Page 7 - NLH Newsletter November 2022

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2 November 2022* Destination: Brooklyn

Another opportunity arose that would allow me time to take the bike out and let the wind blow
through my hair should be. I also managed to encourage my friend Dave to join us on the day as he
doesn’t have the opportunity to ride much either. I dressed for summer as the morning seemed so
bright with a bit of a chill that I thought would disappear before we left Freemans Waterhole. On
the way to the meeting point at Freemans I definitely felt the chill and the instrument panel was

telling me 8°C, making it more like a winters morning.
I arrived at the Freemans where a large number of bikes had assembled, albeit from different rides
and I contemplated slipping the wind protection in my jacket, but remained positive that the

warmth would soon make its presence. When I arrived at Freemans and after a reminder, I realised
I left my lunch at home in my haste to get out the door, as it was a BBQ lunch at Brooklyn ride.

13 bikes turned up and after the
obligatory pre–ride toolbox talk,
we mounted up and took a
slightly different route to get to
Mandalong Road, heading back
through Awaba and Morisset for a
change. Morning Tea was at

Yarramalong Store at the bottom
of Bumble Hill and it was there I
decided to put the liner in my
jacket so I could generate my own
warmth.

After morning tea, we rode up Bumble Hill, along George Downes Drive to Peats Ridge, turned right
and followed the highway to Calga, then deviated onto the old highway and followed it through to
Brooklyn. Arriving at McKell Park, Mick and Ken had brought along some sausages, eggs, bacon and
bread rolls to feed whoever wanted to sample the cooking styles. I was very appreciative as mine

was still at home and I’m sure everyone that sampled the cooking were full and appreciated the
efforts of Ken and Mick. This could be a good idea on some future rides where the participants pay
a token amount to the caterers to provide sustenance.

After lunch, 6 bikes decided to follow the M1 directly home and the other 7 bikes decided to follow
a route that did not involve jumping on the M1. We followed the Old Pacific Hwy back to Somersby,
turned left on Wisemans Ferry Rd then right onto Dog Trap Rd and followed that to Ourimbah.
Then back on the Old Hwy through Kangy Angy to Tuggerah, then Wyong Rd, over the M1, Old
Maitland Rd to Alison and then Hue Hue Rd to Wyee and along Freemans Drive where we went our
separate ways when we reached Freemans Waterhole.

A good days ride along different roads with Dog Trap Rd being the only one we

really had to avoid road damage. Thanks to Mick and Ken for the catering.
............Vince

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