SOUP 2012

Ed Joshua reports on the 2012 Soup Run:

The usual activity busied the home and family in showers and breakfast but today was a little different from the norm - Today was “SOUP 2012”. For starters I was in IO Bio tights! It was far too warm to wear all my clothes for breakfast so I covered up in the basics much to the amusement of my daughters and SWMBO suggested I was a wet Egyptian – in denial. Anyway breakfast was cleaned up, I failed to get the question of the day on ABC radio, the weather was said to be showers but the sun was shining. I farewelled the family and set off for fuel for Sheila (BMW R1150GSA) and then to wait in the sun at the Macquarie Inn until my cohorts arrived.

Soup had been planned and discussed by the PiRiders(NSW DPI motorcyclists) and FLTourers(Lazy people who get lost on motorcycles) and the Dubbo and Western Plains Ulysses group(fast Old farts) for a few months and it had almost become a tradition as motorcyclists gathered to the fray to meet the challenge of winter riding somewhere for a bowl of soup and then home again.

John (Yamaha 1300) and Moldy (Triumph Tiger) and Rabbit (Yamaha 1300) arrived for a quick chat prior to starting at 8.35 am. The planned route was explained – Golden Highway to Spring Plains Road, turn right, Layes Creek, Gulgong, Mudgee, Lue, Rylstone for fuel and morning tea, then up the Bylong Valley Way to Denman for some soup, then back through Bylong to Mudgee and home through Goolma. All were happy with the plan and we could adjust it as time and ability waned. The sun was shining but it was cool in the shade of the trees along the Golden Highway, the grass was green and the sheep and cows were out grazing so all was right with the world as I was inside my helmet and not my office. I led the way remembering all that Rabbit had discussed about leading a ride so I kept my pace to what I was comfortable with until we got to Spring Plains road when we could make up a little time. I contemplated recent discussions about the number of foxes along this road and could not see a one, not even a carcase so the baits that the LHPA rangers and I had been distributing to the local farmers must have worked their magic and controlled a large number of them. Then the road was taken up by trucks and graders and bob cats etc... so we slowed and traversed the road works and then back up to speed for all the lovely corners, keeping the eyes peeled for Mr Skippy, he wasn’t up for breakfast or had finished and had gone for a lay down at Layes Creek.

We traversed Gulgong and the bladder was starting to scream from the cups of tea I had at breakfast. I battled on through the fog at Mudgee and enjoyed the Lue road, more road work on the 65km corner to straighten it out, buggar. We pressed on to Roilstun. I arrived in town with the crew behind and rode up to the bakery for morning tea. Peter’s bike was parked in the street but where was the team? I rode back along the street to find them and they were all filling up at the petrol station, so I joined in and then we went and had morning coffee and caught up with Peter (DR650 loaded) Peter was on his way to Wiseman’s Ferry for the start of the APC Rally ~7500 km trip through 4 states with 130 other riders over ~7000 km dirt and on the circuit. Google APC Rally to find out more if you’re into that kind of adventure and have the time and inclination. Peter started off up the Bylong valley way as we finished coffee and then to we rode on up the road.

The Bylong Valley way is great since it was sealed but it is peppered with pot holes from the mining trucks and other traffic so it can be treacherous unless you concentrate and apply all your riding skills to enjoy the myriad corners compiled for your riding pleasure through the Murrumbo crater and along the Goulburn River until it meets the Hunter River near Denman. At Rilston we discussed the Yarrawa Diversion so I turned right just after St James vineyard and collected the ride together for a venture over dale, right at Yarrawa bridge and through dairy farms, grids and culverts with the smell of the country to add spice to our day prior to soup at Denman Hotel.

