!! RIDE CANCELLED !!
With regret; The
Chomp & Chat ride to Young this Sunday 22nd Dec has been cancelled
because of the general fire situation and a forecast of worsening smoke
pollution across the region on Sunday.
Ian Paterson
Ulysses Club, Canberra Branch Website
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Last Ride for 2019 - Chomp 'n Chat to Young
One more ride left for 2109! It's a Chomp 'n Chat to Young. Led by Warren Richer. It is on the 22nd December and will be commencing from Caltex Nicholls with the Briefing at 10:20am, for a departure at 10:30am for lunch at Wilders Bakery
If you need to contact ride Leader Warren you can call him on 0409 836 595
The Route notes are: Out via Binalong, Galong & Moppity Rd. Back via Murringo & Boorowa.
If you need to contact ride Leader Warren you can call him on 0409 836 595
The Route notes are: Out via Binalong, Galong & Moppity Rd. Back via Murringo & Boorowa.
Monday, December 16, 2019
O’Connell Pub Ride, 15 December 2019
I volunteered myself for the writing of this ride report. Call me stupid. Say it behind my back of course. If you call me stupid to my face you will suffer a tirade of verbal admonishment and I’ll never write another story.
Some might like that. It seems to be assumed that it’s the responsibility of the Ride Leader. Maybe nobody else speaks or writes the Queen’s English. Maybe people don’t have the time or inclination to put pen to paper. Anyway, I don’t expect other Ride Leaders to do my dirty work, so it became mine to do, especially as most of the participants were Ride Leaders as well.
I guess I should initiate some useless words about the ride.
You had better check that the elastic is tight in your undies and hop on the bus. Now, where should I start?
The beginning is always a good place to start.
The day was sunny and relatively clear. Some residual smoke was still about and it was a bit cloudy, so maybe it wasn’t all that sunny or clear. It still looked like being a good day. I like a good day out on the motorcycle.
It’s a bit like the fishing motto that’s engraved on a little plaque on the console of my fishing boat. It says, “A bad day fishing is still better than a good day at work”. Maybe that’s not a great analogy. A bad day fishing means you didn’t catch any fish. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the boat sank. A bad day motorcycling means that you probably crashed. I should re-think that one given my recent up-close and personal contact with a rather large Victorian kangaroo. That was a bad day motorcycling. Anyhow, he says with a satisfied grin, the ride was lovely. So was the Ride Leader. That would be me. I like my fellow Ride Leaders as well. Not in a ‘Brokeback Mountain’ way. Perhaps liking them in a ‘Band of Brothers’ way is better.
Our timely departure was delayed a few moments while I performed brain surgery on Chris. I always thought that the space between your ears was filled with brains, but not so for Chris. His left earplug disappeared inside his head during the insertion process. Oopsy! A bulky Leatherman folding plier set was needed to delicately extract the deeply embedded earplug from the apparently hollow recess inside Chris’ head. Amazing tool that. It does everything, including brain surgery. I swear I heard the echo of Kevin’s Indian Scout while I was peering into Chris’ head. There was no light from the other side though. The right earplug must have been correctly positioned. I offered to remove some ear-hair with the pliers, but Chris declined the offer, re-set the left earplug, and away we went. WARNING: This medical procedure was performed by a trained professional using a specialist earplug extraction tool. No brain cells were harmed.
We breezed our way along the oft-ridden path to Gunning, Crookwell and on to Taralga for coffee. The air was a lovely temperature even with the early start and the day promised to be an excellent one for motorcycling.
Warren and Kevin grabbed some fuel at Crookwell while the rest of us continued to Taralga. Small fuel tanks are a problem on some rides, but they caught up quickly. Interestingly, Warren had failed to secure his pannier lid and had lost a spare glove somewhere near Gundaroo. He headed home after coffee at Taralga, not because of the lost glove, but because of some soon-to-arrive family visitors. Lo and behold, he spotted the lost glove as headed south through Gundaroo. It was definitely a story-worthy tale.
The joys of the easy run would soon turn to a more challenging road that had all the steepness, slow hairpins and fast sweepers that you could wish for on a short ride. The Abercrombie River bridge is now a proper concrete bridge instead of the rickety wooden plank affair it once was. That’s nice. The mobile re-group at Black Springs showed that everybody had made the grade of ‘experienced’ and safely negotiated the tricky bits. It’s a fun piece of road that has accounted for many crashed bikes and is now routinely patrolled by our
friends in blue. We also had to pass a string of fire vehicles heading to a big blaze further north-east, but they pulled over and waved us through.
We had a quick refuel at Oberon and then travelled the short distance to O’Connell. The couple of concrete-barrier hairpin sweepers between Oberon and O’Connell can be diesel slippery at times, so we took it easy to ensure we all made it to lunch. It’s a great old pub that seems to survive even with its proximity to Bathurst. I was introduced to this pub many years ago with another ride group and have visited often. Blink and you miss it as you pass through on the way to Bathurst. Surprisingly, this was new territory for some on the ride. It’s a good watering hole.
Most parked under the trees in the gravel carpark, but Andrew decided that the big Kwaka should park at the “Supercharged bikes only” shady tree at the front of the pub. Funnily enough, he had also parked in an isolated spot outside the Taralga coffee stop. Our bikes all decided that his bike must be extra-special. He was taught a lesson on the way home when we kept riding instead of having a leg-stretch at the Taralga regroup. Apparently the Kwaka comfort factor doesn’t match the power factor and Andrew hobbled his way into the coffee stop at Gunning.
Meanwhile, back in O’Connell, cold drinks and reasonably priced good quality pub food helped feed the chatter about the roads just travelled and the repeated run for home still to come. For those wondering if the ‘Out-n-Back’ option is boring, then I can say that it isn’t. Lefts become rights, ups become downs, and corners that tighten become corners that ease. I’m sure you get the idea. The views are also different, so it’s never a boring option to do this run except for the roads closer to Canberra that we do so often.
I’m pretty sure all enjoyed their lunch, the clean plates testament to either the enjoyment or a lack of quantity. The quantity on the plates appeared to be more than adequate, so it must have been enjoyment.
The ‘Bangers and Mash’ looked like a pile of dog turds, but was actually excellent! I didn’t rush the group into leaving. Most seemed to be content to while-away the luncheon break in animated conversation, but all good
things must come to an end.
