A ride - Berry for the National Motoring Heritage Day - Berry NSW - Sunday 18 May 2014

This ride grew out of nowhere as the previous week I had loaded the details of the National Motoring Heritage Day - Berry NSW - Sunday 18 May 2014 whilst doing a Charity Prize Winner ride. I thought, I wouldn't mind having a look and enjoying some 'Back Road Riding' particularly as I only have 1 point left on my licence.

I sent an email out to some mates and let them know what I was doing, where I was going and leaving from. One said mate, then loaded onto a Facebook group so I definitely was not sure where that would go, numbers wise.

I received some yeses and some 'I'll get back to you' which they all did and all said they were going to 'Ride with DBR'.

The starting point was McDonalds at Heathcote for a few reasons. As we are all getting older, they have nice clean toilets, the car park here is easy to get into from all directions. I just wish the McCafe was a bit quicker and it explains the 24 hours / 7 days sign next to it. Its how long they take I am sure they plant the trees, harvest the crop, roast the beans then grind them by hand. I had plenty of time so it wasn't a problem.

As the departure time of 9:30 am neared, the gathering consisted of 1 BMW K100RS, 1 Harley Electra Glide Standard, 1 Harley (Skull bike) Softail, 1 Kawasaki 1000 GTR (Concourse for the US readers), 1 Triumph Thruxton and 2 Triumph Thunderbirds, a regular one and a storm. An interesting mix and ahead were some interesting roads.

With me leading, it was going to be well below the speed limit which made the trip more enjoyable as it lasted make longer than normal as we crept along the route.

Down the highway to Waterfall then on to the Old Princes Highway to Bulli, back on the main highway 'til the Albion Park turn off. Through Albion Park to Jamberoo, up to the top of Saddleback Mountain but no lookout this time. Down to the south side of Kiama with some spectacular views and the the small little bends until the classic 'Kiama Bends'. Gerringong was the next town followed by Gerroa. Be careful here as, those people 'Just doing their Job' sit in the 50 KPH zones. The Beach Road turn off to the right is found easily and we headed for Berry.

I couldn't help it, as I had to point out the cemetery at 34°46'41.3"S 150°43'57.1"E . It is Harley Hill and we had two Harleys with us. I could see the connection.

Harley Hill Cemetery.

Into Berry and I hadn't missed a turn (a modern miracle) and we ended up at the Berry Showground. It was like a country show and car show rolled into one.

Parking not far from the entrance gate.

"I know there are more than 50 skulls. See, one, two, three...."

The vision splendid. Click it for a better view.

Ford Falcons.

And she got here under her own power.

There's nothing more to say.

A collective of MGs

The overflow outside the showground area.

An Ariel Square 4 on the back. Its was running but still tied down later in the day.

The driver's seat.

The Berry Silver Band had just finished and were packing up after playing Berry well.

This must have been the busiest device on the day. Prices were very reasonable.

Lot's to see.

A team, harras or a rag (if they are young colts) of Mustangs.

Morgans with V8s and wooden frames.

Just a gathering of sports cars.

Real bumper bars!

You know who.

In case you needed side view. The boys are still working on it.

For some reason I don't think its the original.

'Cars', the analog version. Cadillac and Ford Thunderbird.

 Did I mention the ride-on mower racing. It is a rural show after all.
 

It would make short work of any lawn.

A little accident with the front right wheel.

Back to bikes for the next food stop.

Berry Railway station in case the bikes won't start.

All the bikes started and so we returned to the road. Up the road past the showground, left turn and through Berry and on to Kangaroo Valley along a road of many textures and directions, there is something about 25 kph curves that makes you aware of the road you are travelling.

This is where the World's Best Pies can be had. According to the sign.

The Lolly (Candy) Area. Memories are made of this.

Local produce. Bottled pleasures to the taste buds.

A little break in the conversation. The pies have been eaten.

What about another pie?

Time to mount up and head for the Escarpment.

Having our (over) full of meat pies in a variety of flavours, its time to return to the road and head home.

One on the Thunderbirds had left our flock as the rider had to get home whilst we had more exploring time. We journeyed to  Robertson which is known for its Potatoes and the movie 'Babe'. What we were there for was Thruxton Fuel. We all had our money on the 'Skull Bike' being first to fill with all that weight in skulls of course.

We travelled through Robertson proper and passed the Pie Shop, we had alredy been to one and that was enough for one day. Everyone was preparing for the down run of Macquarie Pass. Sorry boys, its the Tourist Road to the left and we travelled along to the Range Road which had everyone later commenting on the condition of the road. I still have no idea what the problem was it did have tar on it and I know they all hate dirt. We turned on to the Old South Road pass 'Historic Mittagong Aerodrome' One day I will find out why its 'Historic'. We turned right onto the Old Hume Highway and headed for Tamoor and my planned stop for coffee at Thirlmere. Little problem, the coffee shop was closed so it was off to Picton for Harley Fuel (Skull bike was asking). In Picton it was decided it had been a great day but it needed to end soon so we headed for the M5 motorway and parted company at the different turn offs.

What a great day out. Great Riding friends and it was fun.

I am looking forward to the next one. Now I just have to work out where there are more crappy roads with food stops. Putty Road is calling as there could lead to anywhere.

The route taken.

Click on the map to go to the Google map for directions.

Equipment:

1 x BMW K100RS, 1 x Harley Electra Glide Standard, 1 x Harley (Skull bike) Softail, 1 x Kawasaki 1000 GTR (Concourse for the US readers), 1 x Triumph Thruxton, 1 x Triumph Thunderbirds and 1 x Triumph Thunderbird Storm.

Samsung Galaxy S5.

A knowledge of the roads to be travelled so no GPS was used. Really.

Great riding mates.

Hint for the next 'Ride With DBR' journey invitation, when I write, 'I will not be on the Harley', the roads will be interesting for many different reasons. If it reads 'On the Harley' is going to be smooth with few in any sharp 25 kph corners.

PS I never realised Royalty travelled in a Jaguar but here's the proof.