was a slight breeze. It was still ### hot. The coffee was pretty good though.

We headed back before it got even ### hotter, this time up to Mt Victoria then back down the Bells Line. We thought that it was hot until we came down the hill through Kurmond to Richmond. It had now reached very, very ### hot. The Honda gauge was reading 43 degrees at Agnes Banks.

Everyone except Tony and Sandra scurried back up the mountains where the temperature got back down to just ### hot again.

It was a pleasant ride with very little traffic, but it was still ### hot. But not as hot as it would have been if we had gone to Picton.

Rockley - 12th Nov 06

To all you non-believers, cynics and doubters - this was a Ron ride and it didn't rain - so there!! But we did have cows! (does this mean Ron will soon be known as the cow man too!)

Six bikes with seven riders met at Maccas under grey skies. Brian was there on his new Kwaka and there was the obligatory boys toys examination - How much, how big, does it boil the kettle etc. Brian also had to explain why he had joined the ranks of the elite and bought a cruiser - age was mentioned somewhere in there but we won't bring that up.

With fingers crossed we headed out Hawkesbury Rd and picked up Steve and Lee which gave us seven bikes with nine riders. The run up Bells Line was actually quite pleasant - we didn't freeze and there were no bikes in the middle of the road. A long coffee at Bowenfels Servo (the pub in Rockley didn't open till 12) then out to Tarana and through the quarry - we passed through Locksley but didn't see Robin Hood or his merry men.

Cows No 1 - there is a small patch of gravel road and this morning there were also two cows. They had apparently escaped from somewhere and boy did we give them a scare. One ran into the barbed wire fence the other ran out onto the road, Andrew didn't know whether to go left or right, the rest of the group had to weave in whatever direction the cow didn't. The cow that ran into the barbed wire fence apparently jumped over it - that must have hurt! With that obstacle overcome we continued on to Rockley.

The pub was open - Tom (the proprietor) told us he opened just for us because he knew we were coming - I think he fibbed a bit - there was a large group coming from a naming day at the local church. Lunch was yummy and cheap too. With our bellies filled we headed towards Black Springs.

There are some great roads out west and we travelled some today. The weather was almost perfect - although there were a couple of mentions of rain but it didn't - there was a cloud cover that kept the temp down and believe it or not the only hot spots we hit were around Oberon and Hampton!

From Black Springs to Oberon. Cows No. 2 - lots of them this time, the farmer was in the middle of the road waving us down, the cows were on either side and wandering down the middle with a young man on horseback bringing up the rear. Once again we warily travelled through them.

Fuel stop for some in Oberon then a final stop at Mt Vic to say goodbye. It was a good day, no rain and great roads. Thanks to Alan, Andrew, Joe, Brian, Steve and Lee and Shane for your company and we'll see you next time.

Ron and Julie

Rylstone 29^th Oct 06

Well it didn’t rain! This was a Ron ride so there was a chance! No rain but certainly dramas.

Nine bikes left Maccas on what was a cold morning - it was going to get colder! We picked up Martin & Marion at Hawkesbury and headed out Bells Line to Lithgow.

The heated grips went on just out of North Richmond - although I think Ron had his on from leaving home (Katoomba for those not in the know). By Mount Tomah the toes were starting to go numb. By Bell there was no feeling left at all!

We almost made it to Lithgow when the first drama happened. Just as we started into the final hairpins down the hill into Lithgow a car came up the hill flashing his lights. Radar perhaps - no such luck. A bike down in the middle of the road - on our side mostly, fuel all over the place. Seems the rider had been trying to catch up with friends - he was travelling up the hill and lost control. You figure it out!

With great caution the fellas helped to right the bike and move it off the road. Meanwhile some of us had the task of directing traffic in what was a very dangerous spot to do so. By this time the rider’s friends had returned, he was shaken but not seriously hurt so we left them to it.

Into Maccas for coffee. Jim and Frances were waiting for us and Joe joined us a short time later - no he hadn’t slept in or forgot to put the clock forward - had expected to catch up at Rylstone.

On the road again towards Mudgee. It was a good ride, enjoying the road and the warmer weather - until we got a call on the radio from Gary. Had to stop in Cullen Bullen so John could put his number plate back on the CB250. With cable ties from Ron and Martin it was secure again so off we went again.

Picked up a friend of Jim and Frances at Cullen Bullen and headed for Rylstone. Around Lake Windemere was the planned route but at the turn off we had lost Jim and Frances and friend Jo and Robert. No response on the radio so we headed into town knowing they knew our destination - maybe they'd taken the first turn off for some reason?. Had intended to ring their mobile but there was no service.

We met up with the Mudgee Mob and ordered lunch. You have to be careful with the Mudgee lot - a couple of storytellers among them - can be very convincing too!

Not long after Jim came into town alone. Seems Jo had run out of fuel about thirty kms out - the bike must have been empty from leaving home! With trusty fuel can and sense of humour Jim rode out to the rescue. Apparently Frances and Robert were giving moral support - Jo was highly embarrassed and it didn’t help when we cheered and clapped when she finally arrived around an hour later. This gave Marion plenty of time to go shopping much to Martin’s distress - he even refused to carry her goods home! Robert kindly offered Marion the space on his bike.

It seems itineraries are determined to be thrown out the window recently - it was definitely a later leave than planned from the pub.

There is a rumour that Robert couldn’t find the hole to put his hose in - hmmmm!! What’s worse Frances had to wash it down with water!

On that note I will say that it was a good day with good company and good food - dramas not withstanding.

Looking forward to next time

Julie

Bathurst - Wed 26th Oct

Seems everyone chickened out today - Klaus was the only Wed regular to show up, although Jim and Frances have been on the last four Wed rides so they are almost regulars. So five brave souls on three bikes dared to take on the weather. Richard Mason turned up to say hello and see us off - a bit down because he couldn't join us but he's recovering nicely from his surgery so maybe next week.

Where to go? Klaus wanted to go to Rydal as he didn't get to go two weeks previous and he started talking about the two pubs in town. That got Ron's attention immediately and that was when we realised he meant Rylstone! Bad luck Klaus, we're going there on Sunday!

With the weather looking bad to the south we headed west to Bathurst. Up Bells Line for coffee at Maccas in Lithgow where Frances accosted the local rural fire service guys - supposedly she knew one of them - should we believe her is the question or was it the uniform!!!! Out through Tarana then along past the old quarry, over about a kilometre of dirt and into Bathurst.

