Bowning and Gunning - Wednesday 2 June 2010

Riders:
Natalie and Colin Markland - 2003 Harley Fatboy
Ian Brock - Harley
Ray Lipscombe - 1995 Harley
Len Skipper - 2007 Triumph T100
Denis Murphy - 2009 Triumph Sprint ST
Rod Gilchrist - 1982 Honda CB750
Peter Davey - 2009 Honda NT700V
Floyd Primmer - 1994 BMW R100 LT
Phil Dawes - 2002 Yamaha FJR 1300

Apologies: John, Stan, Ernie, Lorraine

With Harleys taking out the manufacturers award, it was possibly a tribute to Easy Rider and Mr Hopper, though without the ape hangers and bar-end plastic streamers.

The start from the ex-servo at EPIC was in bright sunlight but this turned to cloudy and overcast on the way to Gundaroo, then wet cold and foggy along Murrumbateman Road. The fog cleared for the ride up the Barton and Hume Highways to our brunch stop at the 'Roll On Inn' at Bowning with its lovely mop-hatted ladies and newspapered slab walls.

While at Bowning, a topic of conversation over coffee that raised much interest was Phil's recent overnighter ride with friends to Bathurst. Phil spoke of the tour arrangements including pricing and the riding conditions and roads covered.

With more good conversation yet to be had and the table already being cleared for other customers, the group decided on extending the ride to include another stop at Gunning.

The grey clouds remained as we rode on via Jerriwa and Dalton to the very friendly Old Hume Café at Gunning where socialising continued until mid afternoon.

The ride home via Gundaroo and Sutton and down the highway towards Watson was under beautiful still blue skies with small touches of white cloud, bringing a magic end to the ride.

The ride was at a steady relaxed pace, which was just as well as the road safety radar angels were seen at least twice, on Northbourne Avenue and the Hume Highway.

It was very pleasing to see an additional three VVC member riders on the day. Natalie made up for a missing Lorraine, probably keeping the jokes in good taste and would-be curmudgeons in check. A testing workout at the gym may have dampened any thoughts of being out on her lovely Honda 350 four as Natalie made good use of the pillion back rest on Colin's sturdy Harley. Ray on his Harley helped capture the manufacturers award.

Some VVC members riding with the Ulysses Suspects Wednesday group including Derek on his 3-wheeler 500 said hello. They also had a coffee break at Gunning after their Crookwell jaunt. Their ride leader Denis L was noted to have also joined the Corroboree Frog fraternity, bringing the sightings for the day to four.

Denis Murphy