Day1: 311 kms travelled (Map)
The day started with us all meeting at Maccas, Mulgoa Rd Penrith for a meet and greet, with the exception of Craig and Katrina who met us up at Hampton, our first rest break, in their XY Falcon.
Everyone got on very well and conversation flowed easily among us all weekend.
As I mentioned before, the weather up north in the Hunter wasn't favourable but we also got a light shower as we pulled into Hampton pub.It wasn't enough to wet us though.
So this is where we met up with Craig and Katrina in the big XY where there were more introductions and chatter.From Hampton, we carried on to Oberon to top up our fuel tanks ready for our trip south where there is very little opportunity to fuel up before Goulburn. As we approached Oberon, the weather turned a little sour with one heavy shower getting us wet enough to be annoying but that was the last of it. Heading south, the sun came out and dried us up in no time.
Here we are lined up across the road from the pub in Taralga, where we stopped for lunch
I saw this as an opportunity to get a pic of everyone with their bikes while they were standing around, starting off with Anne and Charlie with their Harley.
Joe and Joanne with their Yamaha naked tourer. believe it or not, they had just purchased and picked this bike up in the morning of the ride. Joe, you're bloody crazy!
Ray and Pauline with their Harley.
Phil and Irene with their Yamaha naked tourer. These two are new at riding but fit right in and looked very comfortable on the ride as I knew they would. About time you two came on board.
Chris and Rose with their Harley who celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary this weekend. Congratulations you two.
My good mate Paul with his R1. Paul says he was tonguing for a ride and had a great time this weekend.
And finally, Cath and I with the scooter. Have I mentioned how much we love our bike?
This is the pub where we stopped for lunch. Our very early plans for this weekend was to stay here for the night but it was booked out for a wedding, as was the other pub down the street. Taralga is a great little town, and becoming very popular with riders and day trippers.
Another shot of our babies.
This is typical of the size of the meals you get at this and other country pubs out west. Irene settled for a steak sandwich and yes I believe she did finish it all.
Not to be out done, Phil got one too.
Here's Charlie's "cow, chips and salad" - all gone bar the bone.
After lunch and a beer, we slowly headed off again with very full stomachs, for the last leg of the trip to Tarago. This is the "Loaded Dog Hotel", with Craig and Katrina's XY parked out front, where we spent the night.
Our bikes parked out back.
Looking down from the rooms.
Here's the girls checking out our rooms up stairs. The rooms were clean and comfortable. Yes Irene, we see you.
Although the bikes weren't under cover, they were behind locked gates for our peace of mind.
After a walk about town, we all cleaned up and settled in for dinner, drinks and alot of social chatter.
Some of the girls sharing a drink and getting to know each other.
Here's Ray looking very Royal in this shot.
Yes, once again, we did consume quite a bit of alcohol. I limited myself to just two red wines. Ok, yes they were bottles and I dont remember very much after I stood up off my stool to go to bed.
There was a live band playing and they were great. This girl's voice was very good and kept us entertained.
Apparently, after Cath and I went to bed, the guys had a sing along, of a sort.
The Loaded Dog's bar
Craig and Katrina loving it up for the camera.
By this time, I felt like the loaded dog.
Chris, Ray, Pauline and Rose enjoying the entertainment.
I was wondering what this guy with the loud shirt was doing sitting in front of the band.
So I took a closer look. My camera is so much quicker.
Charlie and Anne letting their hair down.
Irene and Phil, loving their first overnighter.
Chris and Rose celebrating their anniversary.
Cathy and I loving the company. I drank waaaaay too much
Once again, Craig commandeered my camera.
Lovely, lovely voice, this girl had.
Did I mention the guys had a great time?
Yes we were still drinking.
Check out these two. I couldn't even tell you where they got the hats from.
Day 2: 215 kms travelled (Map)
After a big day yesterday and well deserved sleep, we woke in the morning and headed down stairs to the kitchen where we could help ourselves to a breakfast of cereal, toast, tea, coffee and juice as many pubs provide as standard with accommodation.
And yet more chatter after breakfast.
Here we are leaving the pub - about 8:45am. Riding in the morning through the country side is hard to beat.
From Tarago, we made our way back to Goulburn to refuel then on to the Freeway to Marulan where we took the Highland Way through to Bundanoon and Bowral. Before we got back on to the freeway home, we had one last stop to say our good byes.
Here are the girls, cute bunch aren't they?
And finally a group shot, less Craig and Katrina who made their way home a differant way.
Although Cathy and I enjoy our rides together, this ride was really enjoyable.Having your friends around you doing what you love, makes it extra enjoyable not to mention safety in numbers. So come join us on the next one won't you ?
