Mt Wilson 19/1 - Although not as hot as expected, this warm day was enjoyed by a quite large contingent who travelled through Oberon and Mt Victoria before a stop-off in the very pleasant surrounds of Mt Wilson where the temperature in the shade was 10 degrees cooler than anywhere else.
From there we rode back to Lithgow for lunch at the Lithgow Workman’s Club. By now it was starting to get warmer so it was straight up the rode to Bathurst and home.
Casualties on the day:- Pat Cause (bee sting) and Bob Branch (flat tyre).
Narooma 25/1—27/1 - As a late change of destination due to the bushfires, Narooma couldn’t have been a better choice.
Excellent organisational work by Jan Dickie, assisted by Bob and Joe resulted in the large group having accommodation and ride route changed at last minute notice with everyone including a few late inclusions such as yours truly having a bed in Narooma.
We set off from Bathurst and out through Wyangala Dam before picking up Larry, Steve and wives at the morning tea stop at Yass. It was then on to Murrumbateman and Bungendore before lunch at Bateman's Bay.
With only a short run to Narooma it was an early check-in at the 2 Motels we had booked and in to the pool for some, prior to tea at the Golf Club. A rowdy crew on the balcony at the Golf Club enjoyed some lively discussion during the rest of the evening while a “men’s only” table took the opportunity to discuss ‘secret men’s business’ before everyone returned to their respective Motel to hit the sack.
Sunday being a free day meant people went in all directions. Some to the beach, others to Tilba, one adventurous soul (Rols) went all the way to Merimbula, and others went to Tuross Heads. Some enjoyed an afternoon in the pool, some chased a little white ball around 6 holes of the scenic Narooma Golf Club. (Ball losses not to be disclosed). Evening meal was split between Italian and the Club Bistro.
Monday meant the holiday as short as it was came to an end and the ride home and return to work loomed near. Grey clouds and a few drops of what was later confirmed by experts as rain (we weren’t sure not having experienced such phenomena before) was experienced on the leg back to Braidwood. We made it as far as Bungendore (or was it Braidwood?) on the return journey before in true Bathurst Group fashion the group splintered and went in different directions.
Whether returning via Cowra or Goulburn and despite news to the contrary
hopefully everyone made it home safely.
Special thanks to Jan Dickie for putting in all the work under trying circumstances
to ensure that such a great weekend was had by all. I am sure we are all
looking forward to the next one in anticipation.
Report by: Mark McCormick