Chomp’n’Chat Captain’s Flat – 15 Dec 2013

Before I start – I apologise! I turned up at Caltex/Woolworths Hume with no notebook. Guess what? The list of riders was written onto a scrap of paper that has grown legs. So If I’ve left some names off, I’m sorry.

The weather was great, and as Hume is only a short distance to Captains Flat (comparatively), I advised the group we’ll be travelling through Queanbeyan, up Yass Road, turning onto Sutton Road then Norton’s road through to Bungendore Road. This route is quite picturesque & ‘different’ (we rarely take this road). From there it was out to Captain’s Flat via Trucking Yard Lane.

The ride out was great, but be warned the condition of the roads is average (like what seems to be every road in this part of NSW!).

 Can anyone guess where we had our Chomp’n’Chat? – The Outsider Cafe of course. Food is always delicious and plentiful here, and the proprietor (Gunther) is always up for some lively discussion. As we had booked ahead, he kept the doors closed to the public until our orders were placed, how very
thoughtful.

My much better half Maream had the stack of pancakes (again) – this is always a tasty and filling option. I went for Main course, others had Foccacia, and then some others something else again.
Note to self (and to the ride planners!) – Next time we do Captain’s Flat, bring cash! They don’t do EFTPOS/ATM at the Outsider. Poor Janelle had to beg for a few dollars so she can have a meal!

After a couple of hours of chat and a stroll through the (very amusing) garden, we said our farewells and made our way back via the main road into Kings Highway at the top of the hill above Queanbeyan.

A pleasant day with fellow riders, topped off with happy and full bellies.

List of Riders:

• Chris (and Maream as pillion) Dietzel – GTR1400
• Gary McCurley – VFR1200
• Gary McDonald – BMW R100 S
• Genelle Mills - Triumph Bonneville
• Plus others (sorry, lost the paper with names & bikes)

Chris

Toy Run 2013

A little overcast, a new route, an impressive turnout!

A resounding success!!

Officials at the ready

Gift wrapped

 

Some of the crowd

Mirrored on the move

Heading back to OPH

A winning effort!

Santa's helpers

Xmas Party 2013

Held at the Rifle Club, catered brilliantly by Maritta - and enjoyed by the crew below!

Canberra Branch Xmas party - disgraceful!

Ride to Bodalla – 1 December 2013

Riders

• Michael and Tracey Winters         Triumph Trophy
• Mark Walker                              Honda NT700V
• Garry McCurley                           Honda VFR 1200
• Rowan Boucher                          Yamaha FJR 1300
• Rob Lillie                                  Yamaha FZI
• Daryl Palin                                Honda Goldwing
• Brian Agius                               Honda ST1100
• Peter Arday                               Honda ST1300
• Trevor McLeod                           Yamaha FJR 1300
• Graham Williams                       Honda VT 750

This ride was a little like the ten green bottles song with riders dropping off throughout the ride. Eight riders met at Watson, collecting two more at Bungendore before riding for morning tea at Braidwood under cloudy skies. Arriving earlier than usual the café wasn’t as crowded as expected and we all enjoyed coffee, hot chocolate and cakes before Trevor and Brian decided to return home. Eight of us had a good ride to the Bodalla Dairy Shed riding along wet roads, some with puddles. Staff at Bodalla told us it had poured rain just before we arrived so we were lucky to have avoided that. Just as we were finishing lunch, four pedestrians arrived – Janet and Kerry Mulgrue with Rob McNeilly and Pam and their four legged companions. 

We left as the sun started to shine with a quick refuel at Narooma enjoying glorious riding conditions down the coast through green fields to turn off to Cooma just north of Bega. Perhaps the ride from the turnoff to Nimmitabel for afternoon tea was the best part of the day. The views were extensive and we didn’t have to share the gently curving road with many others.  Mick and I were lucky to get in front of a slow moving vehicle at the base of Brown Mountain and enjoyed a faster ride up the hill than others behind us. Rowan and Mark chose to ride on at Nimmitabel – Mark’s excuse being that he was hosting a BBQ later and he couldn’t expect his neighbour to drink alone. Fair enough.

That left six of us to enjoy the hospitality and good coffee at Nimmitabel Bakery where Mick kindly bought a loaf of bread saying it was my Christmas present. We stopped at Cooma for a fuel stop with Graham and Rob riding straight home. Four of us refuelled at Cooma with Garry declining to linger longer for an ice-cream. The traffic heading north was the heaviest we had experienced all day with many overtaking opportunities taken. Peter was forced over double lines by a driver towing a dog trailer who decided to move into the overtaking lane earlier than could be reasonably expected.
 
Only two of us took the turnoff at Hume to Queanbeyan, parting company at Canberra Avenue. 

 A great day’s (long) ride with good company and plenty of food and coffee. Once the clouds had burnt off and the threat of rain gone, the sunshine made it a joy to be out riding. Many thanks to those who attended.

Tracey Winters

Footnote – there was one other green bottle at Watson in the morning riding a green Kawasaki who chose to ride with another group – yes you know who you are – coincidentally they were riding the same route as us and we crossed their path a few times throughout the day.