We were soon back on the bikes and heading home, the lazy line of bikes content to follow at a pleasant post-lunch pace. The big fire way over in the distance was impressive, but probably scary for those on the ground. It wasn’t long before the twisting sweepers started again, and the concentration factor went up a few notches as we negotiated the Abercrombie River hills and headed for less strenuous roads closer to home and softer use of throttle and brakes.
The road is excellent in places, mediocre in other places, and downright terrible in some places. If it isn’t gentle, wide, smooth and fast, it’s steep, narrow, rough and slow. Slow traffic can be a problem at times, and the limited safe overtaking spots can sometimes slow progress to a crawl. Most times, slower vehicles will pull left and wave bikes past, particularly on the narrow sections where there are no centre lines. Safe overtaking is a must. I’ll assume everybody did that as it was hard to see from the Ride Leader position. The traffic was really light coming home anyway, a most unusual treat for a Sunday. Kevin grabbed a splash of fuel for the Indian at Crookwell, but most just rode on to Gunning and a farewell brew, waving to Chris and Scott as they headed home.
It’s a long day on the bike, but an enjoyable one if a little respect for the roads and other users is applied. I tend to travel at a more sedate pace these days and the scenery can be beautiful but also distracting. Skippy lives in the hills and along the flats and amongst the forested roads, so care and attention is mandatory but often ignored. Sheep are more prevalent as they bust through fences to get some grass on the road verge, so care is needed. The chat at Gunning was all about the great day overall. It’s an easy run but enjoyable on the bike. There are enough challenges to test your riding skills and bike performance without putting licences and lives at risk. That’s always a good thing. Overall, it was a great group and a great day out.
Thanks people.
Attendees were:
Some might like that. It seems to be assumed that it’s the responsibility of the Ride Leader. Maybe nobody else speaks or writes the Queen’s English. Maybe people don’t have the time or inclination to put pen to paper. Anyway, I don’t expect other Ride Leaders to do my dirty work, so it became mine to do, especially as most of the participants were Ride Leaders as well.
I guess I should initiate some useless words about the ride.
You had better check that the elastic is tight in your undies and hop on the bus. Now, where should I start?
The beginning is always a good place to start.
The day was sunny and relatively clear. Some residual smoke was still about and it was a bit cloudy, so maybe it wasn’t all that sunny or clear. It still looked like being a good day. I like a good day out on the motorcycle.
It’s a bit like the fishing motto that’s engraved on a little plaque on the console of my fishing boat. It says, “A bad day fishing is still better than a good day at work”. Maybe that’s not a great analogy. A bad day fishing means you didn’t catch any fish. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the boat sank. A bad day motorcycling means that you probably crashed. I should re-think that one given my recent up-close and personal contact with a rather large Victorian kangaroo. That was a bad day motorcycling. Anyhow, he says with a satisfied grin, the ride was lovely. So was the Ride Leader. That would be me. I like my fellow Ride Leaders as well. Not in a ‘Brokeback Mountain’ way. Perhaps liking them in a ‘Band of Brothers’ way is better.
Our timely departure was delayed a few moments while I performed brain surgery on Chris. I always thought that the space between your ears was filled with brains, but not so for Chris. His left earplug disappeared inside his head during the insertion process. Oopsy! A bulky Leatherman folding plier set was needed to delicately extract the deeply embedded earplug from the apparently hollow recess inside Chris’ head. Amazing tool that. It does everything, including brain surgery. I swear I heard the echo of Kevin’s Indian Scout while I was peering into Chris’ head. There was no light from the other side though. The right earplug must have been correctly positioned. I offered to remove some ear-hair with the pliers, but Chris declined the offer, re-set the left earplug, and away we went. WARNING: This medical procedure was performed by a trained professional using a specialist earplug extraction tool. No brain cells were harmed.
 |
| The Extraction (Photo supplied by Andrew.) |
Warren and Kevin grabbed some fuel at Crookwell while the rest of us continued to Taralga. Small fuel tanks are a problem on some rides, but they caught up quickly. Interestingly, Warren had failed to secure his pannier lid and had lost a spare glove somewhere near Gundaroo. He headed home after coffee at Taralga, not because of the lost glove, but because of some soon-to-arrive family visitors. Lo and behold, he spotted the lost glove as headed south through Gundaroo. It was definitely a story-worthy tale.
The joys of the easy run would soon turn to a more challenging road that had all the steepness, slow hairpins and fast sweepers that you could wish for on a short ride. The Abercrombie River bridge is now a proper concrete bridge instead of the rickety wooden plank affair it once was. That’s nice. The mobile re-group at Black Springs showed that everybody had made the grade of ‘experienced’ and safely negotiated the tricky bits. It’s a fun piece of road that has accounted for many crashed bikes and is now routinely patrolled by our
friends in blue. We also had to pass a string of fire vehicles heading to a big blaze further north-east, but they pulled over and waved us through.
We had a quick refuel at Oberon and then travelled the short distance to O’Connell. The couple of concrete-barrier hairpin sweepers between Oberon and O’Connell can be diesel slippery at times, so we took it easy to ensure we all made it to lunch. It’s a great old pub that seems to survive even with its proximity to Bathurst. I was introduced to this pub many years ago with another ride group and have visited often. Blink and you miss it as you pass through on the way to Bathurst. Surprisingly, this was new territory for some on the ride. It’s a good watering hole.
 |
| Parking Options |
Most parked under the trees in the gravel carpark, but Andrew decided that the big Kwaka should park at the “Supercharged bikes only” shady tree at the front of the pub. Funnily enough, he had also parked in an isolated spot outside the Taralga coffee stop. Our bikes all decided that his bike must be extra-special. He was taught a lesson on the way home when we kept riding instead of having a leg-stretch at the Taralga regroup. Apparently the Kwaka comfort factor doesn’t match the power factor and Andrew hobbled his way into the coffee stop at Gunning.
Meanwhile, back in O’Connell, cold drinks and reasonably priced good quality pub food helped feed the chatter about the roads just travelled and the repeated run for home still to come. For those wondering if the ‘Out-n-Back’ option is boring, then I can say that it isn’t. Lefts become rights, ups become downs, and corners that tighten become corners that ease. I’m sure you get the idea. The views are also different, so it’s never a boring option to do this run except for the roads closer to Canberra that we do so often.
