Patriots Australia Townsville
- Andy :
- Home Hill 10 February 08, Sunday
The first run of the year turned out to be a really good one, those that stayed home because of the rain missed out on some soggy camaraderie.
We formed up at BP Cluden, on time for a change, and welcomed along a few new guys. Spence gave a good ride brief and we also held an impromptu general meeting since no one will be available on the 27th.
The rain was light as we left Cluden but it soon became apparent that the skies over Ayr were dumping. Positively black, the pack spread out a bit to compensate and it wasn't long before we ran headlong into it.
First stop was Giru, I got a text from someone who had missed the start and ended up heading straight to Home Hill, the outlook wasn't good, but the beer was cold and that seemed to spur a few people on.
Stomper and Mick outside the Giru International.
We really hit the rain coming into Braddon and pushed on to the Crown Hotel at Home Hill. Pattie put on a couple of plates of awesome bar snacks and a few games of pool while some emptied their boot of water. Having demolished the bar snacks and a few bevies Spence made the call to saddle up and head back to Giru.
The ride back wasn't much better, but at least it was riding.
A quick stop at Giru and then we forged on to Townsville, the rain had eased but the sun had no intention of coming up.
End of the day it was a good ride, well Road Captain'd by Spence and a good turn out. Once the photo's are in I will post them.
Cheers,
Andy
- Mingela 10 March 08, Sunday
A good turn up for the second run of the year, a few new faces which is always good.
We formed up at BP Stuart which isn't that far from BP Cluden except it is at Wulguru and not Cluden. Andy acted as Road Captain.
The sun was shining, the skies were blue and the road was calling as we headed off towards Charters Towers, the inland road is one of the better roads up this way, well tarred and smooth with only the occasional pothole and dead wallakangafox.
Due to everyone turning up on time and the fact that we got away early meant that we arrived at the pub and no one was in sight... we had the place to ourselves. Unfortunately this was also the first time we have ever ridden into Mingela as a solid pack and there wasn't anyone there to see it.
Lunch was a great feed as always, a few bevvies and we were on our way back to 'the big smoke'. Dunno about the rest of you but I had a good time.
Cheers,
Andy
- Ayr 20 April 08, Sunday
Not a huge crowd showed up at Cluden BP, but we expect quality not Quantity.
Good to see three of our current Noms on the day, I took the outfit and as head of the pack I knew that some of them would want a decent run so a decision was made to let the Sports bike riders throttle up on the condition that they waited for us 10km's before Ayr or when pulled over by the local plod, which ever was soonest.
Ayr ANZAC club is quite substantial for a small town and we settled into a few bevies and a feed, some of us got fed earlier than others, some over did it on the chips and another quite liked his pizza cremated.
Up the road and right at the first big roundabout saw us heading for Home Hill and the Crown Hotel. Just before we crossed the Burdekin Bridge the baffle popped out of my bike. A quick stop to check that it wouldn't come any further out and spear anyone showed it to be stuck in so we headed of loudly and arrived at the Crown. Since I didn't have any wire with me I just ripped the baffle out. All good.
A couple of drinks at the Crown and it was off (loudly) to Giru for the last stop on the tour. The z1100 is a beast when it is unrestricted and I am glad I had plugs in.
Patches of rain looked appeared but apart from a small sun shower the day was a great one for a ride.
Cheers,
Andy
- Tully 04 May 08, Sunday
I met up with Doug at the Yabulu Mobil servo on the way out of Townsville, glorious day for riding and brought the ZZR since the outfit still has starter motor problems. Rod and Moy arrived not long after. By 9:30 we figured that the other members were busy or couldn't make it so we headed North.
The roads were good to Cardwell, not much traffic and we were making good time. Stopped in Cardwell for some fuel and to give Rod the chance to catch up with the Cairns mob briefly before we continued onto Tully.
