The expectant crowd gathered at
EPIC/MACCA’s for coffee with a few tasting the breakfast delights
of Macca’s. Introductions all round and a briefing on our intended
route the crew were anxious to get moving.
Left EPIC on route to Bungendore where
Michael and Tracey were waiting to join the gang. Very pleasant trip
to Tarago. Here Peter, Suzanne and Trevor decided to choose the
Nerriga route as an alternative while the remainder followed Chas to
Lake Bathurst, Goulburn and stopping at Marulan for morning tea.
Weather at this stage was a little unsavoury with a slight misty look
about it.
Departing Marulan we headed to Tallong,
Exeter, Bundanoon, and Fitzroy Falls with a regroup at the Robertson
Pie Shop. As I was leading the ride towards Robertson the Southern
ridge looked un- inviting weather wise. i.e. the range had cloud
covering certain parts of it. To this end I suggested we put on our
wet weather gear as a precautionary measure. After a short distance
out of Robertson on the Jamberoo Mountain road we were in the thick
of it. Yep rain, visibility down to approximately three metres
enveloped in full cloud cover and very vague if not non-existent
white lines to follow. Now this is good experience for the un
initiated. Some of the intrepid gang had not experienced such
conditions and I must congratulate them on their safety approach and
adjustment to the surrounding conditions.
As we re grouped at the bottom of
Jamberoo I can honestly say the baptism of this little treck was well
executed by one and all. WHEW now we completed the last little
stretch through beautiful countryside to Kiama. With parking space a
premium in the main street of Kiama it was a detour around the block
and yep space became available to accommodate all our bikes. As it
happened we parked opposite a lovely Café so it was bums down and we
ordered lunch.
Departing Kiama saw the route going
through Gerringong, Gerroa, and Coolangatta via the north side of the
river into Nowra. Once again the scenery was just awesome. Nowra to
Sussex Inlet was just a brief run down the highway.
On our approach to Sussex Inlet Trevor
coincidently came over the UHF seeking our where abouts. To which I
replied just about there. Trevor replied that the welcoming gang were
sampling the champagne and hurry up. With the check in and unpack at
the Motel it was then time to gather around the BBQ area for
nibbles, bubbles, beer and stories, many of which were told and lots
of laughter heard throughout the Motel.
Now it was time to gather en mass to
sojourn to the RSL for dinner. On arrival at the RSL we were ushered
to the Restaurant and low and behold the centre stage was set for the
Canberra Ulyssians. A sumptuous meal, along with wine and drinks of
various types was enjoyed by all. Great atmosphere and we had a
special occasion to celebrate Butch and Jan’s 40th
Wedding Anniversary so it was congratulations and cheers by the merry
crowd to two wonderful people.
On exiting the restaurant low and
behold in the Bistro/Lounge area was music and dancing. You got it,
the energetic ones got onto the dance floor and entertained the
locals.
Sunday breakfast
saw us walk about 50 metres to the local bakery and enjoy the county
delights. After brekkie some of the gang decided to go back through
Nerriga while Chas took the majority through to Ulladulla then onto
the Bay for morning tea. Leaving Batman’s Bay mid-morning gave us a
pleasant run up the mountain to Braidwood for lunch. Here we were met
by Andrew Campbell on his way home from a little run down and up the
mountain (he just needed to get out and ride).
After Lunch it was fond farewells to
each and every one and thanks to one and all for the fabulous
company, great riding and the fun and laughter.
Let’s do it again
Cheers Chas
The great gang were:
Michael &Tracey Winters, Jeff &
Maritta Heiler, Butch & Jan Wills, Jennie Buchanan, Mary Coutts,
David Greig, Peter & Suzanne Arday, Jo & Hellen Dutton, Ian
Paterson, Chris & Maream Dietzel, Mark & Cathy Walker, Trevor
McLeod, Keith, Ros , Chas & Jen Towie
