Life is like that...
There have been only a few windows of opportunity for a ride. Father's Day was out and rightly so. The man is no enthusiast, but I hope he'll come around one of these days. The girl is not into it because I make her wear the Draggins...Daggins she calls them... and the jacket that makes her look like a buffoon... ahhh well, what can you do?
Last Saturday I took myself off to a little cruise up the Pass and down via Jamberoo.
After that I felt much better. Sometimes you just have to stretch the tyres a little.
Since it's been a while, I had to find my equilibrium. It seems to take a bit of getting over the awkward stage. This bike, the way it has been resprayed and looks so pretty and the worrying about getting it written off for such a minimal amount makes me value it so much more and seems to create a little more anxiety in me. I have not been able to let go and give it what it wants... yes, I realise that it is a machine and I choose to endow it with human traits... so what is it?
Is it me? Do I want or need a little more cornering at speed? Risk-taking? Danger?
No. Not really, looking at it that way.
I just want to keep up with the rest of the mob.
When I got to the Robertson Pieshop five minutes after the guy I followed up, who told me he was going to take it slowly...
I realised that I still had a lot to learn.
'Dragon' whom I met up with at Bellambi Lane was half way through his cigarette when I arrived up there. By the time my Muggochino was served, my hands were still shaking...
Ahh well. 'Tis old age...
I'm a dag.
Ah yes, 'Dragon'... his real name escaped in the rush... I met him by coinidence on the road. We nodded in acknowledgement and then he pointed south "going up the pass?"
"Yes!" I said... is he psychic, I wondered... of all the places I could be going south...
He rode this red and black Honda RR1000, as it clearly stated on the tail, but I had to ask, didn't I?!
It sounded great and the accellaration seemed boundless. He suited the bike or better, the bike suited him. He looked young and I wondered if he's going to get the shock of his life when I take my helmet off and he sees the old duck revealing herself. Ah well. I don't mind. It's just... well, I feel sorry for them... probably getting their hopes up, thinking, ahhh here's a Sheila that doesn't mind riding her own bike.
However, I looked over his neat bike when he stopped on my right, which revealed...
the illawarrariders.com sticker on his swing arm... ahhh,
"I am ZX6R", I said, hoping that he'd know me from my posts.
He looked across at my bike and he nodded.
Yeah, I guess that's quite obvous, as it says it on my side panels in fairly large letters.
...and that's when I introduced myself, quickly mentioning that I too was a member of the same Association. Common ground!
That's when the large white four wheel drive turned up next to us and the little boy passenger started to wind down the window. I immediately knew what he wanted... he wanted to hear the engines of our bikes roar.
So I revved it a little and pointed at the little boy, who sat just behind eyeline of my new acquaintance.
I guess 'Dragon' missed all that and he must have been under the impression that I had just pointed at him, encouraging him to make a bit of noise too. He obliged. Nice guy I thought, as I cringed watching the young boy reaching out of the window, adjusting his dad's huge 4WD chrome mirror for him.
I know, I am a dag.
Once we got to our common destination we had a quick bit of sustainance and a chat.
Nice guy, well spoken and relaxed about himself, he was going to take the Bowral way back to Campbelltown, whilst I decided to take that goat track back to Jamberoo and then return home. For the first time in ages I got to make use of my maps, pointing him in the right direction. I introduced him to Will's motorcycling service, a visor cleaning station which is located on the wall in the disabled toilet and on the way out, I just had to show off my winning picture in the window display.
I sure am a dag.
Labels: Ride Report
HUSKISSON4BREKKY- Illawarra Riders
There were about thirty of us at the meeting point. Some of the ladies even rode along in cars and brought the dogs. The new Duke was amongst us.. until it started to sprinkle in Berry. That's when we lost a few, as they turned back towards bluer skyes. I did not realise that new Ducks are no longer made to be water resistant.
The Highway traffic was moving at a fine pace until, shortly before the turnoff to Huskisson, we encountered an increasing amount of vehicles flashing their lights at us.
The traffic came to a halt and I got a glimpse of a couple of tall, chestnut coloured horses swiftly disappearing into the woods and I was worried that we'd see an injured one lying by the roadside. Thank goodness we were spared that experience and all was ok. The riders had simply lost control of their animals and they did what came naturally: They just took off to find shelter. Good Luck with the chase!
We found shelter at the Promenade Cafe.
The smokers even had their own...
Eggs Benedict took my fancy, but even though I did get to order pretty much before the big rush, it turned out quite plain and disappointing. Meat eaters seemed to get a slightly better deal, by an additional slice of ham with each egg. The captain's brekky had the lot and made the grade... most got what they were looking forward to.
