Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Ride Report - Tumut - 23rd August 2020

Who would want to ride a motorbike to Tumut on the coldest, windiest, snowiest weekend of the year? Nobody, surely. Or at least nobody in their right mind. Secure in this notion, I settled down on Saturday evening in front of the telly with a glass of red as the gale and sleet raged against the darkness outside.

But then reality bit, in the form of a text message from Colin promising to ride with me on the morrow no matter what the weather. Bugger, I thought, but I went to bed sure that Sunday morning would be just as foul as Saturday night and nobody would turn up for the ride.

As fate would have it, Sunday morning dawned sunny and calm, so I donned my warmest riding gear and headed for the servo at Nicholls. Not only was Colin there when I arrived, but there were also several other hardy souls in their motorbike fancy dress. In fact, our party swelled to nine by the time everyone had arrived and/or caught up.

However, we were about to be caught in a cunning trap. Of course – how could we have been so stupid! As we headed towards Murrumbateman the clear skies were quickly replaced by low, dark clouds and it started to spit freezing rain. I pulled over to pull on my waterproof overgloves as the spits turned to drizzle and the temperature (according to Goldwing) dropped from seven to six degrees.
We rounded Yass in strong, gusty south-westerly headwinds and more-than-occasional showers and turned onto Burley Griffin Way. As we rode through sopping, windblown Binalong, I smelled wood smoke and pictured a family sitting contentedly in front of their wood fire, eating hot, buttered toast and drinking cups of steaming tea as the cheerful children sat quietly and played with kittens and wrote poems about how wonderful life was in their happy, happy family. Oh, if only I could join them!

But I could not. I was ride leader and had to go on! I silently wiped the tears from my face before they could freeze my eyelashes to the visor. Mercifully, as we approached Cunningar the temperature jumped from six to seven degrees (according to Goldwing) and life on the road was once more glass half-full.
I report these temperatures “according to Goldwing” because in the glass half-empty world of Chris’s GTR1400 it never got warmer than five degrees. 

At our coffee and pie stop at the Terracotta in Murrumburrah we had to sit outside because of COVID limits. This final hypothermic indignity sparked murmurings and grumblings about how cold and wet it was and subtle suggestions that perhaps we should revolt against the tyranny of the ride calendar and simply turn around and go back home. However, I was overruled by a show of hands who wanted their attached bodies and bikes to continue to Tumut. 

Then the same agitator suggested that perhaps the narrow, winding, sheep-infested backroads from Pettit to Tumut via Brungle were not the best idea on a day such as this. Not only was I overruled on this, but I also distinctly heard the words “you” and “wuss” used in the same sentence.

So, in the spirit of Ulysses courage and manliness, I belatedly pulled on my waterproof pants (or rather wrapped them around me like a long, black nappy) and led the next leg to Jugiong. At least my legs were warmer now. At Jugiong, Vidas and Rex abandoned ship and headed for home. 

At Pettit, a sad little locality huddled beside the freeway just past Coolac, three of the team, led by Dieter, turned off to tackle the backroads while the other three followed the wuss to South Gundagai and on to Tumut via the Gocup Road. 

And here we got a great surprise – and I mean great in every sense of the word! Pretty much the whole of the Gocup Road has been upgraded and realigned and it is now a smooth, high-speed delight (respecting the 100 km/h limit, of course) all the way from South Gundagai to Tumut.

We pulled in at the Tumut River Brewing Company at 12:35pm and our appointed table was waiting for us. Perhaps half an hour later (or it could have been seven or eight minutes – my memory is a bit hazy on the exact timespan) Dieter’s backroads group joined us. 

 

Burgers and pizzas were the most popular choices, while there was a comprehensive selection of craft beers but, as is the way with craft brewers, they were a bit pricey. But we got to sit inside! And not only inside, but on comfy lounges fronting a long coffee table that soon filled with drinks and food. It was warm and cosy, the world was made rosy by our togetherness. It was almost like that wonderful family in Binalong.

The ride home started well enough but a few minutes later we were into the rain again, and it continued on and off all the way back to Canberra. By Gundagai the temperature had dropped back to six degrees, where it sat most of the way home. At least the strong, cold south-westerlies were now tailwinds helping us on our way. A couple of half-arsed rainbows near Bookham and Yass did little to brighten the scene.

