After a lengthy wait, Peter Arday (a true gentleman) stepped up (actually, we all stepped back) and took control. His proposed route along the Barton Highway then via the Nanima Road to Gunning, then on directly to Crookwell was OK’d by everyone and we set out mindful that it was a double demerits weekend! While the weather was perfect, we could not say the same for the road and the first part of the ride was actually a game of dodge the pot hole and watch out that the centre of the road between the rows of (some very enormous) potholes, was not lumpy. There were a few wet corners too and one ‘dip’ with water flowing through it (I think, I actually closed my eyes, throttled and hoped we would be OK which we were).
Safely in Gunning we regrouped and lined up for coffees and a bit of informal banter with a group of bike (the push type) riders (read insults such as “I hear pushbikes are a bit like kelpies, they like to get out for the day but love to come home in the back of a ute” and “did you truck your bikes out and hop on just around the corner?”). Coffees down, the sunshine continued as did the lack of clouds and the run into Crookwell was much less potholed and relatively traffic free.
On arrival in Crookwell, Trevor did a quick scout around and as the only eating options were the pub and a takeaway shop until the cafes opened at 12 we decided to head to the Trappers Bakery in Goulburn for lunch (much to Kyla’s disgust as she had ridden pillion in the expectation that she could spoil herself with a couple of ales at lunchtime – sorry Kyla). The run to Goulburn was very smooth, totally lacking pot holes and as we left Crookwell we were joined by Mike and Sharon who had anticipated lunch in Crookwell – but having recognised the ride, followed us anyway.
On arrival at Trappers Bakery several of us witnessed a ‘smash and dash’ – when a pushy flat top ute driver (young, mug lair?) took the gap between cars turning right out of whatever that road is and a parked car, and took out the parked car’s mirror and scratched the wheel arch. Peter Arday picked up the pieces (I told you he is a gentleman) while the rest of us stood in shock and surveyed the damage – and when the owners came out of the Bakery we were able to explain what happened (and Peter kindly handed them the broken bits of mirror) but lamented that none of us had noted the number plate of the ‘smasher’ ute. Then all of a sudden a small car pulled up and a young female Good Samaritan leapt and said she had the number plate of the ute who had apparently also cut off the car she was in and when they saw what happened they followed and noted the number plate. Good girls!
I just happened to have my notepad handy (for collecting data for this report) I handed it over and the owner of the smashed car owner noted the details of the ute and the witnesses names. Drama over for us, we left the scene of the crime and headed inside for lunch.
So, lunch done, no more excitement in Goulburn we headed down the highway to check out Lake George
from the lookout with the half of Canberra who weren’t at Floriade, and for those of who have lived in Canberra forever, to share memories of water-skiing on the lake, floods, the road at its former low level, drownings and similar facts and legends in the Lake’s history. Then home very quickly. Still no clouds. Thanks to the lady in charge of the good weather for a great day’s riding and for disappointing Allan re the clouds. And thanks to the Ulysses crew for making a great day terrific, despite the glitches along the way.
The fabulous 10 (originals):
Mick and Kyla Harvey FJR 1300
Andrew Campbell FJR 1300
Mark Triumph Bonneville
Peter Arday ST1300
Allan Grimes Harley Fat boy
Kim Moorey F700 GS
Genelle Mills F700GS
Trevor FJR 1300
Jenny Carlin C600 sport
And the late arrivals (both fabulous also):
Mike and Sharon Kelly BMW R1200RT
Jenny Carlin