The drizzle started to set in and when one of the boys spoke to his wife on his mobile, who was sitting out in the sun in their backyard in Albion Park, I decided to head back with a small group of early leavers. Bulli Boy and I took off due north and once he'd turned off to drop off his mate, I was on my own again.
Thirroul after the accident will never be the same again. The spot where my bike came to grief seems haunted with its memory.
As I passed through, I encountered within a 100m stretch a car doing a U-turn right in front of me and another pulling out from a side street, narrowly avoiding my oncoming traffic and heading straight into my path, with his passenger panicking, arms up in front of her, sheltering herself from the possible impact. It was nice to have new brakes and a bit of accellaration at my fingertips to get me out of those tight corners.
Thirroul waves the red flag for me from here on in...
Labels: Ride Report
GRO - Shoalhaven NO GO!
These rides South do not happen too often with the Girls-Ride-Out gang, so I was especially looking forward to participate in this outing to Shoalhaven Heads. Unfortunately the flu has got me down and out and shivering, wrapped up in multiple layers with a hot water bottle at my feet, under my doona. Coughing and spluttering all night, making a nuisance of myself, trying to get comfortable. Is it just an urban myth or does 'Southern Comfort' really help?
I am just so disappointed that I could not go on this ride, but the man has already given me the hard word about going on yesterdays ride. But seriously, balance and fatigue factor would have made it more dangerous than practical. So here I am, glassy eyed, staring out my bedroom window.
What's that? The sound of birds? Aaah...the wind has finally died down... good for their return trip.
Labels: Ride Report
JAMBEROO via Pie Shop
SORRY:NO CAMERA- NO PICTURES
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Aaahhhh, what do you know?! The fams told me in no uncertain terms:
"GO FOR A RIDE !!!!"
That was after enduring me for an hour or so getting more and more grumpy with everybody whilst cleaning the house. Finding Joanne's phone number took a mere 15 seconds but finding the phone took about three minutes longer... handsets and mobiles seem to have a life of their own. What is it they get up to when we are not looking?!
I invited myself to her house. Just a Quick visit. Lake Heights is about a half an hour away. About an hour or so later we sat at the Robertson Pie Shop eating Lamingtons. Mmmmmhhhh!
The Goat Track down to Jamberoo Pub was quite an experience. Beautiful little homesteads dotted and tucked away into the ever changing landscape down the mountain from the table lands. The temperature was quite coolish up top, but as we were making our way down the 35s and 25s, it was quite obviously getting warmer towards the coast.
I love that 'whole body' kind of awareness. You largely miss out on that if you are driving in a car.
The sunshine had painted a golden landscape and the long shadows made everything look like fairy land. It was simply magical!
There were about eight of them at the pub. One of the lady riders... and of cause i did not catch her name... rode a VIOLET ZX... Great colour! I thought I had seen her bike at the Pink Ribbon ride once before and she did confirm that one for me.
Joel and Scott took off along the Turpentine bends and we caught up again at the start of the Freeway.
I got home to a smiling family.
.
Labels: Ride Report
Dam!
Girls Ride Out's monthly ride and the Illawarra Riders' outing clashed this time and this time the choice was in the local corner. A Family Picnic at the Dam. I can't remember a monthly GRO ride I did not attend because I chose not to...
Dear oh dear! How did I get THAT so wrong?!
My family had deserted me by nine am and they did not return until 12:30, which was an hour and a half LATE(!!!!!!!) before we even took off. The girl informed me that she would rather stay at home... in no uncertain terms... but! But! That meant that we could have been riding up there...and there I was, dressed to go by car, hair done, earrings carefully chosen to not upstage those jeans... bugger! No time to get changed or re-organise the esky to a tank bag. Off we went. Alone. Just the two of us and the dog. (He REALLY needed to get out!)
The picnic area was quite busy, but after the first drive-by I had to admit to the man that I did not recognise anyone amongst the groups of picnickers. At first I thought it was because they did not wear helmets and walked in close proximity of bikes. So I parked the car and asked everybody wether they were with Illawarra Riders.
Who???
When it was quite apparent that we were simply very late and people had quite obviously made a bee line for the Chineese GP, we made it a picnic for two ... and a half...the dog...who was well behaved and did only growl at the tiny black poodle in the neighbouring pack, who was most definately not a lamb...
After a delicious meal and the realisation that we did not bring the cork screw and unbeknownst to me the vino did not have the nowadays usual screwtop, we had to take ourselves off to the dam wall. The dog on its leash (for a change!) and closely observed by a ranger in his little white car, which must have passed us at least five times. (The man thinks he's checking on the dog remaining leashed.)
