Ulysses Grenfell Poker Run 20th-21st September
Saturday September 20th saw myself and Janice, Norm and Cath and a mate of
mine, Ian, heading to Grenfell to have a game of cards. Our 7.30am start, then
fuel, had us arriving at the Henry Lawson Oval with 10 minutes to spare. This
was enough time to register, pick our first cards and have a quick social yarn.
A short talk by the organizers laying down the law regarding road rules and
idiots, had us on our way to Quandilla via Young for lunch. Perfect weather,
great scenery and great roads had us happily motoring along.
Lunch at the Quandilla pub was a BBQ and salad washed down by a much needed cold beer. Crikey, we were doin’ it tough. A short snooze after lunch would have been nice, however we still had a fair ride ahead of us, so off we went.
West Wyalong was our next stop, then back to Grenfell via Caragabal. Once we were given the room keys, it was hot shower time and get ready for a night of eating, drinking and merrying.
Earlier in the day we were told that the night’s entertainment was to be a karaoke thingo. So all day as we travelled the countryside, a few of us were practicing in the privacy of our own helmets. [Janice thought the BM sounded a bit odd.] A lamb on the spit for tea and a few refreshers had us ready for a night of culture never before seen in Grenfell.
A few of the locals had a bit of a go, then Norm got up and surprised us all by being able to sing nearly in tune. Not to be out done, a few more locals had a go, then it was mine and Caths turn. Our rendition of John Denver’s “Country Boy” had the Royal Hotel rockin’ and the crowd going wild (you had to be there). The standard of entertainment was set and no matter how they tried, nobody could sing like us (good thing you’re thinking). With a little help from our friends, the world-renowned “ULYSSES SINGERS” was on their way to stardom. BrownEyed Girl by Van Morrison and Bohemian Rhapsorty by Queen have never been sung with such passion. I’m sure there were people in the audience crying. Midnight saw us all a bit worse for wear (vocal strain), so off to bed to get ready for a big breakfast and an even bigger ride home.
Anyone who has had the pleasure of riding with Norm or I will know that the only way to get home from somewhere is to take the longest route. Sunday was no exception. So, after thanking our hosts and many good byes, it was helmets on, start singing and off to Crookwell (get out your map and check it out). What a great ride.
We finally arrived home after covering in excess of 800 kms for the weekend.
What more could a bloke want? Great company, great riding and singing you wouldn’t
believe possible. It must have been good because Janice has already had the
maps out planning the next assault on some place needing a bit of culture.
Anyone want to come?????
Report by: Mick Hope
Wellington Caves 21/9
A last minute change after discussion in the Maccas car park saw the destination for this ride change to Wellington Caves.
It was the usual monthly dozen that headed off in pleasant riding conditions for Orange and then the backroads towards Burrendong Dam before branching off and heading over to Wellington Caves for an early lunch.
Back into Wellington and out to Cumnock and Yeoval was the post lunch direction in order to make it back in time for the beginning of the footy finals on the TV.
This is an excellent middle distance type ride because you can shorten
or lengthen the distance to suit weather and other commitments. This
may be
one for the
ride calendar.
Report by: Mark McCormick