Trip Blog
INTRUSION THE SERENITY – Its the vibe
The planning had been intense after the success of the previous trip. Only one man was up to the task & unfortunately, It was Fox Treasurer Russ who volunteered to organise the whole thing.
Thankfully, Hydro provided input on the route; important as without him we tend to go past the same places more than once. So it was that, after the thrill of the Snowy Mtns in Autumn, the Foxes emerged from hibernation last weekend and set off on their Spring tour. The entire pack was present with the exception of Gibbo, which immediately suggested improved dress code and discipline, and Richo, who contrarily, provides the stability of an experienced rider. Lewy had returned from Canberra to ride with the Group…..or more often than not, a long way off the back.
Tell em they’re dreamin.
During the hibernation season, strange events had occurred. In a magical way, it seemed that a coup had been executed requiring that the constitution be amended to recognise the Foxettes as social members (playing to their strengths) with rights to attend certain events….all the good ones. [Formal processes were not followed & injunction proceedings are under consideration.]
In the meantime, double rooms had been booked for this weekend!!
Were goin to Mudgee
The Foxes met at Turramurra after 7am for a pre-game chat. We must maintain the true nature of our group no matter what obstacles are put in our way. There was unanimous agreement & we have now engaged a consultant to define that nature. Predictably the rain fell as we left. Gibbo arrived to wave us off. Into the wet weather gear and with a spirited yell of ride (HARD), we were away.
Out through the Bobbin Head National Park and up to Berowra waters. Weather clearing. Next stop Sackville ferry. Lunch at the Royal Hotel Denman. What do you call this? Bangers and mash.
Foxettes Update (2pm): in various coffee locations throughout the state. Unlikely to be at Mudgee to prepare for our arrival.
Our route this afternoon takes us up the Putty Road to the Hunter and then through the Bylong Valley. Got to be one of the best rides. Hydro & Russ are streaking ahead on their girlie bikes whilst the rest of us manfully manage our beasts. Mike, on his cafe racer, is in a category of his own.
We cruised into historic Mudgee about 4pm and found our way out to our digs on the fringe of town. 450 kms today. We are located at 2 lodges a couple of miles out of town, Wildwood Guesthouse (http://www.mudgeeaccommodation.com.au) & Wombadah Wildwood is a mud hut with connections to Henry Lawson (can feel a short story coming on). Wombadah is on the top of the hill where the occupants have a sense of entitlement. Anyway, its boots off and a beer on the verandah. Hows the serenity. So much Serenity. Keep an eye out for the brown and black snakes.
The Foxettes arrived shortly thereafter & settled into the bubbles whilst the Foxes unpacked the vehicles. Social membership has its advantages.
Dinner tonight at Eltons in town.
Cracker Day!
Our hosts have cooked up a magnificent breakfast for us this morning. We are well prepared for a day amongst the vineyards.
Mudgee explorer tours bus arrives at 10am to transport us around the wineries. Russ is coerced into riding shotgun with our driver who speaks non-stop. For a bloke studying philosophy and who enjoys serenity, this proved to be a difficult role but he executed without complaint.
We tasted the wines at Robert Stein (a magnificent rural property with a Motor Bike Museum. Bikes from 1927); Huntington Estate (Tim Stephens Shiraz is their signature wine) and Petersons.
The Long Lunch was at the Zin House Restaurant for a degustation meal. Drinks and canapés on the grounds around the restaurant to start.
The group is in an ebullient mood. Towards the end of lunch, Russ races off and returns with a Muscat, not the bottle but an old rifle. Has he embraced the role of shotgun a little too seriously?
The bus trip home about 5pm was a rollicking ride. Hydro in particularly good form, apologising that he over analyses everything (that’s why we call you Hydro) and has no delay mechanism between his brain and mouth which allows him to laugh at his own jokes. Tone is photo-bombing at every opportunity & Lewy is missing Canberra. Boxy cant believe he got to Mudgee without an additional petrol stop. Mike is quietly smug and Singo is feeling crap. The girls are laughing and screaming at anything.
G&Ts on the verandah before heading up to Wombadah for a light snack. Thanks to Trudy for providing.
Russ looks at his bag with the Karaoke machine and says, This is going straight to the pool room. The night disintegrates from there. Apparently our noise can be heard throughout the valley. The wildlife is on the move. The owners have rung 000 and reported a murder (of Uptown Girl & Jessies Girl).
Another wonderful day!
Silver Foxes Motorcycle Club Australia 