Wednesday Ride Report – 30 September 2009


From Denis Murphy:
This Wednesday the usual group broke 3 ways, four to Tamworth (Circus leader Len, Graham, Lorraine and PJD), two to Merimbula ( John and Stan) leaving a few of us ( Denis, Floyd, Jim, Peter W) to join other VVC members ( Peter N, Derek, maybe others) on the other Wednesday ride run by Ringmaster Bill Uhe of Ulysses Usual Suspects fame. His report which is well worth including is below. Bill extended an invitation at any time and provided his e-mail address, also below, for ride details.

Bill's Report:
"The weather was as promised, fine and generally sunny with no winds to annoy. It was a good roll up at McDonalds Weston with several new faces and a number of old ones attending for todays feast of optional rides. Of the 20 attending we had a full 18 ready to ride with 14 committed to the Mountain Creek route and 4 happy to follow the Usual Suspects Cruiser Group led by their master of ceremonies Peter N, along the Hume to meet us later at Galutzi's of Yass.

I took the rest of the group in hand and headed out to Uriarra and onto Fairlight, then Mountain Creek Road ensuring all riders were in sight whenever we negotiated a change of direction. The dirt of 2.5 + 1.4 was in good condition and we found the adventure scenic and uneventful to our major turn off for Wee Jasper. This was a new road for most of our riders and I am sure all enjoyed the experience of this great motorcycle road of some 27 kilometres. Twists and turns over the entire length but a road on which riders must keep their attention focused as it could be quite unforgiving with drop offs and blind bends predominant. We did strike a bit more dirt as advised but it was hard packed and smooth over the 1.8 length which presented no concerns and it was quite insignificant when considering the pleasures this road provided. I almost ran over a 5' brown who was jay-slithering across the road.

We had a regroup in Wee Jasper for 10-15 minutes and decided to forgo the onwards ride to the Caves some 6k distant as it was now 11.15am and the road to the caves had little to offer by way of excitement. We mounted up and made our way back over the same route to Mountain Creek Road and once again enjoyed the road.  Another regroup, still with 14 bikes and riders, we headed into Yass for lunch arriving at noon where we re-joined the Cruiser Group at our reserved table.... thanks to Galutzi's once again. The main group had now covered 130k since the last coffee but none were showing signs of withdrawal so we could actually plan to do this ride again sometime. We also came across Laurie W on the black Squallo which he decided to swap from the red Ducati at Weston because it threw a little hissy fit telling it's rider...   "Non oggi Laurie, ho un'emicrania"   which translates from it's native Italian to "Not today Laurie, I have a headache". Laurie had to leave the machine in the hands of McDonalds until either the headache subsided, or he collected the sensitive machine in the box trailer.

We spent a long time at Galutzi's chewing the fat and enjoying the company and it was great to see my other (one of many) girlfriend Mira, former owner of Galutzi's, who gave me a great big hug and a kiss. (amidst much applause)  Mira is helping out there a few days a week so we should see her often as we always enjoy the fare, coffee and staff of this obliging establishment.

Time to go and I thought as a "special treat" to the riders here today I would offer them some more dirt riding and suggested we take Hillview Road which avoids the highway as far a Murrumbateman, and contains two sections of gravel, 3.3 and 2.2 but the ride is lovely and well worth the effort of a bit more dirt.    I am sure our 8 riders on this section enjoyed the added experience of the day. Our Cruiser Group stayed with the black top and to our knowledge, enjoyed their day also.

Upon arrival at Murrumbateman it was all but over apart from finding our way to our respective homes...... then it turned into a bad day for somebody. About 5k out of Murrumbateman on a straight stretch of road I saw ahead a caravan on it side and road scattered with personal effects.  Some 50 metes off the road and in a vineyard, was a very battered SUV which I assume was the towing vehicle. I slowed to a walk and saw a car parked on each side of the highway and a man standing beside who waved us on through.......... I assumed they had everything in hand and we carried on although I notice Pop Bourne (First aider) pull up as did David Sutton. I hope it all turned out OK for the people in the car, it did not look good but I am sure Pop would have quickly organised everything possible, if needed.

All in all I thought this was a great day out for us lot on wonderful bike roads, new roads previously not travelled by Suspects and I wonder, will they travel the same way again?..... maybe yes I think but hey, we always have options. I arrived home at 2.30pm with 210k on the Bavarian masterpiece. What did you do today if you were not with us lot?

Next week your Ringmaster will be the Rt Hon. Peter Brooker who will provide another day of adventure for those attending.
Bill               
Ringmaster

If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up to much room.

Bill Uhe huhe@bigpond.net.au

ph 62783509
mob 0408497172