It seemed like a good day for a ride way out west, so seven of us left for morning tea at Mt Tomah Botanic Garden. Bells Line of Road has numerous sections of newly sealed road between Kurrajong and Bell and numerous signs saying no overtaking on unmarked roadworks. There were no traffic controllers and not much traffic so we could live with that. Morning tea was interesting with some riders looking at their phones to find rain. After morning tea two riders decided to make their way home after being scared off by the BOM radar storm and heavy rain pattern forming to the north and heading east. That left five of us looking for adventure continuing to Mt Piper via Mt Victoria, Bowenfels, Rydal and Lower Portland, however we lost Andrew at Bowenfels when a mammoth splat on his visor put a stop to going any further but all good when he rang me to ask where we were, he was already at Mt Piper waiting for us. He obviously found a shorter way. It was great riding on some good country ro...

  Frazer Beach ride report. It was a beautiful sunny day with a cool breeze, perfect riding conditions. Twenty-three bikes, two Harleys and a hysterical Honda gathered  at 7-Eleven Berowra. We had one virgin, Dave riding one of the Harleys. He was duly given the clap!! Wayne of the “Long White Cloud” turned up on his new green R1300 GS. Very smart (the bike, not Wayne). Mark volunteered for TEC duties and I stipulated that corner marking was to be observed. Morning tea was to be partaken of at Jerry’s establishment in Kulnura. As a number of the men in blue and iridescent cars were spotted on the way to Berowra I surmised that there wouldn’t be any on the old road to Jerry’s so a brisk pace was taken. At Calga we took the road towards Somersby and regrouped at Wisemans Ferry Road. The hysterical Honda was overheating so the Dud Cheque took off to cool it down. Andrew of the Tenere said there was some sort of holdup with the riders behind so we all took off and left Kim of the ...

  As I travelled towards Berowra on a wet and drizzly morning I thought I wouldn’t be surprised to see no-one there. Then the phone rang and it was Paul, already at Berowra, saying there was no-one there and where the hell was I? It’s nice being right occasionally  😜 Anyway, 5 mins later there were two riders at Berowra with no expectations of any more arriving when, to our astonishment, two more riders arrived so now there were 4 👍🏻 As it was fast approaching  10am  we consulted the Oracle aka BOM Radar and decided inland was the best direction so we agreed to head for Ebenezer Church for morning tea and to reassess there for the next leg. I was all set to lead when Paul bent the ear of the other Andrew who then courageously roared out in front so good on him. The trip down to the ferry was cautious given the wet roads and a sudden burst of oncoming traffic flagged the ferry’s recent arrival on our side. As we turned the last bend we saw the barrier coming down b...

  We started out with 19 takers for this ride. Unfortunately we lost Rocket due to a sore neck, and Wayne due to a delayed flight from some where else in the world, so 17 of a set out from Pheasants Nest at 9. 30   on Monday morning .   Do you think it will rain???? We rode the main highway through Marulan and, then turned left to Bungonia and then Tarago for morning coffee. From there it was through Braidwood, down the amazing Public Service Highway to Batemans Bay where we fuelled, and then lunch at Moruya. The afternoon run took us along the Princes Highway until we turned off to follow the coast through Bermagui and Tathra to our destination at Merimbula. Drinks and an excellent dinner  at the RSL club.   Tuesday morning saw us departing Merimbula without Scotty. Something that he had eaten or drank the night before caused him some severe stomach anguish and he felt it would be better not to try the mountain ride. He ended up spending the next night in the s...

RIDE REPORT Let’s Swan off to Swansea, 20 or so Riders gathered (all champing to get away) at the Berowra Servo. The weather looked “iffy”, but that didn’t deter. Knowing that, with my Motoguzzi Italian Stallion, everyone would overtake me, the executive decision was made – meet at Jerry’s (Kulnura) for coffee – and almost immediately the weather improved and Suitcase took the lead – thanks for that. On arrival at Jerry’s, I felt a frisson of friction – our Hills Rider (A) was being harangued by an irate Hog rider for “daring” to block his exit and, despite an apology and (A) moving his bike, the Hog Rider proved to be the ‘perfect gentleman’ by ignoring the apology, and literally spitting at A, before spluttering off to his next confrontation. Excitement over, we farewelled Jerry and Mrs Jerry, with Tony leading us down Bumble Hill to Yarramalong past the Pink Elephants, then to Hue Hue Road, Rutley’s Road and Pacific Highway, past the Monster-Prawn, along some familiar sweeping bends...

  I received a call last night from a very ill Al Scott.   Mate, he said, I am due to lead the ride tomorrow, I don’t want to let the troops down but I am just too ill to lead. Can you fill in for me. It seems he and his new flame have been having fun in the bush and he is now on deaths bed with Man flu. I hope you get over the sniffles soon Al.   I considered heading north and to St Albans via Spencer but opted for the simpler more relaxed route via Berowra Ferry. No need for corner marking and Mark, our capable TEC, made sure that none of the 15 got lost.   Smoko at Les Shore Oval at mere 23 klms ride meaning we arrived a little after 10.30. The BS was allowed to flow a bit longer than normal as it is a relatively short ride so off again at 11.00. Peter W and I went via Wisemans Ferry and everyone else Webbs Creek ferry. I was informed the road from Webbs Creek to St Albans was in very good condition, the road riders arrived and were well into lunch before Peter an...

