Sunday, 24 September 2006

Sunday 24 September - Mooney

Mooney Mooney how we love ya, uh huh.

After an interminable run of misfortune - broken bones, broken bikes – we were certainly due for a good, unadulterated outing and, true to form, Mooney did not let us down.

It was a day memorable in its uneventfulness. Doug, Rees and Brian (who ya gonna call?) set off on time, arriving under the bridge at 08.00. Unloaded the bikes to discover that all three were in good working order.

It was going to be a hot one, thank goodness for Mooney’s shady glades. Dour Doug’s dire bushfire warnings did nothing to dampen our enthusiasm – this was going to be a bloody good ride.

Smartass was a timely reminder that Mooney calls the shots, respect.

We each made a credible attempt at the challenging climb past the dam to the top, but couldn’t avoid the odd foot dab. With no hold ups or delays we got around Oranges and back to the tank for morning tea by 11.00.

We each took a tumble on the way down (Doug managed to launch himself over the handlebars from a standing start) but nothing serious.

Back to the cars by 12.00 noon then the scenic route home.

-- Brian

Full set of photos and videos here (including this long 'helmet cam' view of the drop back to the creek - caution 20Mb file). Some samples below...

Here is the GPS track set up to load in Google Maps, and here is the .kmz file for Google Earth.

Friday, 15 September 2006

Friday 15 September 2006 - Shutup and Drink!

[Ed: this report actually from Whisperer...]

The weekend started well with a social evening at Epoque, Belgian Beer Café in Cammeray.

Most of the shut-up-and-drink crew made it along with their better halves (better two-thirds some might say).

All had a great evening particularly Rees, who became more "friendly" as the night went on….(well the night was officially a celbration of his Birthday)

The only sad note was the absence of Stephe, who as we were drinking happily was on the surgeon’s table getting a plated collarbone to assist his recovery.

Many rounds of Leffe Blond, a few Piraat’s (at 10.5%) and Hoegaardens left us all in a happy way.

A convoy of Cabs ensured a safe trip home!

-- Whisperer