Wollombi Ride 1st June 2023

 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 the mobile tax collectors, and more importantly point adders. We have a few of us that out of potential need are studying the public transport timetables. Directed the group to mount up only to be ignored so at 1 minute past 10, with only Andy and I ready to go, off we went. I now have to award for first Thursday ride leader to have lost 98% of the group before even leaving the starting point.

 

Andy and I plus a few of the group went past the Pie, the following riders noticed a young lad kicking his car that had just acquired a new front remodel and was now dangerously close to the road.

 

The regroup at Calga was a drawn-out affair, I signalled all that had arrived to head off to Jerrys which meant I lead from behind at that point.

 

After smoko there was a reluctance to get going, I waited for a few then went without the majority.

 

Lunch was at the very nicely manicured park in Wollombi after which the road riders headed of and the three real riders prepared for a dash in the dirt when it was discovered that Allan’s inflatable had a leak. Out came the pump that provided the desired result to Allan’s satisfaction only for it to go down on him half way to the lookout, then at the lookout and a complete failure once back on the black stuff.

 

Lack of tools and a spare tube had me heading off to Jerry’s to get help and buy a new tube. Mobile reception back to Allan was not available, not wanting to commit Allan to the bike transport costs without his permission I rode back with the tube thinking we could do a repair onsite. That option was dismissed so Steve headed off to Jerrys to arrange the bike transport and Allan and I stayed to enjoy the peace of the country side until 4.30pm when the van arrived. Allan’s bike was fixed at Jerrys and he arrived home despite the attempts from the oncoming cars to blind him with their hi beam. I found the Tenere was lacking some lighting brilliance which had me using the force now and again until I reached the M1 and a quick trip home.

Regards

Andrew.