Klaus found us a park bench in the local park and pies from the bakery were eaten with gusto, the ducks wandered over for a feed but no chance of that. Jim went looking for sugar for his coffee and we were talking about sending out a search party but he was seen meandering back along the street. Pie shops and which were good ones, medical adventures and how to remove a clutch from a Camira were all discussed under the shade of a huge tree.

It was a good ride with no rain, a nice relaxing spot for lunch and a safe journey home. What more could we ask for.

Julie & Ron

Wollombi / Wisemans Ride Report

Well, there was…

Jim, travelling solo, who was leaving Frances to sleep, and who looked like he needed sleep more than Frances could have, having played (worked) until early hours…

Thomas on the still new looking GSX 1400 and an early returner (must have known something)

Robert on the ever-reliable VFR

Martin and Marion riding their chook-chaser

Kevin and Karen on the red ‘bus – ride leaders and reporters

Gary fellow Suzuki rider and owner of a Suzuki tool kit

Steve on the shiny black Yamaha

…

It was listed as a ride to Wollombi for lunch with an earlier coffee stop, so I figured that seeing as the weather forecast indicated the day would be hot enough to vapourise fuel, it would be best to run up the Putty Road in the cool of the morning, stopping at half way house for coffee / drinks / ice creams, then on to Broke for fuel, past Wollombi to Mangrove Mountain Club for lunch (Chinese, and in a well-airconditioned lounge, with beer available, Ron) home via Wisemans because the change that was forecast might find us along the river. And that’s kind of sort of what we did…

It was a warm morning, and when we met we outlined our planned itinerary (you gotta have an itinerary) which seemed to surprise – anticlockwise must be the usual direction – but we did the usual main roads to Richmond and Windsor because the trip leader wasn’t familiar with Blaxland Ridge Road etc and doesn’t have one of them flossie things. And a comfortable ride to the Halfway House for a spell. Now Jim had turned around at Colo because he didn’t want to do the full loop and he was worried about being able to get back with the fuel in his tank because he didn’t want to buy fuel at the Halfway House. Is that sort of clear? So it was hi Jim bye Jim…and Thomas returned down the Putty from the Halfway House after refreshments, so that left just a hardy few to continue to Broke for fuel (except for Gary, who is also anal about fuel and prefers to purchase only BP or Shell), where we met up with our Newcastle friends Stuey and Lee (who ride “busas too) and who led us through Wollombi to Mangrove Mountain.

That air conditioning was going well, the beers were apparently cold, the food was plentiful and tasty, so we stayed a little longer than our itinerary had indicated, but that wasn’t going to be a problem because we had plenty of time up our sleeves so to speak. Stuey and Lee left us here and we continued to Wisemans along the river, where it was cool in spots and warm in spots as we rode. The sun in the northwest didn’t pose many problems for us, and we pulled up at the ferry for a rest. Across the river while Gary fuelled at the Shell and returned, we thought to have a cool drink or ice cream at Polly’s but it’s closed on account of her boyfriend did the bolt and she is not well (Karen and Marion sussing out the locals). So we didn’t.

Then the itinerary got shot to bits.

On leaving Wisemans, just as we were negotiating the steep left hand hairpin, the ‘bus decided it had had enough and wanted to rest for a while, stopped right there. Then fired for a minute to go another 200 metres or so before stalling again, fired again to get us to the top of the hill, where it stopped and didn’t want to play any more. And I couldn’t get tools out, because the seat release had been left disconnected. No, you don’t want to know. Lucky there was another Suzuki along – Gary had a matching tool kit – and I still have one of his Allen keys.
The NRMA man from Maroota - who owns a MH rep Ducati, but that’s another story - arrived and eventually decided it was vapour lock in the fuel pump. So we poured a lot of water over the fuel pump, and man was it hot under there! Cooled it down, we rode off, happy with our new-found knowledge, until Richmond (about 40km?), where it stopped playing again. So it was water again, and again we made it home from there (another 30km), but running rough.

We actually made it home about 7.30pm, just 3 – 4 hours behind our itinerary as set out prior to starting…
I did comment to Mr NRMA that I had commuted in Sydney traffic for several years in hot summer weather and had not struck this before, and he replied that Saturday was abnormally hot, 35 degrees by 9.30am, and had stayed hot well into the evening, so it should be perhaps no surprise.

As Mr NRMA was investigating a couple of the neighbours turned up, having been to the pub for a cooling drink, and insisted that we could leave the ‘bus in their sheds if we needed to, and even forced us to have some of their beers (see, Ron, you shoulda been there!)

Now, I have to add that although Karen and I tried to talk our fellow riders into going on and leaving us with Mr NRMA no-one would do so, Steve even commenting that it “was all part of the adventure” – and he had the furthest to go!

So we’d like to thank our companions for their company and camaraderie, their assistance and kind thoughts (and their smartarse comments), and their tools!

It turned out to be a good day with good company just a bit longer than we all expected….and yes, I’ve fixed the pillion seat release….

Riding the Western Highways to the Stars (aka Star Trek)

I think the most used words on this ride were “it’s in the itinerary” or “look at the itinerary.”

This ride was a long weekend with a bit of everything. We had great weather, great roads, excellent company and good fun. We also had a bit of dirt despite the ride leader promising no dirt. We lost a few people on the way… but found most of them eventually. We think then that this ride was a great success but mainly due to the terrific bunch of people that came along to enjoy themselves. We had a wonderful tail-end Charlie in Robert and he did an exceptional job in herding everyone along. With so many bikes it was always going to be a logistical nightmare but it all seemed to come together. Bike counting and head counting was not always accurate (I never said maths was my strong point!).

We had a variety of vehicles. Two wheeled cruisers and a four wheeled cruiser (also known as the booze bus or support vehicle) and those butts that needed a rest were given respite in the cruiser with the lovely Alison. Initially Alison was going to ride along with us but a little bump that will be born in January put paid to that! We had all sorts of bikes and a bus and a couple of LT’s also known as Starship Enterprises (with detachable pods). Our huge party consisted of Martin and Marion, Karen and Kevin, Julie and Ron, Jim and Frances, Janelle and Wayne, Brian and Julie, Brian and Jen, Alan and Colleen, Daryll and Jenni, Danny and Kerry, Andrew and Sue, Margaret and Steve, Stuart, Phil, Robert, Mal, Ian and Kim, Alison and Grant, Tony and the birthday boy Sean, Greg and Yvonne, Joe and Garry.

There was a large number of BMW’s but that is to be expected.

