Henry’s Mystery Ride – 8th November 09. By Pinkie &Al

What do you know, it is Sunday morning and we have gathered at Yamanto for another mystery ride, destination unknown except we are headed south but how far? Henry was quizzed; do we need our wet weather gear? Do we need a rubber boat? Henry pointed out that we were not going to Coffs Harbour or its surrounding districts, some of us were relieved. So we were standing around wondering and guessing where our final destination would be.

Then we noticed that Marmite was not himself. He must have gotten out of bed on the wrong side. Some might have thought he was a bit shirty or was relieved that he had gotten something out of his system. Even Marmite cannot deny it, for here is the photographic proof; but leaving it for the lady caretaker to clean up, well that really is not the done thing. We thought that we could have a little bit of fun with this photo and have a competition for the best caption.

Ado and Amanda turned up to see who had arrived for the mystery ride but it was quite clear from attire that he would not be accompanying us on this ride, even though he had his safety riding shoes on and his very casual riding gear, but he forgot his helmet and motorcycle.

Soon it approached the required hour and we set off headed south to who knows where, but we knew our first stop for a break would be Rathdowney where we could relax have a brew and taste some of the fine fair from the takeaway. It looked impressive with the bikes and trikes parked opposite the Rathdowney take away and not far from the conveniences for those that needed them. We were here for a good while before Henry revealed our final destination was to be Kyogle. So do we go via the Lions Rd or do we follow the Mt Lindsay Highway and pick up the Summerland Way? Only time would tell. Off we went waiting to see which way we would go but that became apparent when we moved off following the Mt Lindsay Highway so we would then follow the Summerland Way. The countryside was beautiful and we enjoyed the twists and turns with very few vehicles to break up the group. Nearing the Summerland Way turn off Janice’s (Mum) trike started to play up, it was giving the appearance of starving for fuel. So the group became separated into two groups the bikes and the trikes. Jan refuelled at a little place called Grevillia and soon was off and running again but the trike was still playing up a bit.

On arriving in Kyogle we were lucky enough to park all together in the centre parking and made quite a display. Many locals stood on the footpath and admired the machinery on display. We also met up with some Ulysses members from Logan who were also out for a day ride and were going to have their lunch in Lismore. It was surprising that they walked over and said hello and we felt a bit embarrassed that they had to explain who they were and that we had met them on the Tuesday night before when we went to their meeting to promote our Toy Run. Henry’s mother also turned up to meet us. Next time we go to Kyogle we can call in for dinner. So those who were there put in their orders for next time. We asked for a roast lamb dinner with vegies.

I noticed that Marmite, Trish & Pony were off window shopping at the Elders Real Estate seeing what property values were around the district. So the big question is do we need to look for a new Sheriff? Find anything which took your fancy Marmite?

Other members had decided that lunch and sustenance was more important so most of the eating houses got some new customers and I know that the bakery was well patronised and the goodies on offer were quite delicious and filling. Even the local Police, then an Ambulance Officer came for a chat with Kev, Al & I

Then who do we notice quietly walking along the footpath towards us but a very handsome couple enjoying the time away from home and the good company.

After having enjoyed the sights of Kyogle we were off again heading back into Queensland. This was to be an interesting trip as this time we took the Lions Rd and Mum’s trike played up eventually stopping just short of Rathdowney. Again a fuel issue. We stopped to assist but the only one who was doing anything was Hagar as he was the only non smoker and he was playing with the fuel line and filter. Then along came Marmite, smoke hanging out of his mouth, head into the side of the trike, and was rejoining the fuel filter back into the fuel line. Marmite is definitely a man of action and after this little episode the fuel issues seem to have disappeared.

Kev kept popping up at the rescue stops along the way to see if we were O.K., offering advice, and a screwdriver at one stage. It’s good to see we all lookout for each other.

We caught up with the group at Rathdowney who were patiently waiting for us after Henry had come back along the roadway to find out what was keeping us and guided us in to meet up with the other members of our party. For most of our day out, we were all in view of each other; well we could see everyone being at the back.

On these rides it’s great to chat with members who you usually don’t have the chance to.

We said our good byes after we’d pulled into the park at Peak Crossing. All in all a good day out!

Well done Henry!