Terribly British Day - 1 Dec

Unable to head down to the coast with the brethren I thought I'd check out

I could go touring in style!

the Terribly British Day Canberra. Hidden mostly under the trees and in shade on the Patrick White lawns behind the National  Library of Australia I found instead of leather bound books and dusty tomes a pretty fair assortment of fine British machinery from MBG's to Jags, Rovers, Rileys and Land Rovers.

I wisely left my Bavarian two wheeler near the entrance and proceeded on foot. 

There were many bright and shiny things and despite being somewhat distracted I still spotted friends and acquaintances from the Branch reminiscing over past good times.


Eventually I found the motorcycle section. I may have been a little late as a few exhibits were under way. Nevertheless there were good examples of old and new. Amongst them were Arials, BSA's, Triumphs and a Norton.

Where's my oily rag!

One classic and unrestored example even had a suitably utilitarian Land Rover of suitable vintage to transport it! Oh for an oily rag!

Congrats to the organisers the Jaguar Driver Club (and yes there were many fine examples of the Jags as well)

All in all it was positively spiffing!


Gary Mac

Valenced mudguards - it says automobile!

A recently restored BSA and a modern Triumph Thruxton

Too late to drool over - but this Norton sounded most fine!

I likes it I does

Old and new made for some interesting comparisons

An Empire Star 350!

Canberra Branch Christmas Party

If you are planning on coming to the Canberra Branch Christmas Party please email Maritta or call her so we can work out the numbers we need to cater for our yummy Christmas dinner.

RSVP to Maritta by 30th November 0417633000 or maritta.h@bigpond.com

Ride to Echuca - 22nd -25th November 2013

Attendees:  Alan & Lyn Munday     Yamaha FJR1300

Obviously the destination or the timing was not suitable to anyone else, so we decided we would do the trip on our own.  After the mandatory ride briefing, we were on the road by 8 o’clock on Friday morning, heading towards Cootamundra where we had a coffee.  From there we went to Junee, Coolamon and Narrendra for our lunch stop, then onto Deniliquin via Jerilderie and Conargo.  

We were pleased to get to Echuca by the end of the day.  It was a long ride, but uneventful so all was good.  Lots of rolled hay bails in the paddocks along the way.  We booked into the Moama Tourist Park, where we had a cabin on the river bank.  Very pleasant sitting on the lounge and watching out the window at the Paddle boats going up and down the Murray River.

Saturday dawned and we had decided we would walk across the bridge into Echuca and explore the jetty area, checking out the boats, etc.  We booked ourselves a ride on the PS Canberra which was an enjoyable ride up and down the river, passing other Paddle Steamers on our way, including the one that was used in the series, All the Rivers Run with Sigrid Thorton.  They renamed that paddle steamer The Philadelphia for the series but it is actually called Pevensey.  

After disembarking, we had some lunch at a local cafe, then checked out the Holden Museum around the corner.  Lots of very nice old model Holdens to be seen.  We then walked back to the Caravan Park, feeling quite satisfied with our efforts for the day. 

We then rang our son, Glen in Melbourne and asked him what he was doing on Sunday.  Nothing, he said.  So he and his girlfriend drove up to Bendigo (about 120 km)and we rode down to Bendigo (about 90km) were we met for lunch.  It was great to see them.  All this time, rain clouds were looming, but we managed to get back to Moama without getting wet, although Glen had driven through rain on his way up and back from Melbourne.

Monday, and it was time to head home.  We were going to follow the Murray River to Albury on our way home, but ended up turning off at Tocumwal and then went to Finley, Jerilderie and across to Wagga  Wagga via Lockhart.  Another long days ride, but it was an enjoyable weekend and glad we did it. 

Lyn

Vale Ankie Dunn

Hi Everyone

It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the loss of Ankie Dunn on Wednesday 20th November 2013.

Ankie was the loved wife of John, mother to two lovely daughters Jenny and Natasha and a good friend to many and a very active member of Canberra Branch over a great number of years.

Ankie’s funeral service will be held on Wednesday 27 November at 12 noon at the Norwood Park Chapel, Sandford Street, Mitchell followed by a light afternoon tea.

All members are invited to join the family in a celebration of Ankie’s life.

No flowers by request. Donations can be made on the day to the ACT Stoma Association.

Regards

Michael

Neds - closing down sale

The very last week for NEDS, All stock must go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
50% off everything, Closing 5pm Friday Nov 29Until sold out, all prices have been reduced. No need to put in coupon codes, just go to our website http://www.nedswear.com.au and purchase and you will automatically get approx 50% off at the checkout!

Toy Run 2013 - Info

News from MRA ACT

The 2013 Canberra Toy Run will be held on Saturday 14th December.  It is an annual event and we have now been raising money and donating goods for those in need at Christmas for 33 years!  This year we are again supporting the Salvation Army and St John’s Care’s Christmas Appeals and ask that participants bring along toys for all ages, cash and non-perishable foods.

We will meet at Old Parliament House at 8.30am for the best coffee and bacon and egg rolls.  The ride departs at 10.00am for the mass ride around the city, ending up back at Old Parliament House.  Spectators are encouraged to line the route and turn up at Old Parliament House for the presentation of the donated goods and cash.

Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed riders, pillions and decorated bikes, largest corporate group, the largest club attendance and the club supporting the largest Christmas theme!

Details are on our website: http://mraact.org.au/ , or you can contact the MRA ACT President, Steve Robson: president@mraact.org.au .

