National Memorial Ride to Cordeaux Dam – 13 September 2014

The riders were:

• Michael & Tracey Winters    Triumph Trophy    
• Mike and Kipper    Victory
• Arthur    Kawasaki 1700    
• Garry McCurley    VFR1200
• Alan & Lyn Munday    FJR1300    
• Andrew Campbell    GL1800
• Karen Clarke    Roadliner    
• Rob Clarke    FJR1300
• Chris Dietzel    GTR1400    
• Jeff Heiler    Triumph Rocket 3
• Daryl Palin    Goldwing       

Waking to a glorious sunshine filled day by the time we got to Watson to meet the others for the 8.30am departure the fog had descended. However after crossing back over the border, this gradually lifted and the traffic flowed well. We may have given the speed limits a little nudge believing that no one on a motorbike traveling out of Canberra would be booked the day after the Wall to Wall. 

We stopped at Marulan for coffee arriving at Cordeaux Dam around 11.30. While perhaps the ride to Picton is considered a bit boring by some, this ride is about the destination, not the journey. We go to remember our Ulysses members that have ridden on.

Queuing for coffee - or checking out the trike?

 Lunch was the obligatory sausage and onion in a roll and cake, kindly provided by the Macarthur Ulysses Branch washed down with coffee. The crowd gathered to listen to Jen Wood’s speech as well as an address from the Macarthur Branch’s president followed by a minute’s silence to remember and commemorate those who have ridden on.

Some of the Canberra Branch riders at Cordeax Dam

Hoping to beat the crowds we didn’t linger, making a quick trip to the dam itself before leaving for Marulan to feed the bikes. While some riders chose to ride straight down the Hume Highway to home some of us decided to take the road less traveled through Lake Bathurst to the Roselea Café – and who should we see just out of Goulburn but Jen Woods and Gary McDonald. They joined us at the café for coffee – with Gary again refusing to share his cheesecake with the group.

Alas my friends there is only one spoon...

 Today, although a solemn occasion, was one of those days that make you glad to be alive, to appreciate your friends and to cherish your time together. Coming on the same weekend as the Wall to Wall it makes you value the small things that we all take for granted – good riding weather and time spent with friends.

Tracey Winters