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
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.