Cootamundra - 24 November 2013

Have you ever ridden the big dipper?  Or how about a never ending right hand curve on a one lane road where the forward view is limited to tens of metres?  Perhaps with a decreasing radius?  Then again, how about riding at the tail of a group where, on a straight road,  one by one, the leading members just disappear.  For the first rider in this group it was a total leap of faith that the road was there as he went over the crest.

Five members of the Canberra club  who were unable to participate in the club ride to Echuca, experienced this and more as they made the most of the beautiful Sunday weather and roads to visit Coota.

In the fresh morning light at Caltex Nicholls the nearly unanimous Honda group gathered:
Andrew Campbell     - ZX14R (Democratic ride leader)
Peter Horday        - ST1300
Neil Goldfinch    - Blackbird
Garry McCurley    - VFR 1200
Darryl Palin        - GL1800
Larry Greetham    - XL650

Barney’s of Bookham

At 9am sharp this group departed for Bookham.  Now as everyone knows,
when you’re not the ride leader, you only follow the bike ahead of you.  So the route to Bookham might have been via Burley Griffin Way then Illalong rd.   Any way, the tea/coffee/muffins/other sweets at Barney’s were all excellent and provided an opportunity for this group of elder statesmen to discuss serious matters while attempting to keep at bay more frigging bush flies than I’ve ever seen in one location.  Also, we all learned the secret combination to the loo.  Should you need it, ever, it is 1302.

Much discussion took place about a route to Coota and after a great deal of consultation of google maps, other maps that didn’t quite cover the area and the faithful GPS we were off.  One member decided that his ride was done so now we were down to five.  Actually, he had indicated at Nicholls that he was only doing part of the ride.  His preference right from the get-go was to do the last half.

To give details of the route we followed I have absolutely no idea.  I just tried to stay in contact with the bike ahead.  I think that of the probable 67 routes available around Jugiong, Coota, Junee, & Wallendbeen, we probably rode 59 of them.  Many were only one lane wide, rolling and winding.  We managed to see, or had pointed out to us some interesting landscape features including a dead tree, rocks piled on top of one another, a dead tree decorated with interesting artistic objects, and even a lizard scampering across the road.  As well, because we are such an altruistic group we assisted a local on an ATV with a young Kelpie.   He was moving a mob of merino ewes and lambs.  To the best of my recollection we only met one vehicle from the time we left the Hume highway and that was only on the outskirts of Coota.  
Lunch in Coota was yummy, even if we were relegated to the tool shed out back.  Some of the members made the hearts flutter of the golden girls who were dining inside.  Over lunch serious discussions took place; this time concerning such topics as conjugal rights for people on death row, bikie gangs, flat tyres, split rims and such.  Two of the groups sharing our outdoor space seemed offended by our discussions.  One left shortly after we arrived and the other left before even ordering.  Why would a small group of hard bitten senior bikies put people off?

After setting most of the wrongs of the world to right during the approximate two hour conference, it was refuel and off to Harden.  Oh yeah, I didn’t mention that, our direct route run from Canberra to Coota used a tank of fuel.   From here on we were on the main roads in traffic.

Well, you know the rest, 20 minutes later, maybe only 15, we pulled into Harden, in serious need of a coffee.  Again, discussions were held, solving many diplomatic problems, delving into the nasty business of spying, mostly ancient history, the exploits of certain naval vessels, bikie gangs, and the joys of being ride leader or tail end Charlie.

And so, being deeply impressed by the B-doubles who were so conscientiously observing the speed limit in Harden, we once again mounted up for the gruel of that ride home amongst all the cages with no prospect of stopping for refreshment.  That was the point where I was “volunteered” to write the ride report and realized that I should have been paying more attention earlier.  The ride home only required a quarter of a tank of petrol, so you can deduce the extent of the meanderings that took place in the morning.

Cheers and thanks for a very enjoyable day.  The weather was perfect and the choice of roads were ideal for a ride.  It surely makes me wish I could attend club rides more frequently.   I do expect PM&C to contact Andrew shortly so that the group can be organized to assist government with major issues.

One outstanding thing that really impressed me was the safety consciousness I observed.  Always performing head checks when changing lanes and buffering on crests and with approaching vehicles.  As a recent graduate of Stay Upright where those activities are repeatedly hammered into the trainees, I was impressed to see them in common and obviously habitual use by people in our group.





LG

Joe’s Motorcycles annual big tent sale 23-24 November

Joe’s Motorcycles are holding their annual big tent sale this weekend 23-24 November 2013.

>> Flyer here <<

Chomp & Chat: Three Peaks Ride.

17/11/2013.

25 bikes, 4 human pillions and 1 four legged pillion, Kipper, turned out for a shortish ride about 50+ kms. (Plus  two cars). 

Chomp & Chats are short lunch rides and because we were riding around town it was a great opportunity to take some group and candid photos to update our local web site. 

Scott joined us as our photographer and did an excellent job for us. Copies of the photos will be available for the membership at a later date.

Cat herder about to spring into action

The ride started from the Caltex at Epic on time only 10 mins or so late. We travelled along the Federal Hwy then Nortbourne  Ave to Barry Dr. Then onto Clunies Ross St and up to Black Mtn. At the top Scott took a few photos then we were off to Old Parliament House for another stop and more pix. The bikes and riders looked great on the steps of OPH.