  - a Perfect Day at Wangi Wangi It was a beautiful day, perhaps the most beautiful day of the year. A few fluffy clouds, a steady 23 degrees dipping to  a freshening 21 degrees as we ascended up to Peats Ridge and - Life is Good. You know the feeling! There were an indomitable dozen of us. Actually a couple more who left at morning tea, but not before they paid their dues to UCARF, who had arranged the perfect weather which ran contrary to the misleading, dire and deceptive representations from the weather bureau and the ABC. I was amused at the way, in almost perfect (sorry to use that word again, but it was that sort of day) formation the dozen followed me. Swooping up the old road at precisely the speed limit, if the speed limit had been the one I thought appropriate. A quiet coffee at Jerry’s, swooping and tweedling down Bumble Hill and a lovely run through Yarramalong, Dooralong, Mandalong and along the Lake to Chez Wangi in Little Wangi Bay. Rob Toshack did a perfect jo...

Bright and early on Tuesday morning the day held lots of promise, that was until it was time to leave for our meeting place at Sutton Forest. Just as leaving time arrived, so did the rain. Soon it was heavy, and then it was torrential. I stopped for ten minutes at Shell Forestville to clear my visor, and to wait for a break in the deluge. When the rain steadied down a little I was on my way again, joining the slow traffic. By the time I reached the M2 the sky was only offering a sprinkle, and that didn’t last long. My gloves were soaked, inside and out, so by the time I reached the meeting place, my fingers were slightly blue, as I had forgotten that I had grip heaters. With the help of some extra Watts the gloves soon dried out. We had perfect weather and sunshine for the rest of the trip. There had been a couple of late cancelations, so our day one group was John W, MTC, Geoff, Keith, and myself. MTC and John were in their quadbikes; MTC rode with us until  lunchtime, and then re...

  Australian Infantry Museum Ride The weather lately has been all over the shop and as a regular motorcycle rider one tends to keep a close eye on the weather forecast and this week more so for me. When my name pop’s up on the ride calendar to lead a ride, one invariably has a sense of duty to see it through, if it is to be its up to me.    On checking my weather apps including the BOM radar I wasn’t completely satisfied so looking out the window blurry eyed to double check I was convinced that it was going to be a good one and more than likely would be greeted by thirty or so overzealous riders at 7 Eleven Berowra. Sadly, this was not the case although easier to manage with only thirteen mildly enthusiastic riders on various makes and models of expensive petrol guzzling powerful machines, however nobody ever seems to complain about little things like that, it would only demoralise the pleasures of life we take for granted.   There were no newbies to welcome just the...

A perfect day greeted 26 enthusiast riders at Berowra heading out to Pokolbin via Jerry’s and Wollombi then to Pokolbin Park. Newby Sil was given the customary clap much to his surprise.    All started well with relatively clear roads until, while stopped at the Brooklyn Bridge Frosty noted a constabulary vehicle two cars ahead. Some cat and mouse unravelled as it appeared they sped up then slowed down as if to tease us. Eventually they disappeared and we continued merrily onto our coffee fix.    Jerry’s was a popular venue with like minded riders enjoying the open roads and coffee in the sun. We turned at Wollombi to enjoy the vineyard valleys and with some additional help from Richo we found our mark. Noted that the lead rider did take a wrong turn at one point!    Lunch and a leak was enjoyed by all before setting off in a variety of directions towards home. I did not pass go and went straight home to prepare for a Tassie adventure starting the next day....

  Six riders gathered at Berowra looking for a ride and 3 of them made the same suggestion. “Given the Luskintyre Ride got scrubbed last week why don’t we do that?” Who was I to disagree?   So, mindful of the fact time was a’tickin’ we set off a couple of minutes shy of  10am  for morning tea at Wollombi with Peter of the Braces in TEC role (thanks Pete) and with no corner marking nor regathers as everyone knows how to get to Wollombi!   Four riders arrived together, then another after 10 mins and then Pete after another 5. Again, cos it was now after  11:30am , Pete had to chug his coffee so we could get going again.   With corner marking in full swing now we set off for Cessnock and the Old Maitland road. After Bellbird we consolidated the ride group for the only suburbia portion of the ride, trawled through Bellbird Heights and Cessnock before forking left of the Old Maitland road. The first part was AOK and pace was brisk but after a few k’s we hit...