The Central Coast and Narrabri team had assembled at the table booked by Ian so we said “Gidday!-)” to old friends and enjoyed our soup – Chicken and sweet corn with crusty bread and the company of motorcyclist from around NSW and other guests at the hotel for lunch. The Orange team arrived later so we took more time to catch up with them but time was getting away. We discussed how the day’s ride was a bit like shearing as we had done two hours and then smoko followed by another two hours and lunch, and mused as to how we were going to see the day out? John was concerned about the roos on the way to Dubbo after dark so he chose to take the Golden Highway home instead of another helping of the Bylong Valley way, we said our farewells. Rabbit, Moldy and I chose a second helping of the way through Bylong to home and Rabbit asked if we could stop to see the outline of the Murrumbo Crater as he had heard me talk of it but had only seen the road, pot holes and corners. We headed over the Yarrawa Bridge and along the way, we climbed Cox’s Gap and into the Murrumbo crater once inside I pulled over to outline the rim to Rabbit and Moldy. Many of the Orange crew rushed by, Moldy suggested we should get going before any more craters appeared! I Think the idea of a large meteorite striking the earth to form this huge landscape 10 kms across put the shivers up his spine. We continued over the Murrumbo Creek and up the other side of the crater to Bylong, where we stopped to fuel and I bought a couple of bottles of Two Rivers red for SWMBO to enjoy over dinner later, and we enjoyed a chat over a pipe and a drink – afternoon smoko. We rode on again and a rainbow appeared contrast up against the red escarpment of the Bylong Valley, a few drops of rain on the visor and a little more care in the corners but the new metzler was gripping well after this morning’s running in so homeward we continued enjoying the feel of Sheila through corner after sweeping corner.

Heading for Roilstain we were stopped by Police and rescue services, Moldy said “Hope there wasn’t a bike involved in the road accident.” And I agreed. We waited silently until they had cleared the road of debris and we rode quietly past the wrecked 4wd and blanket covered lump on the side of the road. Someone’s family wouldn’t be home for dinner tonight. Later I found out it was a 66 year old male who had passed away in the accident.

This sobering view made us take a little more care to ensure we arrived home safely so the concentration was paramount and focus was on the road, the weather was looking showery as we turned for Lue. Back on the road again and through the traffic and now mud of the road works, through Lue and onto Mudgee, through town standing up stretching my back and legs, onto Gulgong, but not, turn left for Goolma and the rain started for real. I tried to get into a clear space on the road so the rain could wash the muck off my visor.

I knew that Rabbit and Moldy had oiled their leathers so the rain wouldn’t bother them and my suit could keep out rain so instead of stopping to unpack the wine and put on wet weather clothes we continued to battle the rain, trucks, traffic and the sun going down. This was not an easy battle as the sun shone through the rain, it reflected well of the wet road, the rain pelted down and the road grime kicked up by truck and car tyres mixed to make a deadly mixture preventing sight of the road. I had to do something to improve this so when the opportunity arrived to round up the truck and the cars I took it by twisting Sheilas ear hard. The rain washed the grime from my visor and I used the wiper blade on my glove to scrub the crap of the visor and to occasionally shield my eyes from the two suns shining at me so I could see the road. Eventually the rain abated and the traffic cleared as we reached Ballimore turn onto the Golden Highway.

I pulled onto the Golden Highway in front of a large B Double and was able to get around a couple of cars and into the clear vision without road grime spray as we traversed Ballimore road works. I twisted Sheilas ear once again as a Golf with a P plate came up close behind me to put some gap between us. I had to exercise my glutimus maximus and legs to get some blood flow into the muscles as I had been sitting on them for over two hours and the highway is a pain on a bike. This was the last run of the day and I was getting tired. I approached Mugga hill and saw Rabbit and Moldy in my Mirror and I waved goodbye as Rabbit turned for home. I battled through the afternoon traffic and headed for home myself. I pulled into the garage and there was a call on my mobile phone from home, so I walked in and said Hello, instead of answering it. 5.30 pm it must be knock off time. Feed the dog, get changed and catch up with the family news of the day. Organise dinner with the assistance of a glass of whiskey and accompanied by a glass of red. It was a good day.

There was a call on the mobile phone, from Moldy, where was Moldy? I had been so focussed on the road, the sun the rain and road grime; I had forgotten my fellow rider, he called to say he was home safe and sound. He had been caught behind the B-Double truck and in a mire of rain, mud spray, road grime, traffic, with water on both sides of his visor so he had stopped so he could clean up the situation and see where he was going, clear his visor and continued on to Trangie. I can say I was relieved he was safe and the Tiger was in one piece.