I’m pretty sure all enjoyed their lunch, the clean plates testament to either the enjoyment or a lack of quantity. The quantity on the plates appeared to be more than adequate, so it must have been enjoyment.
The ‘Bangers and Mash’ looked like a pile of dog turds, but was actually excellent! I didn’t rush the group into leaving. Most seemed to be content to while-away the luncheon break in animated conversation, but all good
things must come to an end.
We were soon back on the bikes and heading home, the lazy line of bikes content to follow at a pleasant post-lunch pace. The big fire way over in the distance was impressive, but probably scary for those on the ground. It wasn’t long before the twisting sweepers started again, and the concentration factor went up a few notches as we negotiated the Abercrombie River hills and headed for less strenuous roads closer to home and softer use of throttle and brakes.
The road is excellent in places, mediocre in other places, and downright terrible in some places. If it isn’t gentle, wide, smooth and fast, it’s steep, narrow, rough and slow. Slow traffic can be a problem at times, and the limited safe overtaking spots can sometimes slow progress to a crawl. Most times, slower vehicles will pull left and wave bikes past, particularly on the narrow sections where there are no centre lines. Safe overtaking is a must. I’ll assume everybody did that as it was hard to see from the Ride Leader position. The traffic was really light coming home anyway, a most unusual treat for a Sunday. Kevin grabbed a splash of fuel for the Indian at Crookwell, but most just rode on to Gunning and a farewell brew, waving to Chris and Scott as they headed home.
It’s a long day on the bike, but an enjoyable one if a little respect for the roads and other users is applied. I tend to travel at a more sedate pace these days and the scenery can be beautiful but also distracting. Skippy lives in the hills and along the flats and amongst the forested roads, so care and attention is mandatory but often ignored. Sheep are more prevalent as they bust through fences to get some grass on the road verge, so care is needed. The chat at Gunning was all about the great day overall. It’s an easy run but enjoyable on the bike. There are enough challenges to test your riding skills and bike performance without putting licences and lives at risk. That’s always a good thing. Overall, it was a great group and a great day out.
Thanks people.
Attendees were:
- Ride Leader and Scribe Mick Beltrame (BMW R1250GS)
- Kevin Sherman (Indian Scout)
- Scott England (BMW R1250RT)
- Alan Munday (Yamaha FJR1300)
- Chas Towie (Honda ST1300)
- Warren Richer (Triumph Thruxton)
- Andrew Campbell (Kawasaki H2SXSE+)
- Chris Dietzel (Kawasaki GTR1400)
- John Grace (Triumph Tiger 1200)
Motorlife Museum Ride, 24th November
There was some confusion to the start time for this ride. It had been changed from 8:30 to 8:00 due to the distance and time at the museum. Website and Facebook was 8am but RO2 was 8:30. I was late myself and arrived at 8am to find 5 other riders waiting for the ride leader. I have spoken to RO2 editor and am assured that it will be checked with ride leader next time. (me)
We departed about 5 minutes late for the ride through Tarago and Bungonia to Marulan This is a good ride that has been spoiled by an 80km limit from Windellama all the way to the Hume Highway.
After a cup of coffee and a bite to eat at Truckstop 31 we continued on the Hume and turned off onto the Illawarra Highway towards Mossvale. The truck stop is a lot quicker for coffee than the new roadhouse.
The trip down Macquarie Pass was slow as usual with no problems with cars or trucks. We turned off at Albion Park then onto the Princes Highway until the turnoff for Dapto. The route is straight through the main street for about 5km until the turn for the museum up a side road for about 2km.
The museum* has a good display of cars and bikes with believed to be the oldest car and motorcycle to be built in Australia. The motorcycle even has the original casting moulds for the engine displayed. There is also a large display of old signs and household items. It is worth a visit and you could spend an hour or 6 hours looking at the displays. The staff were very helpful and gladly answered any questions that were asked.
We left and headed to The Dandaloo Hotel for lunch. The meals were great but it took nearly an hour to get all riders fed. Mick’s mixed grill could have fed at least 2 of but we couldn’t get doggie bags.
The trip home was down the coast and a turnoff in Nowra to Nerriga. We had a break there and all headed home via Tarago and Bungendore.
It pays to check the website and/or Facebook the night before to see if any changes have been made. 2 riders turned up for an 8:30 departure and decided to go for their own ride to Young to stock up on cherries. Sorry again about the confusion.
Riders:
We departed about 5 minutes late for the ride through Tarago and Bungonia to Marulan This is a good ride that has been spoiled by an 80km limit from Windellama all the way to the Hume Highway.
After a cup of coffee and a bite to eat at Truckstop 31 we continued on the Hume and turned off onto the Illawarra Highway towards Mossvale. The truck stop is a lot quicker for coffee than the new roadhouse.
The trip down Macquarie Pass was slow as usual with no problems with cars or trucks. We turned off at Albion Park then onto the Princes Highway until the turnoff for Dapto. The route is straight through the main street for about 5km until the turn for the museum up a side road for about 2km.
The museum* has a good display of cars and bikes with believed to be the oldest car and motorcycle to be built in Australia. The motorcycle even has the original casting moulds for the engine displayed. There is also a large display of old signs and household items. It is worth a visit and you could spend an hour or 6 hours looking at the displays. The staff were very helpful and gladly answered any questions that were asked.
We left and headed to The Dandaloo Hotel for lunch. The meals were great but it took nearly an hour to get all riders fed. Mick’s mixed grill could have fed at least 2 of but we couldn’t get doggie bags.
The trip home was down the coast and a turnoff in Nowra to Nerriga. We had a break there and all headed home via Tarago and Bungendore.
It pays to check the website and/or Facebook the night before to see if any changes have been made. 2 riders turned up for an 8:30 departure and decided to go for their own ride to Young to stock up on cherries. Sorry again about the confusion.
Riders:
- Alan Munday Yamaha FJR1300 (Ride Leader)
- Scott England BMW R1250 RT
- Chas Towie Honda ST1300
- Chris Dietzel Kawasaki GTR1400
- Paul Woodward Yamaha FJR 1300
- Mick Beltrame BMW R1250GS
Sunday, December 15, 2019
December 2019 RO2 is now online
Merry Motorcycle Christmas and a Happy Motorcycling New Year.
