A mix of vehicles turned up at BP Watson today for the ‘ride’ to Bundanoon – 4 bikes and a car; strangely it was driven by the Mundays, with Sally also tagging along (Ian was apparently ‘busy’ at home).
We left a little after the prescribed start time – thinking there may be a few late starters – or maybe the problem was that this ride was on a Saturday (as posted) (Even I almost forgot when I got up in the morning). The route taken was very car-friendly – straight up the Federal / Hume highway, where we stopped for a coffee and cake at the service centre in Marulan. From here, heading east a couple of clicks up the highway (Highland Way), via a few small towns Tallong, Wingello, Penrose and then Bundanoon. By the time we’d arrived, we had missed the street parade of highland bands etc. Quite a crowd were there, with parking seemingly “miles away” from the event. It was one of those times where one just has to disperse and find a spot wherever you can – which means the group was a bit split up by the time we’d found the entrance.
One of our number decided he didn’t want to go through the gate (perhaps put off by the incessant sounds of bagpipe players at every turn practising - certainly not something my ears enjoy!. I have to say though, it does get better when they’re in tune and rhythm – perhaps the best part of the instruments might have been the street parade we didn’t see).
Basically we all did our own thing, and returned under our own steam, departing when we felt we’d seen it all. (Les rang me some time earlier saying he’s leaving, and when Maream and I left at about 2.15, mine was the only bike there). Alan, Lyn and Sally found a place to sit near the main arena where the Highland Games were on, with one of the events being the “Caber Toss” – a weighty log that needs to be thrown. The car group stayed a bit longer.
List of “riders”:
Alan Munday (Mitsubishi Lancer) – with ‘pillions’ Lyn and Sally Patterson.
Chris & Maream Dietzel (Kwaka GTR1400)
Mark Sayer (a very retro-looking remake of his first bike, Kwaka Z900RS)
Les & Julie Robinson (Triumph Trophy)
Steven Bardwell (Moto Guzzi V7ii)
