Thirteen gallant riders departed Berowra   at 10:00am   and charged forwards to Jerry’s for morning tea. Under blue skies and cool conditions a brisk pace was set for the enjoyment of everyone. The Gala regroup was abandoned so as not to lose momentum whilst being mindful the contingent often “moves on its stomach” as we made good progress northwards. After morning tea we set off to Wollombi, did a regroup there then tracked eastwards towards Cessnock. After going over Mount View Road (along with its 1 kilometre of dirt) all arrived safely at our destination for lunch. The return leg saw several different routes back to PITS for a debrief and a chat with Max who also arrived on the scene. Thanks to Rob T for his TEC duties. Look forward to catching up on the next ride. Cheers, Richo.

    GONBUG Northern Beaches Ulysses Ride Report 25 th June 2023               Mount Gibraltar, Sammy Gee’s Pies, Mittagong Chilly but fine – great day for an interesting place – Sydney’s Hard Rock dig-out. Who would turn up at 9 am for a ride to the Southern Highlands? Well – just three of us, and we’re really sorry you missed out on a beautiful day’s ride, taking in the ups and downs and brilliant views.   I   had reacquainted myself with Sydney’s Hard Rock Story – the Story of Trachyte, and the significance of Mount Gibraltar – that’s where the trachyte was dug out to provide strong, hard rock on which to mount Sydney’s magnificent sandstone buildings. But I hadn’t worked out the best approach - fortunately, “Mr Map-Brain” helped out and took us on some faintly familiar back-roads, out to Campbelltown area, past Anthony Hordern’s famous tree, now growing well again - who can forget “While I L...

When I checked on the interwebs where this ride was going,  I thought I should go, as it was too bloody cold last week. What I didn't check was who was leading. It was me! I only learned this after I had turned up at Berowra.  I had no idea of a route, so I took suggestions. It was decided to head up the Old Road to Calga, Peats Ridge Road and a coffee stop at "The HUB" at  Mangrove Mountain shops. After discussing world events and other things, it was on to  Wiseman's Ferry, then Old Northern Road and a short cut to Wiseman's Ferry Rd and Sackville Ferry road. Lunch was had at the old church at Ebenezer along with  tea and scones. (Not good for our image). The sky was threatening rain, but it held off with just a few spots. All agreed it was a very nice ride. Cheers, Suitcase

  The day dawned crisp and cold, perfect for a ride to Bulga Peter of the fractured finger had convinced me,   whilst having lunch at  Wisemans ferry last Thursday, to lead the ride. 12 riders were enjoying the camaraderie at Mcdonalds Windsor, until I stood up and announced that as Laurent was unable to ride, I would be deputising for him. Morning tea would be at Grey Gums. Two riders immediately said they would not go very far and would leave the ride early, great encouragement for my second lead. But  then  Kim said "I will go all the way" Bit puzzled, but I took that as a vote of confidence. Peter of the braces accepted TEC.  No corner marking needed, as it's very hard to get lost going to Bulga, despite it being over 150k. All went well until we reached the first roadworks, Andy's trusty steed promptly died. Would not start Our TEC volunteered to stay with him, whilst he tried to resolve the issue. Onwards; once we regathered at the next roadworks...

  GONBUG Ulysses Ride Report - Coffee Ride, Long Weekend 10 June 2023 Wow – what a brilliant day for a ride – no matter the destination. Not surprisingly only four riders turned up for a Double Demerits Ride. I suggested Terrey Hills for a “starter”, was appointed Ride Leader , and we used the left-left back road to get back onto Mona Vale Road then ducked around the back road behind the fruit markets, and across all the roundabouts to Terrey Hills, then I indicated we should make a longer ride by heading out past all those farmlets, horse paddocks, the Gun Club and the International School until I became a tad lost, turned around and we found the perfect sunny spot back in Terrey Hills village for coffee n cake n long-chat. Finally we re-mounted and followed Geoff W around the National Parks waterways, past Church Point and into Mona Vale, then waved goodbye – home by lunchtime. Thanks for the company on a perfect riding morning. MTC

  I had already looked up on the weather app when the rain was due to hit Oberon ( 9am ) and Lithgow ( 11am ) and realised that the ride was heading straight into the rain inbound from the southwest. I had also seen the ride leaders pleas for a substitute leader falling on deaf ears (including mine 😈). So it was no surprise to arrive at McGraths Hill   at 9:30am   to find the group sans a leader and the clock was ticking. Even though I know the predictable result I couldn’t just sit there and let what dry weather was there be wasted by prevarication so, given the lack of enthusiasm for Megalong Valley, I suggested an alternate where we would be heading away from the rain band, i.e.heading Northeast. Good idea but next week’s ride is going there someone piped up - damn! Shuffling furiously through my slightly dysfunctional memory banks for a similar but different alternative I thought of the Bulls Ridge turn off the Putty and the idea of a Wisemans Ferry bound ride popped...

  Wollombi Ride report 1/6/2023 What was to be a rather plain ride to Wollombi turned out to be more than that. Really, it was Old road to Calga for a regroup then Jerrys for smoko then off to Wollombi for lunch. For most back along the bitumen and for the few more adventurous a quick trip along the dirt to Finchleys lookout and return then off home.   So what really happened?   Ross arrived on his scooter and quickly corralled 4 young bikie chicks and fought to stop them leaving. When I say young, I mean by Ross’s standard. Eventually they got past and rode off much to his disappointment.   I was informed a gentleman in a car was not well and an ambulance was called, only to find out later that not well meant the worst possible not well in that he was deceased with his pants down and a strange look on his face.    Two cop cars arrived lights and sirens followed by an Ambulance.   I called the group together and gave the ride briefing, checked Waze for...