From ACEM - (Association des Constructeurs Européens de Motocycles)
"Powered Two-Wheelers play a role in our Society. From sports to tourism,
from commuting to small logistics, motorcycles, scooters and other
small vehicles belonging to the L-category provide mobility, leisure and
opportunities for social inclusion. A role that deserves being
recognised and promoted."
Three of our members met a number of other riders including Sean Leonard from the AMC to ride with Motorcycling Polititions , to share a coffee and cake and hear some motorcycle aware and motorcycle friendly words from Minister Anthony Albanese and some reflection from Sean. Minister Abanese's speech.>>Here<< Sean's report >>Here<<
Road works on the Murrumbateman Road
about 2 km from the Sutton Road intersection. refer below (B) . The left
had wheel track on the return to Canberra is very dangerous due to a
combination of a clay base and zealous water truck.
Both Peter and
myself hit this section but as the lead bike I had no warning and
the resultant corrective action placed me well over the other side of the
road but fortunately there was no oncoming traffic. There are no signs
warning of a slippery surface and it was not raining nor had it rained in the
period leading up to the event. My concern is that regardless of the skill of
the rider if there is oncoming traffic this may result in a serious
injury. My Advice to riders is to avoid this section of road until the
repairs are completed particularly if returning to Canberra...
Advice from the Ride Leader Trevor: No fuel at Caltex Nicholls - According to servo Canberra is
nearly out of 95 and 98. 7-11 source theirs from Mobil refinery so are ok at
present.
Sunday 8th June 2013 Michael & Tracey Winters Triumph Sprint 1050 David Robinson Yamaha FJR1300 Alan Munday Yamaha FJR1300 Neil Goldfinch Honda Blackbird Garry McCurley VFR 1200 Peter Arday Honda ST1300 Adam Higham 6SXR 1000 Michelle Mount Burgman 650 Rob Lillie F21 Denis Wignell Yamaha FJR1300 Rick Costan Ducati Monster Marilyn Starick Ducati MS 1100 Chas & Jen Towie Honda ST1300
A foggy beginning
Riding out of Bungendore at 8.30 it was very foggy and I wondered why I hadn’t thought to put my wet weathers on – it was going to be a very long day if I had to keep on wiping my visor. We did get a few patches of sun along the Federal Highway but by the time we crossed the border the fog had set in again. We met everyone at Nicholls and were pleasantly surprised at the number of bikes arriving out of the gloom. Some early arrivals had sought warmth in Maccas but we soon hauled them out.
Ulyssian guttersnipes?
Leaving just after 9.30 the fog continued to be a problem down the Barton and Hume highways – very thick with poor visibility. But as we turned onto Burley Griffin Way naturally the sun came out for the Canberra Branch. We stopped at the Terracotta Café in Murrumburrah – although it had only been open for half an hour it was already quite busy and we had our coffee and cakes outside on the footpath.
Terracotta tourists
We set off for Junee through Cootamundra and Bethungra. For any potential tree changers the B&B at Bethungra is on the market – it was formerly an historic hotel and would make an excellent place for Christmas in July or a potential clubhouse. On arrival at the Junee Chocolate and Licorice Factory we realised we had underestimated its popularity on a long weekend - the chocolate factory was chockers with a one and a half hour wait for food. After making some healthy purchases we decided to see where else we could find some lunch. But not before being approached by a lady doing her Masters (in Photography?) who needed some photos of men looking angry – we could certainly oblige. Expect to see the mug shots of David, Neil, Peter and Mick adorning a thesis very soon.
Railway Cafe
We ended up at the Railway Café at Junee (where Mick’s grandparents met so that place has a lot to answer for). Lunch here was also slow to arrive (I think they were still chasing the cow around the paddock to fulfil our hamburger order) so some of the group took off early with an agreement to meet at the Dog on the Tuckerbox. Finally fed, and led by Peter we took the scenic route to Gundagai through Nangus. After refuelling with petrol, coffee and an ice-cream for Garry we pulled away from Gundagai just on 4pm. We passed Garry and Neil at Murrumbateman and arrived home, kangaroo free thanks to the new headlight bulbs installed only this week, at 5.30. A great day’s riding made all the more enjoyable by the company and (eventual) food, not to mention my hoard of chocolate licorice. Tracey Winters