Brave Dave decided to return home via the crappy dirt road over the snow-covered Brindabellas. He had knobby tyres on the XT1200 so it shouldn’t have been too much of a problem. However, he promised to text me when he got safely home, which he did, saving me a call to Search and Rescue. 

 

In summary, it was a nasty sort of day to be on motorbikes. It was the sort of day that if you’re in a car and you see a motorbike you think, “Pity that poor bugger, glad it’s not me!” Except that of course, today it was me. If I wasn’t the ride leader I probably would have stayed in bed.  

But we all made the best of it and were at least glad to be out of the house and on the road for a few COVID-free hours. And when I got home at 4pm the bride welcomed me as a returning hero with open arms and a cup of steaming tea. Or perhaps she was just taking pity on a surviving idiot.
Ian

  • Ian Paterson           Honda GL1800 Goldwing
  • Kevin Sherman       Indian
  • Colin Sweeny          BMW K1200LT
  • Scott England         BMW R1250RT
  • Dieter Walter          Ducati Multistrada 950
  • Rex Clemence         BMW GS650
  • Vidas Sadauskas     HD Street Glide
  • Chris Dietzel           Kawasaki GTR1400
  • Dave Jones             Yamaha XT1200

Sunday, August 23, 2020

Derek Holyoake honoured at Commemoration Service recently

 A recent posting on the Branches Facebook pages noted that our  Derek Holyoake was one of several veterans who were honoured and thanked by the Prime Minister at the Commemoration Service to mark 75 years since the end of the war.

As many would know, Derek served in WWII, including on HMAS Hobart when it was torpedoed. He continues to make a wonderful contribution to Canberra and the region.

More about Derek's story can be found here: 

https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/blog/derek-holyoake

 


Ride Report - Chomp & Chat to Goulburn, 16 August 2020

When I rolled the bike out of the garage just before 1000 it was still hovering between 6-7 degrees and everything was still wet from the night before. I was not a happy chap, but when I arrived at the departure point the sun was showing some potential and it was a very crisp 9 degrees, Hmm improving. The forecast was 14 degrees for Canberra, however we were about to leave Canberra into a forecasted windy and overcast 8-10 degrees around the Goulburn area. Hmm still not a happy chap!

By briefing time we had 10 riders ready to hit the road and Jenny also turned up on her 700GS just to cheer us on and remind us of the Tuesday Ulysses meeting. We tried to encourage her to join us but she declined gracefully. Before departing l also warned out the Paragon Cafe (noting CORVID 19 restrictions) that numbers had increased, but was informed all was good noting we were all family.

The route to Goulburn: We headed off at a leisurely pace on the Federal Hwy.  Once on Macs Reef road, the pace was better and the line more uniformed (a little). We passed through the outskirts of Bungendore in a direction towards upper Tarago. Luckily there was not much traffic but every step of the way the temperature deceased and the wind gusts increased.

 On the Collector road we found ourselves steaming directly into the wind, but as we veered down onto the Currawang backroad it was relatively sheltered in the valleys. It was in these sections however, we found a fair amount of residual flood water either side of the road where we had to slow down to negotiate at least four sheep dips (floodways) which clean our boots and undercarriage. Meanwhile, just earlier Andrew had decided to try some time travel and activated warp speed on the R1250RS. We later caught up with him near Wakefield intersection, he was dismounted and appeared decidedly older and was limbering up with what looked like a little Tai Chi.

 Goulburn gave us a not unusual bleak, cold and windy welcome and noting we were all bordering on a little wind fatigue and hypothermia we scattered on the main drag to find a spot to park and get into the warm restaurant. The Paragon was a much welcomed retreat for lunch. They had arranged two tables for our large family. The service, the meals and the warmth were excellent. 

One of our members even decided to be adventurous and try the Canadian Pancakes  

 Following a great lunch we assembled outside and after discussions on options for our return six members decided to departed making their own way back to Canberra.