Day One – Saturday 30.09.06

We left Macca’s at Blaxland at 8.10 a.m. almost on time. A few people were late but shall remain nameless at this point I think. Picked up more of our party at Medlow Bath and first stop was Bowenfels where the latecomers caught up and we had a leg stretch and a natter. All agreed the weather was perfect and off we went again via Tarana and O’Connell, Neville and Barry. Another stop at Mandurama for fuel for some cruisers and a leg stretch. Onwards to Cowra via a beautiful road around Wyangala Dam. We were late getting into Cowra and some of our party had beaten us there and checked out the shopping. Nice skirt Karen. A good lunch at the Lachlan Valley Hotel although some orders were lost for a bit and a few people had to wait a bit longer. Garry left us at that point for home as his bike wasn’t quite right. Alan and Colleen had a new sheepskin on the bike seat in time for this long weekend and it seemed to do the trick. Now we just have to nag them into getting a communication system. Off to Parkes via Canowindra (almost on time). Our ride leader tried to take us on some dirt at that point. Interesting watching 22 or 23 bikes trying to turn around on a narrow dirt road. Stuart led us back to the right turn and it was at this point that we lost him. We headed straight out to the Dish café at Parkes and it was just lovely sitting in the beautiful afternoon warmth and looking at that wonderful Dish. Ron was a bit disappointed that he wasn’t able to buy a beer at the café unless he bought a meal. It was suggested that he buy a muffin and get a knife and fork but he decided to wait till we got to the motel. We headed to the motel in Parkes and checked in and then had a debriefing session for a couple of hours in the motel carpark. Very pleasant indeed.

Dinner in the motel restaurant and afterwards most people sensibly headed for their beds. Others were not so sensible and found their second wind. Did I mention that the motel had a pool? Did I mention that Phil claimed it was heated? Around midnight I believe, a few of our party decided to test the waters. I understand that it was around this time that Karen, Phil and Kim found out that the water was not heated.

Day 2 – Sunday 1.10.06

It seems Jim brings his little coffee plunger with him for trips away so lucky Sue got a good coffee. If only I’d known I’d have pestered Jim for a coffee! We left the motel just before 8.30 a.m. and most of our party turned to the right. It was at this point that we lost a few more as some turned to the left and rode off to Dubbo. Luckily, they “looked at the itinerary” and we met up again in Dunedoo. At Manildra we lost Brian and Julie who found a nice, pleasant alternate route to Dunedoo via Molong. We went “the long way round”. Garry met us at Dunedoo as he’d ridden there from home to meet up with us. Lunch and a pleasant bit of time in the sun and then we headed off to Coonabarabran TOGETHER this time. Straight out to Siding Springs to check out the radio telescope and the exhibit and to see if we could spot Fred Watson. Margaret found him (or at least his cardboard cutout). Checked into the motel. Another debriefing session in the motel carpark and then off to Skywatch. Was a little early in the evening to see everything but the sky was still beautiful. Back into town for dinner. Funny thing, there was no second wind to be found that night or maybe it was because the swimming pool was under construction and had no water in it.

Day Three – Monday 2.10.06

Brekky in the motel restaurant and Happy Birthday was sung to Sean led by Karen. This tall streak tried to disappear under the table but it was just not possible. Was beaut having this young man along with us older ones. I would also add that we older ones outlasted this younger one at times! His dad kept us very entertained most of the weekend with his good humour and his t-shirts. A lazy start to the day and we left town for home at 9.00 a.m. We wanted a photo shoot with everybody and their bikes together and Frances made the excellent suggestion of taking photos at the Black Stump outside Coolah. That was great. Cameras flashing for ages. Off to Coolah and it was at this point that according to the itinerary we were to split up. Some heading for home via Mudgee and the Great Western Highway and some heading for the Putty Road. I don’t know how the Mudgee mob went but about a dozen bikes headed to Merriwa, Denman and the Putty Road and home that way. Was getting very warm and we stopped at the pub at Denman for a delicious lunch. They were very busy and it took a while but it was a beaut stop and well worth it. Karen organised a birthday piece of mudcake (complete with candle) for the birthday boy. She is such a thoughtful lady. Again Sean tried to disappear under the table. Margaret and Steve headed for home a little ahead of us and I think Margaret said something like “I’m having the best time” a couple of times. On the Putty Road we tried for a bit of rain to cool us off but only about three drops fell. The Putty Road as always was good fun and no silly business of course. Wayne and Janelle had also headed off a little earlier and we met up again at the Halfway House. A leg stretch and a drink and a natter as usual. And then off again. At one point we saw a bright yellow bus heading towards us but he was gone again very quickly. Could have been a figment of my imagination.

Phil and Tony and Sean left us at Agnes Banks and the remaining few headed up Hawkesbury Road. Final goodbyes at the lookout and a wave to Brian and Jen as they sailed past. I must also add that the itinerary said we’d be home by 4.30 to watch The Bold and the Beautiful. We didn’t make it. Can anybody tell me what happened? (Today Darla got hit by a car!)

The ride leader and I had a wonderful weekend and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. We’d been looking forward to it for months and all of a sudden it’s over. Think we’ll have to do something like it again. Like I said at the beginning, the company we had made it a fantastic trip. Thank you again one and all and thank you Robert for being such a wonderful back-stop. I thought of him as the Centre of the Universe as people kept going back to him! I have no doubt I’ve left stuff out and I’ve probably spelt names incorrectly. Apologies if I have but thanks everybody.

P.S. All in all the Putty Road mob did 1400 kms.

Lessons to be learned about long weekends away.

Study the itinerary before the trip.

Take the itinerary with you.

Read the itinerary.

Everyone should corner mark for the next person behind them.

Read the itinerary.

Safe riding

Marion

A ride to look at the Aircraft Museum Nowra

Robert

Steve

Tony

Marion and Martin

Gerry and Jane

Karen

Vicki

Kevin and Karen

We met at the usual place at the unusual time of 8am…so we could have a chat before we left with Tiger and Margy Bath who are riding around Australia on a promotional tour to alert our members to the dangers of prostate cancer. Margy had a quick chat about prevalence and frequency, effects of diet and lifestyle, threatened us with a rubber glove and handed out a bit of literature…which will probably turn up at our next meeting…quite a lot of information in a short time. They are also carrying pamphlets advertising Nikwax waterproofing and Pacsafe luggage. Pacsafe has been good enough to provide support and product for Tiger and Margy to raffle at each prostate promotion…Karen won the lidsafe helmet bag…and Tiger and Margy’s next appointment was in Lithgow, so we wished them well and headed down the mountain.

