Kurri Mongrel Bastards

March 2011 Ride

March 2011

 

March was a big month for the Mongrels, a five day ride finishing with a romp over the loaf from Pippi’s to the Station on March 27^th. There will be an update on the whole of the five day ride, The Star Realty Ride for Breast Cancer out soon, keep a lookout.

 

But the last day was our monthly ride and saw the 30 , five day riders joined by 8 more Mongrels for a short but tortuous trek from Speers Point, over Rhondda Road to Wakefield to Archery Road. From there the going got tough but everyone stuck it out to the top of the range. Then we took the downhill thrill along the Brunkerville Trail to Brunk’y and then tar to Kurri.

 

Mini Mongrel, Campbell Anelzark was along again joined by new riders, Darren Macbeth,  John and Mary Ann and their friends, Gary Frame and Marty Henry, Jerone and one of Jackie’s  treating doctors from the Mater , welcome everyone.

 

At the start, many of the five day toilers who were enjoying a cooked breakfast at Pippi’s were thinking it couldn’t get any worse than some of the tracks we had been on earlier in the week. How wrong you can be.  The Smiling Assassin knew, Morton knew and The Skipper knew but nobody let on, just a pinch and we would be home, yeah sure.

 

Everyone was smiling along with Billy as we meandered along the cycleway. Last nights man dancing, the big betting plunge and Cacka’s buck show were all being relived, the talk was loud and proud. Then we hit a bit of climb and the talk stopped, replaced by rasping gasps from the Wedding Party, they were last to bed last night and suffering today.

 

But that small climb was soon over, only Billy muttering about not trusting Morton ever again. Then we stopped at Archery road, Billy dogged it in the bus and the rest of us went up for an hour or so.

 

It really is a big pinch but well worth the effort.  Moyley was shaking his head he doesn’t like carrying his bike. Darren Macbeth was leaving a trail of sweat behind him that would end an outback drought. The Powder Room at the back had more riders in it than ever before. At the top Chook, Spike and Yoey were also sweating buckets, but they were up there.  Tony Martin wondered if the air was so thin because of the altitude or had Chook sucked up all the oxygen. He also quipped that Spike looked like he was trudging to a hanging on the way up the climb.

 

But after reaching the summit and looking west we recovered and went out in small groups to carefully negotiate the western side of the range, a quick, dangerous downhill that most got through without spilling blood. If you haven’t experience fear for a while just go up and ride this one, its all white knuckles. Only a few including Jerone, the Pup, Russ and Don took it at pace.

 

At the bottom everyone was relieved, took some refreshments and headed off to Cacka’s at Mulbring for a beer on his lawn, the mongrels are a messy lot but cack was quick to clean up with some help from lisa. Then, on to Kurri to complete the day and end the five day ride. Cacka led us in to “the Fort” followed by the Wedding Party, including pageboy Baz and flower  girl, Strop. The welcome home was remarkable, the footpath packed with friends and family.

 

All that was left was to relax, have lunch and a few beers and enjoy a fundraising afternoon.

Everything went superbly for the rest f the day, the Star Realty Ride for Breast Cancer raised over $21,500 with more to come, take a bow everyone, it was a magnificent effort.  A big thankyou to all sponsors and supporters, it really made Jackie and Steve’s day to see everyone there having a go and contributing the fight against breast cancer.

 

There is a brand new Merida bike is hanging on the wall at the Station (Big thankyou to Ted’s Bike Shop)  It and a set of Chad Reed’s new racing team gear will continue to be raffled over coming months, drawn June 26^th. If you want to buy tickets they are available over the bar at the Station. If you want to sell some tickets, books are available from Jackie on 0418164258, Martin on 0425286779 or Don on 0425279844.

     

Please see below a partial list of sponsors of the Star Realty Ride for Breast Cancer, make sure you support those who supported this event and again, thank you to all sponsors.

 

Upcoming Rides:   

 

April 17^th , May 22, June 26^th  All out and back rides from The Station, commencing 8AM

 

Check out www.kurrimongrelbastards.typepad.com  for updates and photos of past and future rides.

