- 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………..
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| 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.
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| Whale ho! |
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| 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