We had worked hard for our soup, 10 hours, 655 kms on Sheila’s odometer and add another 186 for Moldy on top of that to and fro Trangie. Morning smoke, soup for lunch and afternoon smoko intermingled with a myriad of corners, roads, traffic and weather. The sidewall of the tyres saw some good use during the day and not much had scrapped the road other than the centre stand in one very bumpy corner. It was good to catch up with old friends who I only see on motorcycle rides and to enjoy the great Australian out doors. Soup 2012 was run and done so now I can look forward to SOUP 2013, bring it ON!-)

Ed Joshua

The build-up to the Wild Roads & Cheap Pubs 2012 ride was busy with work and family making demand after demand, but finally Saturday 25^th August 2012 had arrived. I woke early (I think this might become a trend), shower, breakfast, dress in riding gear and get ready to ride. I had planned to leave home at 7.15 am but I had forgotten my phone charger so I left a little early to the disgust of the family, so I could drop into the office, pick up the charger and fill Sheila (R1150 GSA) with some full power fuel for the day’s ride to Tenterfield. I arrived early at the Macquarie Inn to find Kevin (FJR1300) cooling his heels chatting to Jammo who was there to farewell the riders as he was staying at home this time. I was closely followed by Rabbit (FJR1300), John (FJR1300), Mouldy (Triumph Tiger 1080), Dave (TDM900), Tony (Moto Guzzi 1200) and Paul (R1200GS). Rabbit handed out some paper, a warning “Don’t Sue Us”, some maps of the route loaded into your GPS if you have one or on paper if you don’t with a list of riders, accommodation and phone numbers in case we were separated over the next five days. It appeared to be very well organised by the White Wabbit Wacing team! And we were in control of ourselves sharing the road to a common destination.

We set off for Coolah via Mendooran, Merrygoen, and Neilrex for fuel. This passage was slow quick, quick, slow. Then up the Black stump way slowly to Mullaley to meet up with Grant (CBR1000XX) and Col (ZXR1400) from Coonamble. Then we traversed the gravel (Sheila Liked this bit of fast and dirty road) and tar to Boggabri for morning tea and then the back-way from Baan Baa to Narrabri for fuel. Collect our team and then a fast and sweeping trip to Bingara for lunch. After a few stories of past rides over a hamburger and a pipe we headed for Warialda rail, Warialda and Ashford for fuel and collect the team together. Then onward through Bonshaw to meet with Bruce (FJR1300) and Allan (Honda Gold Wing1600) from Tin Can Bay at the junction of the Bruxner Highway. We then travelled through the late afternoon sunshine to Tenterfield Hotel for a wash, a beer or three and a good dinner over a glass of red or two.

Share twin bed rooms so lotsa snoring and farting and then up early for a shower, dress in riding gear and breakfast over a pipe with Rabbit and Kevin. Collect all the gear, pack the bike and set off for the petrol station to fill Sheila for another day’s riding in northern NSW - so pick the high octane stuff. We set of after 8.30 am for Woodenbong and then through some remnant potholes tarred to preserve that thought to Grafton. Moldy took on the local wildlife with both sustaining some damage - the roo came off second best with Mouldy sustaining minor plastic damage. The North coast road workers must be on some pretty good stuff if they think those holes were worth preserving under tar! Dave suggested that we should erect “Smooth Road” warning signs when the two short strips of smooth road over a bridge were identified so drivers did not get a shock when they hit it unexpectedly. Lunch at Grafton was slow so WWW was giving me the warm up to get going to Dorrigo. Kevin’s pannier lock fell apart so I lent him an Andy strap to hold the pannier together for the rest of the day. The next section was windy and Kevin has a certain style for windy roads that is distinctly different from most other riders, so we collected behind him; when the road straightens out Kevin’s FJR1300 exhibits superior acceleration making passing very difficult. I stayed behind Kevin until John distracted him to adjust the steering and suspension on John’s FJR1300, so I rode past and really enjoyed the next section of windy road. I was careful to ensure that Kevin and John were aware of the turn we took by waiting for them to arrive; I did not stop to chat but tried to catch the group before the next turn; Sheila was working hard and we were travelling quickly to catch up to Hotmix before the next major turn.

