Bateman's Bay Overnighter

This was a short but sweet overnighter that suited the cooler winter temperatures and shorter days. It was great to have our new riding mates on board, who seemed to enjoy the experience, judging by the smiles on their faces anyway. This ride is the first of more to come, in preparation for our ride with this group through Europe next year.

Day 1:  MAP  (206 kms travelled)

We met the guys at the Bulli Beach Cafe, suggested to us by Kel and Mop. A great place to visit and recommended for its great coffee and fantastic outlook over the ocean.

We take our first break at Boat Harbour, Gerringong. A fantastic little gem with a small reserve and free BBQs for public use.

Here we engage the services of a passer by for a group shot. I think he got Kel in mid "hair flick" by the look of it. We must look our best you know. :)

Eventually we arrive in Mollymook and head for the golf club for lunch. Along the way, we pick up Kelly's cousin and partner as well as meeting up with Lance in South Nowra.

This shot is taken in the car park of the Golf Club. Even the bikes get a million dollar view.

This is the Bay View Hotel in Bateman's Bay, where we spent the night. It has a large beer garden out back where we could park the bikes for the night.

After we unpacked the bikes, Kel, Mop, Cath and I took off for an hours brisk walk to Batehaven. Cathy's rapt that we found another walk partner for our overnighters. I think she might get a bit bored with just me.

Looking back toward the town.

And the other direction.

On our way back to the pub.

As you can see, it was overcast but the temperature was quite balmy.

On our way back, we sussed out the choice of cafes for brekky the next morning. Bateman's Bay has a nice promenade that runs along the water with fantastic views of the bay.

We chose the RSL club for dinner and, as usual, it didn't disappoint..

After dinner we sat and shared a few drinks and further discussed our trip through Europe next year. It's taking some serious planning but we have a great supportive bunch of people going. It promises to be the ride of a lifetime and will certainly earn us bragging rights when we get home.

Day 2:  MAP  (280 kms travelled)

Quite heavy rain through the early hours of the morning but the radar promised clearer weather after 9:00am, so we wandered down to the cafe for a lazy, laid back breakfast. As expected, the rain did break although it remained overcast and we did get some drizzle through to Braidwood on the King's Hwy.

Brekky with a view.

Those dark clouds had passed and the rain with it.

The Bay, not so inviting in bad weather, with a few locals in the foreground.

This unruly bunch, suddenly enjoy a sunny break.

With the improvement in the weather, we decide to make a break for it, like a bunch of penguins in our bike gear.

At the rear of the pub, we load the bikes up ready for the trip home via the King's Hwy Goulburn, then The Highland Way through, well, the highlands funnily enough.

All in all the weather was kind to us, only experiencing a little drizzle on sections of the King's Hwy, until we crossed the mountains. After a break in Goulburn, the rest of the ride was great and the sun came out once again.

Here we have one final rest in Picton before saying our goodbyes.

One last pic of the guys.

As always, we had a great time and it was fun to have , not only familiar faces in the group but new friends to share the ride with too. The more the merrier I say.