The ride started off as cold (well I thought so anyway – I had decided against wearing winter gloves). Coffee and hot chocolate and pastries were had at the usual Thirlmere destination. Very tasty. From here Karen and Vicki turned back, and the rest of us kept on to Nowra via Hilltop, back roads around Mittagong, Kangaroo Valley (where we stopped for a warming stand around in the sun and a discussion regarding bike intercoms) and continuing on to the Naval Base and the museum.

There is an unusually large number of planes, helicopters, models, parts of planes and choppers, target drones and ammunition on display at several levels in the big shed, with explanatory notes and video at appropriate places as you stroll through/past/around exhibits. It was really interesting and kept us busy until the hunger pangs set in. Luckily there is a café on the upper floor, where we were able to purchase tasty burgers, wraps, fish cakes and even more importantly, good coffee. The view over the runways from the café was terrific – we all observed and commented on a chap taxiing around in a biplane – and we didn’t leave until after 2.30.

The return ride was via Princes Hwy until almost Kiama, Jamberoo, Oak Flats, Dapto, Mount Kembla, Mount Keira, then along Picton Road to Picton. A stop was called at King George IV for refreshments. As it happened it was also a convenient time to change to clear visors, we were running out of daylight for the rest of the run home.

Thank you Robert for leading the usual excellent ride, and thanks to all our companions on the day for the excellent company.

Museum of Flight Ride Report

Those of us who took a chance on the weather were in for a treat. The threatening skies and a forecast for coastal showers did not deter us.

Robert, Tony (Sprint ST), Steve (XJR1300), Vickie (Cruiser) and Karen (BMW) rode as solos, and two up we had Marion and Martin, Karen and Kevin, Jerry and Jane (there seems to be a freaky pattern here). Kevin was giving the new black Hayabusa its first Ulysses outing.

First stop was predictably at Thirlmere for coffee and pastries. Vickie and Karen left us here and the rest of the hardy souls headed off via Kangaroo Valley to the Museum of Flight at the Naval Air Base (HMAS Albatross) just south of Nowra.

They have an excellent display of many of the pioneering and influential aircraft in our short history, ranging from wooden biplanes to the A4 Skyhawk.

We lunched at Jens Cafe which is attached to the museum and we all agreed that the food was excellent.

We didn't leave until 2:30 which made the job of getting back before dark a bit challenging. We made it a bit more challenging by going via Jamberoo, Dapto, Mount Kembla and stopping at the George at Picton for a beer. What a shame that Ron wasn't with us.

Needless to say the last stretch from Mulgoa was a bit dim, particularly for Tony who only had a tinted visor and for the ride leader who lost both headlights on the trip. He apologises to all the people he dazzled with his high beams.

For all those who woke up, looked out the window and rolled over and went back to sleep - you missed an excellent and very dry ride.

Robert

Kiama Ride Report

It was a beautiful crisp morning, clear skies, no wind – perfect.

We left Blaxland on time with a really good turn out: Robert, Ron, Wayne, Alan, Thomas, Joe, Jack, Brian, Bill, John, Charlie, Tony and Sandra, Tony's mate on the CBR, Laurie, Andrew, Chuck and Catriana in the Chuck Wagon. We found Phil at the side of the road at Regentville with some feeble excuse about a flat battery.

First stop was, as usual, the excellent pie shop at Thirlmere. Brian and Phil left us here because its been such a long time since they have been on a ride that they had run out of puff already, or maybe they had something else organised for the day.

The ride leader had planned to go via Mt Kiera but had a quick reassessment of the route (sometimes known as a senior moment) and we proceeded via Colo Vale, the Old South Road and then the very picturesque Tourist Road via Moresby Hill to Robertson. At the Pie Shop we turned off to go down Jamberoo Mountain which was a terrific road – very twisty and steep. We all managed to squeeze past the oncoming horse float, but Chuck had to do a bit of off-roading in the LandBruiser to get past. We regrouped at the bottom and proceeded through Jamberoo which seemed to be full of Ducatis. Just past Jamberoo, some clown left his CB on transmit and we were entertained by some really woeful singing.
By listening to the comments it became clear that this clown was on a motorbike and had a pillion and was very close to us. Sherlock Coull worked out that it had to be Tony and Sandra using their newly installed intercom system. Fortunately nothing incriminating was revealed, apart from Tony's singing.

Kiama was overflowing. There seemed to be a large market day with stalls, amusements and no parking so we went to the blow hole where most of us had to park on the grass. There was a big queue at the cafe on the wharf for fish and chips but it was a good feed and worth the wait. We sat on the grass on the headland and enjoyed the spectacular views up and down the coast.

The return trip was back through Jamberoo, Albion Park and a “sedate” run up Macquarie Pass. Some of the riders at the back were accompanied by an unmarked police car without incident. The new surface on the road was much appreciated.
The VFR behaved impeccably, apart from a moment on the second corner when the tyres were cold and the road was a bit damp.

After Robertson we went along the highway to Sheepwash Road and into Bowral where we took the Old South Road again. For a bit of variety we went along the Remberance Drive (old Hume Highway) into Picton, then over Razorback, through Cawdor and wound our way via Werombi to Silverdale Road. Last stop was Pepperpot Cafe at Mulgoa where we said our goodbyes.

It was an excellent day.

Robert

Bundeena 23rd July 06
After a very pleasant evening the night before Christmas in July at Karen & Kevin's not too many surfaced for an excellent ride to Bundeena. Eight bikes, ten riders. Stewart, Brian, Thomas, Joe, Andrew, Tony, Jim & Frances, Warren & Elaine. Frances worked the night before but did not wish to miss the ride.

We traveled out to Bringelly Rd thru Wallacia via Grendale Rd. Trying not to lose anyone as there is a very tight bend thru there that takes even the most experienced riders by surprise.

Headed towards Heathcote Rd along the M5 section at that point we believed that the rider leader must have had problems with communications as he positioned himself to see all riders come around the correct turn & entry lane. We could hear other people but not from our gang. We asked if anyone could hear but we had no reply.

Traveling through the National park towards Bundeena thought we hadn't lost any body but to our surprise the motorbike zoomed past our marker to turn, so counting lights does not always work.

Once we arrived at Bundeena the lack of communications was bought to light Stewart cables weren't connecting properly Brian didn't have his on & Thomas had purchased a new Suzuki 1400 & the radio was not mounted as yet.