There was a crowd for fuel at Dorrigo so Grant, Col, Hotmix, Moldy and I decided to continue to Bellingen and fuel up there. We fuelled and waited for the ride to catch up, but they were in search of more interesting and wild roads. We saw them turn off but Col and I were dropped off and couldn’t find the way they had travelled. Col and I decided to head on to South West Rocks in search of our accommodations. We arrived and searched out the hotel to investigate how to find 20 Orara Drive while having a quiet ale. The Locals were attractive, smiling and accommodating but not very informative. Hotmix and Mouldy arrived and were more informative so after another ale we headed off to the salubrious accommodation which was an old 3 bedroom house with the garage built into a sleep-out with ensuite. A shower and dress for dinner at the club up the road; some dinner and watch the Moto GP. I checked in with home while watching a sea eagle settle in for the night on top of a post. At least my bed was a little more comfortable.

The next morning we arose for coffee and a light breakfast of cereal and toast. The plan was to get a taxi to the wharf and meet the Sea Scout II at 7.30 am, The Captain had suggested 6.15am but WWW said 7.30 am and that is what happened. We headed out to sea and then came the biggest bite of the day, the $190.00 cash to pay for two nights accommodation and fishing trip. We were warned of the cost but not that we needed to front the money that morning. Hotmix calculated the loans and collected the total and all ended up paying the required cash before a hook was baited. Well done WWW and Hotmix. We caught up with the loans once we had got to the bank on shore. The fishing was exciting and bumpy with most catching something and a couple even an edible fish! A couple of us provided burley but that only served to scare the aquatic creatures away. We gave up after a few hours without a bite. Back on land the captain and crew wished us well and promised to clean the fish and drop them over later. Hotmix, Dave, Rabbit, Mouldy and I went touring the district to see the Trial Bay Jail - German Concentration Camp premises, the Smokey Cape Lighthouse and the associated wildlife of roos and wallabies. We arrived back at digs in time to go to the club for a cleansing ale prior to cooking our catch with chips and fried rice for tea with a glass of wine. Many stories of past Wild ride trips ensued fuelled by the wine or G&Ts, the more fuel the better the stories!

Day 4: Wake, dress to ride, coffee and breakfast with Kevin and Rabbit over a pipe. Pack the bike and warm Sheila ready for the days trip. Hotmix comes over to check the clear fluid falling from Sheila’s middle, not fuel, not oil, what could it be? I suggest that Sheila is “excited” at the coming ride, could this be morning glory? We set of for Wauchope fuel and morning teas to wait for Col and Grant who needs a new rear tyre to cope with the demands of the Oxley highway to Walcha where we stop for fuel and lunch. We have to wait for Paul who has gone for a third serving on the Oxley and turns up at Walcha with a grin from ear to ear like a kid after thirds of chocolate topping and ice cream. We traverse the Niangala road to Port Stephen’s Cutting and stop for a pipe on the road, then through Woolomin and past Chaffey Dam where I stop to take pictures of each rider tackling the sweepers to Nundle. I arrive at Nundle Hotel to be greeted with much distain from the crew due to the fright I had caused each rider as they assumed they were clocked at speed by a roadside policeman; instead it was just me with a box browny digital camera. He He! We had a restful ale at Nundle and continue the 14 km to DAG Station for the nights’ accommodation. The quick were able to get a shower the slow missed out when the water failed. We had a roast beef dinner and a few ales in front of the fire.

