RIDE REPORT – WOLLOMBI – 26/08/2023   Ride Leader : John Osborne An almost perfect day for riding if just a little chilly. At the starting time we had six motorcycles and a Spyder so we headed off on the usual back route through Hornsby, onto the Old Road and stopped at The Pie to pick up any stragglers. Despite an over-abundance of boys in blue w e made good progress from The Pie up to Calga thence Spring Road, Bumble Hill, Yarramalong to a seldom visited smoko stop at the Wyong Dairy. This was an interesting stop with some confusion on the leader’s part as to where to park. The Dairy is a bit of a higgledy piggily sort of place with several different areas, which appear separate, designated for parking but which all are for the same place. After some shopping in the Cheese Shop an enjoyable coffee was time to head off up Hue Hue Road through Freemans Waterhole to the Sandy Creek Road turnoff to Quorrobolong/Wollombi where I decided to regroup for the run to lunch....

  Lots of riders (21 + actually) assembled at Berowra for a great days outing up into the Hunter Valley. One rider being a newby, was given the traditional welcoming “clap” during the briefing prior to departure, so impressed with his welcome he (and another mate) decided they needed to get back home earlier than originally thought and then decided to go up the road for a quick coffee…anyway…after Peter The Braces volunteered his services (again) as TEC off we went. After a regathering at Calga we charged forward to Wollombi for morning tea. After morning tea a small group of radical “elders” decided to take the conservative and less stressful route eastwards towards the vineyards whilst the majority trekked towards Broke where our first corner marking for the day took place as we turned right into Singleton Road. I know Paul was delighted to wait at the intersection for 15 minutes until our TEC trundled along. After a brisk trip and by passing the Hunter Valley Gardens we all arri...

  And then there were two. 20 registered to go, 16 started, and two ended up together at the finish. That looks like a bit of a disaster, but in fact it worked out pretty much as originally planned. We started at Berowra  at 9:30 AM for a day with about 7 hours of riding ahead of us. The Old Road to Peats Ridge, the freeway to the Hue Hue Road, through Cooranbong and Mulbring  to Hexham and on to morning tea at the Heatherbrae Pie shop at Raymond Terrace. It took us a bit longer than I had thought to get here, so this became brunch. We then headed north again and used Buckets Way up to Booral, across to Bulahdelah (great winding road), through Wootton Way and back on the highway to Nabiac, then inland to Krambach, and across to South Taree for fuelling. A couple of people supplemented their brunch with some added refreshment here. After that we headed up the freeway past Port Macquarie towards Kempsey, then diverted across to South West Rocks via Crescent Head – a very pl...

  Ride Report – Bulli AMCA Event – Saturday 12 th August Once again it seems we chose the better day of the weekend for our ride to the AMCA Bulli Antique Motorcycle Event at Bulli Showgrounds. Saturday 12 th was sunny and mild, we had seven bikes at ST Ives for a 9.05am departure. We travelled down the A3 to Top Ryde then west along Victoria Road to Ermington, then followed the A6 south all the way to Heathcote Road. This avoided the Olympic Park precinct. At Heathcote Road we turned east, crossed the Woronora River to the Princes Highway and south into Heathcote arriving at 10.30am for a leg stretch at the Ampol servo, where we met Vaughn. He’d had a slow trip from the City, just beating us to the servo. From Heathcote we travelled via Waterfall and Royal National Park to another short stop at Bald Hill where we again remarked on the excellent day, then up Lawrence Hargrave Drive to the Old Highway and south to Bulli Tops, then down the Bulli Pass and to the Showgrounds...

They DO listen occasionally, when I suggest that Riders come along to the Meeting Point at St Ives, practise riding in the rain, and all will be good. And LO – it worked! Six riders, including Newbie Andy, left St Ives, took the usual route (picking up Suitcase at Berowra) to BEROWRA WATERS FERRY, then the usual turns up to the right onto Northern Road, where (we had agreed, due to impending rain) that we wouldn’t indulge in Glenorie Bakery’s DELIGHTS, simply kept ahead of clouds all the way to left at Wiseman’s Ferry Road and a welcome w-e-e stop at Maroota Shell – (should I mention the state of the loo? Naaah!) Past Stone Cottage and Cliftonville Road, then right onto the Sackville Ferry Road and right again at the Lower Portland road-sign, onto the itsy-bitsy LOWER PORTLAND FERRY, and all along the ups and downs, bumps and grinds and rural delights (pot-holes, dung-smells, etc.) and finally reaching Sackville and (on our right) the welcoming Tractor 828, not too busy yet (before noo...

  The Road to Kitchener...and Beyond The standard bunch of bedraggled riders turned out. About 20 of them, including some more people called Peter who only turn up occasionally. It was a beautiful day and even Dascolopoulos, a guest who’d been away lighting fires in Greece, was there. The birds chirped and the landscape was bathed in glorious sunshine. We had a virgin (I think that’s the way you put it?) whose name, like yours, I immediately forgot. We gave him the clap. Peter, you know the one, following the Kitchener theme of the ride (“Your Country Needs You”) kindly volunteered, again, as TEC.   Off we went, finding as many twists and turns as we could, ever obedient to the rules of the road. It was very pleasant, if nothing else because the light, dappling brilliantly through the trees was so good and the spirits so lifted. There wasn’t a nuclear war, or hell, or damnation, in sight. We stopped at Jerry’s Café at Kulnara, for morning coffee which we had with some Portugue...

