Mikey's Ride to Sofala (9 Aug 2009)

I was alerted to this ride by Mick (a new potential member) on the Friday night before, and as I had not heard from any of my faithful mates I expected only the two of us to be there.  Everyone knows how boring I am, well I got really excited to see 10 bikes when I got to Maccas and the beautiful Linda as a pillion.  We headed out Windsor Rd to Bells Line of Road and had a scoot along.  No one got lost or left behind.  We headed over to Mt Victoria and down the pass to Farmhouse Lolly Shop on the Gt Western Hwy for a diabetics delight and coffee.  Then we headed off to Sofala via Illford and pulled into the pub for a liquid refreshment. The cafe is right next door so lunch was ordered at the cafe and delivered right to the Sofala Pub for us.

We headed over in the Bathurst direction to teh highway then back to Lithgow for juice, then back along Bells Line of Road to Richmond Maccas for more coffee.  All in all we had a real great ride and it was a great group.  I look forward to riding with you all soon.

Taralga Loop in June??

 Yep we did a Taralga Loop ride in June – and on a long weekend to boot so not only was there less than amiable weather but NSW tax agents everywhere asking for donations.  

Saturday 6 June had been a really picture book winter day- Sunday morning was less than promising.  As the appointed hour of departure arrived we were treated to frosty temperatures and drizzle.  Despite the threatening weather  we could see sunshine and blue sky to the south and over “them hills in the west”.

 There were four other brave soles who met me at Maccas.  Lined up in the parking lot was one pink Harley, a deep red  Honda Deauville, the Blackbird, and a Kawa Vulcan (courtesy of a member from the Hills and his lady whose names elude me due to my below par ability to member names, including my own).  Well that is enough for a ride and since there was only four bikes keeping track of everyone would be a breeze. 

 The cold and wet conditions I experienced the weekend before when we went to Rylstone plus the promise of a top temperature of only 6 degrees in Oberon by the Weather Boys, made me cautious.  Chances of road ice are highest in the morning so we would do a reverse loop.  The plot was to go down Northern Road to Picton and coffee, then on to Goulburn for fuel.  Lunch at the Taralga Pub then up to Oberon for more fuel, followed by up the hill to Mt Vic and across the Causeway to Bells Line and back to North Richmond.  Sounds like a plan ----   

 The drizzle was persistent as we walked out to the car park, and a quick Hubby-Wife conference saw our first two causalities.  I think that the decision was a good one because neither had any wet weather gear and were wearing jeans – not recommended for cold and wet.  However guys your welcome back any time – only if I could remember a name (Dave?...Doug??....blast I will have to write it down next time).

 So Jenny, Dave and yours truly set off for the motor way and the Northern Road.  The rain stopped by the time we got to Blacktown road and sun was out was we motored down the M4 admiring the plethora of police vehicles plying their trade.  We were able to admire at least three cars hiding in the bushes, one unmarked car and two or three normal patrol cars by the time we got to The Northern Road, not to mention the breath test unit and speed trap on the Northern Road – this was going to be “fun”. 

 At Bringelly Jenny reported that her torso was starting to feel that it had been cryonicly  frozen.  She turned back leaving only the stalwart (or naive).  

 So as per plan we arrived in Picton – no coffee but the leg stretch was good and David was able to boast about his new heated grips.  We got to Goulburn also as planned but not before witnessing the damage a kangaroo can do to two cars on the freeway.  We think that the kangaroo only damaged the first one and the involuntary driver reaction resulted in collateral damage.  Unfortunately fro the kangaroo it didn’t finish crossing the highway and there was too much traffic to cut a decent steak from it.

 Jenny, if you thought it was cold at Bringelly you should have been at Taralga.  The pub was great – nice and warm with good food, but outside even had the locals commenting.  Then on the road to Oberon it got cold….and wet.  We rode through the only “isolated thunderstorm” that was predicted.  The Oberon servo told us that snow was expected south and west of Oberon later in the afternoon.  We didn’t dally in case we experienced that weather at first hand.  But things got warmer all the way back home while North Richmond was sunny, dry and some 20 degrees warmer than where we had come from.  

