With a cloud free sky and a cool morning, riders gathered at McGraths Hill Maccas for what promised to be 'a good run' The programmed ride to Glen Alice had unfortunately been changed as there was no response to several messages left for Glen Alice Paddock Cafe, so. I was not sure we could gain access.. All went well until we were on The Bells Line of road where we found heavy trucks and a slow run up to The ZigZag railway. Around Mount Tomah I had noticed a blue sign mentioning that work was being undertaken on the road at Victoria Pass, hence the trucks. This situation caused the riders to 'string out' slowing progress,.which improved after Lithgow with a good run up to Capertee.   The road to Glen Davis has been resurfaced in parts, but not all the gravel removed, causing some 'drift' on one corner. On reaching lunch we discovered a small bus with a sign on the side mentioning transport for 'old people' After momentary consideration as to whether we...

  Morpeth Ride report. Alan Bateman was scheduled to lead the Ride to Morpeth.   I received a call from Alan on Tuesday - saying he was very unwell and would I swap my ride day for his.   That sounded like an opportunity -  swapping my pretty easy ride for his quite complex ride   Alan had done the recon and sent me the route to upload into my GPS   couldn't be easier   there were over 20 eager riders ready for a good day on the road   I did the briefing mentioning the proposed route, and introducing a new rider Wayne - another Kawasaki brother.   All started well till we got to Somersby and the GPS took me left towards Spring road and the Triangle - instead of right towards the highway - which was Alan's plan   After some help from KTM Peter, we eventually got back on track and made it to Dooralong for morning tea.   A few riders left us at Dooralong and the GPS then took the rest of us to Morpeth   no incidents to report, I d...

Ride Report – St. Ives to Samuel Gee Pies, Balaclava Sunday Ride – Bright Skies and Great Pies Two riders, John W and Kevin H, set out from St. Ives under clear blue skies for a relaxed Sunday ride through Sydney’s outer reaches to the pie-lover’s haven, Sammuel Gee Pies in Balaclava. The morning began with perfect riding weather — crisp, bright, and sunny, with the winter chill giving way to a warm throttle hand as the day unfolded. With no rush, the pair took a comfortable pace through the northern suburbs before turning southwest toward the Blue Mountains foothills. Morning tea was enjoyed at Mulgoa , a scenic and quiet village where the roads are as smooth as the coffee. After a quick break, the ride continued through the winding roads of Hilltop , offering a pleasant mix of open curves and light traffic — just the sort of route to remind you why you ride. Arriving in Balaclava , the destination was the much-anticipated Samuel Gee Pie Shop , known for its rustic charm and award-w...

  10ish riders gathered at Berowra for a warmer ride but only 5 made it to morning tea at Cooranbong Park via Yarramalong and Mandalong. The rest wussed out and went to Jerry’s.   Holiday traffic was ever present slowing things down a bit and making for more overtaking manoeuvres. Still a good pace was possible on some stretches.  Sitting in the warm sunshine at Millfield cafe over lunch the peace was disrupted when I breathed in a peanut and choked. Thanks to Brian for a back pounding that dislodged said nut and stopped the terrible noise I was making.  Brian led the the group back to the pie where we sat inside out of the cold wind. We made a new acquaintance with a rider that had followed us from Calga and into the carpark so he joined in the solving of the world’s problems.  A great ride, good company and excellent emergency medical intervention 😜 Until the next time.  Andy

  Four brave souls ventured out into the cold but clear weather this morning departing from Heathcote McDonalds with the destination being Thirlmere via Robertson Pie Shop. We're creatures of habit, aren't we! We do need our pies!   The ride leader was Steve (on 'Big Blue', the RT), with Tony (XR), Peter (V-Strom) and Rod (on the mighty FJR), Rod moving between performing TEC duties as the need arose and hurrying the ride leader along whenever the pace slowed beyond the FJRs clearly excessive idle speed!   Departing McD, we back-tracked to head into the RNP via Audley, then via Bald Hill, the Old Highway and then the M1, off at Picton Rd and then left at Mt. KIera Rd, and down the hill via Harry Graham Dr.   Being a small group, we took some liberties along the way, stopping several times, including an unscheduled but very welcome coffee and toilet break at the newly renovated Mt. Kembla Hotel.   Then it was off again, onto the M1, off at Fowlers Rd and then the...