 

 

 

 

Wild Oats Wines

VIP Package. Overnight Accommodation for 2 with wine tasting and lunch to the value of $150 in their restaurant Mudgee

 

Crown Plaza Newcastle

Overnight Accommodation for 2, evening drinks and canapés, buffet breakfast and free parking

 

Teds Bike Shop

5 new helmets.    A new Merida bike

15% off all new Merida bikes for Mongrels

 

The Station Hotel Billy & Di Metcalfe

I Wine Fridge – Full

$1 for each schooner sold on March 27^th

 

Toohey’s  2 portable BBQs 2 Esky’s

 

Austar Mining $500

 

Kurri Rugby League Old Boys  $500

 

UMFA Northern District Branch $300

 

Carpet Court $300

 

Kurri Kurri Golf Club $1750 ++++++

 

Energy Australia $300

 

Danny Linnane $250

 

Terry Hennessey  $100

 

Scott’s Butchers Gift Voucher

 

Grice’s Cake Shop Cessnock Gift Voucher

 

Butterflies on Cooper $50 Voucher

 

George Short Dolls Cradle

 

Johannes Hairtique A basket of hair products

 

Audrey Wilkinson’s Wine Gift Voucher

 

Master Foods, A Hamper

 

Peter Doyle Cellars 1 Case of Champagne

 

Tracey Hinkley from Perfetto Hair Supplies. A gift pack

 

The Swansea Hotel

 

The Lakes Hotel, The Entrance

 

 

 

 

 

February 20 th 2011 Rde Report

February 20 was a home ride for the Mongrels, just a saunter around the tracks and trails around Kurri. 36 riders made the journey, including four or five new riders, welcome gentlemen. Amongst the new crew was Cameron Anelzark, a keen young mongrel out to beat his dad, again it’s good to see mini mongrels along for the ride. But one old dog was notably missing, our leader , Billy was still in bed, recovering from a sausage injury from the day before. And Bill Parker was missing again, at Maitland packing show bags Barry claims.

There seems to be a surge of “big rigs” amongst the peleton of late, there were six 29er’s along on Sunday. They make regular bikes look like BMX.

 It was Cacka’s pick but it was quickly stolen by the Smiling Assassin who appointed Don as his assistant and took us into the scrub. Some said it was all for the best because Cack would only talk us to death anyway, so Cack slid back in the pack and enjoyed a chat with Shaun Welch and saved us all. Ted was a bit hesitant; his new bike might get dirty but we rode on with a fair contingent in his uniform wrestling pants.

 The local area delivers some fantastic riding and the leg over to HEZ was a good intro. Then we went into Waldo’s track, a beautiful flowing loop that got people smiling.

 By this stage there was a big distinction within the ride, the guns blasting out the front and the back slugging it out miles behind. But we always wait, encourage new blokes and deal with issues as they arise. So it was bus time for new rider Geoff, but that’s what the bus is for.  He thanked his escorts, the Good Shepherd, the Chinaman and the Babbler and retired.  But as it turned out it wasn’t fatigue that sent him home it was the crap being exchanged by the tail gunners, recipes, anatomy lessons, ornithology, just too much to bear.  The rear of the ride might better be describer as “the powder room”.

 The new blokes were enjoying the terrain if not the pace but Dave Foote was getting spooked and expected to find a few shallow graves in this wilderness, it’s just Kurri mate, relax.

 With the heat intensifying we struck out to Neath and crossed to the north side. The tradition is for a splinter group to form at this point and the Chinaman and his blind disciple took a downhill to the pub and relaxed with a beer.  Shortly after the front of the ride arrived and soaked up the air-conditioning. Strop had overcome his creek crossing fears, the “powder room” pulled in and the ride was once more joined.

 Everyone enjoyed a few beers and the final 7 or 8 k’s home was a shemozzle as usual. Well done everyone and a big thank you to Deena again for the bus support. Mongrel of the day: Cameron Anelzark for flogging his dad.

 Back at the pub everyone enjoyed a great lunch and the usual madness. As the afternoon wore on it was clear that the heat was going to trap a few in the pub. A “hen show” arrived, a bus full of cougars and mountain lions came in.  A n afternoon in the pub brings out the Tiger in some, even young Mickey was caught up in the action. But soon “the Late Show” was over for most, only the Smiling Assassin kicked on. Another great day on the bike.

 Ted should have new stock of our ride shirts in by now so just call in if you need one. Ted has also donated 5 helmets for our Brest Cancer Fundraiser on March 27^th, thanks mate.

