I departed home in the pouring rain but as the designated Ride Leader I thought I should go in case some keen riders turns up. Arriving at Maccas McGraths Hill there were 7 bikes already there but it turned out to be none of ours. They were 7 ladies heading to the '2WheelBabes' Rally in Ballina, where they expect up to 4000 Babes to attend. Given they were brave enough to head up the Putty Road... and as none of our group turned up,  I volunteered to be my TEC and headed off. What a great decision that turned out to be. I stopped for a break at Grey Gums before heading to lunch at Bulga and then on to the Pie to farewell myself for the day. Apart from the lack of company, it was great ride of approximately 400 kms. The rain had already stopped when I arrived at McGraths Hill and I made it round without getting wet and the majority of the roads were dry. Until next time.... Peter Walshaw

 Well over 20 riders were eager for the ride to Broke via the PHW but some crazy drivers put and end to that by crashing at Jolls Bridge. Now it was my first lead and many asked me “where to now”!! So after some deliberation we voted to go on the Berowra ferry and then down to Wiseman’s for lunch. Off we went and only lost 5 on the way but we all met for a warm sunny coffee stop to discuss the many issues of life. After quick break a further debate of “so where to now” was resolved to go to Wollombi for lunch as time was slipping by. A fun run and we caught up with a rider (not to be named) who left McGraths Hill and went to Broke then back to Wollombi. Well I think I have experienced all for my first lead and looking for to the next ride. Thanks guys. Geoff

  Hello Thursday Riders   Chapter 1 – 21st August, 2025.   The 21st August ride had been cancelled due to inclement weather. A decision was taken to transfer the ride to the Kyushu Japanese Restaurant, Neutral Bay, famous for its bento box, and hold a formal meeting to discuss important matters of policy. These notes represent Minutes of that meeting. Membership was drawn from a cross section of constitutional interests, to ensure a diversity of views.   Present: Chairman Rod (Roquet) May, representing the Bega Valley Cheese Eaters; Peter Walshaw (North Korean Hoteliers Resistance Movement); Wayne Rees (Aotearoa Advancement Society, Fielding Branch); Tony James (Teals) and Yours Truly Truly, a person known to be incapable of lying.   Welcome to Country: Sato-san visited the table and did his Welcome to Country. Tony James, as a devout Teal, was shocked by this and moved a call to order whilst he phoned Zali (MP Stegall) to determine whether a Japanese Welcome to...

  Great forecast for the 3 days. 21 riders in all. One virgin, Dave on a Multistrata. 2 newcomers to riding the Putty, Rod GS & Owen from Kiama.   Jim Cormack checked over my planning on Monday before the ride. Walcha & other Tourist bureaus were phoned to check the roads were open. What could possibly go wrong?   Putty is in good condition. I waved some faster riders thru. I activated Waze over lunch at Maccas in Singleton where Frank from Tamworth was waiting to join us. Waze said the road from Singleton to Buckets way via Dungog was closed & diverted us via New England Hway & Pacific Hway to join Bucketts Way. That’s the only road I didn’t check was open. One demerit for Tony.   38km short of Gloucester I hit a pot hole & blew the front tyre & butterflied the rim. Two demerits for Tony. Erica took me, & Austin took my bag, to Gloucester. Iron Horse Rescue was called & 2 hrs later Jim, Alan & me (on Rod’s borrowed GS) returned to...

A sunny, but brisk morning greeted four riders for the possibly pot-hole strewn ride to Wiseman’s ferry. Garry on his Spyder, and Bruce on his Shadow cruiser, were joined at the Pie by suitcase on the now classic Suzuki Gladius. After coffee at the ‘Ulysses’ table with Paulette, Edwin, Tim, Ken etc, it was back to Berowra and then straight down to the Berowra Ferry, across the water and up the hill to Wylds Rd, and the Northern Road to Wiseman’s Ferry. An uneventful, and fortunately quiet ride on a saturday morning. The original destination was the Wiseman’s Ferry Bowling Club, and after all the mucking around with the driving license electronic entrance procedure, we walked into the bistro to be told that the kitchen was undergoing renovations, and there was only pies at the bar! But a very chatty and pleasant local woman laid out all our alternative options for us?   And so it was decided to head down the hill to the Ferry Crossing cafe for hamburgers in the park, as they were re...

  10 or so riders gathered at Berowra looking for a ride whilst the rest of the mob were off gallivanting in Gloucester. One, yours truly, went to the loo and upon his return found himself elected ride leader. The destination was set on Broke (clearly no-one had looked at the ride calendar) and when challenged on where morning tea would be I blurted out Wollombi without thinking. The group rolled out a few minutes before  10am , cos we can so nur 🥳The ride up to Wollombi was brisk but uneventful after successfully navigating the booze bus set up on the outskirts of Berowra and the weather was glorious. I even remembered to slow down for the speed cameras so my portrait wasn’t blurred 🤣 Whilst sat around the benches in Slacks Park riders raised the issue of the leg to Broke being too short so I proposed extending it to Pokolbin Park. Everybody present agreed so I thought it was dusted buy a couple of riders then said they were going home via the Putty so would stop at Br...