The stop was initially only for coffee but when a Royal Enfield parked beside usual attention was focused on it [photos attached]. After discussing the pros & cons of the bike we offered that he could ride with us any time he wished but not only did he come from Wollongong the MAXIMUM speed is only 90kms he wouldn't keep up with those not with us. While there a couple from Hurstville - Peter & Sue who lived in Boland Rd Springwood 20 years ago & friend realised that we were Ulyssians & started discussing a number of issues, one being that they had not been on any Ulysses rides of any kind, we told them to look out for rides from our web site which they said they would.

Brian, Jim & Frances left to head home while the rest ventured towards Seacliffe Bridge.
The day was beautiful riding through the National Park didn't want to stop at Stanwell Park, it was best to avoid as there people in droves. Ventured over the bridge along to Bulli pass up Appin along to Picton, where some thought we could do another beer less ride but it got the better of some, we pulled into The The Historic George IV Inn at Picton.

Where there were hotrods which come out from the rear parking & hotted up cars. During conversation at the pub it was mentioned the police had arrived at Karen & Kevin’s. Wanted all the gossip as we anticipated that things had got out of control up after we had left the night before. But a small explosion at the railway station was the real reason the police attended not the troops were too rowdy.

Have you ever heard, when a horse is on the return journey it bolts well the riders in front of us did that as we approached the turn towards the Oaks, a bike was seen to lift the front wheel off the road & that was the last we thought we would see of them but some traffic & the stop signs saved us for a while.

Even after a night at Karen & Kevin's the rider leader took us on an enjoyable ride, thanks Stewart.

Warren & Elaine

The ride to Tarana on July 8^th for lunch…

The intrepid travellers:
Bill
Marion & Martin
Mal
Stephen and his brother Phil
Colleen and Alan
Brian and Julie
Robert
Stewart
Richard
Gerry and Jane
Joe
Ron and Joy
Karen (Ride Leader) & Kevin

And, look, if I have anyone’s name incorrect or omitted, I apologise, but you’ll have to take it up with the Ride Leader.

This ride was originally to be led by Wayne, but he called in sick sometime ahead and Karen put up her hand to be ride leader…”how hard can it be?” And I’m used to being directed from the pillion, so that was no problem…oh, well I recall a minor problem when at the meeting prior to the ride I had to redirect some enquiries to the Ride Leader…

Anyway, as you might or might not know, punctuality does not reign supreme in our place but Karen was determined to be on time. In fact we were ready to roll a half hour early (and I was the last to be ready) but fate had other plans…our son Ryan has his VTR 1000 parked in our garage at the moment, and Mal had permission to take it out for the day ‘cause his (Mal’s) beloved BMW was in pieces…and Mal was late coming to get hold of the VTR. (There are 2 fines for the person who carries the hat to impose, and more to come.J) So, Mal had a big smile at the meeting point although we were late. He likes that bike. We dropped the Leader to organise while we fuelled up, and were only a few minutes late. Look, being late is a big tradition in the Ulysses club…none of us is in a hurry to get anywhere, are we? No, we are old farts…oops, no; sometimes Mal is in a hurry…we’ll get to that.

As a result of all that, the whole group left Blaxland Macca’s carpark (that should read vehiclepark, surely?) with the appropriate degree of lateness and did the usual cruise to Springwood, turn down Hawkesbury Road for the twisty road, remained secure behind a couple of cars so we couldn’t speed, left at Agnes Banks, left again at Richmond, and proceeded to Tarana.

Along the way…some enjoyed a spirited ride up Bellbird (some were caught in traffic), we all endured bloody cold temps at Bilpin and surrounds and again as we rode past the Zig Zag Railway, there was a startling view of frost still laying on the shaded parts of the bitumen. At Bowenfels servo where we regrouped there was a rush for hot chocolate and coffee, more casual enquiries about fuel for the bikes. That all took a bit longer than the Ride Leader had in mind perhaps. We got a bit straggled from there, Bill had decided to return from there and not continue to Tarana, Martin headed off to Tarana with the faster drinkers of coffee (I think he said fast drinkers, was it fast something else Martin?) and the slower drinkers of coffee (or the drinkers of hotter coffee) brought up the rear with us, but we all arrived about the same time at Tarana. Including Richard on his scooter – don’t ever sell it short – it gets along pretty quick.

Lunch was a leisurely affair in the beer garden, sitting in the warm sun, sheltered from the breeze (which was cold), cool drinks, excellent food, hot chocolates with marshmallows and stuff. Now we have to say that Steve and his brother come from bloody hardy stock. Phil rode an older bike that had obviously been loved by the family for some years – a real beaut GSX1100 from the late seventies, and his cold weather gear was a buttoned oil cloth coat over a woolly jumper and Steve’s gloves. Is that why Steve slipped into that bike shop in Lithgow for a brand new pair of winter gloves? So sitting in that sun must have been fan-bloody-tastic for them! But eventually someone said we must go. Or we should go. Or something. So we did.

And outside while we lunched, a trio of Triumph Rockets had parked, along with a Triumph Rocket trike, a brace of matching Kwaka’s, various chook chasers, an MV Agusta (sex on wheelsJ). Of course the riders and pillions were also lunching. Remember to come here again, it was a terrific choice!

And then we all went home. By differing routes…

Richard, Ron and Joy, Brian and Julie, Stephen and his brother retraced steps towards Lithgow and the remaining intrepid travellers led by Karen continued on to O’Connell, turned left to Oberon, noted that it seemed very cold there for 2.30 in the arvo, continued through to the Millionth Acre Rest Area (bet I gotcha there!), turned left on the Jenolan Caves Road through Hampden. Just as an aside here there were plenty of wet spots on the road surface – that would be the ice still trying to melt from the morning frosts, Stewart was very wary of them! The run down from the Oberon Plateau to Cox’s River was a goodun, we followed a bloke in an XR6 ute having a good time, then lost him in traffic before the intersection on the highway. The Ride Leader made sure we waited for the following bikes, so that was fun over…

Anyway, we then queued up with a bunch of traffic until the road opened up for Mt Victoria Pass, and because we were obeying speed limits, used only second gear…would you believe we found that XR6 again just near the summit?

Most of the remaining intrepid travellers stopped at Mt Vic pub for a break (exception: Gerry and Jane, who rang to report mechanical woes on the BM and a desire to continue while the bike would play). The Ride Leader and her assistants (Marion and Colleen) declared a desire for scones and cream and jam and hot chocolates. Absolutely no dissenting votes! Martin informed us that the ambient temperature as we rode through Oberon had been just five degrees….brrrr…and Joe offered the opinion that we should have pulled up at the pub in Oberon for something to warm us up. Is everyone familiar with the apparel of the bar staff in one of the Oberon pubs?

