I think I’ve said on a number of occasions that, as far as touring is concerned, I prefer to do it solo. There’s something about the freedom of being able to make your own decisions when you’re on the road that I really like.
Having said that, however, a well-organised group ride has some definite advantages, especially from the social point of view. So, when we had the chance to organise an overnight Putty Ride at Illawarra Riders, I jumped at the opportunity.
Seven of us took the ride with a few being added along the way. The route wasn’t anything unusual, the template being well and truly familiar, but doing it in a group, for the first time in ages, certainly was. I appointed my brother, Paul, as ride leader; a well-know Putty-holic, he knows the place like the back of his hand, he sticks to the speed limit (really important on that piece of road) and he is an experienced ride leader. I chose to do Tail End Charlie duties and had a lot of fun at the other end of the pack.
We had one relatively new rider on a new-to-her bike so I was happy to be there as the support crew. We had a great run up to Singleton, pausing for refreshments and photo opportunities and we booked in to the Royal Hotel in the middle of town in plenty of time.
Thus began a night of bench racing the like of which I have not experienced for a long while. Many tall tales and true were told before tiredness set in bed beckoned.
Sunday morning was misty and cool but it showed signs of burning off to a great day so I wasn’t at all concerned that I had chosen to wear my summer jacket and gloves. A huge breakfast at the cafe next door (called “Happy Grillmores”) and we were heading south again.
In the 10 Mile, John Keogh was taking pics and I was delighted to find when I got home that he’d taken a couple of me. Unfortunately he’d taken the “bad” side of the VFR but they are the only shots I have of the bike in motion so I was very grateful.
It IS important to be colour coordinated, isn’t it?
We had a great ride, an Oxley run is planned for July (winter rides!) and, of course, IR’s traditional 4 day Snowy Ride is on in November.
Group rides can have their advantages, I reckon I can’t think of one that I’ve enjoyed more than last weekend’s.