Most of us arrived early or on time at the BP service station in Watson. No wait a minute, there were a couple of stragglers so someone said “let’s vote on whether we will wait for them!” The voting was even, however the tie breaker voted in favour of waiting for Chas and Jen – their excuse for being late was they had to go to church to confess their sins, more likely it was Chas who had to!
We stood around and had a nice chat amongst ourselves before our ride leader decided to take a group photo only to find out that his ‘internal memory’ was full. So after a little technical advice and his internal memory regained another photo was taken. It always seems to be a challenge to get everyone together in one place at the same time.
Before we rode off we were told to stick to the speed limit as there would be ‘single demerit’ points taken from our licences this weekend if we were caught speeding! Also, for those who didn’t think that they were going to have fun or enjoy the ride, they were advised to go back home, there and then! But of course everyone stayed and the ride began.
We headed out at a leisurely pace along the Federal Highway and turned left towards Sutton. We then turned right just after Sutton, I have no idea onto what road but it led us back across the Federal Highway and then onto Bungendore Road.
The temperature suddenly dropped as the late morning fog drifted through the air on the outskirts of Bungendore. So the first thing most of us did upon arrival at Bungendore was get a hot cup of coffee at the Bakery and unbeknown to the newest member of the group, she was supposed to buy the ride leader a coffee. Sorry Peter I shall know for next time!
After sitting around chatting for a bit we decided to head for the pub but unfortunately they couldn’t cater for us at lunch time as most of the tables were booked out. We were riding the wrong bikes, the Harley riders were smart – they booked ahead and took over the restaurant.
By that time the four ladies on the ride had made themselves quite comfortable in front of the open fire and would have quite easily settled in for the afternoon but seeing as we were outnumbered by the men folk we had to be obedient (which doesn’t happen very often) and follow them back to the bakery where pies and hamburgers were consumed for lunch.
After a bit more chatting and more hot beverages, the group dismantled in dribs and drabs as everyone decided to head in different directions.
Goodbyes were said, and lingering hugs from one male member and any lady who stood still long enough! No names mentioned but he reckoned his jacket had that much Velcro on it he just had to peel the females off him.
Those who had Kiwi in them rode off to the local sheep show and after much discussion and confusion of how to actually get back to Canberra via Gunghalin some rode back a different route to Canberra, others rode home via Queanbeyan.
Julie.
- Peter Arday – ST 1300 – Ride Leader
- Ian Paterson – GLI 800
- Garry McCurley and pillion Natalie TeBay – VFR 1200
- Genelle Mills – Triumph Bonnie
- Richard Hay – Triumph Explorer
- Trevor McLeod – FJR 1300
- Steve Mills – SV650
- Gary Thomas – DK 650
- Julie Hyland – Honda Sports
- Chas & Jen Towie - 51300
- Alan Munday – Suzuki GT 750
