Five motorcycles were lined up and ready at 8am at Loftus Oval, keen for a fine day’s ride. With the temperature a crisp 10 degrees and forecast to climb to a pleasant 19, it promised to be perfect riding weather. Just then, Tunnels rolled in on his Ducati, so I rode over to fill him in on the plan for the day.
It was agreed we’d head to Cordeaux Caffeine, with Russell volunteering to take the lead. Perry reminded the group about “Perry’s Bump” at the start of Picton Road— that sneaky little rise right where the lanes merge, often catching you out while you’re checking the left lane.
We set off down to Waterfall, then took the Old Princes Highway to Helensburgh and on to Bulli Tops, Mt Ousley, then left to Picton Road. A left turn to Mt Keira, then a right to Mt Kembla, before we wound our way down to our destination at Cordeaux Caffeine.
Over coffee, the conversation naturally drifted to bikes and Historic Vehicle Registrations. Rob also shared details of his upcoming ride on Tuesday 29th July, commemorating the tragedy at Mount Kembla Colliery, where on 31st July 1902, 96 men and boys tragically lost their lives in an explosion.
Before long it was time to gear up again, with Rob taking the lead for the ride home. We rode our way up Mt Keira, along Clive Bissell Drive and Mt Ousley to rejoin the OPH to Helensburgh. From there, we turned off to Stanwell Tops and Bald Hill, enjoying the sweepers before heading back through the Royal National Park.
Today we were slowed by a tourist crawling through the Park, so Rob made the call not to follow them all the way — instead we took the left at McKell Avenue to Waterfall, then continued on to Heathcote where we pulled up and said our farewells.
Thanks everyone for a great ride, and special thanks to Russell and Rob for leading us safely there and back.
Perry #28669
