Ride Report: Berrima 2006

Saturday 1st of April started off as a fine sunny morning. I arrived at McDonalds at the Crossroads at about 9am to be greeted by Mick ‘speedy’ Clarke, Clive Weisse & Mick Major who got the two McDonalds confused. It was my fault as on the ride calendar I put the Crossroads but we usually start at Narrellan- my mistake. A new rider Les Gorey on his Honda Shadow armed and we all departed to the other starting point- McDonalds Narellan.

Upon arriving at Narellan we were met by the other half; Steve and Kathleen Morrissey, Rex and Jenny Meredith (who had just returned from six weeks touring in Tasmania with the Ulysses AGM), it sounds like they had a ball. Peter Mills minus Trish who had to work, Gary Meers on his near new ZXR1200 complete with Panniers and finally Ray Scott and Pete Nugent sent his apologies as he was under the weather with the flu (thanks Pete).

Steve Morrissey took control and was appointed leader and explained corner marking to the group. Rex departed to his weekend duties and Jenny brought up the rear.

Steve and Kathleen led us off through a chilly but sunny Camden and Picton then past the rail museum at Thirlmere then along the old railway route through Buxten. Over the expressway at Mittagong and up through Catherine Hill. The corner marking was going well with everyone having a go and moving back through the group.

After going through the back of Mittagong trouble struck. I was following Ray Scott he was about a 100 yards in ahead of me when I saw him run off the road and do a slow speed somersault over his bike. Having swerved to miss a dead fox Ray was riding in the grassy gutter slowing down when he hit a tree stump buried in the grass. It was the only absolute obstacle in that section of gutter.

We pulled up and Dr Mick Clarke examined Ray. We stood his bike up and it started. We then traveled back to Mittagong to have lunch and all had a rest. Having one of the group fall off has a somber effect on the whole group and we all had a group hug. We’re all thankful that Ray was only shaken and not stirred and got back on his bike.

A quite subdued lunch was had in the Swordfish Café. Ray wanted to head home and Dr Mick volunteered to accompany him home (on ya Mick). Pete Mills and Gary Meers departed home and the rest of us kept going to Berrima.

We had a coffee and a quick look around town then traveled home through Buxton to Thrilmere where we left Les and the rest of us went home through Warragamba and Regentville.

Overall it was a good turn out with thanks to Steve and Kathleen, Mick, Les, Clive, Rex, Jenny, Peter, Gary, Mick, and Ray.

Ray arrived home safely and I spoke to him the other day. On Sunday he woke up with two black eyes and a few aches and pains but luckily no permanent damage.

Thanking You All,
Dave Ryan
President NSW FLT
8^th April 2006