Orange Ride 28-29th Oct 2026

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 If you overlook the brutally strong winds we had on the first day of our ride, we've just come off the back of two of the nicest consecutive ride days of weather that we've had for a while.

 

Eleven off us set off from Pheasants Nest on Wednesday morning for a trip to Orange.  The long way round!

 

No sooner had we departed from the meeting point, we'd barely travelled a few kms down the freeway before we diverted off at Bargo and started meandering around the Southern Highlands. Yanderra, Yerrinbool, and even other places that don't start with a 'Y', like Bowral, Moss Vale, Exeter, Bundanoon and Bungonia. 90 minutes later, we arrived for morning tea in Goulburn where the first of many sausage rolls and coffees were consumed.

 

Lunch was to be in Oberon so, quite correctly, we started heading North from Goulburn along the fabulous road to Taralga before taking the Shooters Hill route into Oberon for refueling — both of riders and bikes.  Then it was off, South (?) towards Black Springs before again turning North ('ish!) towards Georges Plains, Newbridge and Blayney and then (finally North again!) via Spring Hill into Orange.  A couple of us headed up to Mt Canoblis (where it was blowing a gale) to admire the 360 degree panoramic views whilst the more sensible of the group headed straight to the Motel and the bar!

 

Dinner was at the Orange ex-Services Club where, I am pleased to report, we neither discussed politics nor solved a single world problem.  I can't recall much of what we did discuss but I do know that a significant amount of red wine was consumed.  Thanks Erica!!

 

The following morning, it was much warmer than the forecast 9deg start, so we headed off towards home.  First stop, Sofala!

 


We lost four riders at Sofala - who decided that going home to wash their hair (and other excuses!) was better than hanging out with the group. So we were suddenly down to seven riders.

 

Layers of clothing were removed (but not indecently so!) as we then headed to Denman for lunch and refuelling via the Bylong Valley Way.  Such a beautiful piece of road.  And the scenery!

 

Then we were back into familiar territory. Jerry's Plains. Wollombi (where two more headed off hone) and then finally,  PITS where the five remaining riders enjoyed their very 'manly' milk shakes and custard tarts.

 

I got home back to the cloistered sanctity of the Eastern Suburbs at 5.30pm - safe in the knowledge that all of our other Thursday Riders were securely on the other side of the bridge - and I was unpacked and the bike washed, polished and put to bed by 6.30pm.

 

All up, 1100Kms for me and just over 12 hours in the saddle across those two days.

 

Special 'shout outs' go to 'Harley' Pete for his TEC duties on Day 1; to 'Africa Twin' Pete for Day 2 TEC duties; and to 'KTM' Pete for assisting with navigation duties on Day 2 when the ride leaders Beemer Nav system 'had a moment'. Never let it be said that having a bunch of Peters' on a ride is 'one too many Peters'. I would disagree! I was glad that each and every one of them was there. 

 

What the rest of the group did, I'm not sure - but not to be left out - I'm glad that you were all there too! ðŸ™‚

 

And another special 'shout out' to our virgin overnighter, Simon. He fitted in well and gave a new meaning to 'love you long long time!'.

 

See you all soon.

 

'Blue RT' Steve

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