It must be my early arrival at Berowra which set off a couple of “Oops! Moments” not long after our journey started, but overall, on such a perfect winter day, we had a great day’s riding, with almost no traffic on the river roads. With only one “virgin”, there was only one hand clapping. Then I asked riders to introduce themselves, but after about the sixth Peter, the repetition overcame us, so we abandoned that little exercise and twenty-odd riders departed Berowra  at 10am , with a Tail End Charlie and a “plan”. We all “squeezed” onto Number 1: Berowra Waters Ferry – and, just before disembarkation, my Guzzi toppled over in the excitement– thanks, Peter, Peter and Peter for your assistance. Next Oops – missed the turn-off to Wylds Road – quickly found the way back, and the remainder of our ride went to plan, thus: Just a minute past the Glenorie Bakery, our Morning Tea Stop at the Les Shore Reserve ticks all the boxes: it’s on the left, heaps of parking, heaps of log-seating, a ...

Today's ride was a short social ride to the abovementioned golf club for lunch. We had some time to kill, so we had coffee at the PITS, and then a ride to Smitty's lookout. That was very nice. Then I took us to the Central Coast Aero Club airfield. There we saw two gliders take off and land. They take off at a pretty steep 45 degree angle. I inquired as to the cost of a flight. It's $134 for one flight and $160 for two. After an informative talk by one of the members, we went for lunch. A nice ride and the weather was not too cold. Cheers, Suitcase.

  On arrival at Maccas McGraths Hill the temperature was a brisk 6 degrees but that did not deter 14 other riders from near and far. Simon Morgan turned up on a brand new Triumph Bonneville and volunteered to ride as TEC so he could take some time to familiarise himself with the new machine. Just prior to   10 o’clock   the briefing outlined a fairly straightforward route with a pit stop at the Grey Gum Cafe although not open for business   until Friday it still works well as a good half way point if you packed a drink and muesli bar. The question of Corner Marking was raised and although the only two intersections where we turn right to reach our destination are well signposted we would corner mark just to be sure. A brisk pace was set as we headed off up the Putty. The weather was perfect and virtually no traffic however there was a report of at least 4 lots of roadworks on the Live Traffic App but there turned out to be numerous work sites but we were only stopped...

  Well, what can I say, it seems beyond belief that for a second time the Morpeth ride has led to another rider coming to grief in the corners around Mandalong. This despite a specific reminder at the ride briefing about “not crashing”. Clearly at least one rider was not listening to my entreaties, in fact I also reminded the ride group we didn’t want any more drama queens following the previous tyre inflation issues and yet lo and behold another rider managed to lose their mobile phone off their bike before Spring rd. I mean REALLY?????   Anyway to start at the beginning the weather was perfect bar the start being a tad chilly for the gather in Berowra and 18 riders assembled without managing to find any more dead people or let all the air out of their tyres, an auspicious start I thought.   The briefing was concise with first up “Smoko is at Cooranbong    Park”, my logic here was that some riders only have a short attention span so if I start with that there i...

 It was a beautiful sunny if somewhat cool morning and nine eager riders assembled at St. Ives.  MTC took this photo at St. Ives with the sun at her back!!! MTC took this photo at St. Ives into the sun!!! We headed to the PITS to pick up two more riders making a huge "eleven" riders!!! We might need corner marking??? Naaaa everybody knows where we are going.  Morning tea at Jerry's, Kulnura. It was pretty busy but everybody was served in good time with coffee, portuguese tarts and other delights. Our illustrious group at Jerry's Kulnura ... unfortunately Andy was "cropped" by accident. Keith called the Khartoum Hotel in Kitchener to book a table for us just in case they were busy!! There was much serious discussion of world affairs as we consumed our sustenance. MTC announced it was "world chocolate day" which was greeted by a huge yawn. It's always some obscure day for MTC. I think she dreams them up just for the rides. Our next leg was to the...

Started out to be the perfect day for a ride, not a cloud in the sky as we gathered at McDonalds, McGraths Hill. Our destination today was to the Mt Piper Power Station.    There were no new riders to welcome, just the same old faces, so the briefing got underway  at 9.55am . 18 bikes headed off in search of more sunshine and amazing scenery, across the turf farms to Freemans Reach and onto Bells Line of Road, Kurmond to regroup near the BP Service Station.    We barely went 200 metres and had to stop for some serious roadworks. Should’ve checked my Live Traffic App because it could’ve easily been bypassed. A brief stop for roadworks at Mt Tomah. From Mt Wilson the weather changed as the temperature dropped and the clear sky was replaced with dark clouds.   As we descended into Lithgow the temperature went down to 7 degrees. Very disappointing. To avoid about 5 sets of traffic lights we took some back streets which in hindsight may not have been a great ide...