 Upcoming Rides:   

 March 27^th Pippi’s to The Station via the Great North walk. This is a big event, a fundraiser for Breast Cancer. There will be music and raffles, wine tasting and a great lunch back at the Station. Try to get as many people as you can along for the ride or the after party, this is a good cause.

 Check out www.kurrimongrelbastards.typepad.com  for updates and photos of past and future rides.

 You might like a look at this site as well www.200tomorrows.com.au/BookingRetrieve.aspx?ID=81544 Tony Martin, Ted Anderson and a few others are going soon, good luck gentlemen.

January 2011 Ride

January 23rd, 2011

 The Barry Crawley Memorial Ride to Newcastle started year 4 of riding for the Kurri Mongrel Bastards. The mob is still riding strongly after three years and most importantly tradition has remained strong, we started and finished at a pub. One thing that did look good was the 2011 ride shirts. Thanks to Ted Anderson from Ted’s Bike Shop at Greenhill’s we now have a new model for 2011, just call in and pick one up at Ted’s.

 There were a few new riders amongst the 27 riders at the Station Hotel so they received a welcoming howl from the pack. Then it was off for a bush adventure. Some changes to the route saw us traverse some scrub out to Buchanan then some tar to Zark’s corner.  From there the scrub leg to Minmi is always different. The old railway line presents a few challenges. Polly had bit the dust on the flat, rocky bit and needed Kerry’s love and attention (this is normally reserved for fixing Bernard’s flats).

 The pack split at the wet tunnel, some going into the blackness, others taking the climb over the top. The tunnel was wet and muddy but as usual Waldo rode most of it, Baz also rode a fair way through and the rest just trudged through the mud. Donny got his new socks very muddy, showing no appreciation for his Xmas present.

 We regrouped on the eastern side and rode through the second tunnel together, some a bit spooked by the time we reached the middle. You can see light at each end but that’s about all.

 But, shortly after emerging Deena was on hand with the bus to provide the refreshments, beautiful. Billy was contemplating getting out of the bus until new rider Jason suggested a new route. It started with a climb so Bill stayed on the bus. The Mini Mongrels Josh and Brandon, just 11 years old were on and riding. We also congratulated Bernard on his recent birthday at this point, at 50 you can now dye your hair legitimately mate, but the mission brown is a bit strong.

 Jason’s track turned out great. The climb was made worthwhile by a magnificent descent into Minmi, by far the best route we have ridden to this point of the journey to Newcastle. A short bit of tar took us to the western end of the link road and another bush opportunity.

Now this section was put together specifically for Stan Neild who had been whingeing for weeks about not wanting to ride the link road. So a track was found, even called Stan’s Track, but where was Stan, home in bed. The rest of us went in, emerging about an hour later after covering just 9 ks. It was hilly, torturous and eventful. Cacka went over spectacularly on a downhill but was still able to talk himself through as he kissed the ground. In a deep, dark gully the strange mating call of the Grey Crowned Babbler was heard echoing amongst the trees, Ross was unwell.  At the back the tail gunners were busy carrying bikes and hauling wounded riders up difficult sections. 

 All up you might just call this leg a mistake but everyone that travels the link road in their air-conditioned car will see that area very differently from now on, we may never ride that track again.

 Having emerged we were back on a sedate cycle way into town, Billy was even on the bike.  We were a bit strung out by this time so the front riders stopped at a pub so we could regroup. A few at the  Sunnyside saw the smiles return, for most. The Babbler was on the Coke, a first for any ride. Then a push, led by Billy on to the Albion for a great meal and a few relaxing brews.

 On the day Steve Bragato was the star rider, back from a long bout of ill health Steve battled on without complaint and overcame some punishing cramps to complete the ride, down a few schooners and go shopping with his wife, well done.

The trip home on the bus was hot and took two largies to complete. The Mini Mongrels  relaxed into a sleep on the back seat, tough little mongrels.

 Upcomming Rides:   

An out ‘N Back ride on February 20^th, from the Station starting at 8 AM followed by lunch.

 Then March 27^th Pippi’s to The Station via the Great North walk. This is a big event, a fundraiser for Brest Cancer. There will be music and raffles, wine tasting and a great lunch back at the Station. Try to get as many people as you can along for the ride or the after party, this is a good cause.

