Trip Blog Day One
Foxes typically travel widely, seeking new territories, during the autumn season. Fox dispersal is a response to pressures related to social interactions within the family group. Its Man Time.
So it is that with the onset of Autumn, the Silver Foxes set about preparing for the annual Ash Spencer Memorial Tour.
The meeting hole was Mezzapica in Leichhardt at 9.30am. Gibbo, Russ, Boxy, Mike & Singo downed coffees & egg and bacon rolls in preparation for a hard day in the office.
We headed south down the Princes Hwy and into the National Park. Our first taste of scenic riding through dense canopies before bursting into the openness of the road that hugs the rocky coast. A coffee break at the Scarborough Hotel, our first photo and then a meander through the environs of Wollongong before entering the natural Fox environment, the dense forests of the Macquarie Pass on the journey to Kangaroo Valley. It was time for the Worlds Best Pie. Sadly, this was not it.
We travelled various roads in the highlands. The route is tight but the scenery magnificent. The circuit training earlier in the week is proving valuable.
The sun is low early in the afternoon creating conditions that only very experienced riders would attempt. We were amazing. The temperature is cold, about 2 deg as we ride into Mittagong. Our luxurious lodgings, the Melrose Motel, await us. No Vacancy at this little gem! It had a shower, bed and groaning AC. Luxury!
A quick change and off to the local pub for G&Ts before dinner at the RSL. Hydro & Lewy have arrived. The mood is reflective as we await the Buddy Holly Tribute concert. Gibbo has sorted the best seats in the house amongst a very old and staid audience.
The concert is good. Little Chris Bowen (the alternative Treasurer) is brilliant on the saxophone. Hydro cant believe he knows so many of Buddys songs.
Back to our motel for a glass or several of muskat and a toast to Sarge.
Blog Day Two
We arise early. The mist is heavy. We towel down the bikes and ride to Exeter for breakfast.
After, we head for the coast via the Nerriga pub for a break and a coffee. According to Trip Advisor, the top attractions at Nerriga are the magnificent statue of Ned Kelly opposite the pub followed closely by the coffee. Must be time for a photo!
During the course of the day, it becomes apparent that the fabric of the group has changed. We have become multicultural with a mix of road bikes and cruisers. Gibbo, Hydro, Mike & Russ have sold out. Lewy, Boxy & Singo uphold the original purpose of the Group. Im thinking Sons of Anarchy. Integration is far from simple and sledging enters the discourse. The confusion is palpable in some. Russ wears a Harley jacket whilst riding a Ducati. He is obviously reluctant to cross over.
We put aside this incongruity and land at the Huskisson Pub for lunch. Boxy tucks into a magnificent plate of potatoes. We stretch out on the lawns in the sun before setting off.
We head north to Nowra and up the Jamberoo Road back toward Mittagong. Gibbos top box flies open scattering his strange array of possessions over the road. We stop for a few riding photos.
We return to Melrose and then down to the pub to catch part of the Swans game. Dinner tonight is Thai.
Blog Day Three
The mist is thick this morning. Breakfast is at the Shaggy Cow in Mittagong.
Boxy & Singo depart thereafter for home duties. Straight up the Hume in perfect double formation.
The rest of the Foxes take a more picturesque route home. It is reported subsequently that the pace is hot & Mike has fallen off the back of the group. He advises later that a passing group of Bandidos took sympathy on him and escorted him home at a leisurely pace.
Everyone ultimately arrives safe & sound. Thanks to Gibbo for organising……another great Fox Adventure!
NORWAY here we come!
Silver Foxes Motorcycle Club Australia 