 It was a beautiful sunny day as four of us met at the St. Ives starting point. Terry Fewell sent his apologies as he had a flat battery (so did his scooter). We headed off down Mona Vale road to the turn-off to McCarrs Creek Road. Taking this turn Bruce (our new member) thought his rough mate from Elanora might be waiting for us there but there was no sign. On we went down McCarrs Creek road to the turn-off for West Head and Akuna Bay where the Park Entry booth is. Suitcase had to fork out $12 for the pleasure of making the trip to West Head and Akuna Bay. The lookout at West Head gave us spectacular views up and down Pittwater and out to sea. Bruce, John, Suitcase and Alan - the usual suspects!! After admiring the views we jumped on our trusty steeds and headed to the Akuna Bay cafe for coffee and refreshments. Much discussion on the state of the world and the clown in the Oval Office took place in the pleasant sunshine. Then we disbursed in all directions to find our way home. V...

  Today we had ten riders ready to brave the weather on the relatively short ride. As it turned out no rain, dry roads (Mostly) and even some blue sky on the way there.     Morning tea at Mt Tomah where there is still road works. We joined the back of the cars being lead through the works and bit by bit were able to get past them.   The small amount of dirt to the lookout posed no problems for anyone, there was no wind and plenty of seating. Once there It was a pleasant and uneventful day out.    The rain held off until around Windsor.   Not much more to be said really, except, as always great company.   Andrew

  I have just had a phone call from Geoff's wife Joan to say that Geoff passed away this afternoon. He'd had a mini stroke on Wednesday and was on life support. The family decided to turn off that support today as there was no hope of recovery. There will be a private family funeral but Joan intends to have a memorial celebration in approximately three weeks when we can all celebrate/share our experiences of Geoff's fascinating and interesting life. He was an enthusiastic supporter and tireless worker for the Northern Beaches Branch of the Ulysses Club. I have many happy memories of riding to all sorts of strange places with him. He will be sorely missed. Regards Alan Bateman

  The day started quite wet - but the forecast for Wollombi and Kitchener looked dry   12 Riders gathered at Berowra - some with wet weather gear on already   I briefed the riders  - it would be morning tea at Jerry's - there we could re-assess the weather conditions and change the route, or call it a day   Before we left several riders put on wet weather gear while some others took theirs off??   As we left there was a little bit of drizzle which soon cleared to a cloudy but fine day with mostly dry roads   No incidents  - all good   Then we arrived a Jerry's, I have never seen it before but there were no other bikes there - just us   A light rain started as we had coffee or a snack   After some consultation with the finest weather minds the group had to offer, it was decided that we would head to Wisemans Ferry seeking dry roads.   Great plan - roads were dry and clear of traffic, that allowed us to could trave...

  With a cloud free sky and a cool morning, riders gathered at McGraths Hill Maccas for what promised to be 'a good run' The programmed ride to Glen Alice had unfortunately been changed as there was no response to several messages left for Glen Alice Paddock Cafe, so. I was not sure we could gain access.. All went well until we were on The Bells Line of road where we found heavy trucks and a slow run up to The ZigZag railway. Around Mount Tomah I had noticed a blue sign mentioning that work was being undertaken on the road at Victoria Pass, hence the trucks. This situation caused the riders to 'string out' slowing progress,.which improved after Lithgow with a good run up to Capertee.   The road to Glen Davis has been resurfaced in parts, but not all the gravel removed, causing some 'drift' on one corner. On reaching lunch we discovered a small bus with a sign on the side mentioning transport for 'old people' After momentary consideration as to whether we...

  Morpeth Ride report. Alan Bateman was scheduled to lead the Ride to Morpeth.   I received a call from Alan on Tuesday - saying he was very unwell and would I swap my ride day for his.   That sounded like an opportunity -  swapping my pretty easy ride for his quite complex ride   Alan had done the recon and sent me the route to upload into my GPS   couldn't be easier   there were over 20 eager riders ready for a good day on the road   I did the briefing mentioning the proposed route, and introducing a new rider Wayne - another Kawasaki brother.   All started well till we got to Somersby and the GPS took me left towards Spring road and the Triangle - instead of right towards the highway - which was Alan's plan   After some help from KTM Peter, we eventually got back on track and made it to Dooralong for morning tea.   A few riders left us at Dooralong and the GPS then took the rest of us to Morpeth   no incidents to report, I d...

