Ladies Garage "Party"

Ladies Garage Party

On a Wednesday evening in May I was invited to attend a Ladies Only Garage Party arranged by NF Importers Pty Ltd the importers of Harley Davidson motorcycles held at the impressive store of Fraser Motorcycles Sydney.

Upon arriving guests were offered a choice of champagne or soft drink whilst wandering around floor amongst the huge array of glistening new Harley Davidson motorbikes and the huge range of riding gear.

The evening opened with a welcome and the guest speaker Sarah McCloud from The Superjesus Band giving a short talk and saying that she had picked out her Harley Davidson and looking forward to riding it.

After which finger food was served before the demonstrations began.

Greg Ryan, Frazer’s Harley Davidson Sales Manager then ran through the extensive range of models available, from the 883 Super Low through to the “48”, and the Softail Deluxe, explaining the different features of each model and using volunteers from amongst the audience to show how each bike can be manoeuvred and explain how they can be modified to suit different sized riders.

The next sessions were on the different handle bars, seats and feet platforms to customise the bikes for individual riders, and a run through of some of the feminine riding gear available. These were a topic of interest with several questions being asked. There was also opportunity to sit on the bikes to feel how comfortable they are.

We then moved to a large glass window to view into a sound proof room housing a dyno machine where a mechanic on a Harley race bike demonstrated the machine. Another staff member gave a running explanation on how this is used in the tuning of a bike.

We then followed Greg and his team into another room at the back of the shop with what is known as a jump start block, where bikes can be stationary ridden on rollers. With many of the ladies present never having been on a motorcycle let alone a Harley Davidson it was a great opportunity for them to be shown how to start the bike and change up and down through the gears, all in a safe environment.

Those ladies attending were predominantly of the younger set with only a sprinkle of the more mature, and from functions such as this it can only benefit the industry in the future.  

I would recommend attending future ‘Garages’ for those interested in getting back to riding or those wanting to learn to ride, or to learn about the models available.

Mudgee Meet & Greet Weekend

After leaving the Mountain and Rivers group on the Thursday morning 5th May in Laverton (nth Albury) Vic and I travelled on new discovered  back roads.Cowra is our destination for Thursday evening.The air is cool and crisp the fog has got us doing a slow pace as we head over the mountains to Tumbarumba for morning tea it was 2deg when riding but now it is 7 quite warm.As the day warmed up we rode the back narrow roads to Cootamundra for lunch and arriving at our Motel in Cowra about 4pm. The Town and Country motel needs a little TLC.I plugged in my computer electrics and a fuses blew and my charger shortened out and now it is dead.

We walk up the street to a Thai Restaurant which was quite nice at the time. Friday the 6th May leaving Cowra again the air is crisp 2deg as we head for Mudgee, Stopping in Parkes I find a computer shop and buy another battery charger for the computer after breakfast we are back on narrow new  back roads which twist and turn through the country side. The paddocks have had the wheat sowed and the sheep are fat, it looks just beautiful  but the tummy is having a reaction, so now we are on a mission to find a lavatory .

Arriving in Wellington (just in time) we again head to Mudgee riding through Spicers Creek towards Gulgong, then turn right to Mudgee.
Our Motel was the first one on the left called the Cudgegong Valley Motel is was very clean and comfortable.The only draw back was it was 2klms from the town centre.After showering and changing we sent of to walk the distance and to register for the event.Seeing an Aldi store I bought a 14 mg pixels it  is a   small compact camera.
Meeting up with friends from Sydney Pam ,Ron, Paul & Denise we all had dinner at the Oriental Hotel,then long walk back in the cold and dark.
Saurday morning we again made the big walk to the Town and meet up with other great friends Debbie & John ,we spent the day walking around the markets and eating, then the walk back to the motel. Showering and changing again ,we walk back to town for the evening entertainment at the RSL It was a fun night we caught up with some old friends and made new ones.Then we walked back to the Motel We must have walked about 10klms that day.

Sunday morning a small frost was on the ground and a little fog was over the creek.We packed our bags and the bikes and were going to meet everybody for breakfast in Town.My bike was packed ready to go. Vic is all ready BUT he has bike trouble. His clutch cylinder has no fluid in it and his clutch does not work.Bummer, he takes my bike to town to buy some clutch fluid for his bike then put it in the cylinder and tries to bleed the fluid through. after about 30minutes we are on our way very carefully.

