Quite
differently to our spate of soggy or frosty mornings over the past few weeks,
Sunday 17th July dawned warmish (for a Canberra winter) and full of glorious
sunshine. As I was heading off after 10 am I did wonder if my enthusiasm for
trying out the thermals I had remembered were lurking in my cupboard and that I
should try out would be misplaced. Yes, it was not the right to try them out
and I cooked all day.
The
11am advertised time was interpreted differently by some of today's happy band
of and at least there were several early arrivers who had each other to chat to
while we wondered if anyone else was coming along. And yes, they were and by
11am there were 10 riders and one pillion ready for the ride briefing. Then we
got the good and bad news.
The bad
news was that our ride leader (who shall remain nameless but his first name
starts with C and is not Chris) had sent his apologies (with a good excuse so
he was quickly forgiven). Good news was that Ian stepped up and quickly put on
his Delegation Hat. First, after making flattering comments about me handed me
the list of riders and nominated me to write this report. Secondly, after a bit
of discussion about the ride's possible speed and route (including a suggestion
from Trevor of taking the non-direct to Tarago via the Doughboy turnoff
(Goulburn Road) off the Kings Highway), he nominated Andrew as ride leader. To
give Ian a bit of credit though, he did offer to be tail end Charlie which
meant following me to Bungendore!
We set
off up the Barton Highway to Macs Reef Road and on to Bungendore without
incident and the pack headed out along the pre-agreed route while I took the
direct route to Tarago and was then ready at the Loaded Dog Hotel to take pics
as the ride pulled in. I heard that the highlight for the rest of the ride was
passing and getting a wave from some of the returning (from Batemans Bay) Xmas
in July revelers who I believe were heading home to recuperate after a very
enjoyable weekend in the Bay’s sunshine.
Once we
all arrived at the Loaded Dog Hotel a group pic was taken, and a separate pic
of the photographer!
 |
| Rugged up and grinning |
 |
| Andrew picks the best spot - fire and food! |
Then we
all piled into the pub, ordered drinks and what turned out to be humongous
meals. Some of us took advantage of one of the several dining rooms with open
fires roaring (a bit of overkill given the temp outside but the atmosphere was
cosy) and enjoyed dining inside, while others took advantage of the balmy
weather and ate outside in the sunshine (after shifting tables when they were
ticked off and told that non-smokers must not sit at tables designated for
smokers). A note here if you haven't been to the pub (Loaded Dog) before, the
food and service was excellent, there is plenty of easy parking and the atmosphere
with the open fires made makes it very worthy of a stop if you are passing.
 |
| Ian, Mick and Tracey |
After
lunch and the usual round of chit chat we all prepared to depart. Ian mentioned
that he was going to call in on our rehabilitating leader in Bungendore and I
opted in for the detour. The others set off for home and I believe they all
arrived safely. I followed Ian to Bungendore and after a short tour around
other properties in Mick and Tracey's street, we arrived! It was good timing as
Mick had returned from a leisurely wander from home up to the railway line. A
thank you to Tracey for putting on a cuppa at short notice and to Mick for
filling us in on his post-surgery recovery. After plenty of chit chat we
departed Bungendore and my final leg home via Queanbeyan was event free.
Thanks
as always to the other riders and Ulysses for another enjoyable ride.
Jenny
Carlin
The
Ride:
·
Ian
Paterson GL 1800
·
Garry
McCurley and Natalie TeBay VFR1200
·
Trevor
Mcleod FSR 1300
·
John
Barratt BMW R1200G
·
Darren
Gledhill Ninja 1000
·
Andrew
Campbell Zx14R
·
Gary
Thomas R 1200R
·
David
Leslie XWS 6504
·
Steve
Hayes V-Strom 650
·
Jenny
Carlin BMW C600 Sport