  Hi all and sundry   I am not sure this is politically correct to compose a salutation as I have done. The Oxford Dictionary defines 'Sundry' as "various items not important enough to be mentioned individually". That is certainly not what is intended as there are just too many names to mention, although come to think of it, there may be some applicability...........Stephen. Sorry Stephen, that was uncalled for.....maybe!   Before departing I sought out some expert advice re the weather. My not so trusty BOM app suggested that we may experience a few showers in the morning. That proved to be a lie. Think they have been watching Trumpy too much as we were eventually confronted with showers for most of the day.   11 riders duly assembled at Maccas, McGraths Hill. Shortly after departure, the showers indeed kicked in and did not break until we arrived at Bell. Some smart arse was later heard to mumble.....'it's as clear as a Bell'. A bit sad rea...

  On an absolutely filthy wet and cold day 3 riders gathered at Berowra to make the trek via Wollombi, Cessnock and Lochinvar to Luskintyre Airfield.   Luckily sanity prevailed at Jerry’s in Kulnura where we stopped for morning tea (instead of Wollombi) to thaw out. Needless to say we never made it to the airfield or anywhere close, instead making the strategic decision to retire wet and frozen, via the Yarramalong valley, Peats Ridge and the old road, to the Pie for lunch before heading home to dry out and warm up. Never mind we’ll have another go at Old Maitland Road on another ride. Until the next time Andy

  Three of us (including Newbie Glynn) met at St Ives, set off for PITS Cowan, to find it packed with Classic Cars (how dare they) and teen bikers; we hastily departed, following the Old Road and Into East Gosford, stopping for Coffee n Cake at The Bakery – monstrous “snot-slice” – good coffee, sunshine. Did I mention that the weather was cool/cold, especially if not wearing winter gloves. With wind increasing, we originally found the Walking Path and THEN made use of   “Nellie-Never-Lost” to find Dolly Ave, leading us up, up, up and further UP into Rumbalara Reserve, all the way to the circular drive, then walked around, meeting pioneers Captain Charles Sturt, Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith, and Captain Matthew Flinders – all larger than life-size bronze sculptures. (Edward Eyre was in hiding.) The ride downhill was also pretty exciting, dodging pot-holes, looking out for oncoming traffic on the narrow track –DONE. Why not visit wonderful Edogawa Gardens at East Gosford Ga...

  The pre ride discussion included that water proof riding gear was a myth, a general agreement that longer rides should have an earlier start, the weather and should we amend the destination. Having checked the weather radar I thought that we would be able to thread the needle between to rain storms so the destination remained the same. No virgins and as we had all been across the mountains many times no need for corner marking or a TEC. I regretted the lack of TEC later as I was often distracted with checking the mirrors to make sure we had not left anyone. Traffic was light, I set the pace as a cruise, and we all arrived at Maccas Lithgow together.   Further discussion on the destination and weather lead 5 of the 9 heading back. The 4 remaining, after checking the radar, decided that, yes, we should be able to get between the rain. We arrived at Sofala as the rain had turned from a few drops and were welcomed by thunder and heavier rain. We ate in the park then headed off h...

 Today's ride early start didn't happen for various reasons, so we missed our window of opportunity to join the 10am massed ride from Narellan to Cordeaux Dam. Instead we took a more leisurely route over the Harbour Bridge and down the Bay to join the Princes Hwy to Engadine for a coffee stop, then on to Waterfall, down the Old Princes Hwy to Bulli Tops, then the Mt Ousley Rd to Picton Rd and to Cordeaux Dam, arriving just after the Memorial Day speeches and just in time for a rissole on a roll. About a hundred Ulysseans there, lots of familiar old faces, bit of a catch-up, good to see you etc. etc.  Thanks again to Macarthur Branch for hosting and food. A lovely spot for a picnic lunch. Home through RNP and that was a lovely ride as well. Temp. around 22 - 24 degrees, light traffic, no hold-ups other than road closures in the CBD. Ah well, pay the toll this time, home by 3pm. Cheers!

 Springtime at last! A great day to be out on the bike, and a scenic cruise to a great cafe.  Four starters from St Ives and two pick-ups at the 711 at Berowra. And we very nearly had another, except his Guzzi wouldn't start to go onto the Berowra Ferry and he was never seen again. Hardly any traffic today. I guess dad was at home with the kids? Easy riding and a pleasant stop for coffee at the Wisemans Ferry then on past Spencer to Central Mangrove and down to Peats Ridge. The Corrugated cafe has had a make-over. They are now the 47 Oaks Cafe. New staff and good food and a "trying to please" attitude which was good to see. And not busy. All good. Home by your choice so thanks for coming and see you next time!

 The Antique Motorcycle Club of America - Australia Inc. runs an annual weekend at Bulli Showground, showcasing all things motorcycling, particularly early American motorcycles. Hundreds of bikes of every make you've ever heard of and many you've not, along with all the historic racing, speedway and marque clubs and associations, displays, swap and sell stands, food trucks and wet bar. This event is well worth the visit despite the 2-hour slog through the city to get there. If you missed it you've missed out for this year, so put it on your Calendar for next year.