Lostock Dam Ride 18th June 2026

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Thursday Locstock Dam Ride report from the stand-in ride leader.  Allan Scott was to lead but injured himself on Monday.  Whilst sitting on the toilet reading an article on his phone, his leg went to sleep so as he stood up, he fell down.  Sprained right ankle, sore knee and hip.  Allan said the article was very interesting, Stephen suggested he was looking at porn, Danny is thinking of designing a seat belt and my opinion is he was looking the Bank Statement and fainted.  Anyway .... on with the ride.

 

I was alerted at 9:37am that the ride should have left at 9:30am.  Sorry about that.  Steve Sampson kindly offered to be TEC.  We got under way from Berowra, down the Old Road to Somersby.  Onto the freeway for a short stint to Wyong and along Old Maitland Road, past the triangle, up Hue Hue Road and turned onto Jilliby Road.  I was sure that was the corner Frosty corner marked for me.  Nice run through Jilliby and Mandalong,  turned at Deaves Road and morning tea at Cooronbong.  

 

We had started with 17 and two riders were missing, I knew Kim was departing along the way as he had told me but there was no Frosty.  Quick morning tea, KTM Peter left to do other things and 14 were on our way.

 

Just past Freemans Waterhole at Brunkerville there was a huge Great Dane standing at the side of the road.  He was a brindle colour and blended perfectly with the road surface.  As I passed, he then decided to stroll out on the road in front of Rod.  Rod stopped the traffic and a chap, not the owner, came and got him off the road.  No further problems after that.

 

Ride continued through Mulbring, onto George Downes Drive and into East Maitland.  Along Flat Road to the big Bolwarra roundabout and then straight run along Paterson Road to East Gresford.  Yes Stephen, it did feel like it would never end.  A left turn to the top of the hill then right along Paterson River Road.

 

20km of narrow twisties with a combination of potholes, road hazards and oncoming traffic but the scenery and valley are absolutely breathtaking.  A toilet was discovered just as you turn into Dam area at the top of the hill.  We continued down, crossed the Dam Wall to the picnic area in sunshine and 22°C.  Time was ticking on so everyone set off to ensure they got home before dark, it was along ride.

 

I, Andrew and Danny went via Glendonbrook Road encountering several sections of roadworks.  Through Elderslie and onto Maitland Vale Road and all roads lead to Maitland.  Andrew pulled off to get petrol, Danny and I went down to New England Hwy for petrol, then we had to get across the road.  Traffic chaos, worse than Sydney. 

 

I chose the freeway from Freemans as we were going out for dinner.  I stopped and rang Allan to check in with Frosty if all was okay and continued.  When I aarrived home (just on dark) Al advised Frosty was having an issue with his bike and told TEC but the message never got to me.  Steve ???  I'll ask you next time I see you.

 

Thank you all for your encouragement. support and company,

Cheers Karen

 

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