The next morning we ran buckets of water through the heavy frost for the toilets, dressed to ride, had morning coffee and breakfast over a pipe with Rabbit in front of the fire we lit, later we found out that the “cheap pub” wasn’t so cheap and without a shower many were chocking on the bill as they rode along in the dust from the Timor road. Sheila really excels in the tight dirt road and it was as good as the Oxley highway just with gravel instead of hotmix tar. I passed most of the ride and stopped at Crawney Station to take a picture of each rider traverse the creek crossing and avoid the cattle road train that came along. I was tail end Charlie and had to work my way through the ride coming up behind a cattle road-train going to Timor Station. I stopped at the Moonan Flat – Gundy road to wait for Dave and Rabbit to determine where they wanted to go, Gundy was indicated and that was the next stop to collect the ride together and shed some clothing in the morning sun. Head for Scone for morning tea and fuel. Then on to Sandy Hollow and the Bylong Valley Way. A refreshing ride along familiar road in the sunshine, we stop at the Bylong store for a break and I grab a couple of bottles of shiraz for SWMBO who has looked after the family in my absence. We head for Mudgee for fuel and lunch; farewell to Col and Grant who head back to Coonamble and we track onto Ballimore for a cleansing ale before saying our goodbyes; this prior to each rider peeling off for home through the busy Dubbo afternoon traffic taking care not to be hit by mums and business people going about their daily chores. A good ride well organised, great and not so great but certainly wild roads, mostly cheap pubs to keep us and our bikes tidy and operational. There were no major injuries to any rider or bike and we all arrived home safe, sound and covered in dust and bug-guts.

Once home I was able to unpack the dirty washing, change out of riding gear and shower before the demands of family life took over from riding as the number one priority. Sheila had to wait a week for a wash and in time she will get a few new parts and her 10,000 km service, but for now she waits dreaming of wild tight and dusty roads.

Edward Joshua and Sheila (R1150GSA)

Attachments:

2012 Mar Apr Newsletter.pdf

1965 Kb

I'm their leader – which way did they go?

On 28th & 29th April our Ulysses Branch held its first weekend ride in the new committee era. The chosen destination was the Hampton Halfway Hotel-Motel (between Oberon and Lithgow) and 9 hardy souls had booked in riding 6 bikes. The Dubbo & Western Plains Branch has an infamous past involving Hampton. The last ride there (2006?) resulted in one member being airlifted from Jenolan Caves to Orange Base Hospital. But that was just a one off – wasn't it?

We met at 9am at the Inn. Dudley & Di, Colin, Teena & Shane, Russell, BT. No sign of Darren – check phone, text from Darren troubles at work meet you there tonight. So we work out a route and leave heading east via Wellington, Mumble, Stuart Town, Euchareena to Molong. Coffee & a slice of Mum's apple pie & we re-set the destination as Blayney for lunch and fuel
via Borenore, Orange, Spring Hill & Millthorpe. Dudley knew a shortcut through Orange – do you want to lead from here – no thankyou I'll take over just out of Orange – OK. I led the team to Borenore and into Orange. Pulled up to let Dudley past – no Dudley – or anyone else – retraced my steps 8kms back to Borenore where I'd last seen them and realised they had mutinied and detoured via Nashdale. Gave chase but decided on the Mt Canoblas loop as well in case they were having fun. They weren't. Got lost finding the airport road in Orange and ended up back out on the highway travelling to Blayney via Lucknow & Millthorpe. Turned up as Russ was reaching for the mobile. Apparently I'd been a while. No stress I said I know where Blayney is. Figured you'd be having lunch somewhere and wouldn't be hard to find. Sadly, this set an unfortunate precedent for later in the day.

Over lunch the gang decided on more riding rather than an activity such as Jenolan Caves or Mount Panorama. So I decided on a route taking us to Barry, Neville, Trunkey Creek, Georges Plains stopping at Perthville mid afternoon to stretch our legs before the last of the days ride to Hampton via Rockley, Mt David, Black Springs, Oberon. We moved on through Rockley towards the Mount David turn-off, yours truly in the lead followed by Col & Shane, Teena, Russ with Dudley & Di at the back.

