Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Cootamundra - 20 July

"Hey it's July and the winter sun is shining
And the Cootamundra wattle is my friend
For all at once my childhood never left me
'Cause wattle blossoms bring it back again"
John Williamson

Another cold winter morning in Canberra. Not expecting a large roll up so surprised to see 11 people needing a ride. After a chat (we’re good at that) and a pre-ride briefing we headed off to Boorowa for a coffee and pit stop. Along the Barton and Hume Hwy, turning off at the Lachlan Valley Way. Trevor turned up as we were about to depart, so being nice people we waited for him. We left on time.  An hour later we arrived for our first stop. 

Thirty minutes of rest then hit the road again. This time onto the Murringo Gap Road to Young via Murringo. The trip to Young is about fifty clicks so it was not long before we were riding through Young heading for the Milvale Rd which goes to Temora. After about twenty plus clicks we turned right onto North Berthong Rd which is a very good cross country road, to get us to Burley Griffin Way. Then a left turn and along BGW, one km, then right turn onto the Berthong Rd which runs into Coota. I told you we would get there today!


Found our way to the Globe Hotel, our lunch destination. A warm welcome by the staff and a playful dog, named Hereboy. Now Kipper had a buddy. Also there, fresh from Ladysmith, were Derek and Margaret (aka Bindy). Ordered drinks and lunch, then relaxed in the sunny beer garden and waited for our fare. As usual our conversation turned to “what’s wrong with everything and the world”, and some ideas on solving these problems.


By the time our lunch arrived we still had not put everything straight, so some more unfinished business to take up next ride. The surprise of the day was that all our lunches arrived at the same time. That does not happen often with a large group. Chas Towie was overcome with emotion, as he is lucky to get his meal at all, let alone with everyone else.


After lunch and when Tracey had finished playing with Hereboy we saddled up for our return to Canberra. Yes, yes I know, and other places via Harden, Binalong and Yass. I think everyone had a good day if not you will have to try next time.


Many thanks to all our ride buddies for a great outing. Take care,


St Pedro.


The day’s crew;


  • Darryl Cullen                             1250s Bandit
  • Garry McCurly                            VFR 1200
  • Michelle Mount                          Bergman 650
  • Chas Towie                               ST1300
  • David Robinson                          FJR1300
  • Mick Beltrame & Kipper               Victory XC
  • Ewan Ward                                ST1100
  • Stephen Light                            1600 Nomad
  • Michael & Tracey                        Triumph
  • Trevor McLeod                            FJR1300
  • Derek & Margaret Titheridge         Spider
  • Peter Arday                                ST1300

Here's a few snapshots from the ride.

The border collie taxi with another satisfied customer

Late comers travelling from Wagga pushing to the front of the queue - or - "look at my new ride - ain't she shiny!"

Most of us in the sun (winter sun!)

Titheridge pizza lovers