The December RO2 is out now!

 Seasons Greetings Canberra Branch!

Here is your December RO2

for those quiet moments of contemplation

Joy indeed!

 To download click the image above or >>here<<.

Ride to Young, 12 December

 Steve B has sent us through a novel ride report, which has a very nice fit with the festive season. Given our old friend covid is still hanging about , a festive treat is very welcome!

Thanks Steve!

 

Ride Report - Following the Sun on 05 Dec 2021

There was no Ride Leader for this ride, it was a ‘TBD on the day’ as unfortunately we couldn’t fill the spot at short notice and I couldn’t guarantee that I would turn up due to current sciatica issues, scheduled to be seen to Monday afternoon with two spinal injections. However, as it turned out, at 6am that morning I woke up feeling great so decided to give it a shot noting the vibration of the bike was therapeutic anyway. I managed to arrive early at about 0900 at the casually kept Caltex on Monaro Hwy. The traffic was unusually heavy for that time with obviously many heading south towards the Snowy region and beyond to escape Canberra for a day or even longer noting a few caravans in the mix. Our destination for the day believe it or not was actually Jindabyne, hmm it was looking more like we might be forming a queue for some of the journey.

It wasn’t till about 0925-30 that someone turned up namely Dave on his gold R1250RS, looking good as usual. After some discussion on the day ahead we looked at the weather forecast for the whole region. For the Snowys it was heavily overcast, dull, 90 percent humidity, chance of a little rain and top of only 12, yet out west, there were clear skies, sunny and top of 19-21. We thought a little more. Hmm, the dilemma of what to do? Chance of a suntan or no tan?

Normally there would be no issue or doubt on the route for the day as the Snowy region usually attracts more interest amongst Ulysses riders. However, with recent lockdowns now over, Christmas looming, and people catching up with life it appeared everyone had other important demands - naturally. Also, we knew three of our regulars for such a ride were still returning from an exhilarating days StayUpright Course in Sydney, so they wouldn’t be along. So noting it was just the two of us, we decided on the latter, a Sunday of warm sunny skies and a relaxed ride in the country with coffee stops maybe at Sutton and Jugiong before finding lunch somewhere else on the road. See after two, three weeks away from riding, both of us just wanted a ride anywhere reasonably dry, sunny and definitely enjoyable.

So we headed towards Sutton direction, but as it turned out, Sutton Bakery was busy and not worth forming an english queue this early just for a coffee. It was also way too early to have one of their famous Chilly Pies - it would be just so dangerous at the start of our ride.

The stretch between Sutton and Murrumbateman was pot holed in many areas with some temporary repairs made but other areas severely damaged and potentially dangerous for those unprepared on two or four wheels. Murrumbateman to Jugiong was pleasant enough in the morning sun and the Long Track Pantry turned out to be not too busy however sitting outside the coffee and salted caramel slice were exceptional.

 

The Long Track Pantry

 

The ride up along the Jugiong road to Murrumburrah area was excellent with the road as usual in a very fine state. As Jackson’s bakery in nearby Harden, a preferred watering hole, was unfortunately closed on weekends now we opted to fuel and then lunched at the Terracotta cafe down in Murrumburrah. For lunch we decided to try their home made beef and moroccan pies. The old Irish owner was a real character suggesting the pies were better with a large ale. Much to his annoyance we both decided on a sugar free coke. I think he now has a different opinion of the Ulysses slogan: ‘grow old disgracefully’ - sorry all.

 

 the Bikes outside Terracotta Cafe

Major General Kenneth Mackay

 

Statue of Major General Kenneth Mackay in the towns Memorial park next to the cafe.The pride of the region, MajGen Mackay was born in Wallendbeen not far from Murrumburrah in Jun 1859. A military man and later a politician, he founded the 1st Australian Volunteer Horse Regiment in 1897, served in the Boer War between 1900-01 and mentioned in despatches. Later after managing the planning of Army Reserves support during WWI he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. He died in Nov 1935. (Sourced: from the Web)

After lunch I checked out the Memorial alongside the cafe and the bronze statue of MajGen Mackay. What an incredible life this man had.  Anyway, once we remounted, a decision was made to make our way back towards Canberra and home via Burley Griffen Way and Barton Hwy. At Murrumbateman we took a right to avoid the slow traffic queue and headed towards Sutton road and finally on to the Federal Hwy and outskirts of Canberra. Here we parted ways on the move under the Eagles Nest 100km speed detectors and registration plate recorders. We were officially logged back into the ACT.

Overall the day was just what the doctor ordered, at times an interesting obstacle course in areas with washed out sides and interesting pot holes yet other times well kept sections with some beautiful sweepers and green countryside as far as the eye could see.

Next time hopefully we will have improved road conditions and more riders keen for a days adventure out across this beautiful region of NSW. 

Warren R

The weather for the day: Top 19-20 degrees.
Overall distance: 335 kms

Riders:

• Dave Mossman        BMW 1250RS    Gold Matt
• Warren Richer         BMW 900XR      Gold Gloss