Our holiday reading just took a boost;
the December 2109 RO2 is now online!
Check it out here >> RO2 December 2019 <<
And read through our 30 year Archive >>here<<
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Time to plan ahead for a busy motorcycling weekend on the 14/15th Dec!
Two local motorcycling events on the weekend 14 and 15th December!
Saturday the 14th December brings us the MRA Toy Run.
Arrive at Old Parliament House as early as 8:30am for 10:00am departure.
That early arrival offers time for the traditional Bacon and Egg roll and coffee and a good chat with old friends and new before the ride!
The Ulysses Canberra BBQ trailer will be onsite. Volunteers will always be welcome to lend a hand if needed.
↜↜↜↜↜ ↝↝↝↝↝
On Sun 15th December Mick Beltrame (0428 735 888) will lead a ride to O’Connell for lunch at the O’Connell Pub.
The ride will leave from BP Watson, with the briefing at 7:50 am, and departure at 8:00am.
This 540km ride is billed as " Long & sustained; experienced riders only." Also please note that fuel range must be at least 250 km.
The route is planned to be out via Gunning, Crookwell, Taralga (coffee), Black Springs (regroup), Oberon (fuel) & O’Connell (lunch). Back via Oberon, Taralga (regroup), Crookwell (fuel) & Gunning (coffee).
Sunday, December 1, 2019
The 2019 Branch Christmas Party (7 Dec)
Saturday, 7 December 2019 from 18:00-23:30
The Royal is at 85 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan, New South Wales 2620.
If you havn't already let Kyla know you are coming an email or facebook notification will help with final numbers.
Thursday, November 28, 2019
Sunday Ride - Snowy Loop, 1st December
This coming Sundays ride is the "Snowy Loop", a 475 km ride led by Al Munday (0438 510 137).
The ride will commence from Caltex Hume, with a briefing at 8:50am, for a departure at 9:00am.
Lunch will be at Tumut with the route to be via Cooma, Adaminaby (coffee) & Tumut (lunch) returning via South Gundagai & highways.
The ride will commence from Caltex Hume, with a briefing at 8:50am, for a departure at 9:00am.
Lunch will be at Tumut with the route to be via Cooma, Adaminaby (coffee) & Tumut (lunch) returning via South Gundagai & highways.
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Chomp and Chat to Laggan 17th Nov 2019
A beautiful bright and sunny day, but with a hint of morning chill, saw twenty souls gather at BP Watson for the ride out to Laggan. Apparently Maritta, the listed ride leader had called in sick, so Al-ride-leader-for-hire, stepped into the breach and led us to Laggan.
We picked up one (Garry) in Gundaroo and lost one (Jenny) in Gunning on our journey to Laggan, via Sutton, Gundaroo, Gunning, Grabben Gullen, and Crookwell.
I’d never actually been in to Laggan, having only gone through the four-way intersection on my way to Taralga. It’s a small but pretty little town. Laggan pub was quite nice too and noticeably popular. Many and varied punters there including quite a few bike riders. My only complaint was it took them 50 minutes to knock up a hamburger. Maybe just a bad day. (But it was worth the wait, I thought – Ed)
Once our meals were eaten Al offered a route home that comprised heading to Goulburn , taking the Range Road to Breadalbane and then on to Gunning for an afternoon coffee stop.
Half the group took the Al-offered option, while the others headed home via the highway from Goulburn.
A great day’s ride in perfect spring weather!
Andrew Campbell.
Riders:
We picked up one (Garry) in Gundaroo and lost one (Jenny) in Gunning on our journey to Laggan, via Sutton, Gundaroo, Gunning, Grabben Gullen, and Crookwell.
I’d never actually been in to Laggan, having only gone through the four-way intersection on my way to Taralga. It’s a small but pretty little town. Laggan pub was quite nice too and noticeably popular. Many and varied punters there including quite a few bike riders. My only complaint was it took them 50 minutes to knock up a hamburger. Maybe just a bad day. (But it was worth the wait, I thought – Ed)
Once our meals were eaten Al offered a route home that comprised heading to Goulburn , taking the Range Road to Breadalbane and then on to Gunning for an afternoon coffee stop.
Half the group took the Al-offered option, while the others headed home via the highway from Goulburn.
A great day’s ride in perfect spring weather!
Andrew Campbell.
Riders:
- Alan & Lyn Munday Yamaha FJR1300
- Kevin Sherman Indian Scout
- Jeremy Rule Harley Trike
- Emma Campbell Harley Free Wheeler
- Paul Woodward Yamaha FJR1300
- Garry McCurley Kawasaki H2SXSE+
- Chas Towie Honda ST1300
- Kim Tito BMW F700GS
- Rob Auzner Triumph Tiger
- Jenny Carlin BMW F700GS
- Steven Bardwell Moto Guzzi California
- Melissa Davis Honda
- Andrew Campbell Kawasaki H2SXSE+
- Damon Hatchett BMW R850R
- Kerry Mulgrue Honda ST1300
- Janet Mulgrue Suzuki Burgmann
- Tony Henderson Triumph Tiger 800
- Garry Cashmere BMW R1200GS
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Sun 24th Nov, Ride to Australian Motorlife Museum, at Kembla Grange.
This weekends ride (Sun 24th November) will be ably led by Al Munday, 0438 510 137, to the Australian Motorlife Museum, at Kembla Grange. The ride will be approximately 460 km, leaving BP Watson at 8am following a Ride Briefing at 7:50 am.
The lunch stop is planned for Dapto and the route will be as follows:Out via Tarago, Bungonia, Marulan (coffee), Moss Vale, Robertson, Macquarie Pass & Dapto. Return to be discussed at lunch.
Note:Museum entry $17.50 (pensioners $15).
The lunch stop is planned for Dapto and the route will be as follows:Out via Tarago, Bungonia, Marulan (coffee), Moss Vale, Robertson, Macquarie Pass & Dapto. Return to be discussed at lunch.
Note:Museum entry $17.50 (pensioners $15).
Friday, November 15, 2019
The 2019 November RO2 is now available
Good News! The November 2019 RO2 is now available for your reading pleasure!
