ride. Everything clicked, no mishaps or misadventures (on the ride anyway) and a safe return home for everybody.   We had 15 booked for the ride, but unfortunately five had to withdraw, three with vehicle issues, one with the dreaded lurgy, and one with family matters to attend to. In fact, we actually had 16 booked for the ride, but one had drafted the email to confirm to me that they were coming, but forgot to press send. Fortunately, we had three late registrations, so ended up with 13 for the ride. Given that two of those who cancelled were sharing, the room configuration did not change for the motel, and they were very happy to have had our custom. Zorbas is a great location right on the waterfront in Batemans Bay, and easy walk to dinner and breakfast.   We had a briefing outlining where we're going, but I'm pretty sure that went in one ear and out the other of everybody there. We welcomed Spencer for his second ride with us, and Mark, who had come down from Port ...

The ride this week was to the Australian Infantry Museum, Singleton. There were 20 riders and no virgins present at the briefing but there were quite a few regular riders that had never been to the Infantry museum. Morning tea at Jerry’s was a no brainer and assuming everyone was familiar with Jerry’s at Kulnura there was no necessity for corner marking or regrouping between the start point at Berowra and Kulnura.   It was a straightforward run through to Wollombi and Broke. The roads on this route are much better these days although after recent rain there are some nasty potholes to avoid. The worst section on this ride is Great North Road coming into Wollombi where the road surface is bad but continuing onto Broke along Paynes Crossing and Wollombi Road, the road is in excellent condition as it has been widened and resurfaced. Overall, this route through to the Golden Highway is a good motorcycling road. The earlier  start at 9.30am  from Berowra allowed us a 30-mi...

  With a crystal blue sky and not a cloud in sight, what better than a trip to the beach. Except the fur seals were shivering with the cold, so it was down to 22 intrepid Thursday Riders to venture out to Norah Head with varying degrees of insulation between themselves and the self induced 100 kph wind chill.   We took the Old Road to Somersby and then on to Jerry’s for morning tea. Rather fortuitously, just as we were finishing up there, two marked and a possible third unmarked police car rolled into the car park. Unfortunately there wasn’t time for a chat, so we all left in a very orderly and law abiding way with the thought that the road ahead should be free of licence endangering encounters.   And so it proved to be as we traversed Bumble Hill and took the long roads back to the coast - Yarramalong, Dooralong and Mandalong. We all made it to the Norah Head lunch spot, with a little bit of innovative navigation by a few en route.   Then back to The Pie for most of...

  We should ride every Wednesday. The weather was perfect. 17 Cowpersons (there were 2 cowgirls and 15 cowboys) headed out of Berowra, north toward Wollombi. As well as an early springtime, paranoia was in the air as we passed, unhindered as it turned out, through the speed traps and patrol cars on the Old Highway before stopping at Jerry’s for coffee.     A lovely run through Wollombi, and via the Martindale back road into Denman for lunch. Next the Bylong Valley Way, wonderfully green and picturesque with cattle standing like statues and at that lolling speed which is quick but leisurely. This is a classic motorcycling road. Then on to Rylstone, and the World-famous Globe Hotel.   The Globe describes itself as 3 star, but that is not quite true. Let me get to that. The rooms are small; a bit bigger than a ‘phone box with thermodynamic construction to keep them cold in winter and hot in summer, and with a shared and distant bathroom. The beds remind me of my time in...

  Well, I made a couple of mistakes yesterday. It was drizzling with rain here on the Central Coast, and I had almost decided not to ride when I looked at the weather chart and that suggested that the rain was not going very far inland, so I decided to get into my gear and ride. That was a mistake. I should've stayed home.   When I arrived at Berowra there was an excited group of riders examining Rockets new 1300 GS, and wishing him well with running it in.   At the start we learned that the nominated ride leader had a mechanical failure, and would not be turning up, so I let myself get press-ganged into putting my hand up to lead the ride. That was a mistake.   Given that ride was to the Ebeneezer church for lunch,  which is not a very long ride, I suggested out loud that it would probably be worth making the ride a bit longer, with a ride up Bumble Hill to Jerry's for morning tea, and then across to Ebeneezer for lunch. Everyone thought that was a reasonable i...