About 60 seconds before the Mt David turn-off, I'll let Russell explain what happened next: Shortly after Rockley I decided to over take Brian and race ahead, missing the turn off to Mt David and riding 20k's before stopping to wait for the others to catch up. Of course they didn't because they were headed for Mt David (which we were – BT). I decided to back track to see what became of everyone. I arrived back at Rockley with no sign off them. Then it twigged - "perhaps I missed the turn off" (overshot it again by another 15kms – BT)
I retraced my steps once again. Seeing a sign to Oberon via Charlton I thought this must be route to take. - WRONG! Turn left, throttle on, over the crest and AHHHHRRRR gravel with a left hairpin turn. Rear brake not going to make the turn - loose gravel - gonna crash - again! Don't you hate it when there is no "gravel road" sign. Turn bike off, lay still catch my breath and wait for the stars and birds to disappear. Slowly got up, fell over. Tried again - my old friend pain is back. Said a prayer of thanks that I'm still in one piece – well two pieces – refit leg. Pick the bike up - that hurt. A friendly motorist stops and helps me push it back on the road. Back brake bent. Mirror missing - found it in the grass. Handle bars a little twisted - she starts up and sounds fine. About this time we were probably riding into Oberon stopping for comfort and fuel, to talk tactics and wait for Russ. Before we left Mt David having waited 10mins or so for him to realise we
weren't behind him we had left Russell a message on his mobile explaining where he'd gone wrong and that we'd meet him in Oberon. It's hard when someone misses a turn. At lunchtime after I had back-tracked to where I'd last seen everyone and they weren't there I guessed what had happened and rode direct to the next meeting point. Guessing what Russ would do was hard – (1) continue on, looping around to rejoin us having covered an extra 15-35kms on alternate roads, (2) double back, find the right road and contine on the planned route xx kms behind
us, (3) double back, not find the right road and proceed direct to Hampton by the nearest direct route – which I guess is what he did he just didn't make it.

Back to Russell: Climb aboard & head back along the bitumen eventually arriving at Oberon just on dark. Fuel up - everything hurts. Ring BT. Everyone else made it safely to
Hampton I explained my misfortune and that I was going to check into the Oberon Bed and Breakfast (Hospital) to make sure the ribs weren't busted etc. And that was what I did. Stayed the night - great hospitality. Enjoyed excellent room service all night.By Oberon there had been no return call from Russ. With darkness descending having waited 45-60 mins we left a couple more phone messages with new instructions before reluctantly rugging
up to continue onto Hampton in the last of the daylight. Not an easy decision but a wise one as it is scenic and maybe a bit hairy after dark for those that don't know the road. My phone rang as I got off the bike at Hampton – to our relief – although the news wasn't the best – we were a man down!!

The Hampton Half-way Hotel Motel was the same warm hospitality I remember. Cold beers, huge meals, renovated rooms and not over-priced. The hot water takes a while to heat up/ run through the pipes though (lie in bed until you hear the person in the next room having a shower, wait a few minutes then turn yours on). And don't mix any cold with the hot. And Saturday night wasn't the thriving activity I remember it being from years ago but I suppose it can't be a rave every Saturday night. However, the views next morning from behind the motel looking out across the valley are spectacular. Next morning we ditched the Tarana/O'Connell loop we were going to do and headed for Oberon to check on the patient. Found him in his room sipping a cuppa. I asked the nurse how much he had been teaching them about amputees. Her answer – "lots, it's quite a story, isn't it". With a few standby strategies in place Russ declared himself and the bike fit to continue although the rest of us had our doubts and after some words of warning "not at the front, not at the back, stay in the middle" we rode the 40kms into Bathurst to reassess our position.Surprisingly, the trip home was uneventful. A very determined Russ wouldn't give up the motorcycle roads that are Sofala-Ilford-Mudgee (lunch & fuel) for a more direct route but he had clearly seized up by Wellington and was probably grateful arriving home mid afternoon Sunday.

As with all things we live and learn. Some more from Russ: Have spent the rest of the week feeling sore and sorry for my transgressions. And what exactly were they? Well firstly - pay
attention when the route we are to take is being discussed - I wasn't really listening at Perthville when it was said: 15k's and then the turn to Mt David. Secondly, when the ride leader slows down - there may be a reason such as the turn is coming up soon. Not that he doesn't want to have some fun in the twisties. And thirdly - doing your own thing isn't always the best idea.Thanks Russ, hope your feeling better soon and that the Ducati doesn't take too much of your paycheck to get her right again. As for the Hampton Halfway Hotel-Motel – might be a while
before we'll be going back there although I'm sure it is really not their fault. Pity, we only got to do a fraction of some of the great bike roads in the area. Residents of that part of the world are certainly spoiled for choice.

BT