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 |
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| Des with Davids twin |
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| 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???).