The dam is this amazing granite structure with a little almost gothic building in the centre. A walkway took us right across that huge wall to the other side of the dam. The ranger was there, waiting for people taking an unbelievably silly photo opprtunity... placing their children on the wall, then stepping back a few metres to get the right angle, whilst the toddler does what it does best...: it toddles.
Well, his interest had shifted from us to them, but we were wondering wether this was the water that reaches our homes and so we had a little chat about the place. What better source to get information than the expert?!
Yes, we are drinking the Cateract Dam's water and, what's most interesting is that it was pouring out of the bottom pipe like you would not believe!
He said that it is being transported back to the Prospect Dam that way...and returned to the river system. Ahhh! Apparently the same thing happened at the Cordeaux Dam, which was only a few kilometres down the road.
Now, where had I heard THAT name mentioned before?
That's when it dawned on me. It was the Cordeaux Dam the Illawarra Riders were going to meet at. "*@&%!!!!"
Too late!
When we returned to the homestead I checked the Forum and there it was. Multi coloured. There was even a map for the truly challenged. I was sure it said Appin Rd, but no. I was WRONG!
What can you do?
Enjoy the view...
and somehow find a way to live that one down...
.
Labels: Ride Report
Tathra Pub for lunch 22 April
ILLAWARRA RIDERS and RATs- Tathra Pub Ride
The last day of the Easter holidays was certainly a day to look forward to. It started early on a patchy morning, which prompted an immediate check of the weather forecast. Not much rain on the radar, but I decided to wear the 'wets', the wet weather gear on my way to Albion Park Maccas. Better safe than wet, starting a whole day's ride to Tathra and back.
Most riders had already arrived by the time the green machine rolled up to the carpark. There were some drops not far from home and then another sprinkle on the highway, but not enough serious discomfort to really justify my 'wets, but I decided to keep wearing them. Unfortunately that did not keep the rain at bay, as it so often does...
7am meet @ Albion Park MaccasThe group took off towards the darkening horizon. The roads were quite deserted for the last day of the NSW holidays and the Kiama bends made a good start to the day. Bewong Roadhouse, Bateman's Bay Caltex, Bermagui, then another 50 km to the Tathra Pub, where we had some nice chats and a fair bistro meal.
Tathra PubUnfortunately the further south we came, the more wet roads we had to conquer. Despite that there were some amazing visual moments along the way. Ulladulla's water ways were the most beautiful green colour. Emerald?!
There was that moment of recognition at Wallaga Lake, where we once stayed when the child was still in a pouch. Dromedar Rock by the surf beach on the other side of the road... one way bridges... pelicans on beaches... boats in harbours...
Back to the pub. I was pleased to see that the closest anyone came to alcohol was a 'lemon lime and bitters'. Nobody had anything to prove and so much to experience. I always look at the ride as a personal challenge, getting better at it, achieving the personal best, best line, best angle, speed, control. Those wet roads were quite slippery and I conquered my fear throughout each corner. About 2 1/2 hours into the ride my shoulders, neck, arms and wrist started to get tight and I was getting tired.
Blue and Green should never be seen... NOT!On our way home we were joined by a silver merc, whose driver also stopped over at the Bateman's Bay Caltex. Apparently he complimented the group on the skills and unity, which was a nice thing to hear for a change!
The Highway was closed at Berry and we had to detour via Gerringong where the torrential rain took its toll on all of us riders and drivers alike. At times there was less than 10 m visibility ahead. In the dark, whith oncoming traffic, drips on glasses and scratches on visor, with little indication as to where the shoulder or centre line may be located I thought of stopping under the very next bridge, but immediately dismissed that idea for fear that someone would run me over. The Moto Guzzi in front of me was like a guiding light. I stuck to him like glue. He was a kind man! (Ironically that particular model Moto Guzzi is named 'dark'...)
Albion Park towards Dapto started to be fairly dry and that was my cue to take off. The thought of arriving HOME made everything bareable... a hot shower and a cold beer...
The Green Machine in front of the Tathra HotelIt was quite an insight for me to ride so intently all day during daylight hours. Checking the road for hazzards, for dangerous surface, trying to avoid pot holes, patches, bumps, adjusting the line to gain the ideal balance...
At night in that wet weather all there was left to do was to trust that it'll be alright and that the skill and experience would automatically be there when things go wrong.
We were lucky.
Labels: Ride Report
ILLAWARRA RIDERS- Take 'C' to work ride
'The Take 'C' To Work Ride' met at 10:15am at the Service Station cnr Northcliffe Drive and Nolan St., Lake Heights/Unanderra.