Having a quick Breakfast and saying good bye to our friends we head for home.

Riding along the Mudgee road towards Sydney we come across our 4 bike friends just sitting under the speed limit, as cars were approaching from behind I overtook them on an overtaking lane very carefully and we arrived home at 11-30am it took just 3 hours for us to get home, we came down the Great Western Highway.. It was another great ride and meeting up with friends along the way.. Vic and I did 2300klms in 6 days.. now my bike needs another service as it has reached 20000 klm in 6 months

Mountains & Rivers Report

Tuesday 3^rd May

I was slow getting my wet weather pants on as I prepared for this ride. The result, it started to rain as I got the BMW out of the garage. BUGGA .

We rode in the the pouring rain to Pheasants Nest. Here the 16 riders on this three day excursion gathered and we set off under the very capable guidance of President Denis, via the motorway then Bungonia, for a morning tea stop in Goulburn. Here the rain had stopped and was not to be seen again on the entire ride YIPEE !!!.

Then it was down to Batemans Bay via Braidwood, for lunch. From here we followed the coastal roads past Mossey Point to Moruya. Back on the Princes Hwy for a few kms before making a left turn and enjoying the ride to Bermagui for a leg stretch and quick cuppa etc. It was now a lovely clear afternoon as we rode through Tathra to Merimbula and our motel. Dinner was at the RSL.

Wednesday 4^th May

8AM had us on the road in superb riding conditions. Crisp, clear and blue skies. South to just past Pambula then a right turn for the fun road to Bombala. I am sure some bikes tyres would have cooled down by the time I rode in to town but the riders grins were still apparent.I assumed the lead here and we set out for Dalgety. Those superb mountain roads were just to tempting for many who found my "sedate" pace not quite the speed they wished to enjoy. I was soon the only one in front of Rob who was TEC. So it was "run free" on through Berridale to Adaminaby for morning tea etc. Next stop was Cabramurra for a photo stop in Australia's highest town then down and up those fun mountains to Corryong for a latish lunch.

Refreshed and relieved we rode along the Murray Valley Hwy and took a right turn to use the fun Granya Pass to the Murray River Rd. What a fantastic view it was as we started the decent from the top of the pass. The mighty Murray River is now a big shimmering lake set in lush green fields with fantastic mountains behind. A scene I will remember for ever. From here we followed the river to Albury crossing it at Bellbridge. The last time I rode over this big bridge it was spanning brownish green fields with a little creek running through the middle. Now it spans a huge lake with the water level not far below the road way. A fantastic sight.

Next stop was the Hume dam itself  and the purpose of this ride, to see the water cascading over the spill way, a very rare event. Sadly we were a bit too late as the water was now only a trickle but never the less I felt being able to see the lake formed by this dam, so full, was reward enough.

Our accommodation and dinner was at the Boomerang Hotel Motel in Lavington ( North Albury). It was glaringly obvious that this establishment is not capable of handling any sort of group. The check in was messy, some peoples bookings were not to be found despite the fact I had checked the day before we set out and the meals were OK. In a nut shell, not recommended for future use.

Thursday 5^th May

The next morning I handed the ride leadership to our absolute "treasure" the one known as the human GPS, Ronnie K. He did a great job of guiding us to Wagga Wagga and beyond to Junee for Morning tea. We all invaded one little cafe and the selection and variety of food consumed was revolting to the few of us who were trying to watch our waist lines. People like Denis, Eric and myself. Those battered savs looked sensational, but I resisted, The Alan B had a cransky on a bun, drool and Allan S had TWO dim sims. I had to get on my bike and explore the historic railway station.

The straight roads of this morning compensated for all the "twisties" of yesterday. Ronnie stayed out in front as he guided us on through Harden etc to the motorway and Goulburn for lunch. Then it was free choice for the run home.

Special thanks go to Rob for the stalwart job he always does as TEC but also for all his help to me in planning this ride. Greatly appreciated Rob.

THANKS also go to Denis, Vic and Ronnie for their contribution as leaders.

And lastly my thanks go to the 15 Ulysses mates who rode with me for making this such an enjoyable three days.

Not that it matters much but I left home in rain and I came home in rain. YES it came down as I left "Doctor Dans" after buying some liquid that would settle the dust in my throat.

Always Ride With A Smile

Bob