Coonabarabran - Moree Ride
Headed to Coonabarabran via Scone nice ride with
wind & a little rain. Some went to the observatory which was closed for
renovations, one couple detected major mechanical problems and made arrangements
for the bike and themselves to be trucked home the next day. Dinner at the
Bowling Club, we celebrated Sylvia and Keiths wedding anniversary, had a few
drinks, a bit of a dance for some and an early night for others.
The trip to Moree was via a long or short route with an enjoyable relaxing swim
and rest up for dinner which was spent at the RSL, one new member arrived to
meet up with his life long mate, but alas that mate had left on the truck that
morning.
Some on Sunday via Warialda and Tamworth. In all 11 bikes and 18 people enjoyed
the three day weekend. Maybe a little hot at the pools this time of the year.
Weekend Gossip
* One red headed member took a swandive on the way home on Friday night, but
insisted that alcohol played no involvement , of course we all believe her.
* Bear enjoyed his first weekend ride since his operation and shared
accommodation with his travelling bitch, what a lovely couple they make.
*One member found out how hard it is to blow your nose whilst riding your
bike-oops one used hanky shared with the pack.
*Keith and Grahame found out that they both have stiffies and that Keiths causes
him to have hand calluses.
*Donna had a 30 second blow job- Happy Birthday to Donna and Ross.
George and Sandie
ULYSSES OUTBACK RALLY 2007.
The Ulysses Adventure Riders SIG held their 2007
Rally at Winton Qld on 7,8 and 9th Sep. The Upper Hunter Branch was represented
by my trusty steed, Slow Suzi and myself. We departed Widden Valley early on Wed
5 Sep and travelled via Dunedoo, Gilgandra and Nyngan to Bourke (640km). The day
started cold, overcast and windy but by Warren the cloud broke, although a cold
SE wind blew all day. Bourke proved to be just another country town, where every
home seems to have a dog, and the dogs have some roster to ensure at least one
dog is barking at night!
Thursday 6 Sep saw us depart Bourke for Engonia, (where there was no fuel and
not much else), Barrington on the Qld border where I met the first of the other
riders (from SA), Cunnamulla, Charleville then Augathella (549km). Between
Cunnamulla and Charleville it clouded over and we encountered some showers.
Between Charleville and Augathella a cool SE wind blew and light rain fell most
of the way. The locals in the Augathella hotel were wearing coats and beanies,
huddled around a wood heater winging about the cold snap.
Fri 7 Sep was clear and crisp and we rode north to Tambo, Blackall, Barcaldine,
Longreach then Winton (596km). I encountered a number of riders along the way
and arrived at the North Gregory Hotel (Rally HQ), about 2 PM. There were bikes
of all descriptions cluttering the main street. I did not know there were so
many BMW 1150/1200 GS around, but also lots of 600cc trail or dual road bikes
including three from Eyre Peninsula SA with sidecars, KTM Adventurers, road
bikes, cruisers (Harley and Metric), three tricycles and the flagship, a new
Goldwing service car type tricycle imported from the USA resplendent in flame
red. There were over 100 riders registered at Rally HQ, from Qld, NSW, Vic, and
SA.
Rally activities were a 60km dirt road ride through the Bladensburg National
Park on Fri afternoon for early arrivers, a meet and greet at 8PM in the beer
garden of the NGH, a display of bikes in the main street Sat AM, (we lined up
over 70 MC for the locals, all 900 of them), a 120km dirt road round trip to see
the dinosaur footprints Sat PM, and for road bikes a visit to the historic
Middleton Pub, a 320km round trip for a beer! Some declined both rides and
enjoyed the sparse pleasures of Winton, being four pubs and two good coffee
shops. At 8 Pm Sat the AGM and raffle were dealt with and we raised over $2,000
for the Royal Flying Doctor. On Sunday there was a 260km ride on dirt roads to
Opelton to visit the opal mines and miners.
A number of us left on Sunday morning to return home. Slow Suzi and I retraced
our steps to Augathella, and then Monday rode through Mitchell, St George and
Mungindi to Moree (617km). Tuesday was a run down the Newell to Narrabri, Then
Gunnedah, Muswellbrook and home (455km).
The total trip was 3,445km in six days. The roads were better suited to cruisers
with big relaxed engines and straight-line stability rather than real
motorcycles. The only time we saw a corner was in town! The dirt bike riders
enjoyed the many dirt road options to get to and from Winton, but two ACT riders
came down and were hurt on a dirt road near Louth NSW on the trip up. Speed had
to be kept down due to roos and emus along the roadside, and among the plentiful
road kill were some pig carcases. Not an area in which to ride at night. It was
a good rally, Slow Suzi ran like a charm, and we saw new roads and new places.
The 2008 rally is to be held at Myrtleford Vic on 24,25 and 26th of Oct. I hope
to attend – any one else interested?
Bill Tindale.
DAY RIDE TO GLOUCESTER
8 bikes and 11 bodies left Singleton all wrapped up in thermals. Very cool start to the day. Keith in the lead, taking us via Lambs Valley & Paterson to our smoko stop at Dungog. Was definitely a very scenic route worth taking despite the gravel road works we encountered on several occasions and the extremely strong wind. All had a fattening smoko break at the local Bakery, not a weight watcher in sight. Off again via Wards River, Craven and then into Gloucester for a very satisfying lunch at the local pub. Upon leaving Gloucester, one of the bikes toppled over onto it's side and I wasn't the only one to watch in amazement as the owner casually righted the bike unaided and seemingly with little effort. Home via Dungog & Gresford. The day was sunny and eventually warm, a few layers were shed along the way. Another pleasant day, good ride, great company. Donna
Goulburn Brewery Trip
9 bikes 16 hardy travellers rugged up for the trip south to Goulburn [some were that prepared for the cold you could have sworn we were heading to the South Pole] First stop Colo Hts, for a brew where there must have been 50 Harley riders lined up for fuel. That Didn’t deter our Breva rider who went straight to the bowser and filled up her trusty steed. Next stop Picton for lunch, then on to our destination. We arrived at the old brewery at 2:30p.m. and were met by Ned Kelly oops I mean Michael who was our host, tour guide, barman, waiter, lodging co-ordinator, and to top it off a catholic priest. Once shown to our rooms which were a bit on the small size, we hit the showers ready for a 3:30p.m. brewery tour. Michael proved to be very knowledgeable and the tour was very informative, and made us realise just how hard it was to make beer in the 1800’s, particularly for the women. Dinner on Saturday night consisted of roast chicken and other stuff, which was washed down by very expensive alcohol. $3.65 for a middy, $6.00 for a Bailey’s and $7.50 with milk!!!! Entertainment by Simmo’s Ipod, with back up vocals by Max and Willo. Sunday bought overcast conditions, so after a continental breakfast, it was time to mount up [DONNA] and head for home, where it proceeded to pour down all the way to the servo’s on the F3, very trying conditions riding through Sydney. Been there done that. Simmo.