Well,   I'm usually late, and right on time when it's a good day, but this morning, I was 6mn early and I got flogged with the lead, so I won't be early anymore!   12 souls gathered at the 7 Eleven, and by the time I got there, it was decided that we'd head to Broke, the lead, well, was sorted as I arrived, and this doubtful choice proved that some were looking for some adventure, because if everybody knew how to get to Broke, I certainly didn't!   Amongst all the information I had to gather and the multiple questions such as: "which way" and "where do we have smoko?" I was so overwhelmed that I forgot to choose a TEC as well as welcoming Rob and his S1000XR, our virgin of the day, so no clapping and since he left at Jerry's, we'll say he's only been half done so still half a virgin in my books, so we'll give him another clap (as clapping, not the disease) next time he shows up.   Mark, because he was last and wore a high viz ve...

 Today was the last UNB Wednesday Explorer ride for 2022. The usual crowd (just we two) decided that coffee-with-a-water-view was the go, so we headed off down to the Akuna Bay Marina Cafe for just that. Here we bumped into Keith B and Mum, doing just the same after a spot of kayaking. All very pleasant. On our return our dedicated Informal Pres. MTC did some necessary roadside signage repairs, and I spied some super-cheap 98 octane at the Terry Hills servo. Everybody happy and enjoying another splendid day on Gods Own Northern Beaches - what more could we want?. And today being the last scheduled UNB ride till 1st January 2023 it's perhaps appropriate at this time to wish all UNB riders, socialites and OlFartz, and also the Midweekers,  a Happy and Safe Festive Season, and keep those brownie-points in hand for more rides in the New Year. See you then!    Geoff W 

 Twas the week before Christmas and nobody stirred cos they were all somewhere else partying!!! Geoff W and I made the sum total of riders at St. Ives. It was a cool night with a gale blowing but we were ready for anything?? My left indicator was back in operation with a temporary fix that wasn't waterproof so all was good with the world. We headed for Borgnis Street for old times sake and the fact that they usually put on a pretty good show. It was still fairly light at 8pm when we arrived so we didn't get the full effect of the lights but I think there are fewer houses in the street decking their halls with lights etc. Not as good as when Moss and Jane lived there. After doing the lap of Borgnis Street we headed to Narrabeen to check out Gondola Street which I reccyed earlier in the week. Again the sun hadn't set and the lights hadn't come into their own completely. Off to Elanora Road to see some excellent lights near the roundabout near Lumeah Avenue. Not bad.  With...

  The ride group elected a leader and he didn't argue, amazing! The ride was to be a Wollombi Loop which most were happy with, outstanding! There being no newbies and everyone knowing the way to Jerry's for smoko no corner marking was announced and no TEC identified. The route was follow the old road to the end, regather at Somersby turn for Mangrove Mt and the right for Jerry's at Kulnura. Well um - it kinda happened like that, just with a lot more confusion and interim gathers, random corner marking and traffic lights/roadworks. We had just arrived at Jerry's when 5 Hwy Patrol cars and 2 bikes rolled in to the carpark ..... honestly guv it wasn't us it was that other lot ... turns out they were having a coffee catchup. Nevertheless the group rolled out of Jerry's with a sigh of relief and it was a quick trip up to Slacks Park at Wollombi for lunch. There were a couple of challenges provided by the latest road repair crew with quite a bit of gravel in corners f...

  Thank you to the weather gods for a near perfect summer riding day. Not too hot, no rain and a breeze to keep us comfortable in all the gear.   We had two new Dave’s riding with us today so they were given an obligatory dose of the clap. One on a VStrom and the other on a Harley but sadly only one made it to morning tea. We also lost the dromosagnosian Danny at the same time 🙁   So here’s the thing, apparently the new corner marking system, whilst very effective, needs a couple more tweaks to go with the TEC not waiting for latecomers to refuel.   The Leader has an obligation to pick a spot for the corner marker that is safe, gives enough warning to the ride group AND    is very visible. The Marker has an obligation to mark the corner as and where requested, with indicator and arm signals to the ride group and not randomly decide to turn into the corner, stop in the shade where they are hard to see, side on so ...

  Ride Report Sunday 4 th December Ride to Ettalong   Another fine and sunny day. Today’s ride was to Ettalong Beach with lunch planned at the Club. A get-there-by-ferry option was advertised but I had no news of any takers. So I rode over to St Ives for my customary $3.80 morning coffee, and a prearranged blinker lens fitment to the Italian Stallion. Who says I’m a hoarder? I’ve only had that Hella lens for probably 50 years. Now it was worth keeping, wasn’t it? By 10am and with no further attendees we two departed for PITS, passing by a Harley horde at Berowra 7-11. Who knows where they were going but they certainly didn’t go up the Old Highway. PITS was busy, the Mazda MX5 club and all the full-leather bikie boys were there. Also Suitcase arrived. Another coffee stop and a chance to take in the scene. 11am! Onwards! Down the Old Highway to Gosford and round to East Gosford, then a detour to Rumbalara Reserve. The big hill just east of Gosford cbd. Very s...