Friday, October 30, 2020

Canberra Branch Ulysses Christmas Party , Friday 27th November 2020

SAVE THE DATE – Friday 27th November 2020 – from 6pm for 7pm


Our Social Secretary Jenny has secured the Venue for this year’s Christmas Party at the Canberra Club (''Barton's Hidden Little Gem' ') 


 51 Blackall Street BARTON, ACT 2600
https://www.canberraclub.com.au/ 

(Older members would remember it as one of our past social meeting venues.)

A two course sit-down dinner will be served and our traditional Christmas Kris-Cringle game will feature on the night.

Put the date in your diary now and watch out for all the details soon…….

Please let our organiser Jenny know if you intend to come as it will help planning! (jcarlin@ozemail.com.au)

 

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Canberra Branch BBQ at Bunnings Belconnen, 1 November

Good News!! We have a group of Canberra Branch Volunteers rostered-on to help out at the Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser on Sunday 1 November.

Why not come along and support the Branch?  

Buy a sausage and have a look around the Belconnen Bunnings store.

( 15 Lathlain Street, Belconnen, 2617) https://www.bunnings.com.au/


A big thanks also goes to Bunnings Belconnen for their donation of a garden pack to the value of $300.  

Tickets will be sold at our Social Meeting in November – and the winner will be announced at the December Social Meeting.

Maritta Heiler | President, Canberra Branch #44790

Mob: 0417633000  






Ride Report Robertson, Sunday 25th October

The weather gods half smiled on us for the day.

Saturday was continuous rain for Canberra and the route down to Robertson and I was not confident of any better weather for Sunday.

I checked the radar on Sunday morning and it showed various rain patches but not as bad as Saturday. I braved the elements and arrived at the starting point at Bungendore with the ambient temperature on the bike showing 6 degrees. I was not at all sure if anyone else would brave the elements and turn up for the ride.

At about 8.45 2 more hardy souls, Scott and Kevin arrived and we waited until about 9.10 but no one else showed up.

The run to Marulan via Bungonia was mainly dry except for a couple of very light showers that were of no consequence. It was decided to have coffee at the Meridian café in Marulan rather than the roadhouse or truck stop.

When we ordered coffee one of the riders who shall remain nameless had lost his wallet. With the loan of $50 he decided to continue with the ride.

When we left Marulan Scott led the way as he had the winding route programmed in his GPS which was good as there are a fair few turns to negotiate.

The rain held off until about Exeter and the was steady rain until we arrived at Robertson for lunch.

The café was a warm and dry reprieve from outside and he food was ok with a good choice for lunch.

With lunch settled and body warmed we decided for a direct route home via the Illawarra Highway to Moss Vale then the Hume Highway home.

I decided to stop at Goulburn for a quick break but the other 2 decided for a straight through run to home.

A pretty good ride considering the forecast with probable only about 45 minutes of rain riding in total.

Alan

Riders:

  • Alan Munday Yamaha FJR 1300
  • Scott England BMW R1250RT
  • Kevin Sherman Indian Scout

Monday, October 26, 2020

Upcoming Ride: Snowy Mountains Circuit - 1 November 20

Ride leader Scott has passed on the following message for those interested in taking this Sunday's ride (1 November '20)



"Several of the roads in the Kosciuszko National Park are still closed following bushfire damage last year, so the options for riding through the Snowy Mountains are limited. The truly magnificent Alpine Way between Khancoban and Thredbo is open, and this road is the raison d’être for Sunday’s ride. For those who haven’t traversed the Alpine Way, it has 75 km of endless tight corners through alpine forest, reaching an altitude of 1580 m, on a road surface which is almost universally excellent.

The ride starts and ends with highway travel, but the section from Gundagai to Khancoban has lots of sweeping bends as well as glorious scenery; forests, mountains, apple orchards, and the pastures of the Upper Murray Valley.

The ride is quite long at 600 km, but I’ve planned enough stops for everyone to stay refreshed. ETA in Canberra on return is around 6 PM. Please get in touch with me if you have any questions about the ride. If you’re planning to come along, I’d really appreciate a quick message so that I have an idea of numbers.

Scott England
0402 207 474
scott_e@me.com"


Thursday, October 22, 2020

Ride Report – Crookwell and Gunning, 21 October 2020

"Twas the night before Wednesday, when all through the shed

Not a motorbike was stirring, hope the battery’s not dead;

The fuel tank was primed and topped up with care,

In hopes that fine weather would all find us there

 
The riders were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of cambers danced in their heads;

With tyres all checked and their gear laid out neat,

They just couldn’t wait for the morning to meet."

 
I don’t know about you but Wednesday’s midweek ride to Crookwell and Gunning felt a bit like Christmas to me. The sun was shining, there was barely a breeze and the BP in Watson greeted me with a plethora of bikes of all shapes and sizes. I arrived upon my trusty Guzzi just in time to interrupt Warren’s plan of attack for the day. I knew I was really late as Noel was there ready and primed which is something I had not seen before. 

