Some of you may remember us doing group rides in the past ... well I thought we should do another one.
My plan is to head north (obviously) ... I was planning on starting at Pie in the Sky, Cowan and finishing at Mount White Cafe (via say Paxton Pub for lunch).
According to Google Maps this is only about 300kms from Berowra to Berowra ... so not that long. Partly because of this it is planned to be a relatively late start. So if you have to back home before your husband gets out of bed, must take your cockatoo for birthday brunch or have your ritual flagellation completed by a certain time ... sorry this may not be for you. It is a social ride ... for lunch ... in the Hunter.
The plan:
- Fill your bike @ Berowra (fuel supply is sporadic & questionable 'out there' and you don't want to be pushing)
- Meet @ Pie in the Sky around 10:00 or earlier if you wish (I know some people need to drug up pre-ride and others hate waiting at servos)
- Depart around 10:30
- Lunch at Paxton Pub (I will not be making any bookings or checking the menu or duty chef beforehand)
- Re-fuel before Freeman's Waterhole (about 160km from Berowra ... if this is a problem for anyone we may need to discuss alternatives)
- Take the tortured path back to Mount White where the ride will conclude ... kinda sorta
Most of the proposed path is not in bad condition. Some of the roads are a bit bumpy in parts, some tight and some tight & twisty ... but on the whole not too bad. The trip up Bumble Hill is a bit rough, but is only short. If you simply must be home early to iron your wife's apron, lecture the kids on safe sex or administer drugs to your poodle ... it is possible (and generally simple) to head for the F3 and shoot off at a couple of points ... or skip lunch, return from Wollombi or whatever.
Now as most of you know I am as slow as the proverbial 'wet week' so I don't expect to be 'leading' the ride ... and besides there is no guarantee I wouldn't get you lost anyway. I will, however, lead if you so wish or I can instruct any self-appointed lead.
I would ask that normal 'pace' style etiquette applies in the legendary OzMo spirit. In addition I find it comforting and good form to slow down on some of those boring straight bits to ensure your following rider is still alive and on the righteous path - it shouldn't effect your ego too much and it may just help a fellow OzMo feel better on the bike.
Oh and while I am carrying on like a self-absorbed dickhead ... a word about bringing your mates (particularly if they are not riding Monsters): explain to them how we like to ride as a group (if you need help understanding this - ask!). I can recall at least 4 occasions in the past where people have become lost, confused or both ... predominantly because of people filtering through the group and disappearing into the distance - particularly the case if said rider is unfamiliar and on a funny looking bike.
So just to re-cap, if anybody is still interested:
Group Ride
Sunday 3rd March
Meet @ 10:00 for a 10:30 start from PITS Cowan* If you intend to incorporate your flagellation into the day please ensure you have appropriate permission from any of your OzMo brethren beforehand.