This ride saw the largest number of riders we have been with on an overnighter. The company was great and everyone got on really well.
This ride also took us to new places, a little further west in country NSW where we saw some great country side and also got to stay in the Boorowa Pub, we had never been to before, but will definitely revisit. As usual, conversation flowed freely between everyone and plenty of after dinner "refreshments" were enjoyed by all. (until 2:00am in the morning in some cases).
Day 1: Map (369 kms travelled)
Our meeting point for this ride was at Mcdonald's Eastern Creek (Westbound). Although our planned departure time was 8:30am, riders began arriving from 7:30 am for coffee and a chat.
Justin, Andy and Mark
Jeff, Tracy and Ed
Carol, Graham, Rod, Mick and Christina.
Ant Man, who thinks he's number one.....apparently.
Paul and Georgey.
So we left Eastern Creek just after 8:30 am and travelled the M4 up through the mountains and through Hartley, where we turned off at the Oberon turn off. After about 20 minutes, or so, we arrived at Hartley where we stopped for a half hour break for coffee and of course another chat at the Hartley pub.
As you can see, we had quite a good turn out for this ride.
This morning it was overcast and quite cool for this time of year but more importantly, no rain.
Yes Georgey, you look Coo.
These rides always bring people together.
Anthony isn't gonna like this pic of George, keying his new Harley.
After our break in Hartley, we left for Oberon for a necessary fuel stop before doubling back about 5 minutes and taking Shooter's Hill Rd through to Taralga for our much loved lunch destination at the Taralga pub. Here we stop at the Abercrombie River crossing to take a look at the site where Justin had an "off" a couple of years ago.
Justin, in one piece and enjoying the ride. Actually, this ride was dedicated to him beating the Abercrombie Road, along with a few supportive mates. I might add.
Here, he is standing at the spot he ended up, after not quite executing the bend approaching the bridge.
The Abercrombie River bridge.
Ok, time for a group shot.
As you can see, it is a pretty peaceful spot. Lucky for Justin, there were people around when he came off his bike who helped him on the day.
What an impressive line up of bikes.
Entry to the pub with Ed at the door and the beer garden to the right, where we had lunch.
As you can see, by now, the sun was out and warmed us up nicely.
It was simply the best feeling thawing out in the perfect sunshine and enjoying great company and a good country pub lunch.
Cathy and I, enjoying our weekend away with a top bunch of friends.
Here's Chris just about to tuck in to a half cow lunch.
The beer garden even has a helmet stand made of real timber!
Her you can see that George had to let out his shirt and release some pressure off his belly after lunch.
After lunch we took this group shot before two riders, Rod and James left us to finish their day ride.
The road from Taralga through to Crookwell had two patches of dirt road totalling about 5 kilometres all told. Once we passed the dirt the road was absolutely brilliant with excellent scenery all the way. This beautiful old church wasn't that far out from Boorowa.
Entering the town, we crossed the Acraman's bridge.
It always pays to read these plaques.
A pleasant shot of my two favourite girls with a great country backdrop.
Most of our bikes were parked in the driveway out back.
While a select few lovely cruisers got special treatment.
This is the pub's cubby house in the back garden.
Here's Graham, just letting us know he's found the men's wash rooms.
As usual we went for our exercise walk, which makes for an ideal way to discover the town.
Boorowa is a really pretty country town and a must to visit.
This is the main street with the pub on the right.
The pub in all its glory.
Boorowa's court house.
I like to take pics of the road signs to give an idea of where we are in relation to other destinations.
See? this town has everything! Even a toilet.
No we're not religious but we do admire the beauty and character of these old churches.
We return to the pub after our walk to see that the bad behaviour has already begun.
I know, I'm always taking shots of the stair cases inside of every pub we stay in. Ah well, it gives you an idea of their old architectural elegance.
After a full day's riding, the guys waste no time settling down for the evening.
Even my beautiful wife Cath had a drink or four or five.