🏍️ Ulysses Northern Beaches Ride Report Destination: Khartoum Hotel, Kitchener Date: Sunday 6th July 2025 Weather: Cool and sunny – ideal for riding Riders and Route The day began with two riders meeting at the St. Ives starting point. After a smooth run up Mona Vale Road and the Old Pacific Highway, we stopped at the Pie in the Sky at Cowan, where two more riders joined the group – bringing our total to four . We continued north along the Old Road, enjoying light traffic and crisp winter air, eventually turning off towards Peats Ridge . Our morning coffee stop was at the Corrugated Café , where the coffee was hot and the conversation easy. One rider left the group here, while the remaining three pressed on. Through the Hills to Wollombi From Peats Ridge, we wound our way through the scenic backroads to Wollombi , soaking in the rolling hills, country air, and the occasional whiff of woodsmoke. The road was in good condition and the ride through this stretch was a real highli...

  Well , 13 hardy souls showed up to the Berowra start point . Must have had the same thoughts as me - weather clearing , let’s get out there ! Nobody got lost this time , except for myself, missing the Spring rd turnoff to the Bumble hill , embarrassing, but soon rectified.  Weather was quite nice , morning tea at the Dooralong Hall pleasant . Rob McKee left us  here , the rest carried on .  The second part of the ride went well , we all made it to Eleebana together . The conversation leant towards “ Health Problems “ probably due to the average age of us being relatively high .  A quick zap down the motorway to the Pie , with more discussion on various subjects. A good day out !  Regards  Peter ( Greeny) Greenwood

It was a cold winter morning when 30 odd riders gathered for a ride to Ebenezer church. It was deemed that we needed to pray for warmer weather, and to repent our sins. The route was via Berowra Waters ferry, Old Northern road with a rest stop at the football field at Glenorie. The toilets were closed, so bushes were employed. Then we continued along Old Northern road to the Wiseman's Ferry road turnoff, then onto Sackville Ferry Rd. We arrived  at around 12:15  for lunch and scones. Much intelligent conversation was had and tea and scones consumed. Most returned via Cattai Ridge and some stopped for  coffee at the PITS. The speed cameras on the Old Road are still under construction. An enjoyable but chilly ride. Cheers, Robert

A cold but clear almost winter solstice morning. After a briefing from our commander-in-chief, our group set off with Elliott leading and me as tec. We moved along pretty well through the monotony of the suburbs then hit the curves of Bell's line and stopped at pits for a pie. Beautiful blue sky and clear air made for a lovely ride. The countryside surprisingly green with a tinge of blue as the the cops seemed to be out in force. Keith's bike takes a nap!!   Looks like they enjoyed themselves .. well done. As usual, Geoff came through with some brilliant destinations as we first stopped at hargraves lookout overlooking the megalong valley. Then over to the other side and after 4ks and of dirt and sand we got to point pilcher for a different perspective of the blue mountains. Keith.

  Thursday 19th June, my turn as ride leader   Destination - Bulga - via the Putty Rd    The morning was pretty cold - 7 to 8 degrees on my bikes temperature display, some dew on the grass alongside the road edge, but Dry road, sun trying to appear, and no wind.   We had a starting crew of 14 riders at Macca's Mcgraths Hill, no virgins, a couple of riders from the Hills group. For the ride we had 3 riders on Kawasaki 1000, watch out BMW riders.   The Bulga ride is head north, stopping at Greygums for smoko, then onto Bulga. Minor road works near the end of the twist bits - repairing road subsidence It was a good fast ride - nil corner making and TEC nearly always in sight.   At Bulga, we lunched in the parked, servo closed no fuel, later we were joined by 3 riders who had started from Berowra, they arrived as we left, one of those riders was Danny - there to celebrate his 28th birthday - but as Ste...

