It's been a few months since I joined the local chapter of the Harley Owners Group and other than the ride to Denman a while back weather and other commitments have kept me from riding with them again. I unexpectedly found some free time today, looked at Hogswill and found that it was the day for March's New Member Ride.
I organised my son and we headed over to the local Harley Dealer and sponsor of the Chapter and were met with an almost carnival like atmosphere. Sausage/Steak sizzle, cans of drink (all only $1) and 30 or 40 Harley enthusiasts chatting and enjoying looking at each other's bikes and the new ones in the showroom. While I waited for the ride to start I bought a pair of summer gloves and had a snack.
Not too long after 12.30pm the route was discussed by today's Road Captain who is also the Director of the Chapter. Some advice was provided about the formation to be ridden in and discussion about what was acceptable and not. Then away we went. Fortunately (I think) I'd parked my bike in a position that facilitated me joining into the line of 20 or so Harleys going on the ride in position 3 right behind the Road Captain.
We headed north from the dealership, through Mayfield, over to Kooragang Island and up past Williamtown to Pauls Corner where we turned left and headed across to Raymond Terrace and continued through a lovely rural area in a big loop that brought us back out on the Pacific Hwy. Heading south, left into Richardson Road and back over Kooragang via Williamtown finishing up heading into town via Industrial Drive. All up, about 120 k's.
The stop for the ride was at the Cambridge Hotel where softdrinks shared chats about bikes, the ride and newbies like me got to meet some of the existing members.
The weather was perfect, the ride was just long enough and scenic. The group were social and welcoming. A great few hours out. I think I'll do that again!