This side of the pub's verandah stayed nice and clean, free from empty bottles and glasses.
This is Tracy before she began to misbehave.
Finally our beloved Ed arrived after a short visit to a long lost friend who lives in the area.
Mike the publican, arranged for us to have our own room to have our dinner. Meanwhile we chatted outside while his staff arranged the tables and chairs in the dining room.(Come to think of it, I don't know if he did this to give us some privacy or to protect his other guests from us.)
This is George's impression of a Franky!
Andrew discovered that you could buy long necks for just 50 cents more than a scooner.
Here is our group at the very Christmassy dining table.
Jeff and Tracy.
Richard and Alison.
Shaun.
Mick and Christina.
Carol and Graham.
Ghandy.
Justin and Ian.
Lance.
Georgey and Paul.
Craigy boy.
Chris.
Us !
Ed.
So the pub held a raffle and I was asked to draw the tickets and guess what? I pulled out Ed's ticket as the first prize and Jeff's ticket for second.
Mike the publican, a very good man and top host.
I believe this is Ed's winning ticket.
Ed got to have a try at picking the key to unlock $2200 in cash.
Unfortunately, he didn't pick the right key.
He still received a fine bottle of wine.
Jeff also got a bottle of wine.
George got to kiss the publican ........ I'm not sure why though.
After dinner it was time for drinks, laughter and misbehaviour.
Here, Andy is telling us he's thirsty ...... I think.
I have absolutely no explanation of the next two photos, nor do I have any recollection of them ....... no really, I don't.
Well it got a tad chilly out on the verandah, so Justin improvised.
Lucky for me, he shared.
No surprise that Cathy and I were one of the first to go to bed, about 11:30 pm, however my beloved cousin decided to pay us a visit in our room about a half hour later in to our slumber.
Here, Ed has captured him laying on top of us, telling me how much he loves me.
And here making his swift escape from our room. Unnoticed? I don't think so.
Day 2: Map (394 kilometres travelled)
The next morning, I decided to get my own back. This is the first time in over 30 years I have ever seen Andy sleep.
And George. I should have jumped on the bastard after his performance last night.
And finally Craig. All sharing the "Bachelor suite".
Here's Paul enjoying the sunrise on the verandah.
Sunrise over the town.
And the other direction.
Most pubs provide breakfast as part of the accommodation cost. This pub was excellent and provided a few different cereals and toast, tea and coffee and juice. Andrew is so excited, he gives it a number 1 rating!
2 sugars and milk please Ghandy. Oh. and Vegemite on the toast thanks mate.
Once again, I risk my life dodging the town's horrific traffic to take this shot.
Brekky on the verandah.
Cathy was in no mood for toast after the previous night.
We truly enjoyed each others company and it shows that no one is in a rush to leave.
Tracy, the morning after the night before.
Across the road was this bakery, that comes very highly recommended along with most country town bakeries.
Even though we had already eaten, most of us went over to buy a pastry or two when we found out it was open.
Meanwhile, Ed, Carol and Graham found a friend to have brekky with in the pub's cafe.
Finally it was time to leave Boorowa, but not before a group shot or two out front of the pub with Mike and his staff.
We took another route to Cowra, that Justin found, which went through Frogmore. Very good choice with excellent country side views.
We arrived in Cowra, where we all refuelled and checked out the visitor's centre with it's information on the famous "Cowra Breakout". This is where the Japanese war prisoners made a break for freedom. Here the girls enjoy the gardens outside.
Inside the visitor's centre, we find some memorabilia.
And great info on the breakout.
One of the original sirens of the camp.
We sat and watched a hologram show that went for 9 minutes.
Very informative and clever.
I wish I was this attentive at school.
From Cowra, we left for Bathurst, where some of us did a lap of the track and then on to Lithgow for lunch. From there we followed Bell's Line of road through Richmond and home.
This was an excellent ride shared with a great group of people and we can't wait for the next one. Come join us! You won't regret it.