Gee it was warm in there – open fires and all – but getting later than planned by the Ride Leader, so we were off again to split up as we travelled down the highway, which turned out to be more entertaining than we expected.

As we passed the turn off to Wentworth Falls Lakes we noticed a Police vehicle complete with radar waiting to enter on to the highway.

As we pulled up at the lights at Faulconbridge, M&M pulled up alongside and said “We think Mal was stopped by the Police back there!!” So we went home to wait for the news.

Turns out it was Robert’s fault. Well that’s how Mal tells it. Robert says he was just trying to keep up with Stewart. Mal was just trying to keep up, and thought he’d just give it a little smooth twist for a second or so. But all he got was red and blue lights. Now the copper of course said “didn’t you see me in your mirrors?” and “you were doing 100 in an eighty zone” Mal explains how no he can’t see anything but his elbows and it’s not his bike anyway. It belongs to the son of those people miles away by now. And the copper looks at the out of date rego label and asks “is it registered?” Mal of course knows we wouldn’t have it any other way and replies yes, the copper goes back to the laptop and checks all the stuff and comes back to Mal and lets him off with a warning. Seems the copper is a rider and a human being J

Thank you to all who came along, it was a terrific day made better by your company. We hope we’ll see you again on another ride. And the Ride Leader wants everyone to know that it’s not so difficult, everyone should have a go at leading a ride.

The Entrance - 4th June 06

It was extremely chilly at the top - bloody freezing actually! - but we donned the layers and braved the threatening clouds. And we're glad we did. The day turned glorious, still chilly, but blue sky and sunshine all day (well almost).

Seventeen vehicles left Maccas - fifteen two wheelers, one three wheeler and one four wheeler - yes, we had our support vehicle with us again today! We did have a few Harleys in the group so it was probably just as well. (oops - did I say that!) We picked up another three at Hawkesbury Lookout which gave us twenty all up. Not a bad turn up. Martin and Kevin (who shall be known as 'pockets') had been given day passes and they actually behaved themselves. We had a few new faces, Alan joined us for his first group ride since getting back on a bike, Mark came up from Campbelltown and Steve came with Joe.

We headed to Wiseman's for coffee - there was a question from someone on a big black bike about when we could expect the rain to hit - hmmmm!. With a group this size the ride leader (Ron) has no idea what's happening at the back - this is where Tail End Charlie comes in handy. We did hear a couple of comments about Robert and Pockets causing mayhem at the back - maybe I spoke too soon about Pockets behaving himself! We stopped at the coffee shop and the poor woman behind the counter almost had a heart attack, I suppose 26 bikers dress in their gear can do that to some - a quick phone call for reinforcements and orders were underway.

Refreshed and with a caffeine fix under our belts we set out again. Twelve vehicles carrying nineteen bodies continued on, Phil went his own way to St Albans (just loves the dirt!) and the remainder of the group made their way home.

It's always a good ride when the ride leader ends up in the middle of the pack - in their haste to get back on the road several riders ended up in front - eventually we made our way through the pack almost to the front - seems we weren't fast enough for some. Our illustrious ride leader (on advice from the navigator) was eager to find a previously untravelled road so eventually we regrouped at Central Mangrove crossroads. With the help of Flossy (and Robert) we found Dog Trap Rd and headed for Ourimbah. What a great find - lovely windy road through the rainforest - bit of dirt that wasn't too bad and a shorter trip. It also meant we missed the traffic chaos that is Gosford on Sunday.

Our support vehicle was very useful at this point - helmets, bags and jackets were packed safely into the back and we didn't have to worry about carrying them. The Entrance Hotel was actually almost empty so we had our choice of seats. We rearranged one set of tables only to have to do it again because most wanted to sit in the sun. Chuck waited until we had all ordered and had drinks before informing us that there would be an auction of helmets at the end of lunch, or maybe a garage sale - seems he had to cover the cost of the mobile phone he won at auction on Trivia night - $10 per head was the going rate to retrieve our gear.

Someone who shall remain nameless (Chuck!) thought it would be amusing to remove the battery from my camera then urge me to take more photos - apologies to Ron who copped the blame!

After a lunch that was up to the usual standard we headed out for home with Robert taking over as ride leader. At this point Frances and Jim called to see if they could catch up with us. Robert was put on the spot for a stopping point - a hard decision! Pie in The Sky was it. We all lined up at Chuck's rear to collect our stuff before heading to the servo for refuelling.

Robert led us out through Yarramalong and Beehive Hill - great ride - a hidden treasure really. Robert suggested to Chuck that he should stop and pick up some bags of manure for us - Chuck's response was that he didn't want to make his truck smell any worse than it already did - sometimes! The mind boggles!!

We met up with Frances and Jim as we made a turn towards Brooklyn - there was a mix up at the Road Warrior as Jim stopped thinking Robert had. Back on the road where Chuck and Ron proceeded to race up the hill to get the last apple pie - Chuck scraped his floorboards too apparently! (dream on!!) - only to find that Wayne had already beaten us to the last apple pie!

There was a bit of drama when a 'P' plater came of her bike and needed assistance, Frances and Jim and those behind stopped to offer aid. Frances was appalled that the girls boyfriend wanted to remove her helmet while she was still on the ground. Maybe basic first aid for motorcyclists should be included in the road test. The girl was OK and soon back on her feet.

Ask Jim about his (new) leathers - many were convinced he had bought them in the 70s and pulled them out of his cupboard - others thought they might have been his fathers. The colour was appropriate for when he needed a change of undies so it seemed!

A run through The Gorge and into Windsor - small mix up when those behind us missed the turn - the corner didn't allow for us to stop right on the corner so they didn't see us. Regroup and a final stop at Hawkesbury Lookout for goodbyes.

All agreed - great day, great company, great everything really.

When's the next one?

Julie

Mt.Wilson Sun 28.5.06
There was a gathering of bikes15 bikes/trike raring to go for a ride on such a fine sunny day with a chill in the air, knowing that we were heading towards Mt. Wilson today most were rugged up.
Robert our leader, Bill, Alan, Martin, Thomas, Lucky Phil, Brian, Colin, Ray, Andrew, Jack, Stewart, Joe, Steve ,Warren & Elaine.

We headed down Hawkesbury lookout to Castlereagh Rd, turned into the back rd along to Bells line of Road, left at the lights into Grosevale Rd left into Grose Wold Rd, out past Kurrajong Anglican Church through the village turning left onto Old Bells Line of Rd, then back onto the main road Robert checked to see if he had lost Warren but to no avail.