Route back Option 1- Gurrundah Valley to Gunning: Three braves souls (Kevin, George and Noel) volunteered to follow me on a discovery ride to Gunning for a coffee. We headed north/west out of Goulburn towards Gurrundah. This adventure was not without some hiccups naturally as it was a new route for all. One time the Thruxton found itself suddenly on a dirt road and it quickly did an about face heading back along the road to sniff out the Gurrundah road turn off we had missed. I must say the team hung in there diligently following in the cold. From their composure and muffled expletives escaping their helmets l gauged they were still happy souls :-) .

Back on Gurrundah road we continued through farm lands up over hills on very narrow sections until at last we came to the planned left turn down Mullins Creek Rd to Breadalbane. This section was in excellent condition noting the money poured into the homesteads. Finally we came to the section of old Hume Hwy which lead us to our destination namely Gunning. 

The Thruxton was thirsty so I topped up while the camels went straight to the watering hole namely ‘Yea Olde Gunning Cafe’. Kevin joined up with two other members that appeared to have arrived via an alternative route who watered at another cafe and now were heading home. Once thawed and fed Noel, George and myself headed towards home via Gundaroo. By this time we had all gotten used to the low 8 degrees, or we were that cold, we just didn’t feel it anymore.

 W.R

  •  Warren Richer - Triumph Thruxton R 1200
  • Noel Bentley- BMW F800G
  • Rex Clemence - BMW GS650
  • George Attard - Triumph Tiger 800 XRT
  • Peter Ongley - Ducati Monster 659
  • Steven Bardwell - Motto Guzzi California
  • Andrew Campbell - BMW R1250 RS
  • Vidas Sadauskas - Harley Davidson Street Glide
  • Dave Wootton - Fatty
  • Kevin Sherman - Indian Scout 1200
  • Note: Special thanks to Kevin for volunteering to be tail-end Charlie.

 














Friday, August 21, 2020

Club Ride to Tumut, Sun 23rd August

This coming Sunday Ian Paterson (0427 291 728) proposes to lead a 410 km ride to Tumut, for lunch at the Tumut River Brewing Co

The ride will leave Caltex Nicholls at departure 9:30am following a riders briefing at 9:20am.


The Route notes are: Out via Murrumburrah (coffee), Jugiong, Pettit, Brungle & Tumut (lunch & fuel, 230 km from start). Back via South Gundagai and highways.

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Call for membership: MRAACT 2020

The following communication has been received from Chris, Secretary for the MRAACT;  for your consideration and action if you would like to support the MRAACT and the good work that has benefited us in the past.


The Motorcycle Riders Association of the ACT exists to support motorcyclists and motorcycle riding in the ACT and nearby regions. Over the past few years we have successfully campaigned for mature returning riders having access to subsidised training and upskilling, lane filtering legalisation, have run an annually occurring motorcycle awareness and safety week, featuring Joe Rider and numerous other initiatives. In addition to this representation and championing motorcycling we also continue to run important charity events such as the Winter Blanket Run which collects goods and raises money to support the homeless as well as the Christmas Toy Run which raises money and collects goods for vulnerable children and families.


This year is the 40th anniversary of the MRA ACT and usually this would be cause for celebration however with the impacts of COVID-19 and other resourcing matters the organisation needs your help in order to continue its valuable work to ACT motorcyclist and charity recipients. 


For several years now the association has run on a skeleton crew. With some of the current committee soon to be stepping down and no longer standing for certain required positions we are under resourced and will struggle to champion ongoing initiatives to improve and/or protect motorcycle riding in the ACT.
This is where you come in, we need your skills. We need people who can help run the association’s administration (i.e. secretary, treasurer, et cetera,) and also people with a passion in social media and outreach, with project management skills, IT skills (Office 365 and WordPress,) and numerous other executive and/or general committee positional skills.


The more people we have putting in even just a little bit the more we can take our association forward and be the voice we once were.


Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday the 29th of September and will be held via video conference. If you are interested in supporting the MRA ACT we’d love to hear from you prior to this meeting so that your interest can be registered and we have the chance to find out what sort of role you may be interested in.


If assisting the MRA ACT sounds like something you can do, please email Chris at secretary@mraact.org.au

 

Sunday, August 16, 2020

August 2020 RO2 is now available!