 Overall, I will write that one down to experience.

 

Mudgee Loop 1^st Feb 2009

 Mudgee via Ulan the Ride Sheet said.  At the Monthly Meeting we had 6 starters – not bad really.  Everyone had already stated the obvious – “it’s a bloody long way….”,   so six starters was good.  Then came the nice warm days – 41C, 38C, 39C.  Well we knew it was summer and that’s what happens in summer sometimes, but a damn sight better than being half frozen, leaving in the dark and getting home in the dark probably in drizzling rain.  By Saturday we had a possible two starters. 

 Sunday, dawned with cloudless sky and a temp of 24C at 7AM – it promised to be a scorcher.  Four devout riders presented themselves at Maccas and we were off at 7:30AM via the Putty road with an eye on the rear view and another up ahead for those candy coloured police cars hidden in the bush.  We made a stop at the Half Way House for a leg stretch.  Joe unfortunately had to retire hurt at this point – a pity since despite his protestations that he was holding back John, he has to be one of the fastest cruiser riders around – certainly the Colo-Putty corners don’t seems to slow him much and we had stayed as a foursome right up to the stop.  It was great to have your company Joe.

 Of we went then to the metropolis of Jerry’s Plains via Wallaby Road.  Refuelled, fought our way out of the traffic at Jerry’s Plains and we were off down the Golden Highway.  Great stretch of road, but watch the highway patrol there.  They work in pairs about 10Km apart.  You see the first one go past and think “OK the road should be clear now” and wind up the wick.  The second patrol car just down the road is just waiting for that.  

A quick left at the Ulan Road and on to Maccas in Mudgee where we met up with Eddy and Linda. 

 It was a good run back to Lithgow despite the water truck trying to torpedo Eddy at the road works.  You reckon that they would stop spraying water on the gravel road on a Sunday when no one is working.  Most of us were suffering from severe SBS (Sore Bum Syndrome) by Lithgow so a stop was made at Queen Elizabeth Park.  The run back to Richmond was uneventful and we stopped at Maccas at about 4:30 PM to say farewells.

 

HART Training 30-Nov-2008

 

Participants: Kevin Waterston, Big Al and Margo, the "Wing Mafia" (Bernard and Eddy), Michael Brown, Gary and Daniel Packer, Bruce Atherton,  Michael Sourjah   (tell me if I misspelled the surname Michael), Ross and Don Pearson.

 

This was an arranged training day at the HART facility at St Ives.  Ten of us mounted on an assortment of machines assembled at Macas at Seven Hills a bit before 7:30 and set out across town to ST Ives - almost collecting a Ducati in a hurry slipping down the bus lane at Winston Hills.  Getting to St Ives we met up with Ross and Don Pearson. A quick coffee and into the first brief and session. 

A few laps of the circuit soon identified those sections with which we had a great "affinity", like the down hill hair-pin and the corner with negative camber.  Surprisingly by the day's end none of these were such an issue any more - the greatest complaint was how close to the ground cruiser's footplates are when cornering. 

A wide range of topics were covered during the day, from how to pickup a bike without "blowing a valve", to cornering and corner braking, to panic stops, effective braking, and slow speed handling, were all addressed in a very professional and informative manner.  At the end of the day there was not one of us who felt that they had not gained from attending this course. I think that the levels of confidence and skills of everyone was been helped considerably.

A course well worth doing and very professionally conducted by HART instructors Daryl and Dave.  If you can spare the time book yourself on one of the courses that will be run during the AGM next year - it will be well worth your time.

 

Wiseman’s Ferry Loop To Pie In The Sky - 05-10-2008

 

Ride Leader: Kevin Waterston On A Yamaha Royal Star

Participants: David Campbell On A Scarabao Scooter, Michael Brown On A Black Harley Davidson & David Coughlan On a Honda Deauville.