 

December 12th, 2010 Ride Report

 

 

About 35 riders turned up at “the Fort” for our last ride for 2010. The best part of the turn out was two Mini Mongrels, Josh Dwyer and Jayden Mulling, great to see a couple of young guns riding with us, the pack howled a welcome. Also welcomed with a howl for their first ride were Jason Masters and Katie Brassil.

 

Prior to start of the ride, Xmas gifts were presented to the needy.  P.S. Don Frame’s diary of the Coolangatta to Kurri ride is available at www.donstale.blogspot.com and it a good read.

 

The pack sauntered off, down the black track, out towards Tumblebee snaking our way along some nice single track. At the rear the Babler and the Chinaman were joined by the seldom seen Good Shepherd. They were meant to be caring for the tail of the ride. However it seems all they did all day was swap recipes for Christmas puddings, baked rhubarb and cream tarts. There is more to the tailgunner’s job that just bludging along at the back gentlemen, so have another go next year and see if you can improve.

 

Just as we got over the Hez road and into the real single track, Moyley went flat and sat down while others fixed his wheel. Bernard left his slick new carbon Anthem at home and paid the penalty by flatting next, he also sat down while Kerrie fixed his puncture. The peloton got lost then mooched it’s way over via Elrington Fire Trail, past a bit of water and regrouped at Lake Road. The Mini Mongrels were a bit red in the face by this stage but they took to the tar and over to Abernethy Selections to meet Deena and Britto at the bus.  Stan was pleased to see Deena but he performed well on his comeback ride.

 

Everyone enjoyed watermelon and refreshments in the shade. Most took on the big hill loop while some relaxed in the shade. Lisa Sattler had a spectacular one wheel adventure on the way down, that’s the front wheel, quite difficult.

 

The hill got the better of Dave, Cacka went past him and grinned then Cameron dusted him to the top and was back down at the bus laying under the tree before Dave got in.  Maybe that 29er is a bit heavy.

 

Regrouped, it was back over to a great trail through Werekata to Kearsley. The Mini Mongrels were in the bus and asleep before it reached the Neath. On the track we had a great section, a tough route that saw the end of Billy. Unassisted by the tailgunners it was left to Deon to patch up the wounded warrior.  Then we were at the Neath, quenching dusty throats with cold beer, a very testing stage behind us.

 

All that was left was a hot, scrub run toi the Fort and as usual by this stage of the day, we vwere all over the place.

 

Back home everyone settled into Xmas drinks and a great BBQ cooked by Billy and Deon. So another Mongrel year closed and everyone enjoyed the afternoon.

 

Ted’s Bike Shop at Greenhills will soon stock Mongrels shirts so get in touch with Ted for the new design, new brand Mongrels ride shirt.

 

Upcomming Rides:   

January 23^rd The Fort to the Albion, Wickham  via the scrub. Starting at the Station at 8 AM.  Invite your partner along for lunch and organise a ride home.

Then we have a local ride on February 20^th, followed by March 27^th Pippi’s to The Station via the Great North walk.

 

November 2010 Ride Huntrer Valley Mountain Bike Track

  

November 14, 2010
 
After our October ride was washed out it was unclear how many Mongrels would turn out for the Awaba 
Mountain Bike Track ride. However it was good to see 30 or so, on their bikes for a bit of fun in the bush. 
Numbers were unclear because we were all over the shop. People just hopped in and explored. 
Some chose just a single loop of the red track and went to the esky. Billy had a little go on the kiddies track 
and others cranked out four or five laps of the big track.
 
It was interesting that everyone had a different version of where they had been, what they had seen and 
how far they went. Some saw track features like bridges, pavers, drop offs, hills, the Camel, Stump Corner, 
Flowing Bench, switchbacks and rainforest. Baz saw a lagoon, the Chinaman a leach and Billy saw 
his ring hanging out of his mouth. Some said Deon was seeing pixies. So much to see in such a small area.
 
Riders rolled in, had a chat, maybe a beer and were off onto the track again. Dave Chandler resisted 
and resisted but gave in to the call of the esky. Murray was into the esky as well but mainly for ice to 
strap to his blown calf. Polly went missing, we all thought he was fitting out there but he was just playing 
safety officer helping Muz back to camp.
 
There were too many falls to detail but apparently Billy’s was the worst.
 