After OPH we rode to Red Hill for more photos and talk. Then a briefing about our run to Mt Ainslie. Once atop Mt.A, yep you guessed it, more photos and talk and banter and otherwise disgracefull behaviour. That was the finish of Scott’s duties so he departed to meet his wife and we rode down to the Australian War Memorial for lunch. At this stage some riders leave passes had expired so they headed home so that they could come out and play another day.

Mt Ainslie - tweaking the banner (not twerking!)

Lunch at the Terrace at the AWM was pleasant and of course the company was as always great - although still very disgracefull. 

We had a guest join us for lunch. John is Irish and is travelling around Australia. He started in Sydney 5 months ago and only got to Canberra yesterday. Maybe he will need to extend his visa for a couple of years; he has a long way to go.

After lunch we said our goodbyes and headed off to all points of the compass or at least home. 

Thank you all for making the day a success and most enjoyable. 

St.Pedro.

More photo's here: >>click me<<

List of riders and pillions:

• Peter Arday                               ST1300a
• Mick and Kipper Beltrame            Victory XC
• Jeff Heiler                                Triumph Touring
• Maritta Heiler                            Kawasaki 900
• Garry McCurly                            VFR1200
• Mike Kelly                                BMW R100RS
• Peter Thomas                            BMW 800GS
• Robert McNeilly                         MV Agusta
• Michelle Mount                          Burgman 650
• Graeme Barber                          Pimped red Goldwing
• Lin Barber                                pillion on pimped red  Goldwing
• Gary McDonald                         BMW R100S   
• Sylvia Sinfield                          Silverwing
• Mark Walker                            NT700V
• Dallas Lamson                         Z1000
• Steve Hayes (guest)                 V Strom650
• Peter Reid                               M109R
• Ian Paterson                           GL1800
• Sally Paterson                         Pillion
• Alan Sjaarda                           Valkyrie
• Alan Munday                            FJR1300
• Lyn Munday                             Pillion
• Kris Jirasek                             GSXR1300 unwashed
• Trevor Mc Leod                        FJR1300
• Andrew Campbell                     ZX14R
• Garry Fisk                               K100RS
• Michael Winters                      Trophy
• Tracey Winters                       Pillion    
• Chas and jan in one of those four wheeled thingys
• Scott (photographer and sometimes Bagpiper) similarly four wheeled and equiped for optical recording.

PHOTO SHOOT: Chomp & Chat and Rusty Riders

FOR: Sunday 17th November 2013

A Note from Mick!

Hi Everyone

I want to remind you that this month’s Chomp & Chat and Rusty Riders ride will be a tour of the three peaks of Canberra which will include the summits of Black Mountain, Red Hill and Mt Ainslie. A photographer will be present to get some shots of members doing what they do best – enjoying the great outdoors with their motorcycling mates.

Our aim is to have an up-to-date club photo so we need as many members as possible to come on the ride, preferably wearing club shirts – cars or bikes are fine – just turn up. We will place the photo on our websites to show everyone we are great bunch of mates and proud members of the Canberra Ulysses Branch.

Peter Arday is our ride leader – phone number is  0411 529 151. Please see the blog for ride details.

Regards,

Mick

Club Ride to Temora - 3 November

The Crew

• Peter Arday ST1300
• Trevor McLeod FJR1300
• Michael Winters Trophy new baby
• Chris Dietzel GTR 1400
• Andrew & Catherine Campbell GL1800 furry seats
• Kris Jirasek GSXR1300

Hi all,

We gathered at the Caltex in Nicholls all keen to go with the promise of a perfect day.  Someone brought up that Garry McC had seen deer on a farm just passed Hall on the left hand side.  No-one had believed him at the time. But we can confirm that he wasn’t seeing things.

We continued on to our first important meeting – coffee in Boorowa at the Superb Parrot café.  Unfortunately along the way, there were some road repairs underway.  Sections of dirt had been nicely watered - to make the tar grow? – which left our bikes with lovely pale mud splatters.  I’m sure I could rinse off enough to start a small garden bed – splattered from head to foot!  Back to coffee!  I assisted Catherine with how to spill her tea properly out of the dribbly teapot and found out that Chris’ son had thought about asking my Emily out to their school formal.

The Crew at Terracotta Cafe

We continued to Temora – don’t remember the road through the farming country, but fairly straight with big sweeping corners every now and again.  Arrived at the RSL for lunch.  Placed our orders and waited for the veges to grow and the meat to get slaughtered and the fish to be caught.  There were reminiscences about trips gone by.  Budgey smugglers figured in that conversation.  

We went and filled up at Cootamundra after lunch.  I tried to shake my fringe out of my eyes and ended up spilling petrol.  We laughed at me wetting myself. 

Headed to Harden for the last important coffee of the day at the Terracotta Cafe.  Peter A told us that he lost one of his earplugs that he had originally found somewhere.  We suspect that it may have been sucked into his brain and was probably rattling around in there or even maybe a black hole to another universe.  As they had been found by him, we were toying with the idea of what they could have been used to plug up??  