 The August RO2 is now available for your viewing pleasure!

Please click >>here<< to download 

(or the image below) 

 

or >>here<< to view the archive.

Saturday, August 15, 2020

Chomp & Chat: Goulburn, Sunday 16th August

Just a last minute reminder  that Sunday 16th August's ride is a Chomp & Chat to Goulburn to the Paragon Cafe for lunch.
A relatively short ride of  230 km , to leave from BP Watson with a briefing at 10:20am, for a departure at 10:30am
Ably led by
Warren Richer (0409 836 595) the route will be as per the rote notes below.
Route notes:        Out via Bungendore, Tarago Rd, Currawang Rd & Goulburn (lunch). Back TBC on the day.

Friday, August 7, 2020

"Ulysses in the Mist" – Ride to Taralga, 2 August 2020

As we know, riding motorcycles in the Canberra region in early August can often be a bit of a touch-and-go proposition. The conditions that greeted us on the first stage of this ride made me think that planning a Winter ride around here can be a case of "the triumph of hope over experience".

Despite this, seven hardy souls turned up for our ride to Taralga on Sunday 2nd of August. Actually, eight riders arrived at our meeting place at Nicholls, but Neil McRitchie had an urgent phone call prevented him from continuing on the ride. 

A couple of interesting bikes joined the group, making a change from the usual gaggle of BMWs, Triumphs and Japanese machines. Prospective new member, Julian Hamon was riding his Enfield 650 Interceptor and Steven Bardwell brought along his Moto Guzzi California 1400.

As we headed onto the Barton Highway for the first leg to Boorowa the thick fog hanging over the countryside made me ask myself if this ride was such a fabulous idea. It occurred to me that many of those Ulysses members who had stayed home on this chilly Sunday were, perhaps, more adept than I was at interpreting weather forecasts.

Immediately, as we headed down the Barton towards Murrumbateman, the fog began to restrict our visibility. I encouraged myself by imagining the fog burning off and a lovely sunny day emerging by the time we reached Yass. Not the case unfortunately.

We turned onto Lachlan Valley Way and, if anything, the fog just got thicker. My new heated gloves were getting a workout. Normally the main concern about the road to Boorowa is the regular presence of the highway patrol. On this morning we generally weren't able to go fast enough for that to be a problem.

Being at the front of the group was a challenge because my visor constantly misted up, forcing me to slow down on corners (something I normally try hard not to do). I was concerned that my inconsistent pace would be a problem for those following.

I kept hoping that I would come up behind a car travelling at a reasonable pace, so that I could just slot in behind, following the tail-lights. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. The only cars I encountered were those emerging from the fog, going the opposite direction. A couple of idiot car drivers hadn't bothered to put their lights on, so there were some nervous moments as these fools suddenly appeared out of the gloom.

Mercifully, we arrived safely at Boorowa (I've never been more pleased to see the sheep capital). A hot cup of coffee cheered us all up, relaxing on the vintage sofas at the cosy little café, Pantry on Pudman.

 Julian, Heike, Mike and Robert, Steven and Noel

How things transformed as we started the next leg of the journey along the Rugby Road! By the time we passed the Reids Flat turn-off the fog had disappeared. As we reached Rugby the sun was out and a lovely sunny Winter's day revealed itself, just in time for us to revel in this fantastic stretch of road.

We all enjoyed the ride to Crookwell and then through Laggan, and cross-country to Taralga. The scenery was beautiful and the road was very entertaining.
We had a long, pleasant lunch and conversation at the Tangled Vine Café at Taralga, before departing for Canberra, returning via Crookwell, Gunning and Gundaroo.

Despite my pathetic moaning about the fog, this ride was absolutely worth the effort. Yes, I know….I need to harden the f*** up!

J.G.

RIDERS:
● Heike Apps BMW R1200 GS
● Robert Apps BMW R1200 GSA
● Steven Bardwell Moto Guzzi California 1400
● Noel Bentley BMW F800 GSA
● John Grace Triumph Tiger 1200
● Julian Hamon Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor
● Mike Kelly BMW R1200 RT