A few of the girls arrived with more beer and some lunch, thanks ladies. Great to see Jackie there, 
we are all thinking of you. Cacka was even seen making his own lunch. Some chose to BBQ, others 
picnicked and between us all, everyone got fed.
 
When the bus left, “back to the fort”, some stayed to ride and all up it was a great day. Thanks to Hunter 
Valley Mountain Bike Club for allowing us on the track. You have done a great job,
 
Late in the afternoon a lone Mongrel struck out from “the fort” for just one more lap, The Babler was 
last seen heading for another loop, eyebrows woven together as the sun set on another 
great day on the bike.
 
Next ride,   
December 12 an Out N back adventure from the Station commencing at 8 AM. 
Then lunch and music for the afternoon. Kerrie Hile’s band Strummin’ on the Back Porch
 
P.S. 14 Mongrels recently rode from Coolangatta to Kurri and had a great trip. Look out for 
Donny’s trip notes coming soon
 
Check out www.kurrimongrelbastards.typepad.com  for updates and photos of past and future rides. 
 
 
  































































 

August 2010 Ride

A home ride saw 27 riders assembled at the Station for a ride into the Kurri scrub on a perfect winter morning. Some were a bit untidy from the night before, but they were still there. Prior to departure Baz was collected in the bus by Deaner just in time to hear something new to start the ride, a statement from the Smiling Assassin that sounded suspiciously like a rule, we’ve not had one of those before. Everyone shook their heads and sauntered off.

 

The Good Shepherd and the Grey Headed Babbler took up the rear and looked after Steve Bregato, Billy and others. They do a good job at the back, the Good Shepherd improving all the time.

 

It was good to see Cacka along for the ride and we all passed on our best wishes for Jackie and our hopes for her speedy recovery.

 

Some new tracks mixed with old favourites took us to Kearsley where Billy left the ride muttering  something about needing time to pen his memoirs. But our leader was there for part of the journey and he rode strongly. Donny then took us up and over out Abernethy way and down a superb single track back towards Tumblebee.  Deep in the old rail cutting Cacka veered left when the line was right and ended up, up to his waist in water. He is now seeking a Nokia sponsorship to replace his phone. Then it was more, more, more single track to the Neath Hotel for a beer or two.

 

At this point several abandoned the ride, one in particular who had previously condemned this behaviour led a rabble back to the Station without having a beer. There will be repercussions.

 

Kerrie Hile was notably missing from the ride, some suggesting that she may have been offended by last months report (for being late again). However it has been revealed that she was shopping in Melbourne with her sister and mother. Why a girl can’t get all she could ever need in Dungog or by coming over to Kurri is beyond me. But how did we come by this information and why would someone dob Kerrie in. Non other than Bernard, no doubt a bit peeved that he wasn’t invited on the girls shopping trip.

 

Quite a few Mongrels have entered  the Wollombi Wild Ride on September 4^th, in both the 60 k and 30 k events but make your own mind up, it was a great day last year. Bus leaves the Station at 7.30 so anyone in the 60 k will have to get there under their own steam. 60 K starts 8.00 and 30 k starts 9.15

 

Walcha is on October 31^st,  but because of the clash with other events there will not be a bus going up this year. There are still some Mongrels going so arrange your transport and book your own accommodation. Enter via the Westpac Rescue Helicopter site.

 

The details for Pedalfest (courtesy of Kerrie) are as follows. Dungog Pedalfest, Sunday 12th Sept. Registration  

from 8am onwards. Ride commences at 930am.Distance - 60km Grade - Toughish.... Estimation of ride time for 

average mongrel .. 4hrs Starts at - Dungog Tourist Information Centre ... in Dowling Street There are other rides 

on Saturday suitable for families .. look at .. dungogpedalfest.org.au Or flick an email to me .. kerrie.hile@gotalk.net.au 

So we will meet outside the Royal Hotel and return there after the ride. The bus will leave Kurri at 7.30 but seats are

 limited so get in early.

 

 

Next ride,   

September 12 Pedalfest Dungog, (commencing 9.30 AM).  October 24 a home ride and November 14 ride Awaba Mountain Bike Track. December 12^th an Out N back from the Station

 

July 26, 2010

An away ride is always interesting, who will turn up, will we get lost again, how will Kurri boys go “over the loaf”. So at the appointed hour, 27 riders assembled at Pippy’s Hotel for a jaunt around the lake and costal trails. A few first time Mongrels were howled in, welcome gents.  Crewy Stoker was also along for a rare ride, good to see. We were all set to go but Kerrie was late again, we’re getting used to it.

