Posts

Showing posts from July, 2025

Glen Alice Ride 24th July 2025

Image
  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 17th July 2025

  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 to Samuel Gee Pies in Balaclava - Saturday 12th July 2025

Image
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...

PADPAL 10th July 2025

  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

Southern Highlands Ride 10th July 2025

Image
  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...

Khartoum Hotel, Kitchener Ride - 6th July 2025

🏍️ 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...

Eleebana Ride 3rd July 2025

  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