Chomp n Chat to Laggan and the Bombala Bike Show
A heads up for the coming weekend. You have two events to consider and perhaps you might like to go to both. Saturday brings a day ride or more to The Bombala Bike Show and Sunday brings us our Chomp and Chat to Laggan. Its an opportunity for a great riding weekend! The details are:
- The Sunday (17th Nov) Chomp 'n Chat is for lunch at Laggan Hotel. Al Munday (0438 510 137) is ride leader. Meet at BP Watson, Federal Hwy 110, Watson 2602 for the Briefing which will be at 10.20am with departure at 10.30 am. Ride length is 250km. Expected route is via Gundaroo, Gunning and Crookwell. Back via Goulburn (fuel if needed).
- The 28th Bombala Bike Show is held at Bombala over the whole of the weekend the 15th – 16th November 2019. Further information can be found at: https://www.bombalamotorcycleassociation.com/ Note: Entry and camping $30
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Ride to Bermagui – 3rd November 2019
Our small group travelled along the Kings Highway riding towards our first coffee stop at Nelligen, where we enjoyed the peace of the river while having a coffee. We continued after the short break checking out the new bridge construction at Nelligen and Bateman’s Bay on our way down the road towards Moruya for our first petrol stops. The biggest surprise was the weather - it was a constant warm temperature as we rode along the coast. The reduced amount of traffic added to the enjoyment of a lovely stretch of road with a great selection of curves dotted along the way. We rode through beautiful sections of coastal towns and estuaries with scenic stretches of water views to admire as we passed.
We checked out the weather front before leaving and decided to continue out to Cobargo where some of the members stopped to put on their wet weather gear. I on the other hand decided to brave the elements and just see how protective the fairing on the Trophy actually is. We made our way up the Brown Mountain with rain falling from time to time. I must thank the Snowy Mountains Council as when I travelled between Nimmitabel and Cooma on Thursday afternoon large patches of the road were still dirt but they were sealed for our ride home today.
We stopped at Cooma for our last fuel stop and to thank each for a great day of travelling safely and enjoying each other’s company. On our last leg of our journey the heavens opened up between the outskirts of Canberra and Queanbeyan. I was impressed that I had stayed dry most of the way only getting slightly damp.
It is a shame some people did not get out of their comfy chairs to join us on our ride – they missed the excellent roads and views and impressive food but best of all the friendship of similar minded people.
M.W.
Riders:
- Michael Winters Triumph Trophy
- Paul Woodward FJR 1300
- Kevin Sherman Indian Scout
- Dave Jones XT1200
- Butch Wills K1100 BMW
Monday, November 4, 2019
For Sale - 2004 Honda ST1300
Shane has just written in to say that he is selling his Honda, a 2004 ST 1300
If you are interested there are more details on the "For Sale" page.
If you are interested there are more details on the "For Sale" page.
Friday, November 1, 2019
Get out your door and get going - on your motorcycle!
Over the years I have enjoyed vicariously traveling the world through the eyes of various motorcycle adventurers who put their tales and photos into print. I think this started with Charlie and the Bear (Peter Thoeming) on an overland trip from Oz to the UK but then followed on to Ted Simon's "Jupiters Travels", Charris and George Schwarz travels on their R60 BMW from Europe to Australia and recently Elspeth Beard.
These were perilous trips especially done without the benefits of modern technologies be they GPS and the modern mobile phone and host of apps to navigate and translate. Some of the countries traveled are even more difficult now due to war and politics, and some were not much different then. They had these adventures without backup and modern tech ( yes I'm looking at you Ewan and Charlie) :-)
This morning, Hobart Radio (I do like this internet AM) introduced me to Heather Ellis who has ridden through Africa, Central Asia and later traveled from London to Hanoi over the Silk Roads. So there's more reading adventure for me (and now you).
There are a host of other folk who have followed these wheeltracks or forged paths of their own. If you too are interested here are a few links or details about the folk mentioned above.
- Peter Thoeming needs little introduction having produced Australian motorcycle magazines for many years, along with his travel maps ( conveniantly spiral bound for the motorcycling traveler). Peters link to the Ulysses Club is apparent whenever we look at our logo. https://www.ridingon.com.au/stories/musings-on-ulysses
- Ted Simon inspired many a traveler with his book "Jupiters Travels" about his 1970's 4 year solo around the world trip on a 500cc Triumph Tiger. Ted visited Canberra on his second world trip and a signed copy of Jupiters Travels which may still be found in the ACT Library system. https://jupitalia.com/about-ted-simon/
- Charis and George Schwarz may not be as well known but theirs is also a wonderful tale of adventure on their R60 "Du". Their book is fairly hard to find but there is an excellent summing up in this article from the Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences where Du now resides. https://maas.museum/inside-the-collection/2017/09/20/love-affair-with-a-1965-bmw-motorcycle/
- Elspeth Beard at 23 set off on a two-year solo journey around the world on her beloved BMW R60/6 motorcycle, before returning to England and completing her architectural studies. She still has the R60, and lives in a restored water tower.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xaxo5EIJhrY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwBYy5Clm5U
- Heather Ellis as noted earlier has ridden through Africa, Central Asia and later traveled from London to Hanoi over the Silk Roads. There's so much more to Heather as her second trip was under the cloud of what she believed was a terminal illness. https://www.heather-ellis.com/
What can I say - our weekend club rides and Annual Rallies are calling us for much more comfortable mini adventures of our own on our own doorstep! Some of our members have gone further afield! So get some inspiration from these adventurers, and then get out your door and get going - on your motorcycle!
There's no time to lose!
Cheers
Gary Mac
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Sunday 3rd November ride to Bemagui for lunch at Fishermen's Wharf Cafe.
Mick Winters (Ph: 0412 134 376) leads the Sunday 3rd November ride to Bemagui for lunch at Fishermen's Wharf Cafe.
The ride will commence from Caltex Bungendore (42 MALBON STREET, Bungendore, New South Wales 2621)
The briefing will be at 8.50 am and departure at 9.00.
The route in short will be: Braidwood, Clyde Moutain, Nelligen (coffee), Princes Hwy and Bermagui (lunch and fuel). Return via Bemboka, Brown Mountain and Cooma (coffee). The ride is 520km ex CBR.
Warning: As noted above this ride leaves from Bungendore.