Ride Report – St. Ives to Samuel Gee Pies, Balaclava Sunday Ride – Bright Skies and Great Pies Two riders, John W and Kevin H, set out from St. Ives under clear blue skies for a relaxed Sunday ride through Sydney’s outer reaches to the pie-lover’s haven, Sammuel Gee Pies in Balaclava. The morning began with perfect riding weather — crisp, bright, and sunny, with the winter chill giving way to a warm throttle hand as the day unfolded. With no rush, the pair took a comfortable pace through the northern suburbs before turning southwest toward the Blue Mountains foothills. Morning tea was enjoyed at Mulgoa , a scenic and quiet village where the roads are as smooth as the coffee. After a quick break, the ride continued through the winding roads of Hilltop , offering a pleasant mix of open curves and light traffic — just the sort of route to remind you why you ride. Arriving in Balaclava , the destination was the much-anticipated Samuel Gee Pie Shop , known for its rustic charm and award-w...

  10ish riders gathered at Berowra for a warmer ride but only 5 made it to morning tea at Cooranbong Park via Yarramalong and Mandalong. The rest wussed out and went to Jerry’s.   Holiday traffic was ever present slowing things down a bit and making for more overtaking manoeuvres. Still a good pace was possible on some stretches.  Sitting in the warm sunshine at Millfield cafe over lunch the peace was disrupted when I breathed in a peanut and choked. Thanks to Brian for a back pounding that dislodged said nut and stopped the terrible noise I was making.  Brian led the the group back to the pie where we sat inside out of the cold wind. We made a new acquaintance with a rider that had followed us from Calga and into the carpark so he joined in the solving of the world’s problems.  A great ride, good company and excellent emergency medical intervention 😜 Until the next time.  Andy

  Four brave souls ventured out into the cold but clear weather this morning departing from Heathcote McDonalds with the destination being Thirlmere via Robertson Pie Shop. We're creatures of habit, aren't we! We do need our pies!   The ride leader was Steve (on 'Big Blue', the RT), with Tony (XR), Peter (V-Strom) and Rod (on the mighty FJR), Rod moving between performing TEC duties as the need arose and hurrying the ride leader along whenever the pace slowed beyond the FJRs clearly excessive idle speed!   Departing McD, we back-tracked to head into the RNP via Audley, then via Bald Hill, the Old Highway and then the M1, off at Picton Rd and then left at Mt. KIera Rd, and down the hill via Harry Graham Dr.   Being a small group, we took some liberties along the way, stopping several times, including an unscheduled but very welcome coffee and toilet break at the newly renovated Mt. Kembla Hotel.   Then it was off again, onto the M1, off at Fowlers Rd and then the...

🏍️ Ulysses Northern Beaches Ride Report Destination: Khartoum Hotel, Kitchener Date: Sunday 6th July 2025 Weather: Cool and sunny – ideal for riding Riders and Route The day began with two riders meeting at the St. Ives starting point. After a smooth run up Mona Vale Road and the Old Pacific Highway, we stopped at the Pie in the Sky at Cowan, where two more riders joined the group – bringing our total to four . We continued north along the Old Road, enjoying light traffic and crisp winter air, eventually turning off towards Peats Ridge . Our morning coffee stop was at the Corrugated Café , where the coffee was hot and the conversation easy. One rider left the group here, while the remaining three pressed on. Through the Hills to Wollombi From Peats Ridge, we wound our way through the scenic backroads to Wollombi , soaking in the rolling hills, country air, and the occasional whiff of woodsmoke. The road was in good condition and the ride through this stretch was a real highli...

  Well , 13 hardy souls showed up to the Berowra start point . Must have had the same thoughts as me - weather clearing , let’s get out there ! Nobody got lost this time , except for myself, missing the Spring rd turnoff to the Bumble hill , embarrassing, but soon rectified.  Weather was quite nice , morning tea at the Dooralong Hall pleasant . Rob McKee left us  here , the rest carried on .  The second part of the ride went well , we all made it to Eleebana together . The conversation leant towards “ Health Problems “ probably due to the average age of us being relatively high .  A quick zap down the motorway to the Pie , with more discussion on various subjects. A good day out !  Regards  Peter ( Greeny) Greenwood

It was a cold winter morning when 30 odd riders gathered for a ride to Ebenezer church. It was deemed that we needed to pray for warmer weather, and to repent our sins. The route was via Berowra Waters ferry, Old Northern road with a rest stop at the football field at Glenorie. The toilets were closed, so bushes were employed. Then we continued along Old Northern road to the Wiseman's Ferry road turnoff, then onto Sackville Ferry Rd. We arrived  at around 12:15  for lunch and scones. Much intelligent conversation was had and tea and scones consumed. Most returned via Cattai Ridge and some stopped for  coffee at the PITS. The speed cameras on the Old Road are still under construction. An enjoyable but chilly ride. Cheers, Robert