We rode up the Macquarry Pass and stopped over at the Pieshop, then on to Berry for a little more lunch but no shops... hmmm, nice ride... a Sunday morning cruise (as I have been assured).
Labels: Ride Report
DON GUNN - Sadly missed.
Two years ago today, Don rode out and never made it home again. He is sadly missed by all of us. There is no substitute.
To fill the hole in my heart I planned to take a ride to the place where he had the accident. Turning off at Yanko Road towards Pymble, Lindy and I rode past the spot and enjoyed a freshly sealed road with too much traffic to get tempted by the twisties.
Lindy's new red and black ZX6R looks awesome and gave me a fair dose of 'gadget lust', but my baby is good looking too, especially for her age!
Don would have been proud of us...even though we never did get 'Ducati-fied'.
Thanks Lindy, for taking that ride with me!
Labels: Ride Report
DINNER Ride to Dapto TONIGHT
I even polished the kwaka...
Must scrub the paint remnants off my fingers. Have not been to a Girls Nite Out with the Illawarra Rider lasses. Should I do my hair? It'll just be 'hair by helmet' (that's the brain bucket, not Helmut the blonde warrior who serves you a cappucchino as he prepares for the streaks...I wish!!)
Peerless.
O.K. - better go...
To Be Continued...
Well, the temperature was perfect for a night ride and the traffic not too bad down the express way. Most drivers were curteous and things flowed along...of cause I did not bother to check the street directory, so I followed that marvellous instinct of mine and found an Indian restaurant with a couple of waving ladies standing outside it. Having missed the turn off I pulled over and did a U-turn to find a well lit parking lot right next to a pharmacy.
The Mexican restaurant was closed, but the Indian was ready to take our business. A funny place! Bollywood music video streamed from a ceiling mounted data projector onto a gigantic wall-screen. Music blaring...even after my request to turn it down a little...it crept back up.
Guess who was the only 'Rider' that night. Ahh well, there is no second chance to make a first impression...and by then I had already made it, up on that pass in my raingear, dripping, fogged up spectacles, asking: "are you my guys?" Wrong group...
That day I rode with The Rats, not the Illawarra Riders... but what a coincidence! Here was the group I had intended to join for a ride for quite a while now.
Back to the Indian... of cause the ladies looked beautiful and I felt like a dill in my leathers, but it did not matter in the end.
Since I had been on the forum for a while, I was able to make some sense, some connections on the basis of their post names and some of the facts that I had pieced together and so I did not feel too much a stranger. Jo seemed to hold the threads together. I guess she's been with them from the start.
Well then, after dinner it was coffee time at Warrawong Maccas. Narrowly missed the camera on the way...since when was that a 60 zone????! I guess I got lucky.
Returning home was fun too, as Wendy made her way towards the northern subs too and she kept dragging me in her ute. Yep, good night! Hope to have more of these.
Labels: Ride Report
MT VICTORIA - GRO 6th Anniversary Ride
A Stop-Over at Lithgow
Mt Victoria-The Imperial Hotel
The Music Room at the Imperial HotelDate: Sunday 1st April, 2007
Destination : Mt Victoria via Lithgow
Meet Point: McDonald's Richmond cnr East Market & March St
Time: 9.30am for 10.00am start
Ride Route:
Follow March Street west, changes to Kurrajong Road then to Bells Line of Road
Follow to Lithgow
Turn left at Hartley Vale Road
Turn left onto The Gap Rd, follow the Gap Road to the first fork and carry along to your right ), at the second fork, veer to the right, this will take you to the Great Western Highway.
Turn left onto the Great Western Highway and follow to Mount Victoria.
Ahhhh! What a great day THAT was! Perfect weather, although a little nippy at first (my fingertips experienced some sensory deprivation...and I wasn't even drinking!), as I took off via Bulli Pass, Appin Rd, Narellen way, The Northern Road.
I'll never get sick of the Northern Road, especially not early in the morning when the mist is still in the air. Everything is so nice and lush at the moment and the brisk air makes me feel wide awake and ready for action. Riding past Oran Park,I thought of the people racing there today, as many of the clubs I belong to had a booking for it. Ah well, once I had my brakes done, I'll be having a go at the track.
I arrived first at Richmond Maccas and ordered myself a nice hot Moccha, sat in a sunny spot and enjoyed the break. It did not take long before people started to arrive. I met a new couple, thinking 'they are so much like US' except that Ian, her man (I wished I had remembered her name too), rides as well.
Rachael and Andre were next. It's always nice to catch up with those two. I wished they lived closer. Rachael has got herself a little racer, a 250 twostroke rocket. She is so light, she must be doing well around corners. Good on her! She has only been riding for a year and has done so well for herself. I am impressed!