Michael was sharing with us the price he has to continue to pay for his new acquisition – the Trophy.  In addition to his piece of cake he bought a piece of cake for Tracey to take home.  He also said he pats the cat at least once a week.  Peter A wished he could pat the cat once a month let alone once a week. Ha ha ha

Just to complete my excitement for the day, nearly back in Canberra on the edge of the tar on our side, was a brown snake reared up and looking mighty cranky at all the traffic whizzing passed him.  My left leg automatically lifted out of his way just as a reaction. Anyway, an enjoyable day riding in spite of the strong winds in the afternoon and sharing chit chat and laughs yet again.  

KJ

Eden Whale Festival – November 2 - 3

• Jeff Heiler    Triumph Rocket 3    Ride Leader (Saturday)
• Maritta Heiler    Vulcan 900    Saturday

 Friday Riders

• Alan & Lyn Munday – Yamaha FJR1300
• Butch Wills – BMW KLT
• Jan Wills – Honda DN01
• Ian & Sally Paterson – Goldwing

Half the group met at Hume Servo – where we were immediately greeted by the Snowy Riders (who obviously assumed we were part of that event).  

We ran into a couple of Ulyssians including Bob ?? from Canberra, who we first met in Albany.  I like Bob, among other bikes, he owned a Honda DN01. This was my first “trip” on the DN01 since November 2012……broken bone repairs took much longer than anticipated.

Al, Lyn, Butch and I headed off at around 10:30 and rode to Nimmitabel  for a lunch stop.  I felt like I hadn’t been off the bike at all.  Now I know the roads are good and straight, however I am talking about comfort and knowing the bike and how to ride it for safety and comfort.  The only difficulty I have is getting off, which I find weird.

Lunch at the Bakery at Nimmitabel, where it is always good, fresh food and busy.

Sally and Ian came down the street just as we were heading off to Eden, via the Brown and Candelo.  Al knew something I didn’t and I saw him take off in a spurt just before the top of the Brown.  Sure enough, I got stuck behind a Truck all the way down with non opportunity to get around without riding on the wrong side of the road on unbroken lines.  However, this guy obviously knew the road and his truck as he wasn’t what I called slow and where there was an overtaking opportunity at the bottom of the mountain, it soon disappeared as he did up to 120kph.

The trip down was smooth and the road is quite good (apart from the rough bits into and out of Candelo).

I did forget however the sweet smell of road kill – until I breathed in too close to the next one and the next one………..

The advance party

We arrived in Eden around 2:30 with Ian and Sally not too far behind (well they were on a Goldwing, says Butch).  Ian had sussed out the attractions and the best way to get to the wharf. We headed down the street towards the water and wharf, onto a winding walkway through a park that bought us out at the Wharf.  We did the tourist observation thing on the way down and were delighted to spot a Whale playing in the Bay.  Down to the wharf checking out the boats and then off to the icecream shop for a humungous drop of the said delight.  Sally and Ian took off up another hill (why?) and we headed up the windy path back to our digs. 

Dinner at the Great Southern Hotel – which was packed with Hotrod clubbies there for the Whale Festival.  We ended up out on the Balcony – which was quite chilly and windy, but also good for Whale watching.  Food was good, in fact very good.  We had full view of the Hotrods in the carpark, built with obvious love and cared for immaculately.

However, if you have ever heard the saying “they fly in from a great height, shit on everyone and leave”, then you will be familiar with the Seagull – the term often used for executives of a company that behave like that.  No such luck for Sally, she got shot by a sparrow in flight across the balcony – lucky it wasn’t a Pelican Sally.

After moving inside the pub for a nightcap (or more), we headed off to our snooze caves for an 8:00 am start.  Didn’t want to miss the Parade.
Saturday 8:00am, we eventually found a Café that could fit us all in.  The Hot-rodder’s and others were smart enough to pre-book for Breakkie.  Once again, great food and service in a cute little Café/Deli called Sprout.

Whale ho!

We watched the  Parade travel along Imlay St and noted that obvious great efforts from the Townspeople had gone into making it a success.  Were there whales and whale themes in the parade and did we get sprayed on – yes.  Lyn made a new little friend who used her lap as a place to repose.

Lyn instructs local kids in the fine points of guttersniping

Following the Parade, it seemed the whole town headed down to the Wharf.  Jeff and Maritta joined us and we all headed to the Wharf.  The Hotrods were parked up beside the Wharf for everyone to take a closer look.  There were Fisheries and Customs stands and of course food and market stands. There was a variety of entertainment and a great and friendly atmosphere.

Ian organized a trip on the Whale Watching Boat – Cat Balou.  The owners have been taking people out for 24 years, obvious by the expert and interesting commentary during the tour.

Once again, we weren’t disappointed.  We were able to observe more than 7 whales and I think at least 1 calf.  They came very close to the boat and breached and waved and showed off.  We spent a good couple of hours on the tour.

Some people didn’t get to see as much as that – the old belly barffing got them.  The back of the boat, lower deck was the designated barffing station and there was quite a bit of synchronizing going on. I was amused however to see one women barffing into a paper bag and wondered why she thought it would be good to keep a bag full of stomach contents.  Having said all that, I do really sympathise with anyone who suffers sea sickness.

Dinner at the Fishermen’s Club – a long walk across the road.  Our tables overlooked the water giving us another great view. Food was good there too (though the Pub was slightly better and more variety).