We welcomed Rohan (R.E. Himalayan), Ken (BMW R1200RS), Ian (KLR650) and David (BMW 1250RS) as new riders to the group and then mounted our trusty steeds for a wonderful day’s ride. Warren led the charge up the Federal Hwy towards Sutton on his Triumph Thruxton followed by the rumbling of a Moto Guzzi California, Kawasaki KLR650, Royal Enfield Himalayan, Suzuki DL650, Harley 500 and a Luftwaffe of BMW’s. I’m not sure what the collective noun for a group of BMW’s is but it sounds right. A ‘Class’ of BMW’s was suggested (by a BMW rider) but that just sounded pretentious. Of course, like day comes after night, Kevin played tail-end Charlie on his raucous Indian Scout.



The group expanded and contracted along the Sutton and Gundaroo Rd like an accordion playing ‘That’s Amore’ outside a Sicilian café. We regrouped at Gunning to then head up the fantastic Grabben Gullen Rd to Crookwell. A relaxing time was had at Paul’s Café and it was good to have a chat with our fellow riders over a cappuccino. With coffees drunk it was time to leave Andrew behind with his battered savs and head off to Gunning for lunch.



Once again, the Grabben Gullen Rd proved to be a hoot as we twisted our way among the hills of the Upper Lachlan Shire. I enjoyed riding behind Warren and his café racer. As if channelling the spirit of Barry Sheene, Warren would take the perfect line through each and every corner making my ride easier and more enjoyable. We were greeted at the Old Hume Café in Gunning with open arms as they were pleased to have our business. We made ourselves comfortable in the garden out the back. With the burgers consumed, the drinks downed and the world’s problems solved it was time to head for home.



Most of the group headed off through Yass and back home via the Wee Jasper and Mountain Creek Rd. A word of caution was given by our trusted leader about the dangers of this road as the lack of lines, corner speeds and the odd kangaroo have been known to make some riders become unstuck. I, on the other hand, headed up through the giant wind turbines along the old Hume Hwy towards Breadalbane and then on the Breadalbane Rd to Collector. The Breadalbane Rd would have to be one of the worst sealed roads in the Shire. Full of potholes and patches that would make my grandmother’s patchwork quilt blush, I bounced and bottomed-out my way along what I then discovered was once quite a road. You see at the northern entrance of Collector there is now a memorial to what was Australia’s first Tourist Trophy motorcycle race. This race was held over three laps of a 33 mile course (100 miles) that ran between Yarra near Goulburn to Breadalbane then Collector. The event was held during the Easter of 1914 and was won by Harry Jenkins of Victoria riding a 7hp Indian. It’s worth a visit next time you are riding or driving by Collector.

 

Thanks must go to Warren for leading a brilliant ride. In a way the variety of bikes we ride is reflective of the riders that make up this great club. We all come from different backgrounds and differ in our riding abilities but we all share the same love of riding our bikes on a warm spring day in what has to be one of Australia’s most beautiful regions. Bring on the next mid-week ride!

Steven Bardwell

 
Riders

  • Warren Richer            Triumph Thruxton R
  • Rohan McCarthy         Royal Enfield Himalayan
  • Andrew Carley            Harley 500 Street
  • Ken Dal Broi               BMW R1200RS
  • Kevin Sherman           Indian Scout
  • Scott England             BMW R1250RT
  • Robert Apps               BMW R1200GS
  • Noel Bentley              BMW F800GSA
  • Ian Krebs                  Kawasaki KLR650
  • David Mossman          BMW 1250RS
  • John Dean                 Suzuki DL650
  • Steven Bardwell         Moto Guzzi California
  • Andrew Campbell       BMW R1250RS

Monday, October 19, 2020

Wednesday Ride, 21st October; a "Chomp n Chat" to Gunning,

 Looking for something to do on a Wednesday?

Wednesday Ride Co-ordinator Warren encourages Members to join in on the Branch Mid-Week Rides.

More Info:             Contact: Warren Richer 0409 836 595

This Wednesdays ride (21st Oct) is now a Chomp & Chat to Gunning for lunch at the Old Hume Cafe. 

The ride is expected to cover 250km and will leave from BP Watson (please note there is no Super 98 fuel available at this servo) Note: Briefing 9:20 am, departure 9:30am

The Ride Leader will be decided on the day, and the route can be also up to the group to decide.

Warren plans the latest Wednesday adventure!

Saturday, October 17, 2020

October RO2 now available!

 Happy Days! The October RO2 is now available for your reading pleasure!


>>Click here<< for the magazine.

>>Click here <<  for the online archive.

 

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Joe Rider, riding for safety in Biketober

Just in from our friendly Road Safety Officer in Queanbeyan-Palerang is this news item about the 2020 October "Joe Rider" campaign. It's a key part of  Motorcycle Awareness Month

"Joe Rider Motorcycle Safety  – Report Sightings and go into the draw to win fuel vouchers

Council’s popular motorcycle safety campaign Joe Rider has returned for 2020.  The evidence shows being aware of motorcycle riders on the road is a key factor in ensuring their safety.

This campaign kicks off just as the weather is warming up and we see more local riders hitting the roads to commute to work or take a leisure ride on weekend.