Time Of Departure: 0830hrs

 Meeting us at Macca’s was Ross Pearson, who elected not to join us for the ride but was with us in spirit.

We left on time and travelled up Seven Hill’s Rd then through Castle Hill onto Old Northern Rd through Dural heading for Wiseman’s but due to the inclement weather we opted to change our route and started to head back onto Pitt Town Rd and in at Cattai then we stopped at Maraylya for a cup of coffee. After coffee we headed back down to Windsor Rd where Michael turned right, we on the other hand turned left and headed for home. In all good faith I said bye to all and was home and dry again by 1100hrs

The whole time we rode we did not surpass the given speed limit and was out for a good ride but next time I will organise the weather so we can continue through the whole route as was expected of me.

 Sunday 28 Sep 08:  Lithgow (the long way?)

This was a ride planned to go to Lithgow Workers Club for Lunch via Oberon and Raglan (Bathurst for those not in the know).  We started out at 8:30 AM from Maccas Seven Hills on one of the best days we have had for months with 7 riders.  We stopped at a shade past 9 at BP Kurmond to RV with Eddy and Linda, but after a quick phone call we found that Eddy had moved BP Kurmond to Bilpin (don't ask).  

We met up with Eddy at Bilpin and made our way to Bell where Michael  turned back amid concerns that he could end up with all his crank case oil spread evenly on his rear tyre and the road surface if he continued.  Someone made the rude comment that BMW's were designed to leak oil. At this time the wind had really picked up and was making life uncomfortable for some of the bikes (they are not meant to go sideways across the road); however we pressed on to Little Hartley for a cuppa. 

Short discussion and we decided to make straight to Lithgow and forgo the joys of riding to Oberon across those treeless hills in high wind. Two of our number unfortunately were on short leads and had to leave us at Little Hartley, so five of us made for the Workers Club for a good lunch and returned home via Bell's Line.  Was a great day despite the wind.

 Sunday 24 Aug 2008 Lunch with the Palins.

RIDE REPORT  - by Garry Packer

 

At 7:30 AM 5 bikes set out from Abbott Rd Maccas Seven Hills down Old Windsor Rd/Windsor Rd heading for North Richmond BP where we picked up another 3 riders.

From there we headed for Oberon our first stop (which I led from the rear).  We followed Bell Line to Bell, turned left to Mt Vic, (down the 60K hill a lot faster than that, and a lot more fun). Then left just passed the speed camers, passed Hampton- right at the park for Oberon. (On the intersection any water puddles were ice).  No dramas on the trip.

In Oberon, I think JD’s Café, (not to be sure), we stopped for a cuppa and topped up with fuel.

A beautiful morning and a quite pleasant ride so far.

From there it was straight down the back road to Goulburn. Good long fast straights and some quick bends thrown in for good measure.

Apart from one section in the middle where the road narrowed and wound down a rough and very steep descent.  So we stopped at the bottom to regroup before entering the outskirts of Goulburn and of course passed our first cop set up in waiting for all those silly enough to be going too fast.

Finally reaching our destination the Paragon Café, where 8 turned to 18.

Lunch was very tasty and catching up with Daryl and Caroline was great.  I hope everyone enjoyed themselves.  The ride home was led by Kevin.

