A quite large group of some 40 bikes and riders assembled at the Services Club Car park on 22 February, including many seen only infrequently. This made for a great ride with some different bikes to view. The weather was perfect for riding with some early light cloud cover opening up into a slightly cool but sunny day.

Riders' briefing was given by Mick Gentleman who appointed Steve Davey to lead the ride on his newly acquired 1200 Guzzi. Steve took us out past Russell Offices, the Airport to Bungendore, Braidwood and then Araluen.

There was a good showing of classic plated bikes notwithstanding the somewhat longer distance than usual at over 250kms. Many others saw it as an opportunity to give their day bikes a run. Mick was seen keeping up the pace in his pristine model FX Holden classic car.

One or two bikes appreciated the assistance of Stew and John in the back up van, but otherwise all made it safely to the Araluen Pub with the climax being the ride down the tight bendy road into Araluen Valley. Other than the two very tight u-bends which saw some late braking applied by a few, the road down was a real thrill to experience, with almost no up hill traffic.

The pub served its usual delicious burgers and pies and the large numbers in attendance, complemented by some dirt riders arriving from the south, kept the kitchen staff working hard for over an hour, giving plenty of time for quenching one's thirst at the bar with the softdrink on tap.

The group broke up progressively for the return ride with a few leaving early, talking of checking out Wakefield Park racing and others talking of the Braidwood Bakery.

All in all it was a great ride, undoubtedly putting a smile on the faces of many and cleaning the cobwebs out of some of the bikes.

- Denis Murphy

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Roll Call