21st October, 2011
The weather is finally starting to warm. Thank you. Although I have managed to keep riding throughout what has been a colder than usual winter in the Sydney area. I haven’t done too mnay lengthy rides of late. We seem to have had more than our fair share of wet weekends.
A friend, Ian, bought himself a BMW F650Gs, which is actually an 800cc twin and a very nice bike. We have done 3 rides together, covering Nattai and Picton, Mittagong and Burrawang, Bundanoon, Robertson, Mt Kembla. They have been very enjoyable rides and Ian is good company.
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| BMW F650GS - besdie the Thunderbird |
Two weeks ago I Had Thursday and Friday off work and had half planned a longer trip and possibly an overnight stay, but the weather conspired against me. I didn’t even uncover the Thunderbird all day Thursday and Friday. Although it didn’t actually rain, it looked like it was about to all day. Finally on the Saturday I put on the wet weather gear and took off toward Picton. As it turned out, Sydney got no rain again, but I got plenty going through Wilton and Douglass Park. It was heavy for about 20 minutes which meant slowing down considerably. After that it was just drizzle. The wet weather gear did an admirable job. I don’t mind riding in the rain as long as I am prepared for it. Of course it is not like riding into a clear blue sky with bright sunshine bouncing off the gleaming countryside. But it’s a lot better than not riding at all.
Last weekend turned out to be very nice. Saturday morning was overcast which gave me an opportunity to do some jobs around the house. Mainly preparing for the arrival of builders the following Monday who are going to extend the roof over decks at the front and rear of the house. Verandahs, just in time for summer. By early afternoon the sun was out and I took my wife for a lovely ride through the national park to Stanwell Tops where we stopped long enough to have a hot chocolate and take in the magnificent view.
Sunday was beautiful from beginning to end. I took off at 9-30 and stopped at The Oaks for petrol. The attendant commented on the number of bikes out and about, and mentioned that they were heading to Warragamba for the bike show. That sounded interesting so I plotted a course for Warragamba.
It was actually the Warragamba Dam Fest, an annual event featuring amusement rides, helicopter flights, food and market stalls, live entertainment, and, more importantly, a car and bike show. The festival was spread out over the large park and sport area adjacent to the dam. There was a big crowd there, but fortunately plenty of good parking specifically for bikes.
I bypassed all the stalls and rides etc and found the car and bike show. There was a lot of bikes lined up. Many customs, some vintage and the usual dollop of Harleys. It appears that pretty much anyone with a bike could register their bike and ride in and park and display. There were prizes awarded, but long after I left. There were some nice cars on display as well, but after about half an hour, I could feel the call of the thunderbird and I was off to Nattai, Picton for a light lunch and home via Stanwell Tops and the national park. Time to break out the summer gear.
Some Photos from Warragamba.