We may not be welcome as one of our party ended up with a Pepper Shaker in his pocket.  We were all greatly shocked to discover that not only is our ex-President a kleptomaniac, he immediately blamed Butch and placed the said object under the BMW seat cover.  Poor Butch nearly broke his coccyx.  Or perhaps the said kleptomaniac was confused where he had obtained the said object.

After Dinner, some went down to the Wharf to watch the Fireworks and some watched from above on the hill. 

Sunday breakfast, thought we would be able to get seats at any restaurant, wrong……some of us ended up at Sprout again and others ended up at Fare N’Square.  

Our trip back to Canberra was via the Imlay Highway – still a good road and a good ride – with only small patches of Truck damage.  The trip home was dampened by the gale force winds for most of the way, which as we all know, is not the most comfortable ride. 

Our other hazard on the trip was unfortunately some of the Snowy riders heading home.  Butch was greeted by one rider almost head on.  Was the rider thinking, it is another bike, he will move over and let me share his lane?  Stupidity.

We caught up with Kyla Harvey in Cooma and she had some interesting things to say about the conduct of some of the Snowy riders.  Confirms my decision to never take part, which is a shame for a charity ride.

Lunch at Cooma before heading home after a great fun weekend and ride.  I recommend to all to consider joining the ride to Eden for the Whale Festival next year.  

Thank you Maritta and Jeff for suggesting this ride.

Jan

Ride to Apple Blossom Festival, Batlow – 19 October 2013

The Riders were:

•  Ian Paterson            GL1800
• Arthur McGlynn            Vulcan 1700 Kawasaki
• Darryl Cullen            1250S Bandit
• Ron MacPherson        SV1000
• Chas Towie            ST1300
• Michael & Tracey Winters    Triumph Trophy     SE

I was up early as we had an earlier than usual start for this ride to see a red sun rising in the east caused by the fires around the state. The smoky haze was to be with us all day. Other than this the weather conditions were perfect - a good day to take the new bike on a long run and see if it really was as comfortable as I remembered.

We got to Nicholls to meet five others and by 8.30 we were on our way travelling the well ridden path to Jugiong via Harden. After some nourishment at the Long Track Pantry we rode down the Hume and stopped at Gundagai for fuel.  At Tumblong we left the highway to follow the beautiful Adelong Creek through Adelong and thence to Batlow.  We rode past the Cow and Calf Picnic Ground but there was only a horse in attendance.

Batlow Apple Blossom Festival seemed well patronised by locals – the weather was sunny and we had some fun looking at all the (usual) stalls. There was an apple pie eating competition, vintage cars and fire-trucks, local craft in the form of quilts, paintings and photography, and the largest collection of old cutlery I’ve ever seen. Ian had to ask what one of these was:-

                                                                                               
The return trip was through Tumut and along the Wee Jasper Road to riding through Killimicat and Brungle to South Gundagai. The countryside was beautiful and the road through Killimicat had lots of twisties to enjoy as we rode past very pretty paddocks full of Pattersons Curse. On our prairie ride we even saw what looked like a small herd of Buffalo in a paddock.

Our last stop was for coffee at the Tuckerbox where the local eatery has finally succumbed to the boring sameness offered by franchises such as Subway, Guru Coffee, KFC etc attached to the Shell station. Where will Gary McCurly find his ice-cream with two scoops? By now the weather had warmed up quite a bit and cold weather gear spent the remainder of the trip in top boxes and panniers.

As usual we two turned off the Barton Highway at Murrumbateman to head home via Sutton – and despite the fact that this day was the first of the Annual Murrumbateman Field Days for 2013, traffic was quite good. Living in Canberra’s eastern suburbs the 570 kms trip was perhaps longer for us than the others, but I can report that the bike was as comfortable as I remember it.

Tracey Winters

"Running of the Sheep" 6 Oct 2013 Boorowa

Riders:

The Sheep Run!

• Garry McCurley - VFR1200
• Mick Beltrame - Victory XC
• Peter Arday - ST1300
• Leo Farrelly - BMW 1200GS
• Arthur McGlynn - Vulcan 1700;
• Jeff Jarvis - Triumph America;
• Jen Woods - XVS 1100;
• Terry Mills - Shadow VT750;
• Peter Fenwick - Guzzi V750;
• Andrew Campbell - Kawa 1400.

Sunday 6 Oct 2013, was a beautiful day weather wise for motor bike riding & the day over at the Boorowa Irish Wool Festival was simply a fantastic fun day.

The ride over to Boorowa was good as we had warm fine sunny crystal blue sky weather, nil breeze, rolling green hills dotted with live stock along the way, a few road kill on the side of the road just to contrast the perfect picturesque scenery :-) & bright yellow paddocks of Canola flowers emitting a pretty smell from the flowers in full bloom, as we rode by.

The organisers of the Boorowa "Running of the Sheep Irish Wool Festival" need to be congratulated for putting on such an enjoyable, entertaining & very well organised day.

There was a lots to see & do at the festival before the actual running of the sheep event.

It was very enjoyable walking along the main street looking at all the exhibits, stalls & shops including chatting with the very friendly locals.

The running of the sheep event was then followed by a street parade, lead by very pretty ladies displaying woollen fashions in a fashion parade.

