Denman Overnight Ride 31st Jan 2024

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We had 15 bikes and one pillion leave from Maccas McGraths Hill on Wednesday morning

for the overnight ride to Denman. A heavy shower of rain poured down on us as we rode out

of Windsor across the grasslands towards Freemans Reach. We got a bit wet but soon dried

out in the 23 degrees and 98 percent humidity. The ride through to Macccas at Lithgow was

pleasant if not invigorating. We went past the blue tree on the Glen Davis Road. Interesting,

I’m not sure if everyone noticed the blue tree set back off the road in the paddock and in

case you don’t know the significance of this tree it is part of the “Are you Ok” program that

evolved from a funeral. In 2018, Jayden took his own life. The story of Jayden’s blue tree was

told at his funeral, and from there his friends, family and strangers have started a social

movement to raise awareness of mental health issues and to encourage people to have

conversations with their loved ones in an endeavour to help others.

Rylstone was a welcome sight with its country town atmosphere, its two pubs and a few

cafes to choose from. As we were about to leave for the Bylong Valley Way Erica discovered

her bike had a flat rear tyre. In 33-degree heat and poor mobile phone service it was

frustrating trying to contact BMW Assist, however a local who happened to have a tube was

able to take the wheel off in the street and repair the flat tyre in his workshop while Erica

waited for him to return. Meanwhile, the main contingent made the hour and half trip to

Denman arriving at the Denman Motor Inn around 4.15pm. Erica arrived at the Motel about

two hours later. As far as I know, no Skippy’s were sighted. Daylight saving can be very

useful.

The Denman Motor Inn provides excellent accommodation for motorcyclists. On checking in

everyone received a complimentary cold can of Great Northern and a stubbie holder to go

with it, a nice gesture especially on such a hot day. More cold beers in the bar at the Royal

Hotel followed and dinner in the dining room was good quality pub food. The Slow Cooked

Brisket was a favourite.

Thursday morning breakfast at the Fresh Café in Denman was a hit, then onto the Trading

Post at Lugarno for a break then Pie in the Sky where there was the usual frivolity and

serious discussions about the problems of the world.

At one stage during the morning, we passed a large number of PADPAL Thursday Riders near

Bucketty. I wonder where they were going...!! The first day of riding was over 370 kms

followed by 240 kms on the return trip. The weather was good for riding particularly on

Wednesday after the shower of rain had past and on Thursday it was mainly cloudy which

made riding pleasant. Thanks to Steve as TEC on Wednesday and Alan on Thursday. There

was only one U turn for a couple of bikes when the ride leader fell asleep on the job. All

good fun.

Cheers

Dave Sipple

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