  As John Randall tested positive to Covid , I volunteered to lead this ride . John had been on a reccy earlier and suggested that the Govetts Leap Lookout might be a warmer venue for lunch as the Megalong Valley is quite shaded this time of year .    So we took his advice and headed that way .    Just as we were leaving Margaret  “The colourful “ who used to ride with us , turned up with John Osborne wielding a cane for those with limited vision . Apparently she suffered some medical condition that has left her blind . They were given the ride route and duly appeared at the morning tea and lunch spots - Mount Tomah Gardens and the Govetts Leap Lookout near Blackheath.   The ride was relatively uneventful , various road works slowed us slightly, but nothing too major .    The weather was a bit cool , but everyone was layered up to cope with this , so no complaints.  Regards  Peter Greenwood

  We had a good showing of 19 riders for Wollombi.   This confirmed to me that short rides are still as popular as longer ones. We agreed to corner mark but I quickly realised (at the first corner) that we had 3 newish riders & I didn’t explain what corner making entailed. That was rectified at smoko at Jerry’s.  I learned that a lesser alternative to corner making is regrouping. It was a cold but sunny day. Everyone moved along at a good clip & nobody got lost. Thanks to Papaya Pete for being TEC. Thanks for the good company. Tony

  Tony asked that we swap rides as he had an outing, he was keen to attend.   14 Riders gathered on a cold overcast day including a virgin. Wouldn’t you know it, another bloody GS rider. The clap was duly dispensed.   The old road was a novelty. We actually kept to the 60klh speed limit for most of the way due to a slow car who did not have the decency to move over to let us past. Morning tea at Jerrys so no corner markers to that point due to it being a regular stop. Two friendly little piggies were seen along the way and another dropped in to join us for smoko.   After morning tea, I presented a safety talk about the dangers of the gravel, sand and mud that maybe hidden around the corners along Mandalong Road. Just to make sure all had understood the talk a demonstration on how to handle the mud, how not to get out of the mud and thanks Peter W and Co for demonstrating how to lift a bike of a rider’s leg. It seems the group paid attention as all came through the, a...

  18 odd seasoned riders enthusiastically departed McGraths Hill   at 9:30am  determined to make the best of the inclement weather conditions. Off to Lithgow for morning tea, all arrived slightly damp due to the precipitation along the way. Next to Macca’s Kelso, via Tarana for lunch where a couple of riders refuelled before journeying towards Mudgee, the diversion to Hill End was cancelled as it was thought to be better to arrive in Mudgee sooner rather than later…also allowing more time at the Oriental Hotel and prepare for the traditional dinner. Next morning plan B needed to be evoked because the snow ploughs were being prepared in anticipation of further rain and a number of roads back to Sydney were already suspect with lots of water making riding conditions challenging. Just short of 600k’s for the round trip tested our wet weather riding skills and hopefully all my riding gear will be dry before next Thursday’s ride, notable the long range weather forecast is for…...

The weather forecast had threatened us with a miserable day of cold and showers. As usual they were wrong and the day started bright and sunny if a little chilly. There were six starters at St. Ives for the ride to Mangrove Creek Dam. Because the dam is only 80 odd kms from St. Ives I decided to go the long way round just like Ewan and Charlie!!! Originally I wanted to go via Galston Gorge but I was out voted and so we went via the Berowra ferry and Old Northern Road to Wisemans ferry for smoko. Even that was too much for one of us who decided to go via the PITS and check if Suitcase was lurking there. The remaining five struck out for Berowra and the ferry. Unfortunately the ride leader had an error appear on his dash "FRONT TYRE BELOW NOMINATED PRESSURE PULL OVER" which I immediately did but the tyre looked fine so we rode on to the Seven-Eleven in Berowra where I checked the tyre pressure with John O's high tech gauge. It was showing 28 PSI so I inflated it to 36 PSI h...