The street parade also had numerous floats, pipe band, and a variety of other fun & interesting things, including just to name a few things - trained Flyball dogs, a working shearing shed on the back of a semi with shearers shearing sheep with sheep dogs watching on, colonial day's uniformed police officers on horse back riding up the main street carrying antique rifles & pistols, old fashion tractors, the world's longest push bike, bouncing kangaroos, trucks  & lots of other great things to see.  

Just before the sheep ran, Peter Fenwick & I both were asked to be part of the group who were riding the world's longest push bike in the parade.

A very long cycle

We both agreed to help out & help ride this very long push bike the full length of the main street of Boorowa as part of the parade - it was a fun thing to do.

After the parade some of us had lunch & then rode home via Young.

In summary the whole day was very enjoyable, entertaining and a great taste of Australian culture.

Garry

Ride Leader for the day.

Griffith 28 to 30 September 2013

Riders:
Trevor McLeod – Ride Leader – Yamaha FJR1300
Peter Arday – Tail-end Charlie – Honda ST1300
Mick & Tracey Winters – Corner Markers – Triumph Sprint 1050

Saturday – It’s always a good ride with Trevor as ride leader – you see parts of the country and roads you didn’t know existed. 
Six of us met at McDonalds at Nicholls with Ian and Sally planning a trip to Carcoar. We four (Trevor, Peter, Mick and Tracey) left Nicholls shortly after 9am riding along the Hume Highway before turning off at Burley Griffin Way to travel through Binalong and Harden leaving this road at Wallendbeen to ride along the Wombat Road to Young. 

The joys of spring riding are many – the weather is warmer, there are lambs in the paddocks, there are yellow acres of canola and the pong from unseen road-kill warming beside the road hidden in the long grass is that much stronger.

We stopped at Young for morning tea at the Bakery – hot coffee and tea, savoury and cherry pies with Peter buying a fruitcake for later. We left Young to travel along back roads with marvellous scenery through Thuddungra and Quandialla where the unfortunately named Bland Hotel is – we weren’t tempted to stop (although internet reviews rank this pub as very good so perhaps a destination for another day?)

At West Wyalong we had lunch where Trevor and Tracey amused themselves bemoaning the inconsistent use of apostrophes on shop signs in the main street. Leaving West Wyalong we rode along the Mid Western Highway to Rankin Springs giving one snake a bit of a hurry up and passing what looked like baby goannas beside the road near Weethalle, entering Griffith from the north.

After checking in we had afternoon tea outside our rooms with a table, plates and cutlery kindly donated by our hosts. Another Triumph rider, Robert, joined us – he was moving from Griffith to Orange and was retrieving the last of the household valuables.

We had dinner at the Il Corso Cafe in the main street with the usual superb food served very quickly. 

Sunday – we decided that as the designated driver was the only one without a bike licence we might try to rent a car for the day to do our own winery tour. The lovely lady at the Information Centre kindly knocked back Peter’s practical suggestion we borrow her car for the day after neither Thrifty nor Avis answered their phones. We then thought that Peter, being an ex-local, could stay and do her shift at the Centre, and she would drive us around the town. So we were back on the bikes.

With Peter as our tour guide we first visited the Pioneer Park Museum created to highlight the Italian influence on the area. After a quick lunch at Bertoldo’s bakery we rode south to Darlington Point along Kidman Way. 

The benefit of taking a local with you is that he knows all the interesting things to see – we stopped at Darlington Point for an ice-cream and a walk over the bridge on the Murrumbidgee River. 

Rules rules rules!

Trevor was very pleased at the availability of peppermint Magnums in the shop at Darlington Point where he and Peter played their own version of Poohsticks with their ice-cream sticks on the bridge – Trevor’s landed upright in the mud (very impressive) while there wasn’t enough current for Peter’s stick to move. Tracey and Mick chose not to litter.

We then rode to Coleambally to see the Bucyrus Class Dragline. A kindly motorist warned us of policeman waiting at side of the road and we saw him again as we sat in the Lions Park admiring the dragline. After drinks and lollies at Coleambally we rode back to Griffith, seeing our persistent policemen for the third time.

Afternoon munchies at the motel

We again had afternoon tea outside our rooms at the Motel, this time joined by the owners Gavin and Irene who bought with them a chicken terrine and a cheese and fruit platter. This combined with the Young fruitcake, and other cheeses and savoury biscuits ensured there was no walk up the street looking for dinner that night.

Monday – we had a light breakfast at the local Maccas watching the RBT in operation outside the Motel as we returned. The day started off a little windy as we rode towards Leeton with a police car doing a U-turn further up the road in front of us thereby leading us into Leeton.  We stopped at the Narrandera bakery for morning tea then rode along the Newell Highway through Grong Grong, Matong, Ganmain, Coolamon, Marrar, Old Junee, Junee, Illabo, Bethungra, to Cootamundra for lunch. During this trip we were again warned by a kindly motorist of a waiting policemen but the 4WD was empty as we rode past.

Lunch at Cootamundra was highlighted with an offer to buy the Triumph by the café’s proprietor whose husband owned a black Sprint – but how would we get home? The ride home after lunch was back through Harden with us peeling off at Murrumbateman for Bungendore.

The trip was interesting for the high number of police that we encountered and the lack of wine purchased – we never even went near a winery! 

Many thanks to Trevor for arranging a marvellous long weekend trip with glorious weather.