...and Andre did a fabulous job fixing up that bike of his. It looks real smick- a black beauty.
Selena and Terry, Trish, our fearless leader, Bronny, Jackster and lots of people I've met or at least seen before. My name memory is shot to pieces, so forgive me if you come across this and yours has not been mentioned... ahh yes, Martin on his Beemer Spaceship.
Selena handed out the annual Bathurst or Bust flyer. Last year was such a blast, I want to do it all over again! So count me in on that one.
The ride had a really nice pace today. It was the best GRO ride I have ever done. That left turn at Lithgow took us into God's country! Ahhhh! I could hardly concentrate on the road. the views were magnificent and I promised myself that Iwill take that route again, on my own with my camera. Simply stunning!
We only lost two this time, but they did turn up again at the 'Imperial'.
Imperial Hotel - LobbyThe pub at Mt Victoria is most charming and it had a happy atmosphere in the beergarden, smiling faces everywhere, lots of different groups, Harley riders (loved Terry's baby!), even saw a marone, spotless Katana, some Vintage bikes (that Guzzi was a fine specimen!), some Space Age -and everyone looked as if they had the perfect day out.
Moto GuzziSo, what's an anniversary without the cake? The cheesecake did not cope well with the twisties at the Bells Line of Road and sadly it became second choice, but the chocolate cake with the 6th Anniversary plaque was a real hit with everyone.
Happy 6th Anniversary
Our Lopsided Cheese CakeThanks to the GRO comittee for making us all feel special and treating us to the good things in life!
About eight of us made our way back down the hill. Traffic was getting a little more intense and Bronny made me go first. We took off and got separated from the rest of the group. Must have been the traffic lights... We decided not to wait, because the group was going to get fragmented, going off in all directions in the end anyway.
I really enjoyed the ride back on my own at my own pace, enjoying the sunshine, thinking of Oggy Knobs for the track and getting my new rotors. Tuesday is Service day...almost clicked over the 32000 mark today...not bad for a 1995 model...
Labels: Ride Report
ROBERTSON- with RAT/Katana Australia
So, there I was, looking for the Katana Gang and no Katanas arrived at sunny Stanwell Tops. There was a beautiful F4 MV Augusta and a couple of big Suzukis, Yamaha, a range of big bikes with their serious riders, a few cruisers nearby, but no Katana. I parked my NINJA just opposite, so it could be easily picked by those I had met before, but that did not work out either, as I had never seen Jace, the organiser of this trip to the Valley, other than at Gina's funeral. Then he was in a fine tailored suit and this time his remarkable hairdo was hidden under a helmet. For about half an hour I chatted to a nice Harley rider, who was reminiscing about a trip to Hamburg in Germany. Time after time I looked over my shoulder, expecting the group to arrive. Nada!
No wonder! They were there all along. The F4 was part of the group and when we finally recognised each other, they were about to leave.
Hmmmm...Very, very tempting indeed!"No Katanas here", said Jace, "you are riding with the RATs today. The Road and Track-riders..."
I just had to have a quick look around to see if there was ANYTHING under 1000cc amongst them.Gulp! Failing that, my next question was: "Are you FAST?" Someone started up their engine and his answer somehow became inaudible. I guess I'll see...
I expected to head down the coast way, but we went back via the 'burgh, along the old highway, then down to the Gong via the Freeway. There were others and I was unsure who was who, and if they knew each other and where we were going exactely...I figured I'd follow them anyway, so, play it by ear.
The Freeway was fun to ride 'in bulk'. I expected to ride all the way down to Albion Park, turn right at the roundabout and then right again at the town centre, but that was not how it went!
Cruising along as a group right across all lanes, I happened to be on the outside, when people started to turn off at Fowlers Rd. Suddenly I was not quite sure wether they were the people I had taken off with or were they the riders we caught up with on the Freeway??? Ahhhhhh!!!!!!!! What the heck! I'll follow them... cutting across three lanes and riding over the grid, juuuuust making it, I was glad to discover that Jace, giving me the thumbs-up, was among them. Pheew. Luck 's on my side.
Turn right and then there was a petrol station everyone pulled into and that's when I realised that we were ONE group. The others had taken off a little earlier. That's all.
Hey, I was just a little worried about my street-cred. Can you imagine if it had turned out that I had followed the wrong bikie group? That would have been too embarressing...
We crossed a railway bridge somewhere...I'll find out... turned left and were on one of the most MAGICAL single lane country roads I've been on, cutting right through a valley, rich in country air, flung bits of cow dung, a little dirt road and a foot deep river crossing thrown in as well. ADVENTURE!!!!