With the Pres at the front again we headed into roadwork's and potholes that only let up as we turn off to Tully Heads. A short trip down the road to the Kincora Pub and pulled over for some well deserved refreshment. Kincora Pub is all new and shiny, the old one burnt down by the look of it. Food was good and the atmosphere was ok.
Said goodbye to Doug and headed home. We saw the Cairns mob heading out of Cardwell about 2pm and were meant to stop at the Cardwell RSL and catch up with them. Since that wasn't happening we just continued on.
The run isn't too long and we were in the Pub in plenty of time for lunch so I guess we will be going back at some stage. Could even be done with a 10:00 start.
Cheers,
Andy
- Ravenswood 18 May 08, Sunday
Great turn up for Mic's Nom ride to Ravenswood, we met at the BP Stuart bright and early, fuelled up and headed out to Ravenswood. Lots of interesting things to see along the way, indicated by a boot or hand although most of the roadkill was beyond any use. One piece did have me laughing as someone indicated a medium sized roo with his right boot and managed to clip it. Not sure if creating a hazard while indicating one is what he intended to do but as I went passed the beast had come to life and was pirouetting on the tarmac.
Mick kept the group humming along at a good rate and soon we were at the Mingela turn off. Ravenswood is a further 40 or so k's down the road and what a road it is, nice long sweepers all over the place. Not long before we rolled into town and parked out the front of the Imperial Hotel.
The tucker was good and the hospitality great with an invite to come back sometime we stormed off to Mingela, well most of us stormed off. It seems that Stompers Harley decided that was as good a time as any to throw the towel in. He was left in the capable hands of Lungers and we stopped at Mingela.
It was getting on in the afternoon and we headed back to Townsville, all in all a good ride.
Cheers,
Andy
- Giru 01 June 08, Sunday
As like any other normal day in Townsville, the sun was out and the weather looked as though it was going to be good throughout. Once I arrived at BP Stuart (not Cluden) with what Andy told me, about a minute to spare, I was shocked at how many bikes had showed up. I gave a quick brief on what was going on and saddled up making a fair amount of noise which the BP attendant later told me was great to see. We trundled off down the road finally.
The road was good until we turned off at Woodstock onto a road that Andy (not blaming you mate) had said was in good repair. Half was good but the rest was groin achingly rough. After negotiating the sometimes torrential road we crossed over the Bruce Highway and made our way to the Giru International where the beers were cold and the bbq kept running out of food.
A few ales, little bit of winging and crying over broken man hood, I started to look at getting geared up for a nice smooth trip home when Andy presented my patch and reminded me of the fine again. From there we saddled up once more and made the nice and smooth trip back to the 'Ville.
All in all it was a great day. Thanks to all of the Members and noms for the support.
Cheers
- Forest Beach 13 July 08, Sunday
Damn good turn out......16 bikes in all, even CHOP showed up.
At 10:30 we headed off and went north, destination Forest Beach (17km East of Ingham).
The ride up there was a very smooth. With little traffic on the roads we made it to the Forest Beach pub in good time, food took a bit longer than anticipated but over all wasn't to bad.
From here Chop and a couple others headed off a bit earlier from the rest of the pack missing out on the beaut photo work .
We stoped of at Ingham for some fuel and continued on our way, stopping at Rollingstone for another beer and say our goodbyes.
To all that turned up for my ride..... I thank you, and to all that didn't........you missed a damn good ride.
Cheers
- Charters Towers 10 August 08, Sunday
Great day for a ride, we met up at the BP at Stuart as we normally do when heading west. Good to see most of the Nom's turn up. After a quick and concise ride brief by the assistant Road Captain we headed off. The ride out was without incident mainly due to the fact that there weren't any Witch's Hats about.
Pitched up at the Enterprise Hotel in Charters Towers just over an hour later, would have been there quicker but we had to contend with a few trucks and the normal Sunday driver.
Food was good and there was some light entertainment as well.
Stopped at Mingela on the way back.
Cheers,
Andy
- Lucinda October 08, Sunday
The morning was overcast and threatened to rain on the ride, we blasted of from Yabulu out onto the highway and head north to the Lucinda tavern.
