- Geoff Wookey Suzuki Bandit 1250
- Arthur McGlynn Kawa 1700
- Garry McCurley VFR1200
- Kris Fraser GSXR1300
- Steve Mills SV650
- Mike Kelly BMW R100RS
- Col Whittaker Honda VT 750
- Jo & Helen Dutton Honda ST1300
- John Barratt BMW GS800F
- David Greig Vstrom 650
- Rachel Crispin Kawa KT 300 Ninja
- Emma Campbell Suzuki Intruder 250
- Manfred Halton R1200R
- Mick & Tracey Winters Triumph Trophy
As this ride was a Chomp and Chat we assembled at the very respectable time of 10.30 under the golden arches at Weston - perhaps not such a great idea for a Sunday morning meeting place as the car park was full and we gathered on the footpath huddled under a tree. However the weather was good and we were all looking forward to a ride in the sunshine.
Rumours of a crowded ride through the planned Cotter Road route with Veterans riding, other bike groups, Tidbinbilla Open Day along with the ubiquitous pushbike riders etc, forced a change of plans as this was a trip for Rusty Riders. One rider decided to chance the original course while the rest of us travelled the scenic route along Parks Way, past Duntroon and the Airport, dogleg at Queanbeyan, down Old Cooma Road, north along the Monaro Highway and then through the wilds of far Southern Canberra to all arrive safely at Lanyon Homestead. Here we met up with the lone Cotter rider who reported the road wasn’t nearly as cluttered as forecast – oh well, maybe next time.
There were maybe twenty cars in the car park at Lanyon but thanks to the ride leader’s contacts at this establishment we enjoyed our own private marquee for lunch. There was a menu full of choices, but the grilled sausages and steak sandwiches seemed to be the favourites. Had Peter Arday joined us he would have found a fellow tea connoisseur. We sat for quite a while chatting, making the most of the good food and the beautiful views of the surrounding Brindabella Ranges and Murrumbidgee River.
After lunch most of the group left for home, but 7 of us stayed for a guided tour of the Homestead and its outbuildings. While the English amongst us scoffed at the idea that a house built in the 1840s could be considered historic, to us Aussies the homestead was testament to the fortitude and ingenuity of the early settlers. The other side of the river was unexplored territory and in those days you were a long way from civilisation and any sort of help if needed. Convicts built many of the outbuildings.
The highlight for me was the stables with the original timber stump floor made of sections of tree trunks cut and fitted in a close packed hexagonal pattern – this was apparently softer on horses’ hooves.
Lanyon at this time of year is beautiful – the wisteria, climbing roses, lilac, lavender and poppies are blooming. The many varieties of fruit trees are green and the severely pruned photinias sprouting bright red leaves provide a striking contrast. Lanyon is a picturesque destination suitable for a short Sunday ride – somewhere to while away a few hours.
Tracey Winters
