Thursday, April 26, 2012

A great Autumn ride to Somerset Dam - April 2012


A group of 6 bikers on 5 bikes and 4 commuters in 2 cars set off from Gateway under gloriously clear skies for David’s “Water Supply Run”! This was the inaugural drive for Tim (and son Nathanael) in his new Mazda MX5 (yes, alas, another mid-life crisis). 

Pete's new custom
Des with Davids twin
Phil with wife Andrea on first ride
Peter had his brand new blue V Custom 900 for its first Gateway Bikers’ excursion (the one he got as an accessory to the helmet he bought at the recent Motorcycle Expo!). It was also good to have Phil’s wife Andrea along for the first time. We headed out along the Ipswich Motorway and then the Brisbane Valley Highway to Fernvale for a relaxing morning tea at the popular Bakery cafe. Here we were joined by familiar biker Tim and first timer Des whose Suzuki GSX650F is a twin of David’s.


From there it was along the Wivenhoe Dam wall and then up through Esk before enjoying the beautiful scenery along the connecting road to Somerset Dam.  There were plenty of photos taken at the picturesque Spit picnic area which was buzzing with jet skis, water skiers, swimmers and picnickers. The water was so inviting Phil was really tempted to have a dip himself.


Just south of Somerset Dam we took the alternate route via Splityard Creek dam back to Fernvale. This would have been a nice winding ride if it wasn’t for the number of separate 60km/h roadworks sections, none of which had “End Roadworks” signs at the end of them – very frustrating. So it was “welcome back” to the same cafe for a delicious lunch and more friendly chat under the trees, by the fountain. We farewelled Tim, who preferred to ride the twisty bits through Mt Glorious and then farewelled Peter, the MX5 duo and Leo before venturing home via Mt Crosby and the water supply pipelines to Brisbane (no, not inside them, beside them!).

Great weather, great scenery, great company and great machines – an excellent day. Curiously, this group was a totally different one to that on the previous ride in March (except for leader David who wondered what that really meant???).

Friday, April 6, 2012

A Beautiful Boonah Bike ride in March


wayyyy...to many sports bikes..where are the cruisers?

Although missing a few regular riders, a group of 11 bikers on 9 bikes set off from Gateway on St Patty’s Day under cloudy skies. We welcomed first timers Jenna on her black Ninja and Russell on his blue Suzie 650F (that made 2 of those with our leader David on his usual blue 650F). 
Russell and Blue Susie








Jenna and the Ninja
Warricks wild new V-strom..matches his jacket

Heading south and then west our party increased to 10 bikes when Glen joined us at Logan Village on his Busa. Lovely country aromas of bush flora and cow manure wafted through our helmets as we headed south along Mt Lindesay Highway! A leisurely morning tea (brekky for some) was enjoyed at Beaudesert Maccas (where there were already 2 other bike groups).

100% healthy biker food!
Then it was off onto the Boonah road where we experienced pleasant aromas from the refuse station (not!) before discovering the new Wyaralong Dam recreational area, so scenic and peaceful, even after we arrived! We got off our bikes to enjoy the water views and the mountains (sorry Veronica, I mean “hills”). Back onto the main road we enjoyed the high quality deviation constructed because the dam submerged the old road. Under David’s control, we all stuck to the 100 km/h limit, much to the frustration of others – Richard was later heard to say “I didn’t realize 100 km/h felt so slow”!
what a beautiful sight...now don't knock over the dominos

Ah the life of the retiree...Grahame
now lets look knowledgeable

 Turning onto the Boonah – Ipswich road some heavy spots of rain appeared but quickly disappeared, thankfully. This was a good country road with plenty of scenery to enjoy (which you can do when you’re sticking to the speed limit). A short stop at Peak Crossing to say goodbye to some and then it was into Yamanto Maccas for some more sustenance and a good friendly chat. It was pleasing to see the big grin on young Jenna’s face at every stop – further evidence of how enjoyable riding in the country is. Rain came (and went) while we sat at Maccas but the roads weren’t too wet when we set off for home via the Centenary Highway, with its numerous large roundabouts (nice for bikes), and then along the toll road (to have our tails photographed). Another great day on two wheels in beautiful SE Qld country.

David