September - a Kyogle day and Yamba o/night roadtrip

Finally it was back on the road again with our Band of Bikers Community now numbering over 300 when we include Gateway and Meetup subscriptions. Some 25 riders and 20 people joined us this monthly ride incorporated a trip to the Lions TT (at Kyogle)and our first 2 day roadtrip ...this time down to Yamba. 

Some 15 people came along on the 650km run down to Yamba, via Lions TT Kyogle and across the Clarence River on a barge at Lawrence. We dodged most of the rain on the way down but found some in the morning the following day as we headed home via Byron Bay, Murwillumbah and Numinbah Valley as the QLD dry weather kicked in.
I love finding roads that bring a smile to the face of an old cruiser ride...on this ride apart from the usual I loved "Pringle's Way" between Casino and Lawrence and "Tweed Valley Way" off the pacific highway up from Byron Bay to Murwillumbah....Luuuvvv it.

Keen to get to Kyogle to maximise Lions TT time we grabbed a quick coffee at Beaudesert Macca's then followed the new adventure biker rider , Steve G with his Honda Cross Tourer. We enjoyed the twisty run up Mt Lindsay Highway to the Summerland way turn-off and stretched our legs before enjoying the sweeping curves to Kyogle.

With bad weather around in the late weekend the TT at Kyogle was tailored back and though there were a lot more bikers around Kyogle it seemed a little disappointing with the biker carnival feel totally missing.

After a good lunch the dayriders headed off home via Lions road ...seems like they had a good time

lots of photo opportunities

So as half the Band the Bikers headed home the rest of us powered on to the Pacific Hotel Yamba with some suspect weather ahead....but apart from a few sprinkles we were able to navigate our way through to Lawrence, over the Clarence river and on through McLean to the coast.

we had all type of weather ...it was dry at the important times

 We enjoyed our time at the Pacific Hotel ...the bikes got some undercover parking, the views were spectacular and food great ...it was an early night though some of us didn't get much shut eye with "doof doof" music running till after mid-night ...those on the otherside of the hotel wondered what we were talking about...a trade off for an awesome location.

We awoke to some constant rain on Sunday morning but found a great spot for breakfast out of the weather ....it was then off to the obligatory group photo ..resplendent in wet weather gear.

I was a not impressed with the weather...

Our mood was a little down with the weather closing in but with a belly full of good food and rugged up against the weather we headed off on the coast road to Byron Bay...after an hour or so the rain stopped an we could enjoy some hood views...though the Byron Bay traffic bought us back to earth. A morning tea at the pub and we were ready to head off to Murwillumbah on the magic Tweed-Valley Way...great sweeping curves climbing and dropping through the country side. It was dissappointing that my bike camera's not only were set up wrong but also ran out of batter...so no video sorry but be assured...we had smiles on our face.

The greatest aspect of these roadtrips are the people and we had a great group who made the weekend memorable.

Great August ride - Cane, Coast and Country

Canefields of Jacobs Well, Coast around the spit and Country at Canungra

First ride back following our 840km Camino walk across Spain and my Custom 900 seems sooo.. fast after walking for 9 weeks. What a joy to get back on my cruiser and ride the great roads of the Sth East. Our 215km canefields, coast and country run was a great re-introduction.

Despite the cold start the weather warmed up quickly and the winter clothing more than did their job ...sorry Leo..you need some winter gloves.

It was good to welcome Daryl and his new Triumph adventurer bike (though it unfortunately misbehaved at Yatala) what happened while I was away..did everyone catch the Adventure bike bug?

We love the new Gateway building and motorbike rain protection. 


After a great catch up we headed of through the country roads of the Redlands, running down one our favourites, West Mt Cotton Rd, before heading onto the highway then through the Canefields to Jacobs Well and the flying Pieman Bakery for a great coffee and the odd pastry. We were joined by a couple more Band of Bikers for the ride through the traffic to Southport and the Spit. The clouds had cleared away and the Gold Coast was at its best.
Before we enjoyed a traditional Coast "Crab Sandwich" we did the mandatory walk to the lighthouse and a few pics.

Old Guy's Rule..but not sure about taking photos

Some of the motley crew at the Spit

After our fresh sea air walk we enjoyed a crab sandwich or two at the Spit Cafe..

One particular rider, who shall remain nameless, enjoyed a nice Winter ice cream treat as well.

It was great to ride with Christa join  us on her CB500, she did great and the bike looked a treat.

So off we went battling the Gold Coast Saturday traffic finally making it through Nerang then onto some open country road to Canungra and some refreshments at the Trading Post Cafe.

Ah, what a great re-introduction to the Band of Bikers community and riding in the Great South East....but all the technology and button's to get some good video was beyond me this time but will be all ready next time. Catch you then....safe rising.

The Fantastic Lions Road in April

April's ride was another one of our favourites (they all area :) ) as we joined with over 30 bikes for a 350km run out through Beaudesert then over the Lions road to Kyogle with a short stop at the Border loop lookout then back home via Summerland way and Mt Lindsay Highway with refreshments at Rathdowney.

 Great community as bikers gathered for the ride, we welcomed new riders and bikes.

Dave and his grandson were on the KTM rocket, the special harness kept everyone safe

oh no...another 

 We were fortunate to have our resident biker photographer... Andrew Ross and some of his great pics

what a sight.... a long line of bikers

...and its a bit like herding cats :)

We enjoyed a stop on Lions Road at the Border Loop lookout

nver miss a chance for a selfie...Larry seemed to enjoy

We celebrated an 80th Birthday with Geoff on his first rode with us... sthe Band of Bikers is for everyone, from 8 to 80!

 those triumph bikes are very pretty aren't they!!

Dave Way  ...and his mighty Honda Revere

it was then off on the high speed sweeping corners to Kyogle for lunch

Enjoyed some good tucka at the Box and Dice Cafe in Kyogle...with a large group it did take awhile to get food and some had to rush off...to them we appologise.

Then it was off toward Woodenbong on Summerland...love that road. It was then up and over the Mountain to Rathdowney on Mount Lindsay Highway

 Band of Bikers always like to take on the corners :)

The quintessential picture of the ride...... bikes taking on a tight curve with Mount Barney in the background...... ending an amazing ride in the great southeast with a fantastic group of bikers

PS: apologies...no video's this ride , the camera was poorly aimed so didn't want to show 20min of my tank and screen.