Today STranger was ready, tank full, air pressures checked
. 8am ready to go. I left home 4 deg, brrrr but I was rugged up well. I headed over Razorback, along the Camden Bypass onto the Northern Rd. Traffic was light , I had an easy ride across to Penrith and changed over to Castlereagh Rd and onto North Richmond to meet up with Onesie who was waiting there for myself and a young mate of his Chris, riding a Hyosung 650 learner bike. Whilst we were there Flash and Bob his dad STopped in for fuel, Bob riding his BMW and Flash riding blonde ambition's (aka Annie) Yamaha leaner bike.
Onesie led the way as we departed along the Bell's Line Road, with a few cars ahead of us. Around Bilpin I saw my firST Mobile Drug TeST unit, set up on the other side. After a few k's following cars between 60 > 80 kph we finally were able to legally overtake them and Jordan lead the way. We had got ahead of the Hyosung and at Lithgow discovered Chris had tried to catch up and was nabbed by the HWP who were out n about in numbers, The young
officer spoke with him and gave him a warning.
.. lucky we weren't in SA they would have locked him up and sold his bike..
A brief pi**STop at Macca's Lithgow where Flash and Bob caught up followed by Chris a few minutes later to tell us about his HWP STop... then we headed off to meet up at Tarana. It was Market Day and the town was full, and as I arrived at the Tarana Hotel I was delighted to see 4 ST1100 and 4 ST13's already there. I u-turned and parked in front of the row of shiney clean bikes, not wanting STranger, still carrying WA dirt to tarnish them. A few more ST's arrived whilST we were saying hi, and inside to order before all the Market people hit the pub. Flash and Bob arrived then unexpected A2Z Al arrived.Burgers seemed popular and a few pies were consumed over the usual banter. Then it was outside for the Flag photo... here's the pics I took but others had better camera's than mine so I hope the photos are shared.
After the pics were taken goodbyes were said as as normal we headed of in different directions. I left with Chris on his Hyosung and lead him home via the Gt WeSTern Hwy, to avoid the blitz on the Bell's Rd. I was happy to lead him home at a more subtle pace keeping to his 80k limit, with a STop to check his fuses because his motor was cutting in and out,, then I followed him for a while and he took me down Old BathurST Rd, a rd I havent used for 25 yrs.. once we crossed the old bridge from Emu Plains we departed ways, he turning left and me right onto Mulgoa Rd where I then went the back way thru Mulgoa, Greendale, the Oaks and onto Picton and Home.
I was very impressed with the support for NSW RTE today and extend a heartfelt "THANK YOU" to everyone who enjoyed the sunny Sunday weather, albeit a bit cool in some places. I truST you all enjoyed your ride and meal, and the friendly banter and chats, and you all arrived safely home. I look forward to when next we gather en mass on our beloved ST's,, and the other makes that made the journey.