1. Assess your own skill level and choose your rides accordingly.
2. Be there with a full tank in time for the ride briefing.
3. Ride responsibly - your safety (and that of your fellow riders) is up to you.
Facebook users can register their interest at https://www.facebook.com/events/673871449799819/
The ride will commence from Caltex Bungendore (42 MALBON STREET, Bungendore, New South Wales 2621)
The briefing will be at 8.50 am and departure at 9.00.
The route in short will be: Braidwood, Clyde Moutain, Nelligen (coffee), Princes Hwy and Bermagui (lunch and fuel). Return via Bemboka, Brown Mountain and Cooma (coffee). The ride is 520km ex CBR.
Warning: As noted above this ride leaves from Bungendore.
1. Assess your own skill level and choose your rides accordingly.
2. Be there with a full tank in time for the ride briefing.
3. Ride responsibly - your safety (and that of your fellow riders) is up to you.
Facebook users can register their interest at https://www.facebook.com/events/673871449799819/
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Rockley Pub Loop Ride Report 20 October 2019
For those still with me I shall continue with my diatribe. I will attempt to enlighten you on the intricacies of turning a sow’s ear into a silk purse, or whatever the saying is. I shall endeavour to create something out of nothing and if that’s not possible, then I shall attempt to create something interesting out of something not terribly exciting, of little consequence to those who failed to attend, and reflective of nothing more than a good day out on the motorcycle. Sometimes, the motorcycling takes precedence over the socialising. It’s a rare thing, but today was all about the ride.
This wasn’t expected to be a ride that would generate reams of commentary even though the roads were interesting to the point of being tricky in places. The briefing was brief and I didn’t bother explaining the problematic process of getting from ‘Point A’ (the Advertised Starting Spot or ‘ASS’) to ‘Point B’ (the Morning Sustenance Stop or ‘MSS’) to ‘Point C’ (the Designated Lunch Location or ‘DLL’), thence returning directly to ‘Point D’ (the No Coffee Going Home Option or ‘NCGHO’). Unless of course we all, or some of the we all, stopped at the alternate ‘Point D’ (the Afternoon Refreshment Stop or ‘ARS’) and then went on to the original ‘Point D’ which then becomes ‘Point E’ (the Have Coffee Then Go Home Option or ‘HCTGHO’). Congratulations if you followed that explanation. Your prize is in the mail.
Three paragraphs down and we haven’t even left the ASS yet. I’m doing well. It’s always a quandary about when to join the conga-line of bikes departing the ASS. Do you join in behind the Ride Leader with the likelihood that you will have a cleaner run and faster ride? The downside is the requirement to undertake Corner Marker duties if these have been called for by the Ride Leader. Then you end up right at the back of the pack and can either stay there or ride the wheels off the bike getting back towards the front. Some plead ignorance and ignore the Corner Marker bit, thus requiring rider three to do the duty. Given the lack of requirement for fixed corner marking on this ride, we had few problems. I prefer the Rolling Corner Marker System, or RCMS. Phew. Andrew was volunteered as tail, but even that wasn’t really
necessary.
Opting for a middle position means you are unlikely to get lost but may end up behind a newer or less confident or less capable rider. That’s ok for most of us, most of the time. The real downside is that this is where the elastic band effect takes place and you will often find yourself in a too-close pack of bikes, or suddenly scattered along several kilometres of road with no idea whether you are still playing ‘Follow the Ride Leader’ or some other game like ‘Lost in Space’. The middle can be fun sometimes. At other times, it’s just plain old ‘interesting’.
Those who opt for the tail-end group sometimes do so to just drift along and enjoy the scenery. The downside is that you may get voluntarily stuck behind a slower rider and lose sight of the middle pack as well as the Ride Leader. So long as you know where the next stop is, that’s ok as well. As it was, everybody jockeyed for their preferred position like new starters at an orgy and we rolled out of the ASS in quick succession. I led the procession, mainly due to my place as Ride Leader for the outing. So far, all was going well. It stayed well for the whole ride, excluding some apparently dubious overtaking manoeuvers back in the pack at one point. Lots of cars have dash-cams these days, so it’s best to avoid such things.
The MSS was only a short distance away. Short? Well, by my calculations anyway. Given the weather conditions of too cold, just right or too hot depending on starting attire, we all made it safely to ‘smoko’ at Taralga. That’s an old term when it was acceptable, and often encouraged, that workers take a break from their toil and have a lovely refreshing cigarette. There is nothing like going outside for a breath of fresh air and having a durry to fill your lungs with toxic smoke. I’m a non-smoker. Smoko at Taralga was a pleasant break from the still crisp morning air and we all partook of a warming brew at the Tangled Vine.
I heard no grumbles about the quality of the beverages, so I’ll assume that everybody was delighted with the selections they made. Surprisingly, we were back on the bikes in quick time and heading deeper into the wilds of NSW and some fast and flowing roads. Given the warming air and coffee-fuelled bellies, I was on the lookout in my mirrors for sleepy riders heading into the bushes for a nap, but none eventuated. Most seemed to be awake for the run to lunch, or they simply closed their eyes and followed the noise from the rider in front. That was very tricky given the twists and turns we negotiated. The bugs were out, so visors were down on the full-face helmets to prevent additional post-smoko sustenance from ingested bugs, beetles and other semi-liquid but delightfully crunchy goodies.
Arriving at the DLL was a lesson in how to undertake synchronised parking as we all peeled into the reserve opposite the Rockley Pub and lined up in an almost orderly fashion. Andrew opted to park over at the pub, perhaps fearful of being associated with rest of the rabble. Lunch at the DLL was, by most accounts, awesome. That’s an Amazingly Well Exhibited Selection Of Marvellous Eats – A.W.E.S.O.M.E. I had spotted some roadkill by the edge of the parking area as we pulled into town. It was once someone’s favored pet cat, or small dog, or wild possum, or something equally inedible and thankfully unrecognisable. No, I didn’t munch on the roadkill for lunch. The Rockley menu was far more appetising. I chose something quick and easy. It turned out to be quick, easy and delicious. It was also much better than road-kill, but I should have chosen the bangers and mash instead of the burger as that looked even better. Maybe next time. The coffee was nice too. I like a good coffee.