Just kidding!!Once we got to the Macquarie Pass it started to sprinkle. Time to get the wet weather gear out. Am sooooooooo glad I packed it! Could kick myself for leaving my clear visor at home, though. Reminder to self: riding in rain is good practise.
Rain?
It poured!
I let them all go off and made my own way up to the Robertson Pie Shop. It was a busy place when I got there, I looked around and thought to recognise one of the female riders in the group, but as it worked out, she was actually up there with the
Illawarra Riders. I had planned to contact them for a while now, but never got around to it. Now there is no excuse...
Whilst I had a conversation with a couple of members, I briefly noticed a woman pointing at me from a 4-Wheel Drive. As they started to drive off, I finally recognised Joy from Corrimal! Funny!!! I had actually tried to invite her on this ride, wrote the email and got distracted, mustn't have clicked send and when I checked the outbox the next time I logged in, the mail had disappeared. No time to re-send and that was that.
There she was! What a coincidence!
It poured all the way home.
Just out of Moss Vale on the Illawarra Highway, we had yet another reminder of our human frailty, our mortality. A ute had spun out on the wet road and had landed on its roof. I hope they made it, I hope they were lucky.
I left the group at Bowral and after Mittagong it really came down in buckets all the way to Campbelltown, where it stopped suddenly and briefly. Just enough to wipe the visor, unfog the glasses and wring out the gloves. Heading to Appin it all started again.
The petrol station attendant at Appin took one look at me and said: "Must be terrible riding in such awful weather."
"Nahh, not really... riding is what I want to do, so I better not complain!"
Getting through Bulli Tops was like finding your way through a Chineese Laundry- 5m visibility in the thick of it! The Smash Repair Trucks were ready for business and lining upI got home safely, but can no longer avoid giving that Ninja a good clean.
Where to next?
Labels: Ride Report
MT WHITE via YARRAMALONG VALLEY-GIRLS RIDE OUT 4/3/2007
Destination : Mount White via Yarramalong Valley & Bumble Hill
When : Sunday 4th March, 2007
Meet : Mobil Garage, Berowra
Time : 9.30am for a 10.00am Start (I just made it!)
Follow old Pacific Hwy to Calga interchange, turn right at first T intersection, then left at second T intersection on to Peats Ridge Rd, follow to Peats Ridge, turn left on to George Downs Drive, follow to Kulnurra, turn right onto Springs Road, turn right/changes to Greta rd, turn left/changes to Bumble Hill rd, turn right onto Yarramalong rd, turn right onto Old Maitland Rd just before expressway entry, turn right onto pacific hwy, follow to Ourimbah interchange, get on expressway, at the top of the hill turn left at Somersby interchange onto Peats ridge rd follow to calga and reverse the start of the ride, stopping at Mt White.
I wish I had printed this out. We were lost in space a couple of times. Haha!!!! What's new??!
Here are some photographs...
Three gals wearing the club's 2007 T-shirts
Two chaps marvelling at my ZX (I'm kidding!)
Scott's mum in-law Julie having a chat about his status quo
Yarramalong Valley stop-over
Road Warrior's Cafe
Labels: Ride Report
ATHOL'S BIRTHDAY-WISEMAN'S FERRY 3/3/07
Mark Guitar and AtholIt wasn't easy to leave the house that day, as EVERYTHING was covered in a layer of fine white dust. The plasterer's present to us, just in case we have nothing else to do on a sunny weekend...the pleasures of adding new comfort space. It was hot and humid and Athol's Birthday. Escaping Mardi Gras weekend, he had been kidnapped by Mark and Robyn, to stay at their weekend retreat in Spencer, a small village 25min down the Hawksbury river from Wiseman's.
Riding feels different since I know about Gina's fatal accident as a pillion passenger. I am much more reluctant to take the man (or myself!) to the edge and there is a heavy sense of responsibility on my shoulders.
The man makes our life beautiful.
By the way: The child has not mentioned riding since she heard of the accident and I doubt that she ever will...
However, we made it through the traffic...aaarrrgh, the trrraffic! It was good to get through the last 'bumper to bumper' at Cherrybrook and hit the open road just out of Dural. A little underfuelled, I panicked about 20ks from our target and found, just off the mainroad a local petrol station. The man was a little worried about the quality, but I figured, I'll take that risk...and relax around the bends. A toilet would have been good too...
Wiseman's Ferry Hotel was busy as usual, just not a lot of bikes around when we were there. Loads of flies swarming around our food and the qarbel of the magpies made it an all Australian get together.
Happy Birthday Athol! I wish you many happy returns! (I am soooo selfish!)
