Ride Report – THE RON WAY ROUND.    A club ride to the Penrith AGM ’09.

 

Day 1 saw thirteen eager riders gather at Baxter for a final coffee before departure and to learn the sobering news that Nick Swales would not be riding with us as he had just been diagnosed with Prostate cancer and needed to undertake important scans over the coming days.  Led by Ron Olsson, they all (except Bill & Gary) left right on time at 7-30 am sharp,  in clear fine weather, only to become absolutely soaked before even reaching Melbourne. The rain continued to about Ballarat, after which we quickly dried out on the long run to Mildura via the Sunraysia Highway. Everyone arrived around 5-00 pm, with Bill & Gary not far behind at 6-00pm. We quickly settled into our cabins, then walked to a local club for our dinner.

Day 2 dawned fine and sunny after torrential downpours during the night along the road ahead to Broken Hill via Wentworth. With all the rain cleaning the road, it was easy to see why it is called the Silver City Highway, with thousands of specks of silver clearly sparkling in the sunlight. Once north of Wentworth, we were clearly into the outback desert with stunted vegetation and not much else.   We arrived in Broken Hill at lunchtime and after a quick bite, Peter Baulch led us out to Silverton – an almost ghost town today, but the original site of huge Silver mines. The Silverton Pub and surrounds were famously the scenes for the movie Mad Max. A replica of the Mad Max (black beast) car is permanently parked at the pub.

Day 3 had us led by Alan Lindley for another very long ride day to Nyngan. Along the way we had stops at Wilcannia, Cobar for fuel, tucker, drinks and pee breaks. This section saw us cover many kilometres of straight flat roads, where the slightest hint of a bend or undulation was a cause for real excitement…!!!  Later in the afternoon some of us got to see a very “entertaining” Emu as he/she attempted to select her next dancing partner, by rushing out in front of a speeding Bob Russell, who managed to swerve past, only to see the emu attempt  to select Peter Lees in similar style.  The Emu was last seen shrouded in a flurry of feathers as he/she danced at high speed with an unseen fence post….!!!!  Very funny, but potentially very dangerous too. As we approached Nyngan, our erstwhile fearless leader (Ex-Al) caught up to four motorcyclists who we had been catching for many kilometres. It was now obvious who they were as Al got close enough to pass, they spread out across the road in order to let us know that NO-ONE passes the Commancheros….!!!!!  Not even Ex-Al.!!!

Our cabin facilities in Nyngan were excellent and Peter Baulch had pre-arranged with the managers for a huge BBQ for us all right on the River front. Steaks, Chops, gourmet sausages, salads, etc and plenty of drinks supplied too. A terrific night for all.

Day 4 again in clear fine weather, we set off for Penrith via Dubbo, Orange (lunch stopover) and then on to Bathurst for a few “hot” laps of the famous Mount Panorama Race Track. An obvious police presence did not deter at least one of us from a quick run down Conrod Straight…!!!!   On to Penrith, arriving at our Hotel around 5-30pm. after a tortuously slow ride through the Blue Mountains from Katoomba to Penrith…….Sunday drivers again !!!!!

Day 5. Having covered almost 3000 kms in just 4 days, we had a very leisurely Monday to check out the AGM site and facilities. This was also an opportunity to catch up with other Two-Bays members who had travelled separately to the AGM. These included El Presidente – Tiny, Margot, Jack & Malie Froling, Kevin Paige, Rick Marr, Robyn & Glen Abery.    In the evening, some close friends of Peter Baulch’s – Bob and Ann-Marie Coates – hosted us to a fantastic evening Poolside Barbecue at their home just 4 kms from our Hotel.     Ann-Marie and her daughter Sarah, just “had” to have a Bike Ride which Gary and Peter provided. Sarah was an immediate convert, but it seems Ann-Marie will not be disappointed  if she never rides a bike again. Everyone agreed that Bob & Ann-Marie were terrific hosts a good night was enjoyed by all.

Day 6. Yet another ripper day, and Peter Baulch led most of us on a really fantastic ride along the Putty Road, north from Penrith through Windsor, Putty and on to Singleton in the Upper Hunter Valley – famous for vineyards, wineries and horse stud properties. The Putty Road is one of those very special roads that just has to be ridden. The return run through Mangrove Mountain and Wiseman’s Ferry was equally enjoyable for all the sports-tourer riders. Another great day.

Day 7. Ron Olsson has a knack of planning entertaining rides and our run along Bells Line of Road from Penrith, through Windsor and up through the Blue Mountains to Lithgow      was another “must do” ride. Lunch was at the world famous Zig-Zag Railway, before our group steam train ride down the Zig-Zag to the bottom on the Blue Mountains (a drop of over   660 ft). Truly amazing engineering from way back in the latter 1800’s.

Day 8, saw most enjoy another more relaxed day with some going into Sydney, riding ferries, trains, etc. Others did “test rides” of anything on 2 or 3 wheels, and took in all the accessory displays and new bike releases. George Stayner chose late at night to demonstrate his prowess on the pool tables.

Day 9. More sightseeing and more Demo rides or test rides. The Can-Am’s proved very popular because they are so different. Alan Lindley was definitely not comfortable on these strange 3 wheeled machines, while Peter Baulch quickly mastered the art of doing numerous tyre-squealing burnouts from the big fat back tyre.

Day 10. Over 3500 Ulyssians from all over Australia (and overseas) had gathered at Penrith for the 25^th Anniversary AGM. Saturday morning was Grand Parade time and bikes of   all shapes and sizes were on display for all to see across the length and breadth of Penrith. That was the Grande Finale……..  over for another year. The 2010 AGM will hosted by Albany in far south-western W.A.  Some commenced to depart for home, while others started packing for an early departure on Sunday morning.

Day 11. Away at 7-00 am sharp for a run south to Campbelltown where we linked into the Hume Highway to Goulburn, after a Brekky stop near Narrellan. Then on to Canberra where Bill Barton’s brother Geoff kindly guided us around our National Capital, including a rare Car, Truck and Bike show with fine examples from all eras, were on display on the grounds of old Parliament House.  Then Peter Baulch led us south to Cooma, the Snowy Mountains, Bombala and on into Victoria to Cann River. Most members know these roads from our Genoa weekends and Snowy Rides, so it will come as no surprise that very good use was made of these “very nice strips of hotmix” roadway as Bob Russell describes it.   Our night stay was at Bell Bird Lodge Hotel where our hosts and their Rainbow Lorikeet named Jackie, certainly kept us entertained, before the temptation of the Pool Tables took over. Another relaxing evening for all of us on this ride.

Day 12. Last day.  A big cooked breakfast got us started and here Peter Lees spoke on behalf of all riders thanking Peter Baulch, Alan Lindley and Ron Olsson for organising this  epic 4000 km ride. Ron led us away at 8-15 am with a fuel and coffee break at Bairnsdale and lunch stop at Yarragon before on towards home led by Alan. 

All safely home at Baxter 2-00 pm.  No incidents, accidents, damage or injuries throughout a really great ride conducted in good spirits, with lots of fun, socialising friendships, photos  and memories to ensure that the “Ron Way Round” to AGM Penrith will not be forgotten by the 13 lucky buggers who all did it their way.