Lucinda is located 28 km's north of Ingham.
With the overcast sky and with a little road works just before Lucinda it was a smooth ride there.
The tavern is a like able place with a lunch BBQ put on and good atmosphere. One of the sheila's working the bar danced out for a chat and asked if we were from another club someone soon put her right and she danced back inside giggling , leaving a smirk on a few faces.
I would like to thank everyone it made for a good ride.
P.S: No witches hats were injured, maimed, or killed during this ride.
"Stop giggling"
Till next time Mark
- Long Pocket 12 October 08, Sunday
We all meet at Yabulu at 1000hrs Sunday 12th October.
I gave a quick brief, we were going to Long Pocket west of Ingham to the Ashton Hotel.
On proceeding to Ingham I found out how hard the Road Captain's job was. It seemed every time I tried to overtake, a car appeared out of no where and only half the pack could get through.
After turning west at Ingham it decided to lightly rain which cooled everyone down considerably prior to reaching the Ashton hotel.
At the Ashton pub we were greeted by Cathy the proprietor with good country hospitality. That first beer was so good.
There were no complaints about the meals, the only problem were the mouths were smaller than the size of the burgers.
Andy asked me what time was I leading the pack home and I said "when the rain stops."
He then proceeded to patch me up. Whew! did not think I was going to get it, thought my road Captaincy was no good.
I did get the fine though.
Clear skies for the homeward bound trip. I did a scenic tour of Ingham after telling everyone many times during the day that we had to turn prior to the intersection.
Damn I was sure there was another road.
Fueled up and then proceeded to the Rolly pub where some stopped due to thirst and I stopped to have a well needed drink, I had done it, the remainder continued to Townsville.
An excellent day had by all.
I would like to thank those who steered me through my nom period.
Thanks all for coming on the ride.
Cheers,
John
- Mingela October 26, Sunday
Are you glad you live in North Queensland or what?
Sunday was just perfect weather wise. A brilliant sunny day with good roads and good company.
I was a little shocked at the number that turned out for this ride concidering how many rides we have had over the last few weeks. 17 Bikes in all, and many happy smilimg faces gathered at BP Cluden for a ride to Mingala pub for some drinks and a feed. I must addmit, it was a little daunting to lead off for the first time with so manny riders. It was quite anamazing sight to look back down the line and see that many bikes in a good formation.
We had some new people along and I hope they enjoyed the experiance of pack riding.With not too much traffic on the road we had an uneventful trip and soon arrived at the pub. Some members and friends had a need for speed and took off for a fast round trip to Ravenswood and back before lunch.
With everyone back safe to the pub and a little lighter with fuel it was good to sit in the shade and quench the thirst and feed the tape worms. What a deal is it to buy a beer and get a feed to boot!!!! How do they make a quid from that. No wonder it is so popular.
Our ever vigilant Road Captain lead us away to come home and so ended a good run. Thanks everyone for your support for my NOM ride. Looking forward to many safe rides in the future.
Cheers
Rob - Padre
- Cardwell 08 - 09 November 08, Saturday and Sunday
For an impromptu ride it was small but a good ride up to cardy RSL, got bloody soaked going up but hey. Got to the pub and attended the raffles and none of us did any good.
Went to see the coast guard about accommodation for the night and no go must be a new committee, so back to the RSL where we fitted the cam net and unloaded the sand bags and had a few more refreshments.
Ray ,the pres of the RSL threw me the keys to the place and said "might as well stay inside for the night and just fill in your own chits and pay for it in the morning" which we did, luckily as it pissed down all nite. Hootchie ? what hootchie?
In the morning we attended the sinagrog and left for home around 1100, stopped in Ingham for a durry and carried on to the rolly for a beer and then home.
The ride was conducted well by John and myself and the newbies held a good line both ways. those that attended were, John, Bull, Mort and myself with the handbrakes, Gaye and Deardre.
Many thanks guys for your help, much appreciated.