Birthday-boy AtholMark and Robyn offered for us to stay, as my next ride was only one sleep away and we were to head out that way again. (More about the Mt White trip in the next report...) We declined. It was very tempting though, but I needed to be level headed that next morning, just to keep the balance.
The man felt pretty good on the back of the Ninja, even throughout the hairpins. The only trouble I have is dealing with sudden stops, red lights after an hour or so of traffic and the odd weirdo heading towards us...
On our way back we were confronted by a GhostDriver heading straight for us, since we must have represented the least impact, compared to the ute, the van approaching in the neighbouring lanes and the Chrysler right behind us. I hit all available breaks and fishtailed, swearing loudly and repeatedly, towards the car, whose driver then decided to steer straight across to the next two lanes. prompting a hooting concert. I was surprised nobody got out of their cars to abuse the driver. But then, I did not feel the need to stick around. It was hot enough in my leathers.
The pool was all I could think of for the remaining 10 km. When we arrived home, we had to peel the leathers off our limbs.
Completely exhausted and asleep by 8pm.
Labels: Ride Report
BANKSTOWN - Via Nasho
The Man and I made our way up along the coast through the National Park. It was his first time, so we took it very, very easy. Just before the turn-off to Waterfall an oncoming bike rider motioned to slow down. Well, I thought to myself, if we go any slower, we'll be parking! So it could not have been a radar trap he was warning us about. Another bend or two and sure enough, we came to the turn-off where several emergency vehicles were at the scene of an accident, attending to the distressed occupants of a badly damaged car. Thank Goodness: No bike!
At the Loftus end we got caught at the lights and whilst we waited for the change, a brandnew, sparkling black and silver BMW stopped right next to us. The rider did not acknowledge us once. He was certainly in his ivory tower! His mate arrived a little while later, but they were just totally into each other. The bikes were amazing, but the guys were just rude. Come on! Where did they leave their spirit?? At the cash register?
Is
that what BMW riding does to people? Then I don't think I want any part of it!
By the time we hit Menai I started to worry about our petrol situation and we rode all the way to Illawong, only to find that this was the wrong way to be going. Miles later, we found a shopping centre, but no petrol station. We should have gone to Menai in the first place. Once we had a full tank again, I took off on my favourite road to Milperra and then straight into Bankstown. This is where we found Oscar's Sports Hotel's $5 introductory lunchtime special. Yeah! They make a great tasting Laksa there and the place's decor is most pleasing on the eye! I took a picture on our way out.
As we strolled along the mostly closed up Asian shop fronts, we followed the sound of drumming and cheering. When we peeked around the corner we saw dragons and musicians and chineese lanterns, shimmering gold and red everywhere, and happy faces.
It's Chineese New Year!!!!
.
.
.
Here are a couple more impressions:
We returned via Lukas Heights and the old Princess Highway, back along the coast to a nice icy-cold bottle of Bud. What else?
Where to next?
Labels: Ride Report
Camp Quality Ride - Stanwell Tops
When I first came to Australia, I planned to save up for a Katana and ride it around Australia. Yeah well...we all have dreams that did not make it into the reality realm. Life happened and I never actually made it around Australia and I never even rode a Katana other than as a pillion with a CRAZY guy, doing 220 in traffic on the backstreets of Surfers Paradise.
Yes, that was it. After that, I purchased a Yamaha XT 500 Enduro...which is almost on the other side of the bike world...isn't it?!
Today I was reminded and surrounded by about a half a dozen of these bikes. Coincidentally, really...as we just happened to park next to each other and started chatting. I had a quiet laugh to myself when a couple of sweet, middle aged blokes...no offence!!...were reminiscing about first laying eyes on these bikes. One said it was in 1981, at the tender age of 16 and the other was 17 years old. I decided to keep my mouth shut. There was no way I'd blurt out that I was some five years past that ... However, they were all very nice at first glance and I felt safe riding with these guys.
To kick it off, we all met at the Golf Range near Helensburgh at 1pm. It was hot and dusty at that time of the day and I had to even stand under a tree to catch a bit of shade. A quick briefing, reminding us that most of these kids have never been on a bike before and to ensure that they keep their feet on the pegs...someone yelled out: "Gaffa tape anyone???!!!!"... hahaha!!!!! ...and off we went to Stanwell Tops Conference Centre, where about 250 bikes of all sorts and sizes got ready for their precious cargo. Unfortunately I did not get anybody this time. Maybe next year!
The ride went along very nicely. (
See map!) As always, people behaved in a civilised manner and the marshals did a fabulous job keeping us all together. We rode along the old highway and then down Bulli Pass, turned left at Thirroul and along the coast to Stanwell Tops again.
