Hunter Valley Ride 14th May 2026

 I was surprised to find clear blue sky at Castle Hill. The weather report indicated otherwise when I checked the day before.

I arrived very early, which is unusual for me, and found a few others already waiting. Ride briefing at 9.50am. Old Road to Calga, morning tea at Jerrys, hunter valley via Wollombi ending at the Hunter Valley Gardens. No virgins, we were all happy that we knew exactly where we were going so no corner marking until Cessnock was needed. 18 started off along the Old Pacific Hwy on a slow ride due to my concern about the road being wet and the possible gravel and vegetation that may be on the road. This proved to be the case in a number of areas so my sphincter was right.

 

We all made Jerrys for morning tea safely with two arriving late due to a helmet issue. 7 did not continue. The sky was now clouding over but still not too bad, on the way to lunch there was a few sprinkles but generally no real rain, thanks to Richo for donning the wet weather gear. Andy had had enough by Wollombi.

 

Corner marking again worked really well so all arrived for lunch. Comments were made that maybe the Pokolbin Park would have been a better place to stop.

 

I was elected to lead the ride back to the pie but somewhere along the line of traffic and now the down pours we became separated. I arrived at the pie to find only two people not from our group there. I waited for a while, no others appeared so of home I went.

 

Thanks to all that joined, despite the weather it was an enjoyable day spent with good friends.

 

Andrew