Bathurst, Conrod Straight, Brocky, Bathurst Motorcycle Riots, mad burnout’s, huge crowds, plenty of hoons, esky races down the mountain - world wide coverage.....right? Wrong.

No I’m talking about our Christmas social ride to Nowra, Greenwell Point and return via Kangaroo Valley, Fitzroy Falls and Bankstown.

Leaving the clubhouse we met other members in front of the historic hotel in Picton. With one bike and rider way laid by mechanical problems, we fairly meandered through the Southern Highlands through Mittagong and Bowral till we encountered the open and increasingly windy roads south east of Bowral, descending down through Fitzroy Falls to Kangaroo Valley for a quick refreshment break.

Sensible, conservative and meandering, these words go out the window as soon as the twisties start. Competitiveness, skilled, daring, pushing the limits, even fool hardy might be more appropriate.

A swift arrival at Greenwell Point for an excellent fish and chips lunch by the seaside south of Nowra and some old friends met us there as well; excellent! Riding home we had twice the fun. Up hill through the corners; both Peter’s swapped their bikes (Triumph/Ducati). early on we had split into two packs with Peter, Michael and myself lapping the others on the first few corners up the Barrengarry mountain.

Well the impossible does happen. Not the best rider in the club on an 18yr old 883 sporster but I had the time of my life, pushing it to the limit actually beyond the capacity of this old bike, scraping, running out of road, inadequate brakes and suspension all working overtime. Two riders in my mirrors can’t shake them off but they can’t pass me, here comes the top; yep, the top of the mountain.

Chequered flag falls (well in my mind) and first; maybe the other guys were just cutting me some slack, but I now know how it feels to be first over the line when the chequered flag falls. (Racing! who said we were racing?)

After this adrenaline charged ride, Michael Peter and I got well and truly lost around Appin. Arriving last back at the clubhouse to consume the amazing spread awaiting us courtesy of Mario and Scruff and Yvonne.

Char grilled pork, beef and chicken, way to much food and endless salads. This is how summer starts, with our end of year ride and party.