Honeysuckle Creek Chomp 'n Chat 29 Sept

The Riders were:

Jeff Jarvis          Triumph America
Garry McCurley   VFR1200
Adam Kral         GSXR 1100
John Ellison       Triumph RS Sprint
Gary McDonald   BMWR100S
Darryl Cullen      1250 Bandit and 
Mike Kelly          BMWR100RS

Six riders left Nichols a little after 10am and proceeded out on the usual route to reach the Cotter. Well usual if you don't count the minor diversion introduced by the ride leader who is still unfamiliar with the wilds of Canberra's northside (as averse to the wilds of Canberra's southside) - at least it did not involve an early exit from a roundabout ... ah but thats an old tale for another time.

A quick regroup and a recovery path executed and we travelled steadily through to the Cotter turnoff and hence to Uriarra Road. We did see a small group of sportsbikes at Uriarra Village preparing for some impromptue time trials, perhaps held in some check by the presence of two ACT Police persuit 4x4's - good luck with that one boys.

Onward to Paddy's River Road through Tharwa, then south past the model aircraft flyers to a right at the Apollo Road turnoff and then on to our destination of the old tracking station site at Honeysuckle Creek.The campground was busy,but the BBQ's were free. We soon found out why when after some repeated attempts to make fire in the modern way with buttons and beeps we realised the BBQ's were out of gas. Not to be deterred we engaged Plan B - further south to Orroral.

Just as we exited Honeysuckle Ck Mike Kelly turned up on his gold BMWR100RS so we were seven riders heading south to Orroral valley and the old Orroral tracking station site. We took a steady approach on the ride in as the roos can be very active here at any time of day.

Plan B was a success. The BBQ's at Orraral were operational, and despite some perstant wind at this relatively exposed site the cooking began in earnest. Snags and onions on bread was the order of the day. Chomping and Chatting continued under the watchful eyes of a mob of kangaroos who largely kept their distance. Nevertheless the simple fare proved popular and not much was left to the disappointment no doubt of the watching crow and currawong.

Although the valley is somewhat exposed if the wind is strong the surrounding hills with gum and rocky outcrops are a pretty sight no matter what the season. The roo cropped grassland and the european tree plantings combine with the remnants of the tracking site to give the appearance of a slightly run down but nevertheless exotic park. Several cars in the carpark gave further testament to the attractions of walking and climbing in the area.

Despite being a sunny day the wind did take the edge off things so we did not stay to explore after our feast. We took a brief pause leaving the grounds to allow a small mob of young roos to cross the road. The roos were in a mild panic and struggling to find gaps in the fencing, so our caution was rewarded with both riders and hoppers being able to cross paths without incident.

We were unable to pass Tharwa successfuly however, with most of us joining Mr McCurley for a traditional farewell icecream at the Tharwa store, chomping and chatting yet again before taking our leave. Some elected to head back the way we had came, and the rest took the alternate route to the east.

A pleasant ride in very good company! Thank you all!

Cheers

Gary Mac

Canowindra 22 September

Riders:

Coffee stop at Boorowa

• Garry McCurley  VFR1200
• Rick Costan  Monster
• Peter Arday  ST1300
• Kris Jirasek  GSXR1300
• Andrew Campbell  ZX14R
• Trevor McLeod  FJR1300
• Chris Dietzel  GTR1400
• Donna MacLean  Streetfighter
• Chas Towie  ST1300
• Ian Paterson  GL1800

The main purpose of this ride was to share a great little back road I stumbled across when I was riding aimlessly around the Central West, Riverina and northern Victoria last November. It goes from Mandurama to Canowindra but it also can be done in the opposite direction, in which case it goes from Canowindra to Mandurama. It’s the same distance in either direction.

It was a beautiful, calm, sunny morning after an overnight low of 0° as we set off from Nicholls and took the usual route to Boorowa. The post office was closed so we had coffee and a pie at the Superb Bakery, which has markedly improved the quality of both products in recent months.

I had originally planned to go via Frogmore and Wyangala Dam but there was some concern that the floodways on that road could still be full of water and coated with slippery moss after the rain during the previous week. Instead, we continued north on Lachlan Valley Way to Cowra and north-east on the Mid Western Highway to Mandurama, where we regrouped.

The road from here to Canowindra was only 40km long but it wound around hillsides blanketed with bright yellow-flowering canola and deep green pastures, dipped in and out of valleys and gullies and led us over hilltops with spectacular views over the Belubula valley and the Nangar Mountains beyond it. The road surface was mostly excellent – some sections were being resealed when I passed by last November – and we managed a respectable pace, arriving at Canowindra at 12:30pm, just in time for lunch.

We dined at the How Bazarr Café (yes, that’s how it’s spelled), which is also known locally as the Green Shed even though it’s kind of yellow and purple. It’s run by the ebullient Dot and her staff, and next time you call in there mention that you’re with Canberra Ulysses and she will remember us. Best not to mention Peter Arday’s name though.

 We had a slight delay when one of our party, who I shall call Kris for no other reason than that it was her, misplaced her bike key. After we combed every square centimetre of the café and parking lot, and were on the verge of calling in the SES and PolAir, the errant key was found in a different-from-usual pocket of said party member’s apparel.

Yet another coffee at Boorowa

When we finally hit the road we took the most direct route home, via Cowra and another coffee stop at Boorowa. The whole trip was about 480km.

Ian Paterson