Mt. Wilson was the destintation, some wanted coffee but was informed that the usual cafe had closed it's doors to visitors. So instead we went to the T section out from the café to where there is a Museum we didn't stop there but used the conviences in the park instead a short break then off again.

This is also the site of the Founders Settlement which photos were taken to prove that we did venture out that way.
After having photos taken across from the park we headed off to Mt.Victoria along the causeway.
After turning off Bells Line of Road we were meet with a bunch of mixed riders in leathers who appeared to be younger than our group & one of them rode with such recklessness [a female] we thought we were going to witness an accident on the move.

We stopped for coffee etc I think it was called 'The Blink' , which is opposite the PUB.
By this stage Colin, Ray & Jack had left the group while the rest had coffee etc at the Cafe. We farewelled all then parted Brian 1st then Bill,Steve, Thomas Warren & Elaine. The others ? There were discussions re- Megalong Valley we will have to wait & find out the conclusions at the next meeting.

Cheers
ULY52

Seacliff Bridge Ride Sat 20.5.06

We assembled at Maccas with gay abandon looking to the skies which were turning grey but we were assured that it was fine on the coast. So with that Rowena & Craig refused to don their wet weather gear & we ventured forth to Seacliff bridge with the rest of the 14 bikes/trike therefore numbering 16 bikes on the ride.

Unfortunately for Danny & Kerri who were planning to ride with us, it was noticed that the back tyre was showing canvas and it was agreed it would not be wise riding with the group, better to immediately purchase a new tyre instead.

Stewart was our fearless leader.

We travelled to Wallacia via GWH & Mulgoa Rd ,turned left into Park Rd at Wallacia along to Northern Rd, left into Horsley Dr thru to the Crossroads, left headed towards M5, right onto it, travel a short dist to Heathcote exit, followed Heacote Rd to Pacific Hwy turned off to Royal National Park.

We had an idiot intruder that came through the group with no regard for safety. We were glad to see the back of him and were hoping not to catch up with him again spread eagled on the ground, as there were a number of wet patches on the road. Not only did we have the intruder but we were also held up by bicycle riders and slow cars.

The weather was getting darker through the park and as we reached Bald Hill lookout it started to rain. The wet weather gear was hastily found to don, while others had a shot of coffee [not expensive but not ground coffee either] others looked at the view. Waiting there a few hang gliders arrived but we did have time to wait to watch their ascent. A number of younger bike riders filled the car park which became crowded as we decided to leave.

Karen & Vickie didn't come across the bridge with us but Lucky Phil would have been in his element as they resorted to a map to help them return without a leader.

The bridge came up rather quickly & before you know, it’s behind you. The roads through the coastal towns are great, we will have to venture down that way again when it is not overcast/raining & maybe have lunch at one of the many beaches.

We then headed towards Bulli pass then to Picton Rd and then found our way to Appin Hotel for Lunch.
Colin, Daz & Jen, Gerry & Jane , Warren & Elaine then left to go home.
Warren took the Greendale Rd back into Wallacia which Daz had not travelled along before, not sure about Gerry.
We had an enjoyable ride even though the weather was overcast but look forward to doing it in fine conditions.

Vickie & Karen arrived home safely.
" The rain held off which was nice. We had to do a big detour off the M7 at Wallgrove road. The M4 was blocked in both directions. A cardboard carrying truck was on fire city bound approx. 500m past the Wallgrove road exit, but all traffic had to find alternative ways home. We ended up back at Reservoir Road and came home via the GW highway. Fun day, but a little tired now. cheers Vickie."

Thank you Stewart from all us

ULY52

CITY LIGHTS RIDE

12 bikes and 17 people met at Maccas Blaxland. Left at 4.35pm and rode down the M4 & picked up 1 more bike at Prospect HWY then to Parramatta, cut across to Victoria Road and then on into Sydney to Harry’s Café de Wheels for a great meal of pies with mushie peas, potato and gravy. Arrived at Harry’s at 5.50pm.

Left Harry’s at about 6.45pm up through the Cross where we lost 3 bikes, but we had Robert on the back to save the day, the main group continued the run to Watson’s Bay and Robert led the two bikes to Watson’s Bay, with the group back together we had coffee and ice cream. Very good coffee and excellent ice cream and the service was very good.

Left Watson’s Bay about 8.10pm and headed through to Hyde Park for a beautiful view of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and harbour lights and activities. Left Hyde Park about 9.15pm got to the top of Anzac Bridge to see all the Sydney lights and stopped at Ermington Shops where we said our goodbyes and all agreed it was a fantastic night ride into Sydney to see the lights.

Headed off down Victoria Road and back onto the M4 at the Prospect HWY. Two bikes left the group and the rest of the group headed back up the mountain and home. Fantastic ride and fantastic company for this night ride.

Thanks guys for making it a good night.

PS. A thank you to Robert for the help in making the night a good one.

Wayne & Janelle

WEDNESDAY 10 MAY 2006 INCIDENT REPORT (RIDE REPORT?)

Well friends by executive order (Julie) I set computer to e-mail again. We
met as per usual at Macca's at Blaxland. The turnout of regular Wednesday
jockeys was small although Noel rang me earlier and told me he had bike
troubles. Wednesday attendees were Peter Night, Klaus and I. We had
weekend visitors including Julie and Ron, Drizzle on his trusty Suzuki and
two gentlemen I had not met before and cannot recall their names as Klaus
says Alzheimer's has set in or in my case probably advanced Krautheimer's
(Alzheimer's suffered by German born Ulysses riders). I can only recall
their mounts, one was riding an elderly but well loved BMW and the other
chasp was on a 1300 cc Honda, a mean machine. As I said earlier I was
urged to write again by the boss, subsequent events of the day make my
recollections hazier.

Peter Night led us, would you believe we actually got away at 9:00 wonders
never cease. I do recall Peter mentioning Theresa Park. Anyway it was a
beautiful clear fresh day and we headed off towards Mulgoa and Silverdale
turning left onto Werombi Rd past the University of Sydney Camden farms, Rt
onto May Farm Rd, Crossing Burrogorang Rd (I tink), along Fosters Rd, left
onto Westbrook Rd, right onto Cawdor Rd, onto Remembrance Drive, then Finns Rd left, left again onto Woodbridge Rd and Menangle for Morning tea.

Having partaken in our repast, oh, he is full of it; we rode along Moreton
Park Rd turning onto Douglas Park Dr, Wilton Rd to Appin and Ruby's at
Bulli. At Ruby's we met up with Les Welch who frequently rides with us on
Wednesdays and was there with another group who intended to carry on to
Kangaroo Valley. Les decided to ride home with us and I am very glad and
grateful that he did.

