4 Day Ride to Noosa

There were 19 bodies and 11 bikes who turned up to do the 4 Day Ride to Noosa. John McGee was considering doing the ride in thongs but at the last minute decided to use his boots, ask him about it. We set off up the New England Hwy on Friday with the rain starting at Glen Innes and staying with us through to Armidale. Beth thought that along with the wet weather gear, she would stay drier with her helmet on back to front, worth a try I guess. Arrived in Warwick about 3pm for our first overnight stop and the Hotel/Motel was really good with a nice meal. Had a drink. Set off Saturday morning down through Cunningham's Gap to Brisbane then up the Sunshine Hwy to Noosa, arriving about mid-day. The Anchor Motel was way above our expectations with excellent rooms, pool, undercover parking and heated spa. A few went for a swim and several drank while sitting in the spa, very pleasant. The girls then noticed a pervert looking through the fence, but it turned out only to be ............! We got a courtesy bus to the Tewantin RSL for dinner where we met up with the Wilsons, so it was dinner for 21 and another big night. Had a drink. Three couples stayed on for another few days, but the rest of us had to return unfortunately. Sunday morning back towards Brisbane and we turned off at Caboolture through Kilcoy then a detour around Summerset Dam to Esk. Then on to Toowoomba, Pittsworth, Milmeran then a 'quick' 140k's to Goondiwindi, (where Mark reckoned the chance of seeing a radar car was very remote??). The Hotel/Motel at Goondiwindi (O'Sheas Royal Hotel/Motel) had been renovated less than a year ago and was again excellent with beautiful rooms. The boys decided to 'have a drink' and watch the last couple of hours of the Bathurst race, while the girls went shopping (nice hat Donna). Had a drink. Monday morning another early morning for our ride home (Dianne loves being up with the Sparrows). An uneventful ride home with all of us tired by now, 2000k's in 4 days, three nights drinking & eating & laughing. Oigy is considering installing a CB as he thinks we talk about him all the time, Max has just about got his UHF working, no-one got lost, no-one got booked. Now for next year's 4 day Ride to ????, we have done a couple down through the Snowies to Victoria, now one to Noosa, anyone with a suggestion better get it in quick.

TEA GARDENS RIDE REPORT

 There were 24 bodies making the ride to Tea Gardens in beautiful weather. We had a rider who decided to miss the turn at Maitland, however she (on a sidecar) was rounded up and pointed in the right direction very quickly. Smoko at Karuah, then arrived at Tea Gardens about 11.30am, nice spot on the water. Lyn & Max met us there along with Lyn’s Mum & Dad, who John McGee quickly filled in about Lyn’s frequent bad behaviour. You have to get your lunch organised before the ‘day trippers’ arrive by ferry from Nelson Bay, otherwise it is kaos. As usual we were up to the challenge, and all sorts of seafood was ordered, which was very tasty. It was Donna’s Birthday on that day, she tells me that she is ‘still’ 40?? Anyway someone (thanks Ros), ordered a huge slice of chocolate cake with a sparkler on it for her, and we all sang Happy Birthday, Donna was embarrassed, so it had the desired effect. But cunning beyond her years (and also wanting an ice cream), she shared it with several others. Alas, the ice cream shop was shut (buggar). Had an uneventful trip home, another good ride with good friends. Dave Mc

KATOOMBA RIDE REPORT

4 bikes & 7 souls tried and true made their way to Katoomba travelling via the Putty, Bells Line and lunch at Lithgow. The weather was with us and Aaron being a former resident of the area took the lead so as to remind us of speed cameras and the like. Due to his heavy work load Max was unable to finish his radio - - - - come home entertainment centre therefore he could only transmit to Russia making it necessary to quite a lot of shouting and sign language between riders. A visit to the scenic skyway saw us all descend & ascend the cliff face along with two thirds of the total Asian population. Shortly after one member of the group, weary from the long trip decided to have a nap in the middle of a rather busy intersection along with his pillion and bike. No major harm done. (His fragile ego prevents the exposure of his identity). Then on to the motel where the accommodation was “interesting”. David & Jan Lawler met up with us and we all dined at a Chinese Restaurant recommended by Aaron. A great banquet. We then retired to the RSL Club where two young ladies provided excellent entertainment (not Gai & Lyn) dancing and drinking until midnight with the odd lap dance for the aged and infirm that were unable to get up. Max was even seen to be strutting his stuff on the dance floor. Sunday morning Oigy and Michael led us to Oran Park to the Extreme Bike races. Beaut day, then back through Sydney & home up the expressway so as to avoid the Roos on the Putty Road.
A great Weekend.
John Mc

HARRINGTON RIDE REPORT

 There were 28 members who made the ride to Harrington. We set off in great weather stopping at Bulledelah for smoko. We arrived in Harrington about 1pm, then had lunch and a drink at the pub overlooking the water, very pleasant. As we were staying in three different locations we then headed off to book into our hotel/motel/ van park. Of course then out came the drinkies of all descriptions. About 5pm we thought it was time to get ready to go to the club for dinner and a drink! Just as we were about to go, one of the group rode into the motel with a very flat looking tyre (I told Ron I wouldn’t say who it was), anyway after a group effort, and various offerings of advice, it was repaired sufficiently to get him home the next day. The Harrington Bowls Club was the venue for dinner and drinks, no Oysters available, but that’s another story. Then it was onto the pub for some music and another drink/s. Then it was getting close to closing time so some decided to walk back to the motel (dumb), some got a lift (clever). back at the motel a few were having a ‘last drink’, most went to bed. Next morning the motel had organised a BBQ for us all which was great. Then it was home time, with it being Father’s Day some left right away, and some went sight seeing. We almost got home dry, it rained (pissed down) just out of Muswellbrook. Still it was another successful and popular ride, and we will do it again next year?, why not.