Traverse 06 | Page 27

TRAVERSE 27
prelude to the day ? We all hope so , it ’ s a great ride in great country . It ’ s a spectacular sight , so many bikes on such a tight track .
A main road follows before we take to a smaller bituminised lane . It ’ s great riding , a good mix of conditions , every rider has a grin like a Cheshire Cat .
The bitumen continues until we reach the town of Oberon , where we ’ ll wait for the more ‘ hardcore ’ riders to come in . The riding has opened everyone up , there ’ s no longer whispered conversations , everyone looks on at the bike admiring each and all . It ’ s a friendly bunch and the comradery is coming through . It ’ s a good day for a ride .
Back on the dirt , nothing serious , just country roads . The riding could be fast , it ’ s corrugated yet comfortable , the many riders producing enough dust for a challenge , in fact it ’ s like London fog . This is winter , why is there dust so thick ?
A great mix of forest lined roads and farmland tracks lead us to the O ’ Connell Hotel , a great place for lunch and more banter . Someone suggests that there ’ s too many young people riding BMW ’ s , there ’ s laughter as someone replies , “ you ’ re too old to ride a Suzuki ”. It ’ s the nature of the day , of this ride .
Amongst merriment we get back on the bikes and head back to the dirt . A great short road that leads back to the bitumen at the town of Rockley , perhaps an ominous name , for not too far back on the blacktop our Suzuki Australia donated bike begins to wiggle at the rear end , a puncture . The ride is
TRAVERSE 27