June 13 2011

June 13
We had our briefing at 8-15 on the road too Graz at 8-30am leaving in perfect weather from Luby.

Riding the highway for a short distance before we head onto the less traffic areas over the mountains. The scenery is just beautiful ,we reach the twisty bits and now the real riding begins, with Rozle in front there is no stopping Vic and Neil are like men possessed but there is one obstacle Mary (the Novice) who insists on being up front, but then there is a challenge to pass her on the twisties.Alan can't stand the pace at the back so he takes off over the mountain
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We see many grape areas with small holdings the area is so beautiful and green
.Route 69 takes us over the mountains the road is just perfect for bikes, being Sunday there are many on this road
We stop for lunch and have a schnitzel with chips- as we are now in Austria. Kelly (the lost one) takes the wrong meal and it there is quite a lot of discussion in Austrian to get the another one .

Kelly drops his helmet as he fuels his bike then walks 20mts from the pump to have a smoke..duh. Neil is not impressed.
Arriving in Graz the second biggest city in Austria we stay at the Mercure Hotel again in the heart of the city , and only a short walk to all the town has to offer.

Vic and I are late for our town tour as we lay down to have a quick nap and over slept..
We walked to the Schlossberg which rises over the medieval town centre took the funicular to the top and had a wonderful view of the whole city.
Dinner was at a beaut restaurant where Vic and I had trout .
Another great day was had.
To day we are off to Balaton Lake in Hungary

June 12 2011 Ljubijania

June 12
We had a wonderful day exploring Luby, the weather was just perfect.
We walked around the markets and the flower stalls and saw some very different and interesting sights,
Picked up by Rozle and taken to our starting hotel on the outskirts of the city. We had bought some bread rolls and cheese and ham from the markets and Pauline, Neil, Vic and me sat on the hotel verandah eating these for lunch . Alan (our friend from America) arrived from the airport and we talked and reminisced about our trip in America. Jack and Warren, from Wollongong joined us and then all the other riders and pillions arrived making the total of 18 for the trip.

After our briefing we were loaded into taxis and taken to the garage where the bikes were kept, having another briefing about the bikes and how BMWs work, Mary the lone woman rider tells Rozle that she has left her back support in the taxi. After a few frantic phone calls it is delivered back to the hotel.
We set off on our orienteering ride of about 45 klm for Rozle to see how everyone rides.
Mary has only been riding for 3 years and is very much a novice, and first time on a BMW, Vic and I follow her but I don't think we will be doing that again...

Nearly back to the Hotel a rider (not on our tour) overtakes and joins the group behind Rozle. At some traffic lights Rozle, two of our group, and the ring in get through the lights and the rest of us are stuck at the lights which take a long while to change. The rider that had overtaken had turned off and WE all followed him, of course we are then off the planned route back to the hotel.

Alan takes the lead as his GPS is working Vic's had a malfunction and Alan brought most us back safely to the hotel. Rozle and the other riders are not back as they were waiting for us on the road. One rider Kelly (male) did not see Alan take the lead and he went straight on and was lost... Sound like we are going to have a lot of FUN on this trip.

Our evening meal was back in the city and it was just wonderful, the food just melted in your mouth. Five of us and Matej walked back into the main square and bought some delicious ice cream and then caught a big taxi back to our hotel, we were back in bed about 11pm.

Our real riding starts today as we head for Graz about 220 klm, we hope to get there about 2pm as we riding through some very mountainous areas, The road after Lavamund gets very twisty so Vic will be in heaven.. Matej warns us about the speed cameras in the area. The route we will be travelling on is called 69.
More when we reach Graz.

The first day 10 june 2011

Hi all June 10
Have arrived safe and tired in Ljubljana Slovenia, it took about 30 hours of traveling to get here.
We had 175klm head winds leaving Sydney then after about 8 hours we had a 45klm tail wind and a few screaming kids we could not get any sleep.
Arrived in Bangkok and it was 30c , then off to Denmark which was a cool 12 then toLjubljana where it had been raining and humid.
We also met Pauline and Neil at the Luby airport as they flew a different airline Our friend Rozle pickled us up and drove us to the Hotel in the heart of the City.
We checked out this wonderful city by foot walked to the fruit markets and stocked up on wonderful local cherries (paying the price today with our delicate belly's) and enjoyed the great foods and coffee the place has to offer.
In bed about 10pm and slept through until 6am..
Rozle is taking us on a country tour around where he lives today.We are going in the van.Then Vic hopes to pick up a helmet.(a new one)
WE start our bike tour Sunday, as we are meeting the rest of the crew tomorrow for our pre amble and a short ride.
Thats all for now.

