The Travels of the Princess

Batemans Bay, Tumut, Dubbo then home
18^th to 21^st October 2007

The first day was the 475km leg to Batemans Bay. 15 outstanding Upper Hunter Ulyssians assembled at Singleton Macca’s with their 8 bikes and one car. Princess Sylvia has been having a few troubles with her knee lately. Being an expat Welsh person of some 30 plus years, she was not to be denied a good time. After recruiting a willing chauffeur (Keith) the car was fuelled up and joined the bikes for the four day odyssey south.
The first stop of day one was at Colo Heights where were to meet up with Buzz and Valmai. All went well except Buzz and Valmai weren’t there! They were working to different instructions and waiting for us at Wilberforce which is where we eventually found them after deciding to leave Colo Heights without them. The (now) eight bikes made their way through Sydney and on to the Razorback road which took us through Picton, Mittagong and Moss Vale, through Fitzroy Falls and on to Kangaroo Valley.
At Kangaroo Valley we met up with Princess Sylvia and her ever willing chauffeur (Keith) for lunch before commencing the last leg to Batemans Bay. On pulling into the motel at Batemans Bay we were again greeted by Princess Sylvia and the ever willing chauffeur (Keith) who had set up a bar in the forecourt of the motel. This was to be a ritual repeated each afternoon and immensely enjoyed by all. We were also joined by Oigy and Sue, Rob and Jenny as well as Mark and Dianne who had made their own way to Batemans Bay. The princess’s entourage now numbered 21 riders on 12 bikes.
Dinner that night was at the services club and managed under the steady hand of Rob Merrick. Princess Sylvia was there to ensure we maintained our expected standard of behaviour by behaving oh so slightly disgracefully. Several attempts were made to have Keith recite the “Did you know” joke but to no avail. (Too disgraceful perhaps?) Breakfast the next day was sourced from a variety of establishments including the pancake shop with lovely views over the water.
Day two was the 426km run to Tumut. The weather was fine with a slight wind from the North West. First stop was the National Trust listed Central Tilba where many purchased copious quantities of their renowned fudge. John Williams was so concerned that the fudge would not last the distance on the back of his mega-cruiser that he ate the whole lot before recommencing his ride. (This may explain the failed rear shock absorber a day later).
By this time the willing chauffeur of Princess Sylvia (Keith) had become quite twitchy and somehow managed to get the pilot’s seat on the red Moto Guzzi Breva. The red head was moved to the pillion seat. This arrangement was only to last until Bemboka and the start of the twisties through Brown Mountain where Keith was again relegated to chauffeur duties and the Breva was ridden solo.
Once at the top of Brown Mountain we were subjected to the strong winds that are a hallmark of the Monaro region around Cooma. For most of us the horizon in front of us was no longer level but rotated some ten degrees as we leaned into the wind to counter its force.
After a lunch stop at Cooma we proceeded along the Snowy Mountains Highway towards Tumut. The scenery along this road was sometimes quite stark but always beautiful. The decent of Talbingo Mountain was handled with great caution as the road is steep, windy and almost devoid of advisory speed signs. Tumut was reached by mid afternoon where we were joined by Mick and Raylie Barratt and Bill Muddle who were on their way back from Phillip Island via any other place they could think of.
That night the princess’s entourage of 27 descended upon the Woolpack Hotel which was able to indulge us in great food despite the short notice that they had received on our arrival. Many things were said that night after the dust had been washed from the tonsils, however it has been deemed prudent that all mutterings would go unreported (i.e. you had to be there!).
Dubbo was only 440km away but the start was early on the Saturday. Just as well, as it gave us time for a few tourist spots and the day turned out to be quite hot. First stop was at Cowra where the group split into two, being a group of those who wanted a brisk pace to Dubbo and those that wanted to mosey along awhile. The first port of call for the “mosey along” group was the Cowra markets followed by Molong where lunch was had at a pleasant little restaurant off the main street. This recharged the batteries for the final leg into Dubbo where we met up with the rest of the group along with Max, Lyn and Barry who had come up for the weekend. The mobile bar was hastily established and all left over stock liquidated.
That night we were treated to a BBQ by the Dubbo Ulyssians which turned out to be a great bonding session. Amongst the many things that were said and, again, not to be reported here, we did agree that it would be a good idea to include in our respective ride calendars an annual event where both groups come together.
Day four was warm to hot for the final 312km run home. First stop was Dunedoo for a quick loo stop (does that rhyme or what?). Merriwa provided a refreshment stop before everyone made their way home.
What came out of this event?
• Firstly there must be a big demand for such rides as the turnout was unbelievable given that many had to take days off work.
• Secondly, what a great bunch of people make up the Upper Hunter Ulysses group. You couldn’t ask for a better bunch to ride with.
• Thirdly, what’s said in the pub stays in the pub. There is no way I’m going to explain in print why one of our members wants her boobs moved to her arse or how a male member undergoes a pap smear.
Other things learnt from Princess Sylvia and the ever willing chauffeur’s (Keith) bar. We consumed $238 of beer and wine requiring $16 of ice helping us eat $17.50 of nibbles. The resulting $26.50 profit is now headed for the Gold Coin Collection. Detailed statistics have also been kept of “who” had how much of “what” for later reference. However, due to the writer’s impeccable sense of self preservation, this information will remain unreported for the time being.
Mental note to self, “Let’s do it again!”