Gonzo's Nom Ride
by Gonzo 24th May 2009.
The Ride started from the Caltex Petrol station Baldivis. There was an initial confusion as it was reported as being a Shell Petrol Station (My apologies to all for this error.) The week’s weather leading up to the ride was not pleasant. A clearing change moved in on Saturday and saw a cool but fine day for my nom ride.
10:00am saw the gathering of bikes in the car park, I (Gonzo) arrived shortly after 10 a little overwhelmed at the turn out as there were already a dozen bikes and Brothers mingling. The show of support for my Nom Ride was truly appreciated. Coffees were sort from both Hungry Jacks and the Caltex Station. Neither of which seem to win any accolades. A special mention goes to Surly, for organizing a group photo to be taken by a young lady filling her car. A total of 17 bikes were fueled up and ready to roll.
10:30 was the scheduled departure time, so after a quick briefing, handing out of the planned ride notes and Len volunteering to be Tail End Charlie, (A big Thank you to Len). We headed towards Mandurah along Baldivis road. The traffic lights and flow of traffic was on our side as the group rode through to Pinjarra as a whole and passing through all the lights as one.
Once through Pinjarra, the open road called and the throttles were released and the pace quickened. A short burst of speed from Pinjarra saw us turning on to the old Bunbury road. Again the call of the open road saw speeds climb and the riders enjoy the feeling of freedom. The road conditions changed and the road works for the new Bunbury highway saw the group bunch and crawl across the gravel road. Once passed the road works it was a short ride to the petrol Station at Lake Clifton for a smoke and coffee.
Lake Clifton was a welcome stop and a chance for Bro and Pincher to say their good byes and head back up the coast road home, a big thank you to them both for coming. There was a chance that some of the brothers from the Southern Chapter might be on the road so a rider was dispatched to check out the Lake Clifton Tavern, a big Thank you to Mick for doing this.
12:00 the group departs Lake Clifton and heads south a few kilometers to turn down Johnson road and travel to Yarloop. Again the freedom of the open road was well received. Although Johnson road had not weather the recent storms to well and it was noted that some riders managed to find every pot hole. The bumps and bangs apparently earned me a fine (Poor road selection). This fine along with the fine earned for wrongly naming the petrol station at the start point was accepted graciously. The ride continued through Yarloop to Harvey and on to Harvey Dam. .
The stop at Harvey dam was brief, but long enough for a smoke, yarn and Len and Sue to climb the steps of the wall to the top. A photo was taken of the climb to the top but it was apparent fitness was eluding one of the climbers, a good effort on a hard climb.
Leaving Harvey dam saw a minor mishap, no injuries or damage so the ride continued on to the Harvey Pub.
The pit stop at the Harvey pub was not received with open arms as the group was hungry and the kitchen closed (Apologies to all those hungry ones.) Here’s hoping the pies at the bakery were enough to satisfy the beast within. After some lighte refreshments the group headed off to Pinjarra. The ride up the highway saw the loss of a number plate from a bike and a number of riders hung back to assist in the search. The group reformed in Waroona and rode on to the Pinjarra Hotel to finish the ride. Pinjarra saw the group disperse and head their own way home.
I would like to thank all those who turned out for my nom ride. I appreciate your time given to ride and the support that was shown. It is an enjoyable day riding on the open road but it is a fulfilling day when it is done with a group of brothers. Thank you.
I would like a special mention to Korrina. She has helped me plan the ride and has endured the ride on more than one occasion.
Fines
A couple of fines were noted through the day and I’m sure Len is on top of them. The list below is just a handful of those ones that were commonly known. Names have been omitted to protect the innocent.
- Wrong Name of the Petrol Station meeting point
- Worn and Potted Road
- Stalling of bike
- Dropping of Bike
- Loosing Number plate
- Indicator left on
Cheers
“Gonzo”