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 

ANZAC weekend

Meeting at 9am at Cobbity NSW our riders and pillions were waiting, Paul & Dennis, Pam and Ron,Neil & Pauline, and Vic and I.
We take the the back roads and head to Goulburn for morning tea.The sun is out and it is a great day to be out on our bikes.Morning tea over after we have devoured a sausage roll and hot coffee, we are again back on the road, this time heading for Crookwell and the back roads to Boorowa, where we stop for lunch.This sleepy town is renowned for the running of the sheep through the main road, but today nothing is happening , even the Bakery is closed.
So we settle for the sandwich shop next door.It was not the most hygienic place we have ever stopped. Ordering our sandwiches and a chicko roll we watch them being made,no gloves and our sandwiches end up with finger prints all over the bread.Pam is not impressed we have coke and coffee from the fridge, as we did not want to get crook on the first day.
Next we are riding along the back roads through Harden and Murrumburrah and heading for Cootamundra as we are riding the roads are deteriorated and there are many pot holes and lumps and bumps, Neil hit one of these holes and his mirror on his Honda popped off, lucky it did not reach the ground..Re attaching the mirror we are again on the road.Arriving at Cootamundra at about 4pm to our surprise Melva and Bob and Stuart were having a beer in the bar.
Being allocated to our rooms in the Albion Hotel through the back way, no lights and a very squeaky floor which just moved underfoot.Our Bedrooms each had ensuits which were adequate for the price of the room.
We then joined Bob and company for a few beers, and were deciding where to have our dinner. the girls went for a walk and voted that we should eat at the RSL which had a great menu.Getting back to the boys we told them of our decision Well they were not pleased as they had arranged to eat at the Hotel, which only had Pub food, so with a little persistence we all ended up at the RSL, and had a special table made up for 16.
Bob had a long face and Melva also persuaded Bob.
It was a good night, then we headed back to the Hotel trying to get in this place with no lights it was a real hazard
Our dawn service was to start at 6am, our alarm did not go off so we thought we were late.A quick shower and off we go down the creaky  hall no lights were on in any rooms we just assumed that they all had left.
We just about ran to the park, low and behold we were early and not to many people were milling around. At 6am sharp the Army Cadets arrive,then a Hymn, 23rd Psalm, the Wreath laying,Bugler "Last Post", Lament on the bagpipes,The Ode of Remembrance.Lest we forget, Reveille,Prayer of Remembrance.It was a very moving ceremony, then back to the RSL for Breakfast.

Leaving again at 9am as some did not have a great sleep in this Hotel went back to bed, just to be woken with the proprietor walking in on them and not knocking Pam was not impressed.Vic and Neil plotted our route to Rockley for a second night a spur of the moment decision.
John takes us on the back roads to Young were we left him and headed on the road to Grenfell, where Ron's Aldi GPS jumps ship, it goes bouncing past me, and Vic stopped to pick it up, it did not look to healthy the screen was smashed and the sd card was gone, but he hopes to put it all back together.
Stopping at Grenfell in time for the march we stand on the curb and watch the pass soldiers march by with the band and the school children.We stopped where Denise's mother used to live and it brought back nice memory's for her.
Leaving Grenfell we ride to Orange to see if we can get some lunch, but being a public holiday no food outlets are open, so we had a down fall and had McDonald's Yuk but it filled our bellies.
Ride through Millthope and Perthville Georges Plains to our destination for the night Rockley a Historic Town and into our Boutique Hotel its like coming into the RITZ after what we had stayed in the night before.The rooms are very nice some shared bathrooms very nice indeed.The owner Tom has prepared us a lovely baked Lamb roast with fresh vegetables.
Into our lovely room after a great night of belly laughter and a few drinks and having the best sleep in a couple of days.
After a few klms Pam was saying she had a sore bum so I lent her my Air Hawk so that she could enjoy her first bike riding experience
Vic and I left at 8am as we had a previous engagement , stopping at Sodwels Vic put on his wet weather gear as the clouds over the mountains looked dreadful big and black.We got to the Great Western Highway and the rain did not stop until we got home at 10-30am.
Another great adventure with wonderful light mined people with adventure in their blood.