The lunchtime conversations flowed easily as we discussed anything and everything bike-related, retirement-related, road-related and socially-related. Then, with lunch over and a scant few crumbs left on the plates, we headed for the bikes. Departing was as easy as arriving. Only the direction had changed. Somehow, we all successfully negotiated the correct departure path to the so-called highway and headed for our respective NCGHO or HCTGHO via the ARS, only interrupted by the Perthville refuel. See paragraph three if you have already forgotten what those acronyms stand for. There will be a test. The plan was to travel back south via equally tricky roads as the ones we had headed north on. Fuel at Perthville took a while but the run from there through Trunkey Creek, Tuena and Binda was delightful with a big D. I do like this particular loop. Everybody decided to have a farewell brew at the Gunning ARS before heading home. That’s always the sign of a good ride.
This was a good run. There were no dramas that I know of, unless someone had a problem as we split up after the ARS and the HCTGHO. If so, apologies for not reporting it and taking photos. I went directly from the ARS to my HCTGHO via Mulligans Flat to give me time to wash the bugs off the bike, have a quiet beer and unwind. A few went the same way, while others headed in different directions. My choice of lunch tucker was a highlight of the day for me. I think it was up to scratch for everyone else, so that’s a good thing. It was also a great group to lead and there were no aberrations in the cosmic vortex as far as I am aware. That’s so much better than a wayward bee in your undies.
Ride Leader (that’s me!) did a great job (apparently) and everybody behaved themselves because it was too hard to behave each other. My mirrors showed a continual expansion and contraction of the little group throughout the ride. No big deal, but the old DR650 definitely lost all cobwebs keeping up. The rolling corner marker system seemed to work ok and is my preferred choice outside the city limits. Well folks, it’s time to end the drivel and finish here. Catch up next
time.
Attendees were:
- Ride Leader and Scribe Mick Beltrame (BMW R1250 GS).
- Follower Paul Woodward (Yamaha FJR 1300)
- Follower Dave Jones (Yamaha XT 1200)
- Follower Bill Henshaw (Triumph Explorer 1200)
- Follower Paul Arranz (Suzuki DR 650)
- Follower Donna Crowther (BMW K1600)
- Follower Andrew Campbell (Yamaha FJR 1300)
- Follower Kevin Sherman (Indian Scout)
- Follower Craig Fraser (Yamaha FJR 1300)
- Follower Rob Jones (KTM 1090R)
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Chomp and Chat – Murrumburrah, 13 October 2019
Perfect riding weather greeted us as we set out on a fairly straight forward ride to our lunch destination, Murrumburrah.
We covered the less interesting stages of the route without incident; taking the Barton Highway to Yass, and the Hume Highway to Jugiong.
The riding became much more enjoyable when we turned off the Hume onto Jugiong Road and headed towards Harden. This is a very pleasant, winding road with undulating hills and magnificent rural scenery.
Our lunch venue was the Barnes Store Emporium and Café in Murrumburrah. The staff were very welcoming and friendly, and the food was perfectly acceptable lunch-time fare.
We enjoyed a long, relaxed lunch with pleasant conversation – just as the Chomp & Chat is intended to be. We welcomed a new Ulysses member to the ride – Noel Bentley.
After lunch people decided to take various different routes back towards Canberra. The mild, warm sunny weather made us all reluctant to miss the opportunity of riding some country roads. Damon, Jen and Steven decided to ride back on the Wee Jasper Road, Mountain Creek and Uriarra Crossing. Noel and John headed back through Boorowa, Rugby and Crookwell.
John Grace
Riders were:
We covered the less interesting stages of the route without incident; taking the Barton Highway to Yass, and the Hume Highway to Jugiong.
The riding became much more enjoyable when we turned off the Hume onto Jugiong Road and headed towards Harden. This is a very pleasant, winding road with undulating hills and magnificent rural scenery.
Our lunch venue was the Barnes Store Emporium and Café in Murrumburrah. The staff were very welcoming and friendly, and the food was perfectly acceptable lunch-time fare.
We enjoyed a long, relaxed lunch with pleasant conversation – just as the Chomp & Chat is intended to be. We welcomed a new Ulysses member to the ride – Noel Bentley.
After lunch people decided to take various different routes back towards Canberra. The mild, warm sunny weather made us all reluctant to miss the opportunity of riding some country roads. Damon, Jen and Steven decided to ride back on the Wee Jasper Road, Mountain Creek and Uriarra Crossing. Noel and John headed back through Boorowa, Rugby and Crookwell.
John Grace
Riders were:
- John Grace Triumph Tiger 1200
- Kevin Sherman Indian Scout
- Steven Bardwell Moto Guzzi V7
- Damon Hatchett BMW R850R
- Jen Hatchett "
- Noel Bentley BMW F800GSA
Sunday, October 13, 2019
October 2019 RO2 now available!
Here's a short note to advise that the October 2019 RO2 is now available for your perusal.
This link will take you there (https://tinyurl.com/yymbpjxn)
And of course, next Tuesday is the Branch meeting date - see you there?!
@ Canberra Deakin Football Club
3 Grose St Deakin ACT
http://www.deakinsports.com.au/
6.00pm to enjoy a meal or a drink before the meeting which starts at 7.30pm.
This link will take you there (https://tinyurl.com/yymbpjxn)
And of course, next Tuesday is the Branch meeting date - see you there?!
@ Canberra Deakin Football Club
3 Grose St Deakin ACT
http://www.deakinsports.com.au/
6.00pm to enjoy a meal or a drink before the meeting which starts at 7.30pm.
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Social Dinner and Welcome Ulyssian Nat Comm to Canberra 11th Oct
Final call for anyone wishing to join us on 11th Oct at EASTLAKE FOOTBALL CLUB 3 OXLEY ST, GRIFFITH ACT 2603 for a Social Dinner and to welcome Ulyssian Nat Comm to Canberra. The event starts from 6pm
The Facebook event link is
https://www.facebook.com/events/385841212091476/
or email Kyla at mickandkyla@hotmail.com
The Facebook event link is
https://www.facebook.com/events/385841212091476/
or email Kyla at mickandkyla@hotmail.com
Weekend motorcycling: Bikers Breakfast (12thOct) and Chomp n Chat (13thOct)
Its a busy weekend for motorcycling with the Bikers Breakfast at the start of Motorcycle Awareness Week and a Chomp n Chat the following day. Start Saturday off when you pop over to Joe's Motorcycles at 15 Collie St,Fyshwick on from 8.30 to 10.30am) for an egg and bacon roll and a chat in good company. as the Joe Rider campaign also begins. (each spotting of Joe reported to the MRAACT gets you into the daily draw for a $50 fuel voucher!).
