Hmmm, this called for my Thruxton’s hyper ride mode. Upon landing at BP Watson at 1015 (still 5 minutes before briefing time ) l was welcomed by the first three riders, Neil Mc, George A and Peter O. Shortly after the others arrived namely; Carol and Barry S followed by Ian P (with new tyres) and Noel B all very keen to join us for the day. No one was aware of my early morning mix up or the mad ride between Nichols and Watson.
Following my first ever brief we managed to getaway about 1040. It was a cracking pace passing through Sutton - Gundaroo - Gunning - Crookwell and in a blink Laggan. Each point we passed through proved 2 degrees cooler than the previous. From Gunning ride up into the very green highlands with those exceptional sweepers was enjoyed by all as there was hardly any traffic on the road. Considering only a month ago the whole area was parched dry, very hot and danger of fires, this was fantastic. Between Crookwell and Taralga the clouds darkened and became threatening but luckily cleared slightly upon arriving in town. Despite this by then most of us were chilled and lm sure my teeth chattering.
Once the ride leader with Neil’s help had sorted out just where the Tangled Vine Cafe was we parked where we could near the cafe and headed in for warmth and a well earned rest. Unfortunately the Cafe was packed and we quickly found ourselves shown through the cafe to the elements out the back near the loo. Luckily the sun broke through and shone directly on our table providing a little warmth. Lunch also provided some warm and so did our active and humorous conversations. We quickly forgot about the weather and concentrated on the important subject of just what the effect toilet paper was having on our national and international economy.
After lunch it was decided to leave the only remaining roll of toilet paper in the loo and instead head to Gunning to continue our discussions on other ways to save the world. However, it was agreed we wouldn’t make the distance unless we topped up the Ducati and Thruxton R (what do you expect with sports bikes? ) at the Mobil in Crookwell. Yea Old Gunning Cafe enjoyed our business especially when we promised to not touch their toilet roll stocks.
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| Some of our bikes outside Gunning Cafe. |
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| Ian’s Goldwing with new tyres going for a reasonable price. |
After an enjoyable 45 mins it was time to depart with everyone peeling off after Gundaroo and only three of us Ian P, George A and myself investigating Mulligans Flat road as an alternative into Canberra outer suburbs and eventually home. Overall, l think everyone had a great ride, plenty of laughs and good company, after all that’s what it’s all about isn’t it?
WR
List of Riders:
- Warren Richer RL - Triumph Thruxton R 1200
- Ian Paterson - Honda Golding GL1800
- Neil McRitchie - Kawasaki GTR 1400
- George Attard - Triumph Tiger 800
- Peter Ongley - Ducati Monster 659
- Carol Solley - Can Am Spider
- Barry Solley - Honda ST1300
- Noel Bentley- BMW F800GS
