Thirlmere Ride 23rd Nov 2023

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 The weather gods were kind today . . . for a while, but then decided to sabotage our planned ride to Thirlmere.

 

The few showers this morning were not enough to discourage the seven intrepid riders who made their way to Heathcote McDonalds from near and far. 'Near' being an hour away from the Eastern Suburbs and 'Far' being nearly two hours from the Northern Beaches and The Hills district.

 

Because of the wet weather, we agreed to abandon the planned RNP leg and proceed down the Old Princess Hwy and the M1, exiting at Picton Road so that we could take the less-travelled Mt Kiera Rd down the hill to the Coast

 

After a further diversion back onto the M1, we rejoined the Princess Hwy at Dapto so that we could take some back roads towards Illawarra Hwy and then up to the Robertson Pie Shop.

 

It was at that juncture, exiting the M1 at Dapto, that we lost three of our group, the first four riders being too covert in their egress from the Motorway.  Thankfully, we all knew where we were headed so, not long after, we were all rejoined at Robertson.

 

The weather set in as we ate pies and drank coffee so it was agreed to abandon the remaining two legs, Don our wet weather gear and head off in separate directions home.

 

We encountered only one 5-series BMW with strange marking on our trip, dangerously in a 50kph area.  Thankfully, we happened upon said BMW between two strategically placed roundabouts where he espied us well under the speed limit. Of course, being such law-abiding young lads, we would have been of no interest to him in any event!

 

 

Thanks to those who turned up today.  Despite the curtailed itinerary, it was a good day out. Your company was most enjoyable and despite the wet weather, it beats being at work!

 

Steve

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