Gloucester Ride 26-28th Aug 2025

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 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 help load my bike which went to Rock M/C in Port Macquarie.

We returned in time for cocktails & an interesting Chinese dinner at the RSL. 

Jim was deputised as ride leader on the loop ride via Dungowan (smoko) & Walcha (lunch) returning via Thunderbolts. You, by now would have read the brief dirt bike report from Stephen. I want whatever he’s smoking!

 

Dinner was at the Roundabout Inn & plans made for the various return routes. Most went Bucketts Way thru Clarencetown to Broke & Wollombi. The 2 Putty Virgins wanted more & did it the other way.

Hollywood left before dawn & made it to Gerringong for lunch.

 

What happened to the riderless leader I hear you ask. He threw himself on the mercy of others. GS Rod took my bag home & hand delivered it! The bike was fixed in Port M & Jim doubled me to collect it & we highwayed it home.

 

Thanks for all those who helped me out.

Thanks for the camaraderie. I think a can pronounce the ride a success.

A bit like Gallipoli.

Cheers

Tony

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