Monday, May 30, 2016

May's Magnificent Kenilworth - Mapleton Falls ride



What great weather we had for this ride through through some beautiful landscape on classic biking roads including Mt Mee, Maleny-Keniliworth and Obi Obi Rd.
It was a great community with nealy 30 bikers on the ride...lots of first timers who reflected our riding commandment 10 .....came back safely with a big smile on their face!
Scott,Leigh (new Triumph) and Tony
Sorry didn't get pics of everyone...but come back and I will sort. We had pickups along the way at Samford, Dayboro and Mt Mee and had about a 330km ride ahead of us.

But first we had to navigate some city traffic ....the nice city and South bank vista's were over shadowed by the busy Saturday morning traffic (make note to avoid next time).
Having previously had problems with the group splitting I had to over emphasised our corner man processes and accountability during the briefing and along with a number of consolidation stops, the group stayed together. 

Finally escaped the traffic towards Samford as we picked up a number of bikes and a support vehicle and headed for the first stop at "the Pit Stop".
So we enjoyed a great morning tea and community at the Pit Stop...love them rolling into the site below.

A couple of riders had to leave us there with the best to come. It was off across Mt Mee and down the mountain...great road.




So it was a great run down Mt Mee , consolidating at the D'aguila highway for the run through Woodford and up to Maleny. On the way up the Mountain we got a timely reminder of the dangers of riding when we came across a group of Harley's and biking accident ...2 fire trucks, 3 Ambulances ..hope the rider was fine.
Harley biker in the culvert on the RHS behind the Ambulance
It is amazing what you come across when riding....the same rule apply's though..the bigger vehicle has the right of way.

We road a little more mindful of conditions but thoroughly enjoyed the twisties through to Kenilworth Bellbird Cafe....where we had an unplanned LONG lunch (how long does it take to get a Devonshire tea)
despite the service there is always some interesting motorcycle equipment usages

enjoying some Band of Biker community
 it was then off to Mapleton Falls via the iconic Obi Obi Road ...an experience for the first timers.
what does that sign say...
some amazing views
So it was a quick top up fro some at Mapleton then run down through the packed Montville to the Maleny Cheese Factory for a final drink and a goodbye as everyone found there way home to various parts.
What a great way to finish the ride with an awesome group of riders...we all had to get away for the long ride back to Brisbane...with a fuel up and drink at BP Caboolture I didn't hit the door at Mount Cotton till 6pm....tire but with a full heart and a big smile after another awesome Band of Bikers ride.
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