Council has partnered with rider training centre Stay Upright and other motorcyclists in the area who will be wearing high-vis Joe Rider vests while riding the roads from 10-25 October to increase awareness of motorcycle riders.

If you notice a motorcyclists while you’re driving, whether they were wearing the ‘Joe Rider ‘ vest or not, report your sighting once you have reached your destination at www.qprc.nsw.gov.au/joe-rider and go into the draw to win fuel vouchers.

There are five $50 fuel vouchers to be won and one $150 fuel voucher to win for the person that reports the most sightings.

We can all help keep motorcyclists safe by checking twice for bikes

Regards

Joanne Wilson Ridley
Road Safety Officer
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council"

 

 

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Ride Report, Grenfell, 4th October 2020

I’ve been to Grenfell many times, but I can’t resist the place and love going back. Not only was one of my ancestors on a farm not far from town back in the 1890s, but there are also some lovely back roads to explore on the way, and the service at the Albion Hotel is always friendly and welcoming and the food is good.
Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny, and the promise of a warm though windy day lured eleven eager riders to Caltex Nicholls. 

Daylight saving had started the previous night so here was proof that at least a few senior citizens had remembered to put their clocks forward. It was also the Sunday of the Labour Day long weekend, threatening double demerits and ensuring a relaxed, leisurely ride. 

It almost got off to an inauspicious start for me – 100 metres after I pulled out of my driveway in the middle of Hawker a big roo leapt out in front of me and took off down the street. Fortunately, it turned left where I turned right, and that was the last I saw of it.

 

Predictably, there was quite a bit of traffic heading out of Canberra but we took it easy and were soon at Boorowa, downing pies and coffee in the Superb Café. Here, Maritta announced that she was feeling crook and needed to head home. Oh well, shit happens.

As she left, Janet and Kerry walked in, claiming they had slept in and had raced to Boorowa to catch up with us. Magically, I did the sums in my head: 11 – 1 + 2 = 12 riders now.

From Boorowa we headed north-west to Murringo. Instead than turning left towards Young, we continued north on the delightfully winding but narrow road through Murringo Gap and along the delightfully straight and even narrower Chews Lane to the Olympic Highway. 

We turned right and rode a few kilometres to the hamlet of Bendick Murrell where we turned left and followed an assortment of back roads to the top of the range. As the first few of us pulled over to admire the view, it became obvious that someone had either (a) forgotten how the rolling corner marking system works, or (b) simply forgotten to mark a corner, for the rest of the crew were nowhere to be seen.

While we waited and wondered if we would ever see them again, we took time to scan the scenery – and it was stunning. Everything was bright green apart from the canola, which was still in bright yellow flower, and the purple Paterson’s curse, which was reaching a spectacular (though feral) peak.

 The temperature had risen to 27 degrees, which was very pleasant after the damp and Covid-infested winter, while the promised winds had turned out to be pretty mild. And the roads we took were definitely those less travelled, which made for a traffic-free, stressless and very enjoyable ride.

As we stood and gazed upon our vision splendid, the silence was broken by a distant roar, like an F/A-18 blasting its way up the valley. Yes! It was Kevin’s thunderous Indian, making steam as he and the rest of the team, having found the right road, headed up the hill to join us.

From our vantage point it was less than half an hour to Grenfell via Iandra Castle, the outskirts of Greenethorpe and the Mid Western Highway. Here, Mike said he was feeling crook and needed to return home. Again, I engaged my mathematical brain: 12 – 1 = 11 for lunch at the Albion. 

We spent a pleasurable hour or so dining and shooting the breeze before riding down to Grenfell’s grain silos, which have been decorated with beautiful murals portraying the region’s agriculture. Kerry and Janet had gone for fuel and reached the silos just as we were leaving, so unfortunately you won’t spot them in the photo. 

The team in front of the lovingly decorated Grenfell grain silos.

We headed south on Mary Gilmore Way with the Weddin Mountains on our right before turning left onto Old Forbes Road, right onto Henry Lawson Way and into Young for fuel. 

Then it was via the Moppity Road, Galong and Binalong to Bowning, where seven of us pulled in for a farewell coffee at the Rollonin Café (which is still on the market, if anyone is interested). Chas had an iced chocolate that was almost big enough to count as dinner. 

I got home at 4:35pm, having ridden 435 km. This had echoes of the Rosehill back roads ride back in March when I got home at 4:20pm after riding 420 km. Spooky.

  • Ian Paterson          Honda GL1800 Goldwing
  • Kevin Sherman      Indian
  • Mark Sayer           Kawasaki Z900RS
  • Warren Richer       Triumph Thruxton 1200R
  • Chas Towie           Honda ST1300
  • Mike Kelly             BMW R1200RT
  • Maritta Heiler        Kawasaki 900 Vulcan
  • Robert McNeilly     Honda VFR800
  • Dieter Walter        Ducati Multistrada 950
  • Steven Bardwell    Moto Guzzi California
  • David Burfoot       Suzuki Boulevard C50
  • Janet Mulgrue       Suzuki Burgman AN650
  • Kerry Mulgrue       Yamaha T-Max