Upon our return to the Centre, we got some free food and drink and had a chat about the things we love.
Darren, from Narellen, invited me to join the KatanaAustralia MSN webforum, where their future rides will be advertised. They are off to an o/nighter to Forster next weekend. "Can't do o/nighters!"... "Bring hubby along!" Good guys.
I also met a few Ulysses riders. One rider pulled up next to me on a 1300 Kawasaki. A lovely man at 72 years of age. I hope I'll still be able to ride at that time of my life.
My helmet hair has been very unsettling today, as I finally had my locks chopped off this morning and the style is very unusual for me. The regular five finger streak through my hair is no longer just a an automatic action. Whilst it is VERY short, it needs imagination to keep it standing on edge. The 10-Finger-Shuffle-and-Twist still needs a mirror to practise with. Now I need to use PRODUCT!
...and there I was wanting to save time on doing my hair...yeah, dream on!
The irony is that some of these kids today had no hair at all (the chemo!), so I guess in future I will be greatful for what I've got and stop complaining. Yeah, in the bigger scheme of things...
Next time I'll just take my hat.
Interested in Volunteering for Camp Quality?
Click here.Now!
Labels: Ride Report
A RIDE TO BERRY
It was his first longer ride as my pillion. We took off mid morning and made our way up the Bulli Pass, heading west to Appin to ride along
Broughton’s Pass, a windy road down towards and across the bridge and back up on the other side of the weir. To think that this was once the site of a gruesome massacre of indigenous souls! What a serene and beautiful, but sad place, desecrated by such a crime against humanity. To find out more, click on the green hyperlink in the text. (Ahhhh I am soooo proud of myself for having that worked out...finally!)
Once in the Highlands, we dropped into our favourite Garden place, The Pot Shop, just as the road takes you into Mittagong. We love their innovative garden features and we always leave it with new ideas and dreams. This visit was even more special than usual, because we met David, who happened to be a kindred soul. It was amazing to listen to him talk about the pleasures of track riding. He has been through the Wrist Twist several times and taken the Superbike Challenge all the way. He has been on the track with the Great Gardner and is about to do it again. On our way out he handed me his card and told me to keep it and hand it to the chap running my first Superbike course, which should not be too far off…
We stopped over at the Bowral Hotel for a most refreshing Lemon, Lime and Bitters. I think I decided then that I should make that my 2007 drink of choice. At least when I am out and about on the ZX.
Another stop at the ‘Friendly Inn Hotel’, Kangaroo Valley, another Lemon, Lime and Bitters and a fine lunch to match the kind of day we were having. We managed to get ourselves seated at a neat shady sidewalk table, munching on tempura fish on basamic rocket salad, watching the trickling traffic pass by.
Did you know, that the average age of the Australian motorcycle rider is around 43 years? Well, today I came across a fair few of us/those, who’d take that average up way past the 30 mark. Good effort, guys! On this trip there was at least one funny moment when a brand new Ducati rider we came upon, riding steadily along, was completely oblivious to the fact that we were riding right behind him. He must have noticed that there was a change of sound in the air, obviously due to my lovely Yoshimura pipes at medium revs, but he kept looking down to check if there was something wrong with his engine. At the lights he had a big stretch and almost dropped the bike in the process. My pillion giggled a little and poked me in the side... I managed to keep a straight face and pretended I had not seen it. After all, the wobbles could happen to all of us...
Our trip took the sweetest turn just after leaving Kangaroo Valley when we turned off Cambewarra Rd taking a left on Berry Mountain Road via Bellawongarah, then along Kangaroo Valley Rd to hit Queen St on the western side of Berry. Those tight serpentines and gorgeous views... trees forming shady cathedrals above the road... neat, stonewalled properties in rural settings... all this will become a regular future attraction for me. It is the way to go, a great way to experience the awesome beauty of this southern area, yet easily missed if you don't know where to turn off. I feel like I have for the first time just discovered a secret doorway... Can't wait til next time!
The cool and shaded verandah of the
Great Southern Hotel at Berry served as a fine refuge from the heat of the day. Even the loudest conversation between a longhaired owner of an old, old dog and a young, stocky, weird guy, sitting at a table right next to us, about the state of the nation, accompanied by an accolade of expletives, could not spoil that moment for us. We concluded that this one was the best Lemon, Lime and Bitters we’ve had all day.
Those Berry shops are always seductive, but in the end the heat got to us and we made our way right back home to lounge around the pool. That’s when it hit me:
Life just does not get much better!... and my handsome pillion agreed.
Labels: Ride Report