  Thirteen gallant riders departed Berowra   at 10:00am   and charged forwards to Jerry’s for morning tea. Under blue skies and cool conditions a brisk pace was set for the enjoyment of everyone. The Gala regroup was abandoned so as not to lose momentum whilst being mindful the contingent often “moves on its stomach” as we made good progress northwards. After morning tea we set off to Wollombi, did a regroup there then tracked eastwards towards Cessnock. After going over Mount View Road (along with its 1 kilometre of dirt) all arrived safely at our destination for lunch. The return leg saw several different routes back to PITS for a debrief and a chat with Max who also arrived on the scene. Thanks to Rob T for his TEC duties. Look forward to catching up on the next ride. Cheers, Richo.

    GONBUG Northern Beaches Ulysses Ride Report 25 th June 2023               Mount Gibraltar, Sammy Gee’s Pies, Mittagong Chilly but fine – great day for an interesting place – Sydney’s Hard Rock dig-out. Who would turn up at 9 am for a ride to the Southern Highlands? Well – just three of us, and we’re really sorry you missed out on a beautiful day’s ride, taking in the ups and downs and brilliant views.   I   had reacquainted myself with Sydney’s Hard Rock Story – the Story of Trachyte, and the significance of Mount Gibraltar – that’s where the trachyte was dug out to provide strong, hard rock on which to mount Sydney’s magnificent sandstone buildings. But I hadn’t worked out the best approach - fortunately, “Mr Map-Brain” helped out and took us on some faintly familiar back-roads, out to Campbelltown area, past Anthony Hordern’s famous tree, now growing well again - who can forget “While I L...

When I checked on the interwebs where this ride was going,  I thought I should go, as it was too bloody cold last week. What I didn't check was who was leading. It was me! I only learned this after I had turned up at Berowra.  I had no idea of a route, so I took suggestions. It was decided to head up the Old Road to Calga, Peats Ridge Road and a coffee stop at "The HUB" at  Mangrove Mountain shops. After discussing world events and other things, it was on to  Wiseman's Ferry, then Old Northern Road and a short cut to Wiseman's Ferry Rd and Sackville Ferry road. Lunch was had at the old church at Ebenezer along with  tea and scones. (Not good for our image). The sky was threatening rain, but it held off with just a few spots. All agreed it was a very nice ride. Cheers, Suitcase

  The day dawned crisp and cold, perfect for a ride to Bulga Peter of the fractured finger had convinced me,   whilst having lunch at  Wisemans ferry last Thursday, to lead the ride. 12 riders were enjoying the camaraderie at Mcdonalds Windsor, until I stood up and announced that as Laurent was unable to ride, I would be deputising for him. Morning tea would be at Grey Gums. Two riders immediately said they would not go very far and would leave the ride early, great encouragement for my second lead. But  then  Kim said "I will go all the way" Bit puzzled, but I took that as a vote of confidence. Peter of the braces accepted TEC.  No corner marking needed, as it's very hard to get lost going to Bulga, despite it being over 150k. All went well until we reached the first roadworks, Andy's trusty steed promptly died. Would not start Our TEC volunteered to stay with him, whilst he tried to resolve the issue. Onwards; once we regathered at the next roadworks...

  GONBUG Ulysses Ride Report - Coffee Ride, Long Weekend 10 June 2023 Wow – what a brilliant day for a ride – no matter the destination. Not surprisingly only four riders turned up for a Double Demerits Ride. I suggested Terrey Hills for a “starter”, was appointed Ride Leader , and we used the left-left back road to get back onto Mona Vale Road then ducked around the back road behind the fruit markets, and across all the roundabouts to Terrey Hills, then I indicated we should make a longer ride by heading out past all those farmlets, horse paddocks, the Gun Club and the International School until I became a tad lost, turned around and we found the perfect sunny spot back in Terrey Hills village for coffee n cake n long-chat. Finally we re-mounted and followed Geoff W around the National Parks waterways, past Church Point and into Mona Vale, then waved goodbye – home by lunchtime. Thanks for the company on a perfect riding morning. MTC

  I had already looked up on the weather app when the rain was due to hit Oberon ( 9am ) and Lithgow ( 11am ) and realised that the ride was heading straight into the rain inbound from the southwest. I had also seen the ride leaders pleas for a substitute leader falling on deaf ears (including mine 😈). So it was no surprise to arrive at McGraths Hill   at 9:30am   to find the group sans a leader and the clock was ticking. Even though I know the predictable result I couldn’t just sit there and let what dry weather was there be wasted by prevarication so, given the lack of enthusiasm for Megalong Valley, I suggested an alternate where we would be heading away from the rain band, i.e.heading Northeast. Good idea but next week’s ride is going there someone piped up - damn! Shuffling furiously through my slightly dysfunctional memory banks for a similar but different alternative I thought of the Bulls Ridge turn off the Putty and the idea of a Wisemans Ferry bound ride popped...