Southern Highlands Ride 10th July 2025

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 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 back way to the Illawarra Hwy via Marshall Mount and Calderwell Rds. On the last couple of occasions, that back way wasn't worth the effort with lots of new-sub Division works slowing things up inordinately. Most of that work seems to be done now so it's worth going that way again.

 

As an aside, that new suburb (Calderwood/North Macquarie) is really sprouting. When we first ventured that way two or three years ago, it was a new estate. Now it has hundreds of very lovely looking new homes. Anyway, I digress!

 

The winds going through Marshall Mount Rd were ferocious, providing ample opportunity to practice our 'sideways' riding technique. Which is all very well until the wind suddenly stops and you immediately veer across the lane! Challenging stuff!

 

The run up Macquarie Pass was good with very little traffic until we hit some road works - clearing up a fallen tree towards the top.

 

After our coffee and toilet stop at the Pie Shop, we then headed back a bit down the hill and took the Tourist Rd, Ridge Rd, Range Rd and Old South Rd.  Just past the Mittagong Airport, Steve's big blue RT was creating such a vortex behind it that trees were toppling in its wake. See photo!

 


After a quick turnaround, we were back on track towards Thirlmere via Colo Vale, Hill Top and Balmoral Village.

 

After yet another coffee amd toilet stop at Thirlmere, we then went our separate ways, most returning to the big smoke via the M1, M5, M7, M8.  Steve heading back to the sanctity of the Eastern Suburbs via Maldon, Winton and Appin before heading back past our Heathcote starting point.

 

I think we hit a low of 7deg today, but it was nothing that the RTs heated grips, seat and adjustable windscreen couldn't handle! 😀

 

All up, a most enjoyable day out.  A good ride and great company.

 

Steve


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