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