 

 

Ride to Colo Heights

Sunday the 29th of July 2007, thirteen people turned up at McDonalds at Seven Hills including our national secretary Vic Leslie and his adoring wife Lyn But only 11 riders were to be heading off for the trip, Pauline & Bob bought the quad as Bob thought it was a bit cool, So off they went in the car after exchanging envelopes with the Secretary (I wonder if this is why Bob has a new ride).
We left McDonalds just after 9am and now we were down to 10 as our Vice President turned right and we turned left onto Windsor rd, just a leisurely ride out Windsor rd and we stopped at the park on the other side of the river as we were informed that there was apparently a motorbike show on there, as it turned out the viewing was at the speed boat ramp on the other side (so then there were 9) as Graham Rattledge wanted to visit before going home to do the shopping.
I informed the group that under there own steam after Wilberforce they could get in front and meet the rest at the Colo Heights garage (so off they went).
After a half hour break, coffee and a chat we returned along the putty rd 21kms and turned right into Blaxland ridge rd and proceeded along till the end where we said our goodbyes before heading onto the Bells Line Of Road.
All in all it was a quick trip and we were finished in time for lunch at any destination we chose.

Kevin Waterston
 

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Ride Report. Camp Quality, 17/02/07

First of all, thankyou to all who attended and made the day a great success.

17 Riders and 1 pillion set of from Maccas Seven Hills to meet up with the Hills Branch at Pirate Petes at Dural. Hills group had already decided on a 11.30 departure, which I thought was a little late, so we agreed Eastern Creek riders would leave at 10.30 with whoever wished to join us from Hills. We had a rider’s briefing at 10.20 and set off on time with 23 riders heading south for Helensburg.
We stopped at the Caltex servo at Heathcote to regroup and refreshments before the last little trip down the Old Princess Hwy to meet the main body of riders at the golf range at Helensburg.
The Previous Camp Quality ride held in September last year, had 88 riders and the organisers were hoping for at least 100 riders this time as there were to be more children and families to cater for. The Hills Group arrived on time at 1.00pm and the number of bikes had swelled to over 200. We were briefed by Guy Stanford, Chairman of The Motorcycle Council, and shortly after rode to Stanwell Tops to the Convention Centre to meet the Families and children we’d be taking for a ride.
The bikes were grouped into different types and the children and parents wander through to choose what they want to ride on. Sidecars and trikes are much sort after for the very small or those not capable of riding pillion. Harleys and cruisers are very popular with people who don’t know what real bikes are supposed to look like and with so many to choose from I was beginning to think I wouldn’t have a passenger. However I got talking to one of the parents, “Jason” who was still looking for a ride and he was happy to jump on the back of the Suzuki. I went through the preliminaries, Have you ridden pillion before? No, not really. Briefed him on what to expect, Where to hold onto, what not to do. Got him kitted out. Jacket , helmet, gloves and we’re ready to go.

Ride Marshals were sent ahead, looking very official with their safety vests on, to supervise traffic management. In other words block the intersections where we need to commandeer right of way. At the point of departure there were about 250 motorcycles and those that didn’t have a pillion came along for the ride anyway. Getting that many bikes away takes some time and certainly spread out along the road for some distance. I did feel a bit sorry for those who were held at intersections waiting for what must seem like a never ending procession of bikes but I don’t think any of the marshals had any problems with drivers. The ride took us down the old Princess hwy. Down Bulli Pass. Left into Thiroul and back along the coast road over the Seaview Bridge and back up to Stanwell Tops again.
The atmosphere when we got back was most pleasing with helmets coming of revealing huge smiles and grins and what we readily take for granted, A short spin on a motorbike, had been a great thrill for our passengers. My pillion, Jason said,” I’ve got to get one of these. His wife Tina was equally pleased with her ride and she said she now understands what her mother sees in riding motorbikes. Their 6 year daughter was happily wandering through the bikes talking to all those tough bikies. Their little boy had fallen asleep in a sidecar on the ride. What Jason and Tina couldn’t believe was that so many riders had come along on the day just so they could give a little bit of joy to the families. I think we had just as much fun spreading a little bit of our motorcycling magic around and realising what we have is special and shouldn’t be taken for granted.
After the ride there was a sausage sizzle and a bit more fun auctioning of various items at very generous prises for fund raising. The weather had been excellent all day and we could not have asked for better. Not sure when the next one will be but I’ll certainly try to be on it.

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