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
Ulysses Club, Canberra Branch Website
Friday, November 29, 2013
Thursday, November 28, 2013
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
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
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
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
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
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!
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 .
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 .
Monday, November 25, 2013
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
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
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
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
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 <<
>> Flyer here <<
Sunday, November 17, 2013
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.
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.
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:
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!) |
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.
Friday, November 15, 2013
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
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Club Ride to Temora - 3 November
The Crew
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.
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
- 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
Friday, November 8, 2013
Eden Whale Festival – November 2 - 3
- Jeff Heiler Triumph Rocket 3 Ride Leader (Saturday)
- Maritta Heiler Vulcan 900 Saturday
- 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! |
 |
| 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
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