Wednesday Ride Report - 15 July 2009

A social ride to Gunning via Collector

Present:
Jim Alexander - BMW K75 (1985)
Phil Dawes - Yamaha FJR1300 (2002)
Graham Knox - BMW F800ST (2009)
Lorraine Lister - BMW K75 (1986)
Denis Murphy - Honda CB1300 (2003)
Stan Perry - Yamaha FJ1200 (1989)
Floyd Primmer - BMW R80RT (1983)
Ernie Seary - BMW 1150RT (2001)
Len Skipper - Triumph Bonneville T100 (2007)

Apologies: John Broad

Rally point: 10.00am from the Shell Fuel Station at EPIC

This was our coldest ride this winter so far. We left Weston Creek in bright sunny conditions and drove onto the GDE with mist descending and the temperature around the 2.5C.

Phil Dawes joined us for the first time and was warmly welcomed by all, a former member of the club and a mate of Stan who travels regularly to the Phillip Island for the motorcycle racing events.

The general feeling of the group this week was a ride to Gunning via Collector. Denis decided to take the shorter route and meet us there. Graham took the lead and we headed off on the Federal Highway where the mist increased and by the time we reached Lake George the visibility had reduced considerably, the temperature had dropped to 1.5C although, the sun was trying to break through in places.

By this time, my finger tips were feeling the cold and reminded me of my time riding to work in London, even though I was wearing winter gloves and Belstaff over-mitts, relics from the past.

The road conditions varied with wet, damp and possible black ice but, dry in major parts. Although traffic was non existent, once we turned off at Collector. We did encounter a rubbish truck on a narrow section of road coming in the opposite direction, who didn't want to move over on his side. We all past without mishap. The Old Hume Highway seems to be deteriorating with large pot holes appearing in many places. The drive into Gunning was most welcomed by all, for refreshments at the Old Hume Café and their famous Lamb Burger specials and hot warming drinks on offer.
After we all had warmed-up we decided to make our way home at 1.00pm. The temperature was now 7.5C Sunny, and much more pleasant riding conditions then before.

By the time we reached Gundaroo the temperature had dropped again to 5C.
The new bridge works is progressing well (I keep saying that on each report), with the earth ramp on the village side now complete, shuttering work on the bridge and ramps is underway again, not sure when it is likely to be completed?

The round trip was around 150km to Gunning and back to the EPIC rallying point and home by 2.15pm.

Len Skipper
15 July 2009