  Hi, it's taken me pretty well all day to come to terms. Bob Yonge told me this morning that he will depart this world tomorrow Wednesday. I have known Bob for nigh on 30 years so even though I totally agree and understand his decision it's still came as a a bolt. A lovely respected gentleman who will be sorely missed! He has chosen to die at his home with his family beside him. He said to say hello and goodbye!!! Erica

  Despite the rain, 8 keen riders turned up at McGraths Hill all confident it would not rain out west. We did encounter the odd shower on the way to Bulga but arrived there for lunch in sunshine after a break at Grey Gums. The return however was somewhat wetter especially around Peats Ridge but the sun was out again for our farewells at The Pie.  I was on my KTM390 but everybody was able to keep up with me. I think the roads constantly changing between dry and wet deterred anybody from overtaking me!! Thanks to all for your company... another great day out riding. Peter (KTM)

  Well, what a week makes, raining last week and sunny this week. So 21 (including two ladies) riders decided to join in for what turned out to be a spectacular day for riding. The group was well behaved and we didn't lose anyone, although after morning tea at Wollombi some riders had to depart for other duties. The 16 remaining (including 1 lady) riders continued through Millfield, Paxton and to the Mount Sugarloaf lookout. The view was clear and you could almost see Erina beach. No issues raised over lunch and then off to PITS to finish off an enjoyable ride Regards Geoff Briggs

  Report from ride today. Well 3 Peters first turned up ready for a ride (based on the weather forecast you could hardly call them 3 wise men!) then Brian and Andrew. So 5 jolly riders started the ride under foreboding skies… all went smoothly but by the time we arrived at morning tea smoko the skies decided it was time to confirm the adverse forecast. Two riders got wise and decided to high tail it from there whilst the 3 remaining riders continued to Burragorang lookout. Lookout in words, as it was completely covered in rain cloud but one could imagine the views on a good day would be pretty spectacular, just not today. By this time the rain had set in and it was jointly decided to high tail it home. Great roads and in dry conditions would be a lot of fun. Hope all arrived home safely, ready for hopefully a dry ride next week.. Thanks to Peter (Ktm), Peter (Harley)Andrew (Tenere) and Brian (Ducati) for your company. See you all on the next ride. Cheers. Peter (Africa Twin)

Thursday Locstock Dam Ride report from the stand-in ride leader.  Allan Scott was to lead but injured himself on Monday.  Whilst sitting on the toilet reading an article on his phone, his leg went to sleep so as he stood up, he fell down.  Sprained right ankle, sore knee and hip.  Allan said the article was very interesting, Stephen suggested he was looking at porn, Danny is thinking of designing a seat belt and my opinion is he was looking the Bank Statement and fainted.  Anyway .... on with the ride.   I was alerted  at 9:37am  that the ride should have left  at 9:30am .  Sorry about that.  Steve Sampson kindly offered to be TEC.  We got under way from Berowra, down the Old Road to Somersby.  Onto the freeway for a short stint to Wyong and along Old Maitland Road, past the triangle, up Hue Hue Road and turned onto Jilliby Road.  I was sure that was the corner Frosty corner marked for me.  Nice run through Jilli...

  Despite some early showers, 4 riders made it to Heathcote Maccas for   a 9:30am   start. It was decided a TEC was not required and we headed off to Smoko at the Robertson Pie Shop where we picked up another rider from the South Coast. We then headed to the pub at Nerriga via Kangaroo Valley and Nowra. After our pub lunch we took the back road to Marulan via Bungonia and then home on the Hume Highway. A good days riding with very little traffic and only a couple of rain drops around Nowra. A little over 500 kms door to door. Thanks to my fellow riders for your company and usual banter. Peter (KTM) Walshaw

  Armidale 4 day ride report Day 1 – Tuesday 2 June 11 riders registered for this four day tour but one unfortunately had to drop out on the morning of the trip due to mechanical issues. That makes 10! [Three Peters, Two Frasers and a couple of other ‘unique’ individuals on the usual assortment of BMWs, a couple of Hondas and a lonely Kawasaki representative.] Nine riders set off from Berowra with a plan to pick up the remaining rider on the way. It was the usual route out of town (OPH to Calga, Peats Ridge Rd, George Downes Dr and then onto The Great North Rd). Morning Tea was at the Trading Post at Laguna and then it was off to Singleton to pick up Rider #10.  This Singleton detour had us discover a couple of really lovely back roads that I hadn’t ridden before (Stony Creek Rd, Middle Falbrook Rd, Glennies Creek Rd) before hopping back onto The New England Highway. Well worth the diversion! We copped a little bit of rain as we headed into Scone for lunch. We blamed this on R...

    There were thirteen eager riders at Berowra 7-Eleven waiting to pounce on my arrival and to let me know that because I whimped out on my ride to Swansea Heads last week due to adverse weather conditions that I should lead that ride today. I was way ahead of them as I had already made up my mind to volunteer to do just that, so all their self-righteousness was quickly put back in the box!!!   The plan was to have morning tea at Jerry’s and then progress to Swansea Heads via Bumble Hill, Yarramalong, Hue Hue road, Rutleys road and Pacific Highway. All good. We were honoured by the presence of our illustrious leader Rocket who bravely left his sick bed to make an appearance.   The weather was cool and occasionally overcast but at least the rain kept away.   At Jerry’s Rocket plus A. N Other left us for various reasons??    Unfortunately on the onward journey from Jerry’s there were a number of “phantom” roadworks which delayed our progress somewhat. N...