  We had more riders than I expected for a south ride, most of the southern riders we not available for varying reasons, dodgy weather so I wasn’t expecting a full crew. The weather looked great at Mosman before I left, so much so that I didn’t pack wets, en route to the departure point it started raining near the airport, evasive action: M5 tunnel and then via Menai to Heathcote Maccas, all good not wet. While waiting for the 9.30 departure to Currarong it started raining, we all decided to have another coffee and I decided to scrap Currarong as a destination, the plan was to wait for a break in the weather, head south and make a decision on the way, either to continue south or bail at Appin or Picton roads. A bit of misty rain cleared and we went the old road and then via Mt Kembla onto Robertson for well-deserved hot pies and coffee at smoko.   From Robbo it was down Kangaroo Valley to Bombaderry, up the Seven Mile Beach road to Gerringong for lunch at The Hill restaurant. ...

  This Thursday   was a sunny morning, but very fresh, and according to those people who study their iPhones to follow the weather minute by minute, threatening rain in the afternoon. So we only had eight starters for the ride. Fortunately, everyone there knew the way, so corner marking was not a question. Peter of the Braces volunteered for tail end Charlie duty, a function that he takes very seriously and performs very well. Thanks Peter.   We set off up the old road through Calga and Central Mangrove for morning tea at Jerry's. One of our number departed to go back home from there. As I was making my way to the bike to get going again, there was a "conclave" huddled around a mobile phone trying to pre-empt the weather. A couple of riders decided that they wouldn't go the full route, rather taking a shortcut to the final destination via Millfield to get away earlier and hopefully miss the rain. The others decided that they would make a final decision once we got to ...

  6 hardy souls braved the double whammy of double D’s AND inclement weather and apart from a very serious heart starter half way down the hill to the Peats Ferry bridge a good time was had by all. As Ride Leader I thought I would see how many things I could do wrong and my score got pretty high. Think no briefing, no TEC (although I think Tony was a close 2nd on that at the back, thanks Tony), no corner marking, leaving the pack behind (either that or they were giving me too much rope 😜 ) and I led the entire pack into a speed trap whilst doing a tad more than the posted limit 👍🏻🤣 .  I didn’t even manage to avoid all the very frequent showers although here I came a close second with only one brief downpour actually catching up with us and a couple of sprinkles whilst riding on very wet roads showing we had just dodged a bullet! I had even done a chain swap on my bike the previous week and not tested it, belatedly discovering I’d managed to fit the gear pedal one cog tooth...

  Growing up as the eldest of seven, Mum used to say there were two types of people in this world, “Catholics, and non-Catholics”. Then, when we lived in Mosman, a fellow we knew there told us there were two types of people in this world, “those that live in Mosman, and those who wished they lived in Mosman”. More recently, I’ve come to believe there are only two types of people in this world, those that ride a BMW, and those that wished they rode a BMW   This is just a bit of background to explaining our day today. About 10 of us arrived at Maccas McGraths Hill this morning, a little disappointing I thought but, given the weather, which was quite wet along the coastal fringe, not surprising. We lost one, Frosty, before we had started. Ian had just joined us for a coffee and chat before meeting some racing types to discuss, apparently, racing. Anyway, we headed off up Bells Line, turned left at Bell onto the Darling Causeway then right onto Hartley Vale Rd, a sneaky little sho...

  Between 17 and 20 bikes were on this ride depending on where you where!!   The weather was pleasant but overcast at the 7-Eleven, Berowra.   As there were no virgins or other miscellaneous beings I opened the briefing with a riddle:   “What borders on insanity!!!”   There were e few feeble attempts at an answer, none correct.   “Canada and Mexico”   Some mild titters …. tough audience.   On to the business of the day. We’re heading to Pokolbin today to the Hunter Valley Gardens. Some bright spark piped up that we were banned from Hunter Valley Gardens because this tight-arsed mob don’t spend anything and they use and abuse the toilet facilities. We’re still going there I said. It transpired later that the venue from which we were banned was the Wollombi Pub, so fake news struck again.   The route for today was old road, Peats Ridge, Kulnura, Bumble Hill through Yarramalong with morning tea at the Triangle. Corner marking will be enforced....