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.

Mid Week Sydney Ride Tallawong Dam 17/2/2011

As usual the route was uphill, down dale, round corners and everything in between. Vic up the front, Lyn as roving sweep and yours truly bringing up the rear sort of kept things together although I’m not sure where Ray M decided to leave us. I do know that Greg, Kauri and Reg decided not to go to the Dam, instead opting for the delights of one of the Valley establishments. After lunch we scattered in all directions. I and three others rode through to Berry and up the Highway.  A BIG thanks to Vic & Lyn for a great ride through new country. Please enjoy the report:


After the briefing of some 25 riders and two lady pillions, Linda and Kowrie (hope the spelling is correct) the latter a new starter riding with Greg, (I was not sure whether I should use the traditional V word, Greg did say I would have been correct, but we gave her the clap anyway,) we headed from Maccas at Eastern Creek, then down Wallgrove Rd and through the backblocks of Horsley Park, Mt Vernon and Kemps Creek with Rob again as TEC.

From reports I nearly lost more than half the group within the first 10kms. What corner marking????

Ten riders made it through Camden onto the old Razorback road but the rest took a wrong turn, not seeing the ghost of a corner marker, luckily Lyn was able to gather them up and meet up where we had stopped for a regroup.

Everyone made it to the morning tea stop at Picton, where it started to spit with rain but not enough to put on our wet weather gear. Kim left us here to go home and get some brownie points.

Down through Bargo and onto Remembrance Drive where it started to rain heavily and wet weather gear was put on for the ride up into the Southern Highlands where it was a bit cooler. It was planned to go through Kangaloon, Robertson and past Burrawang but with the frequent stops I thought it best to cut it short and take the main road past Fitzroy Falls and down into Kangaroo Valley.

There were road works just before going down to the valley and an electronic sign saying there could be a hold up because of bridgeworks on the Hampton Bridge. There was a delay for about ten minutes, this gave the back markers time to catch up before turning onto the Tallawong Dam road. The sun came out again whilst we waited and made it a bit uncomfortable in the wet weather gear so everyone stripped it off believing the rain had stopped.

Greg and Kowrie went looking for a place to get something to eat in the town and were not seen again, probably still there.

After getting over the bridge and onto the Dam road it started to rain again which cooled us down, it stopped, but the road was wet and slippery in places.

Not sure but I think there were a few missing when we arrived at the picnic area.

Lunch was had in brilliant sunshine but a heavy shower came through and the lunch stop was shorter than planned. It was here that Keith realised that the thump he heard when following a truck earlier was not something off the truck but one of his Goldwing’s chromed front wheel covers that had come loose and dropped off. He was hoping to find it on the way back.

Ken seems to have a jinx with Spyders, (no not speeding again) but the new yellow Spyder kept stopping and he had to wait 30 seconds every time before it would start again. He should have bought a red one.

Except for the poor corner marking which stopped the flow of the ride, Lyn and I hope everyone enjoyed seeing a little bit of the countryside outside their normal area, and that everyone got home safe.

 

Waihi Beach to Auckland Thursday 10th Feb

Waihi to Auckland Thursday 10^th Feb 2011





Large Coffee



As we wave goodbye to this sleepy village by the sea side, we head north to Coromandel further along the coast, the day is overcast with a little drizzle.  We meander through high mountain roads to the valleys by the sea as the road twist and turns. “Karen “our trusty GPS again takes us on a scenic route and says that we should turn onto the Forest Road, so being obedient to her we head off the main road and pass several one way road signs as there has been frequent land slip, trees and soil are spewed all over the road. We manage to get our little Daihatsu through these sections and then the road turns to gravel (we should have known) until we come to a locked gate, again we do a u turn and start to head back to the highway. We are stopped by a local woman who advises us that the road is only used by mountain bike riders, and no way could we get through, she directs us back the way we came again passing the land slips mud and heavy rain now falling.

Back on the highway we head for the Coromandel Peninsula and the weather has changed again and is now getting quite warm and the rain stopping. We pass many road works as there had been massive rain storms in the past fortnight and many land slips had occurred, trees uprooted, half the mountain seems to be on the road, big bull dozers were trying to clean up the carnage of the storms, timber trucks RV’s, 4X4s, utes of all sorts are held up along this road, which makes overtaking difficult, but our little racer seems to make it o.k.

Making our lunch stop in Coromandel we walked the street to see how much it had changed since the last time we visited. It was noticeable there were a lot of British tourists roaming the street who all seem to have come by camperwaggons or tourist buses.



Quite Roads



Back on the road again we pass through Thames and onto Highway 1, and back to Jucy Car Rental in Manu Tapu Drive Auckland. The little car did us proud, we did not have an ounce of trouble and we will (if we have to) rent another car from this company. A quick change of clothes and a lift back to the airport check in and then spent time in the Emirates Lounge before we head back to Australia.

This has been a most enjoyable trip, we saw a lot and we did a lot, it is a wonderful place to visit. Next time we will do it on a motorcycle



The roads we travelled



Whakatane to Waihi Beach

Whakatane to Waihi Beach 8/2/2011



 





Leaving our little private house at Whakatane we drove along the inland road towards Rotorua, the tourist town with all the geysers and steam baths, and then around beautiful Lake Rotorua, the weather is a little cooler but the lake is glistening with the sun and just catching the many black swans as they glide across the water. Heading north we passed Te Puke and “Karen“ on the GPS had us turning in circles in Tauranga as a new highway has been built since our GPS was updated. We saw Mt Mauganui in the distance twice. Also was a surprise for us to see the Kiwi fruit growing on wooden pyramids.



Kiwi Fruit



After getting out of Tauranga we skirt along the bays and estuaries and find ourselves in Waihi Beach, a beautiful spot that overlooks Mayor Island. We arrived at our motel where the proprietor was having plumbing problems with a water pipe bursting.





Beach Bum





Do not eat the shellfish



Sightseeing through this beautiful seaside town we have lunch on the beach and watch the waves roll in. Then we set off on a long walk contemplating whether to have a swim but getting a little damp to our knees we decided not to as the water was a little chilly and we then find a sign that states not to eat the shell fish found in this area as it was contaminated with toxins. So we don’t know if the water was safe to swim in.



We walked to a small restaurant in town for dinner where I had, my first New Zealand lamb and it was delicious, Vic had the seafood chowder which was very good also.

Just a funny sign