  It was a beautiful sunny morning in Berowra where I made the mistake of of suggesting a route and as a result was designated ride leader.  There were a dozen brave souls trusting me to find my way and thanks to Brian (who was immediately behind me ) giving me blinker signals we made it without mishap. It’s not like it was a complicated route. But I’m often lost as soon as I leave my street. So we went up the old road and out for morning tea at Mangrove Mountain. Then through Spencer and on to Wisemans ferry for lunch.  It was a very pleasant and spirited ride which all seemed to enjoy. Thanks to Mark for his tail end Charley duties    Thanks to all Peter Maynard (on the Busa)

  Yesterdays ride down south to Kiama had perfect weather for riding, around 19 degrees and sunny. Hardly any cars on the road and we moved along briskly, National Park, Old Highway, Mount Kembla which is now closed by a chained gate….so u turn down Mount Kiera to Jamberoo for smoko. Thoughtful conversation ensued about divisions 296 and 855 of the  Income Tax Assessment Act.  Lots of discussion about the recent budget, no discussion about dodgy motorcycles or dealers, financial matters consumed the conversation.   Then up to Saddleback Mountain lookout, quick run down to Kiama Marina for fish n chips, we all left together, all but two of us diverted on the way home for some more National Park, quick stop at a very windy Bald Hill.   It was a nice day out, thanks to those on the ride.   Rod

  I was surprised to find clear blue sky at Castle Hill. The weather report indicated otherwise when I checked the day before. I arrived very early, which is unusual for me, and found a few others already waiting. Ride briefing  at 9.50am . Old Road to Calga, morning tea at Jerrys, hunter valley via Wollombi ending at the Hunter Valley Gardens. No virgins, we were all happy that we knew exactly where we were going so no corner marking until Cessnock was needed. 18 started off along the Old Pacific Hwy on a slow ride due to my concern about the road being wet and the possible gravel and vegetation that may be on the road. This proved to be the case in a number of areas so my sphincter was right.   We all made Jerrys for morning tea safely with two arriving late due to a helmet issue. 7 did not continue. The sky was now clouding over but still not too bad, on the way to lunch there was a few sprinkles but generally no real rain, thanks to Richo for donning the wet weather g...

  Well it was a cool morning but 17 eager souls turned up for this short ride. There were two newbies (Brian and John) who were given the obligatory “clap”. One rider advised that there was a mobile speed camera up past Berowra, but that didn’t faze this group as we were heading down to the ferry. I was contacted by Andrew that he would be doing us at Wylde and Northern Road. Everyone except one (said it was cold and wasn’t wearing the right gear) crossed over the ferry and with good corner marking and excellent work by our TEC we arrived at Wiseman’s for coffee. Our next destination of Ebenezer had a variety of route options which I put forward to the group. 1. Cross Webbs Ferry then onto Bi-Centenarary road, which is gravel, hair pins and tasks a plenty 2. River Road which is narrow, twisty and mossy in parts 3. Back up Wiseman’s Ferry Road to Maroota then down to Lower Portland FerryNeedless to say it was a resounding YES to Maroota (but I am sure if Peter KTM and Rod M were her...

    15 riders gathered at McDonalds, McGraths Hill, with little idea where where they were going! After the Megalong Valley ride was scuttled by a collapse on Victoria Pass, several replacements were considered. The winner  was a ride via the Grass Farms, Kurmond, Comleroy Rd. through to Sackville Ferry, Wisemans Ferry, Spencer and Mangrove mountain. Concensus then took us to Somersby and the the full length of the 'Old Road'. It was pretty slow through the Grass Farms, partially due to the ride being very spread out. After gathering at Kurmond we followed Comleroy Rd and then Bull Ridge Rd. through to Sackville Ferry where a flight of swallows put on an aerial display, missing me by less than 30cms. several times. We were again spread out on the way to Wisemans Ferry for morning tea. The run up to Mangrove Mountain (I have always wondered where the mountain is?) was stopped 3 times due to roadworks but otherwise, it was a clear run.  Maybe the police gave tacit appr...

  Make me the ride leader for the regular NBR Mudgee standard destination -  I generally go further West, I asked myself when I saw the new years calendar - I'm thinking last year's ride leader must have done something wrong, nobody likes Cowra!!   I accept the dates / destination - I think about planning - easy - same motel, same route, everybody knows the drift. Wait - Pete Walshaw calls me while the plan is still in my head - saying that he asked about Motel availability at the Soldier Motel as a by the way - and it's booked out for our week. I'll get onto it next week - looking on line - make a couple of calls - the town sounds full. Ask a few more questions - check the Web - big Touch Footy comp on for our week in Mudgee, options - delay the week, means changing the schedule, too late set in stone.    So if not Mudgee - where to go, same old same for me - Cowra, Tasy - nah  The Oxley - no wait Steve Simpson is ride leader in June for Arm...