Lowmead Ride: 18th November 2007

by Warren Walker

Despite the threatening appearance of the weather a few hardy souls ventured forth to meet at the Quay Street car park at the usual time in a quest for an enjoyable days riding and the companionship of like minded individuals. Unfortunately, due to other commitments, the nominated ride leader was not one of the happy group. This caused some concerns over which way to travel and who should lead. Offering up the suggestion of travelling via Moore Park and checking out a car show I had seen advertised on the board outside the Avondale Tavern I suddenly found myself the ride leader.

So onward we ventured, 8 club members and 2 quests. The group including Harry on “Black Magic” his recycled Honda 750, once again pulled back out of retirement after his mishap from the previous ride and the destruction of his FJR. Although we weren’t going to tell him I think we were all pleased that Harry was able to join us so quickly after such a serious incident and maintain his active participation in the club.

We arrived at Moore Park and promptly took over the shelter shed behind the old skating rink as the threatening rain became a serious shower. Wet weather gear was donned and after some light hearted banter we departed for the ride through Sylvan Sands and Booyan and onto Rosedale Rd. Arriving at the Avondale Tavern we found no sign of the previously mentioned car show and decided to head straight for Lowmead. John Burridge, Ian Weeks and Ian’s neighbour turned off and left us near the Winfield turn off on a clandestine mission to locate some old car. The remainder continued on braving showers and the occasional heavy downfall to arrive at the Lowmead pub. After one or two beers the discussion turned to the activities for the rest of the day. Deciding it was too long to wait for lunch at Lowmead several ideas were tossed around before deciding to head for the Miriam Vale Hotel, simply because most of us had never eaten there before. After further debate it was decided to brave the shortcut, and its dirt road sections, onto the Tableland Road. We duly conquered this, there were probably only 3 or 4 Kilometres of good dirt and gravel surface and nobody experienced any difficulty. The bikes didn’t even get much dirt on them which must have been a relief to those in the group who had expressed concern over having to wash their bikes.

Now trying to be a responsible ride leader I attempted to keep our pace to a sensible speed. However coming up to the turn off to the Table land Road to Miriam Vale I was passed by about half the group. One of the culprits slowed after the turn off and allowed me past but the remaining two bikes continued to mock my sensible approach and maintained a higher speed. Fearing that they may become lost I gave chase whereupon everybody else joined in and we made Miriam Vale in a very respectable time. Again we encountered some rain but nothing too serious. Apologies from Tony and Lou for their errant behaviour were forthcoming before we retired to the bar for a cold drink. Lunch followed with good food and conversation making for a very enjoyable time.

Since it had been a while since anyone had travelled the highway home we headed off that way for a rest stop at Gin Gin. This time everyone decided to stay behind the ride leader and maintain the sensible speed I had chosen. A quick stop for fuel for some, chocolate for one (Peter Hansen of course) and more entertaining conversation and we departed. Lou left us at South Kolan while we crossed over the Cedars Bridge and headed to my place for coffee. Relaxing on the verandah we agreed that despite or maybe because of the rain, we had all thoroughly enjoyed the day. More stories were told before everyone departed for home.

A quick check on the speedo showed we had travelled a bit over 310 kilometres for the day. Thanks to all who rode and to Peter Williams for being tail end Charlie for the day.