North, South & East 18/5 - The May ride was down a little on the normal numbers probably due to the weather, which looked decidedly suspect, and a few regulars having other commitments.
We were just deciding on a destination in the Maccas carpark when Dead Dog English turned up in 4 wheels and a wimpy excuse about the weather in Sydney and wanting to go to the Bike Show in comfort. Unfortunately for Joe he couldn’t convince any of the die-hards that a tin-top was the way to go, so he headed for the big smoke and we all headed for Ilford via Sofala.
A cool but pleasant ride saw us stop at the information bay on the Mudgee road at Ilford where a change of direction was decided on due to the bank of mist and heavy cloud approaching from the north.
So it was on to Lithgow and over the gap to Hartley where a much needed coffee stop was made at the Hartley Valley Nursery and Café. This establishment has recently been purchased by a couple of Ulyssians, and can be recommended as a great place to stop if traveling through that area.
From Hartley it was up the highway to the Jenolan Caves turn-off and through to Hampton where we turned off and headed for Oberon. We had a quick stop in Oberon so some of the bikes with a shorter range could refuel and then headed for O’Connell.
We hit O’Connell just about the same time our stomach’s thought our throats had been slit, or mine did anyway, so a counter lunch beside the open fire at the O’Connell Hotel was much appreciated.
From O’Connell it was straight up the road and home for most, although a few keen riders decided to detour back through Tarana.
Despite the threat of some unpleasant weather we had a dry and pleasant ride.
Just another to add to the great rides we have experienced in recent times.
Report by: Mark McCormick