After lunch we rode back to Appin, left onto Wilton Rd, right onto Douglas
Park Drive to proceed to The Oaks for afternoon tea. Well my ride ended on
Douglas Park Drive just before the one lane bridge across the Nepean River.
I was leading Les and Drizzle at the tail end of the group on a sharp left
hander I hit something on the road (felt a thump) and the rear of the
scooter wanted to overtake the front end. I stopped just before the one
lane bridge. My mates caught up with me. We checked my machine and just
found a flat undamaged (?) rear tyre. On further inspection we found a
fist size dent in the rim. Trying to get help on this road was an ordeal, no
mobile phone signal on Drizzle's and my phones. Les had a CDMA (?) mobile
and had a signal. Service agencies were a nightmare they did not want to
know us. Les politely but firmly did his block and finally convinced
someone that this was a salvage/accident emergency and managed to get a tow truck.

During all this time I was just lost for words, I know, hard to believe.
The tow truck took the machine to Bargo. It has now been transferred to
Mittagong to an NRMA approved repairer. I am insured with NRMA Veterans &
Vintage. As to what exactly occurred, I cannot recall, the same as our
beloved political leaders.

My sincere thanks go out to Les with his phone and other assistance and
Drizzle who gave me a lift home on his trusty old Suzuki. Anyway no harm to
me only dented pride and a sick scooter. Thanks again to Les, Ron and Peter
who rang again later in the day and asked about my welfare.

Daryll Lundie, anybody out there, what is the best phone and service that
will enable us to get in touch with service agencies when we get in strife
on the road? Les tells me that the CDMA is going off and some other service
will take over.

Anyway, despite all of the above we had a very good day out.

Rolf

Millthorpe 9th April 2006

Guess what - It didn't rain!!!!! It didn't sleet, snow or hail - and there wasn't a cloud in the sky all day and the temp was quite mild - so there!!!!

19 bikes and one four wheel drive riding shotgun gathered at Maccas on a glorious Autumn morning. It was cruiser heaven in the car park, chrome shining in the sun - Robert felt overwhelmed and commented that he might have to go out and buy a cruiser, then he came to his senses. He felt a little more relieved when some other sports and tourers turned up. It should be noted here that Chuck and Catriana haven't completely given up bike riding, only the style of the vehicle has changed (see the pics)

We had a splinter group that broke away and went up Bells Line while the rest of us contended with the Great Western Highway on a Sunday morning - actually it wasn't too bad until Hazelbrook where they had the railway bridge down to one lane. Must have been the day for coming to one's senses or maybe the workers felt threatened by the leather and chrome - the road suddenly opened up to two way traffic and we were allowed to pass through.

By Lithgow we had 23 bikes, including one Lithgow member who joined us - quite a picture in the car park. Coffee, apple pies and conversation in the sun - brilliant! More splinters here - one group heading home down Bells Line, another group heading home via Oberon and the rest of us carrying on to Millthorpe.

11 bikes carrying 16 bodies continued on to Millthorpe under glorious blue skies - perfect bike weather. Chuck & Catriana brought up the rear and everything was fine until we hit the cows. It was Ron's fault - he said there wouldn't be any! There was one that thought about challenging Ron as he approached but thought better of it. No-one admitted to getting covered in cow dung. There were several quips here about whether or not they floated and helium balloons and a bit about it being all bull (no Chuck they were only cows!)

Then came the kangaroo. Robert - lucky person that he is - copped a young kangaroo bounding along the road, onto the road, off the road then back on - really was indecisive. It finally found a hole in the fence and Robert breathed a sigh of relief that his bike didn't need to have a rest. Vickie who was travelling behind was probably relieved too and Chuck really didn't want to scrape them off his bullbar.

A fuel stop in Blayney where there were a couple of complaints about stiff legs and sore bums then on to Millthorpe for lunch at the Commercial Hotel. Lunch was yummy as usual but it was a bit disappointing to hear that the pub will be closing soon. Guess we'll have to find another one somewhere else.

Did I mention that there was no rain, hail, sleet, snow or clouds in the sky. It was beautiful and sunny - even got quite warm although there were a few huddled around the fire in the pub.

We headed home through Bathurst with a final stop at the servo in Lithgow for a break, a cuppa or drink and a round up of the day. There was a moment when most of the males gathered around Chuck's rear - then he pulled out the fridge and all became clear - it was an admiration thing only a male would understand I guess. It was also a bit frightening when Phil was seen buying a map!

With final goodbyes everyone headed home - again in splinters - Bells Line or the Highway. All agreed that it was a great day with fantastic weather and super roads.

And does everyone realise that there was no rain, hail, sleet or snow!!

Julie

Mudgee - 5th March

Nine bikes started out on the trip to Mudgee on a glorious day. Rowena and her husband Craig joined us for the first time Rowena rides a Harley 883 (or so the tank badge says - but don't be fooled!), and she only gets about 150 - 160 kms to a tank (Ron cheered at this point as he no longer had the smallest tank!). Through the Vale to Maccas for coffee where some continued on and a couple went back.

The run to Mudgee was great, good weather, great roads and not too many cars, although Gary almost became a hood ornament as he followed Ron to overtake - Ron not realising Gary was on his tail slowed down a bit quicker than Gary thought he would. The car coming the other way made his feelings known and Ron couldn't understand why until he looked in his mirror and saw Gary's smiling face! Wayne made a pit stop at Ilford then caught up - we think he just wanted to have a bit of a spurt.

Lunch at the Lawson Park Pub was yummy as usual, service was fast, the drinks were cold and some tall tales were told over the meal. It should be noted here that some members suggested putting the vibrating meal alert buzzers in their pants pockets - have no idea what they meant!!

Back on the road to Louee and Rylstone with a quick stop at the park in Capertee for a short (substitute wee here) break - it's those old bladders you know!! Back into Lithgow for fuel - Rowena had to fill up anyway. Wayne needed a caffeine fix before his run down Bells Line and the rest of us hung around for a chat.

We parted ways at Lithgow - those of us with little choice heading down the highway for home, others going the long way round. All up it was a good day and an excellent ride.

Julie

7th March 2010 - Australian Motorlife Museum, Wollongong

Marion and Martin Greaves

Day One – Saturday 30.09.06

Day Three – Monday 2.10.06

Marion

7^th March 2010 - Australian Motorlife Museum, Wollongong