With your motorcycling thirst still unquenched, Sunday 13th October will bring a Chomp & Chat to Murrumburrah, to the Barnes Store Emporium Café.
The 260km ride will leave Caltex Nicholls, following a briefing at 10:20am with departure at 10:30am.
Led by John Grace (0418 487 104) the ride will head out via highways, Jugiong, Jugiong Rd & Murrumburrah (lunch). Back via Burley Griffin Way & highways.
Looks to be a good motorcycling weekend!
With your motorcycling thirst still unquenched, Sunday 13th October will bring a Chomp & Chat to Murrumburrah, to the Barnes Store Emporium Café.
The 260km ride will leave Caltex Nicholls, following a briefing at 10:20am with departure at 10:30am.
Led by John Grace (0418 487 104) the ride will head out via highways, Jugiong, Jugiong Rd & Murrumburrah (lunch). Back via Burley Griffin Way & highways.
Looks to be a good motorcycling weekend!
Monday, October 7, 2019
Ride Report: Rosehill Backroads Tour, 6 October 2019
We met (most of us anyway) at the new cholesterol corner at Caltex 'The Foodary' Weston Creek.
We headed out through Uriarra Crossing onto the highly entertaining Mountain Creek Road. The scenery along this road is looking magnificent even in drought conditions. We then followed Wee Jasper Road to Yass, and Lachlan Valley Way to Boorowa, managing to avoid any meaningful interaction with the highway patrol.
Of course, it hadn't occurred to any of us that the Saturday of the October long weekend is the date of the world-renowned Running of the Sheep event in Boorowa. Our normally peaceful entry into sleepy old Boorowa was rudely disrupted by a blocked main street, jumping castles, bagpipe players, market stalls, street performers and the general annoyance caused by large numbers of sheep-running aficionados. I imagine there were also numerous visitors from Pamplona. We still managed to procure the mandatory coffee and pies at the Superb Café.
Having extricated ourselves from the sheep-induced frenzy in Boorowa we backtracked slightly to Cunningar Road, onto Galong Road, Bouyeo Road, and through the busy metropolis of Galong. We headed down a section of McMahons Reef Road and then onto Berremangra Road.
Berremangra Road is a bit of a revelation for back-roads enthusiasts. The scenery is beautiful and the narrow, sealed road has lots of interesting twists and hilly bends, not to mention blind crests and stray cattle. Dave described it as a real roller-coaster. You certainly need to have your wits about you – no lapses of concentration on this little road!
Berremangra Road joins the Hume Hwy a few kilometres East of Jugoing. We turned off at Jugiong, following Jugiong Road and Rosehill Road to Cootamundra. Again, the scenery and roads were very entertaining - lots of hills twists and turns, and very little traffic.
Lunch at the Family Hotel at Cootamundra. The 'Family' is a rather plain, working class hotel on the outside but has a nice big dining area and good pub food at very reasonable prices. The roast pork special at $14 was hard to pass up.
 |
| Roast of the day - Family Hotel Cootamundra |
We returned home via Cullinga Mines Road, Jugiong Road, Bouyeo Road, Burley Griffin Way and then onto the boring old Hume and Barton highways.
This was a very well-planned and researched ride (thank you Ian) with a group of capable back-roads riders. There were a couple of alarmingly close encounters with grey kangaroos, but while we maintained a very good pace, everyone rode safely and well within their limits.
Hopefully there will be plenty more back roads tours in the ride calendar in future.
John Grace
Riders were:
- Ian Paterson – Honda GL1800 (Ride Leader)
- Andrew Campbell – Yamaha FJR1300
- Scott England – BMW R1200RT
- Darryl Cullen – Suzuki Bandit 1250
- Dave Jones – Yamaha XT1200
- John Grace – Triumph Tiger 1200 (your correspondent).
Thursday, October 3, 2019
Double demerits over the October Long Weekend
Don't forget that Double demerits will start on midnight Friday 4 October and run through to Labour Day to finish on midnight of Monday 7 October.
Double demerit points apply for speeding, seat belt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences.
Take it easy folks; safe riding!
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Club Ride - Rosehill Back Roads Tour, 6th October
On the 6th of October, to celebrate the return of Daylight Saving, ride leader Ian will take a trusty band on the Rosehill Back Roads Tour (a 420k extravaganza for back roads aficionados!)
The ride will be leaving the Caltex Foodary at Weston Creek (Kirkpatrick & Cotter). The briefing will be at 8:50am, and departure at 9:00am to arrive for lunch at the Family Hotel, Cootamundra.
Ride Leader: Ian Paterson 0427 291 728
The planned route is as follows:
Out via Mountain Creek Rd, Yass, Boorowa (coffee), Galong, Bouyeo Rd, McMahons Reef Rd, Berremangra Rd, Hume Hwy, Jugiong Rd, Rosehill Rd & Cootamundra (lunch & fuel). Back via Cullinga Mines Rd, Jugiong Rd, Bouyeo Rd & Bowning (coffee).
Warning: Daylight saving starts on the 6th
PS - if you arrive late :-(
the Family Hotel is at 103 Hovell Street Cootamundra NSW 2590
The ride will be leaving the Caltex Foodary at Weston Creek (Kirkpatrick & Cotter). The briefing will be at 8:50am, and departure at 9:00am to arrive for lunch at the Family Hotel, Cootamundra.
The planned route is as follows:
Out via Mountain Creek Rd, Yass, Boorowa (coffee), Galong, Bouyeo Rd, McMahons Reef Rd, Berremangra Rd, Hume Hwy, Jugiong Rd, Rosehill Rd & Cootamundra (lunch & fuel). Back via Cullinga Mines Rd, Jugiong Rd, Bouyeo Rd & Bowning (coffee).
Warning: Daylight saving starts on the 6th
PS - if you arrive late :-(
the Family Hotel is at 103 Hovell Street Cootamundra NSW 2590
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