Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Woodstock 23 August 2015

Well the long range forecast was not looking so great for Sundays ride but not to give in twelve intrepid members braved the elements and arrived at Nicholls Servo. Weather was overcast but no rain and Derek used his Ipad to look at the radar screen showing it passing through but not directly over us at that point.

Chas gave a ride brief of where, when and how we were to venture out for the day so first up it was off to Boorawa for morning tea. Leaving Yass hitting the Boorawa road and Huey decided to give us a little sprinkling just to let us know what we might expect during the day. Morning tea was welcomed with a hot beverage and some delightful cakes etc. An elderly farmer came up and wanted to know about Dereks Spyder so I gave him a little overview and he was so impressed that after getting in his car up the road he made sure he came and stopped at Dereks machine so that he could show his wife. Maybe we might have a convert to a Spyder.

Morning tea over it was off again to Wyangla Dam via Frogmore. Along this short section we were blessed with the local council updating some road works. Yep you guessed it gravel rather slippery and the 40K indicator was a good reason to take caution. A short stop at the top of the dam wall  here we discovered just how much mud was on the roadwork area that decided to get a free lift on all of our bikes, the picture of Dereks Spyder confirms this. It was good to see that the water level had increased since our last visit. There were no boats on the water but Darryl spotted a whale not sure if it was a Humpback or Sperm. 
 
 
Now it was off over the ridge to Woodstock approximately 30k with some nice twistys added just for some fun, due to the wet road conditions it was caution as usual. We arrived in Woodstock just after a Vintage car club and so we were at the back of the line for Lunch. The kindly gent looking after the kitchen advised us that he had a limited menu but would do his best to accommodate us. During lunch looking out the window was only to reveal rain and some more rain. Oh well that's how it goes.

We had a conference as to which way we would travel home and it was decided to head off to Cowra as the most direct safe route with a refuel. However one servo on the left of town was now closed so we headed off over the bridge to the next one only to be told by the attendant that she had lost power to all her pumps but there was a BP just up the road. After this stop is was decided that with a full tank of fuel we would just hit the road and head straight for home.

The countryside was looking good with farmers who planted a winter crop were now seeing the great results. Canola was starting to sprout heads and other grain crops were very lush and green which is great to see for the man on the land.

The company was great, the laughter abundant and most enjoyable. Thanks to all who came along for a great ride. Ride safe one and all.

Cheers Chas
 
Spyder Mud