Bookham 18 Sept

Well it felt like the introduction to Spring, sun shining, not a cloud in sight and expected 23 degrees. 10 am is a very civilized time to start a ride, but we were all so keen to get riding we were there early. I realised it must have been a while since I have been on a ride as I only just noticed the “new” MacDonald’s next to the Nicholls servo, which they say has been there for a while! Of course having half an hour to kill we went over for a coffee and a bite. That’s one thing about riding we never starve or go thirsty.

The troops started to turn up:

The lovely Andrew & Catherine Campbell       GL1800
The helpful Garry McCurly                VFR1200
The travellers Ian & Sally Paterson          GL1800
The unfortunate Gary McDonald            Ducati 600S
(That’s it, run out of inspiration!)
Terry Mills                            750 Shadow
Peter Schrieher                         SV650
Les C                                 Blackbird
Jennifer Buchanan                       250 Virago
Geoff Howard                           XVZ 1300T
Christine Cassilles                        CB400
Peter Arday                            Honda ST1300

 We had such a good time milling around chatting that it was difficult to get going. One thing about the rides is that its great to catch up with friends and meet new riders (new to me not necessarily a new riders!). I met Christine and Jennifer for the first time – great gals!

We had a very pleasant ride, out past Yass down the Bowning Road, , and as Terry and I were corner marking so that no one would get lost, it was amusing to see the ride leader come back and head the other way, so if you are going to get lost its good to take the rest of the pack with you! It was right towards Harden and left to .....somewhere then on to Bookham. I am not any good with directions so I like to stay in the pack and follow, and that’s pretty safe most of the time.

A few did arrive late for lunch as the only red (very fast) bike had a flat and they did a repair job and then joined us at Barney’s cafe. I was thinking how lucky Gary was to have a tool kit with a patch.* Then I thought, do I have a tool kit? Do I have a patch? Would I know what to do with them if I did? Maybe there’s an opportunity for a maintenance course!

Barney’s cafe was good, on first arriving I thought it was Pie Shop at Collector, both have similar entrances that look like a converted garage. So I was a bit bewildered, but then realised it was not the Pie shop although they did have pies and other yummy options.

I am sure we talked and had lunch for longer than we actually rode. We had some good story tellers regaling their adventures, and around 1.30pm we took off along the highway to home. It was a great day and I am looking forward to the next ride!

Cheers

Yvonne

* (Gary did not have a patch - thanks to the Peter’s for the repair kit and moral support!)