A team of five keen riders assembled at Ampol Nicholls at around 0920 for a 0930+ departure. The sun was out and it was looking like a brilliant day ahead. Luckily our departure point was Nicholls well away from any areas still occupied by the remnants of Occupy Canberra which were determined to hang around the region for a while yet. We had two volunteer photographers for the day namely Dave and Peter so things were looking up. Following the brief we decided to set a mean course for Binalong and then on to Boorowa Bakery for a coffee stop. Barton Hwy was uneventful but slow for the first 10kms due to construction on the new Barton Hwy dual carriageway.
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| The team at Ampol Nicholls meeting point. |
Once through Murrumbateman and on the 110km dual carriageway we veered south on the Hume and headed for the turn off on to Burley Griffin Way, then made our way towards Binalong. It was along this section that we came across some NSW road works which had actually packed down the gravel but had just wet it down to cut the dust. Unfortunately for motorcyclists this wet effect, just caked our undercarriages in grey/brown mud and dust, - fantastic. Being in the lead as we transited through this section behind a large semi-trailer, I thought just how much time I was going to have to dedicate to cleaning it just to get this muck off the bike and chain - great. Hmm, much can be said about shaft drive versions.
Once on the outskirts of Binalong we crawled quietly through town and did a right on to Hughstonia road. This is a great little farmers lane which takes you all the way through the farming district to the outskirts of Boorowa. Three of us decided to just top up our tanks at the Boorowa garage noting the next part of our loop leading back into Canberra via Crookwell was just on 220kms not including any other deviations. At the Superb bakery, noting it wasn’t busy we decided to enjoy our coffee and cake inside rather than sitting in the sun which was getting near on 27-28 degrees.
Outside Boorowa Bakery
After our break and customary loo stop we gathered outside and decided on the next stage of the ride. Noting we were all experienced riders and most of us had done this ride several times over the years and still love it, I decided to offer any team member an opportunity to swap leads if interested. Dave put his hand up straight away and as such proved a great lead rider. He enjoyed it so much he led all the way through to Gunning. Definitely Ride Leader material in the future - no pressure Dave.
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| Dave ready to lead to Boorowa |
The Boorowa - Rugby - Crookwell section was interspersed with some mean pot holes and wash-outs just where you didn’t or really should have anticipated they might be - namely just over a crest on a bend or around the approaches into Rugby the town. Despite this our riders were amply spaced and as such handled them with ease. Peter on his Ducati had decided on leaving Boorowa to do tail-end Charlie however, I noticed he seemed to have taken on a friend in the form of a white Hilux which trailed him at distance all the way to the outskirts of Crookwell. The driver probably thought he was a team member then after an exciting ride through the country, got bored and headed off towards Bathurst direction.
Crookwell to Gunning as many of you know, is mostly down hill with great sweepers and on this occasion proved just as excellent as usual. Each time we venture along this route there appears to be more and more wind turbines and on this occasion most appeared to be bored as they were stationary or sleeping.
Outside the Old Hume Cafe and the team under the trees out the back for lunch
At Gunning we enjoyed a lunch break out the back under the trees of the Old Hume Cafe, as the Merino Cafe, the original destination, was closed for a two week break. We talked about the road just travelled, the ups and downs and the fantastic vistas encountered on each hill along the way.
All in all it was another enjoyable Mid-Week ride achieved by all.
Warren
The Weather: 29 - 31 degrees across the South West Slopes and Lachlan Valley Region
Distance traveled: 330 kms
Riders:
- Peter Ongley Ducati Monster 659
- Dave Mossman BMW R1250RS
- Ken McLean Yamaha R3
- Tony Henderson Triumph Tiger 800 XCX
- Warren Richer Triumph Thruxton R1200