 

Sunday morning cruising the lakeside cycle trail is a bit sublime, it had Baz’s thoughts drifting away, enchanted in another world until he kissed the concrete. It was a very hard hit and those in the immediate vicinity were quite amused. He picked up his bruises, called on Stewie to repair his mount and we off again.

 

The Green Point section called for a bit of stair hopping (or carrying for most) Tony Martin must have been dreaming of his youth, jumping stairs like an 18 year old, until he smashed his rear derailer and carried the rest of the stair sections. Then some tar through Belmont for a gather up at Cold Tea Creek. Deaner was on hand with watermelon, oranges and water. A head count suggested we had lost 2 riders, Tail Gunner Graham and Billy, then it became 5, then 7. But we had picked up 2 mysterious guests so the overall our losses were not great. A chat and a short wait saw the tail reattach and we were into the bush again we were now 29.

 

The push over to Redhead was wet but interesting and we were soon on the new section of the Fernleigh Track pedalling for the Burwood Xing. Billy didn’t rate this section, a little too much up but he took to it like a galloping snail.

 

The left onto the Great North Walk delivered lots of muddy single track, great variety and all up just a bit of fun. We picked up a few more strays and were now 31. After crossing under the Charlestown bypass in total darkness we emerged onto that great flowing track behind the Golf Course. Graham Peters was cranking along behind Cassie when she whipped him off into the scrub. Unaccustomed to cleated pedals Grace set down on a bed of grass.

 

On a track west of Charlestown, recommended by Scotty McDermott, Don became Bear Grylls and commenced an episode of Man v’s Wild. Wild 1 Don 0. He even took out a 13 year old interloper on his way through.  The rest of the push to Warners Bay was more mud, single track and a few hills. We were soon back on the lake and cruising back to Pippy’s. Thanks to the pub for provided two rooms for showering. We were soon in the bar having a beer and enjoying lunch.

 

All up another great adventure for the Mongrels.

 

In case you were wondering, Dave Bennett was sick in bed and unable to ride. Bar and Tab takings were well down at the Station o=ver the weekend.

 

Quite a few Mongrels have entered  the Wollombi Wild Ride on September 4^th, mostly in the 60 k event but make your own mind up, it was a great day last year.

 

Walcha is on October 31^st,  but because of the clash with other events there will not be a bus going up this year. There are still some Mongrels going so arrange your transport and book your own accommodation. Enter via the Westpac Rescue Helicopter site.

 

Other interesting rides include three run by the Westpac Helicopter Service. Sunday 15th August - Sapphire City Teams Challenge Inverell, 9am start. Sunday 31st October - Walcha Teams Challenge from 7am start. Sunday 7th November - Nundle Bike Event 8.30am start & Fun Run 8am start.

June 2010 Ride Report

June 27, 2010

 

A fantastic winter’s day set the scene for 23 Mongrels to enjoy a local ride out of the Station. New riders Robbie O and Cassie Sullivan were welcomed with the customary howl from the dogs and we were off into the bush.

 

There was always going to be a bit of mud around but the selected track was surprisingly dry.

 

Graham Sanson always wanted too be a “tail gunner’ when he grew up and still has a lot to learn, he lost Billy and Stew while we were still in sight of town. That was enough for Billy and he was on the bus with Deaner and Britto. This would not be Bill’s last go in “white thunder” and he is now using his seniors card for his regular seat on the bus.

 

The course had been researched and set out by the Chinaman and he was in firm command. As usual he led from the back but had a cunning plan, let Bennett and Dill lead the first stage, because they can’t be stopped. Then his pink painted trail led everyone safely in and around Werakata on a flawless traverse to Astills Picnic Area. While the riders had only seen mud and gravel the bus people claimed to have seen a moose, too much drink boys.

 

Then back on for more of the pink painted trail that had a bit of everything.

 

The fall of the day, perhaps the year went to Stewie. A hole that they might have buried several dead cows in jumped up in his path and Stew went airborne. He needed a ladder to climb out of it. The damage was extensive, face, legs, arms and chest, but he rode on to the Denman for a beer. There he met the boys including Billy, suffering a “bus cramp” from an over tight seatbelt and claiming to have outpointed Stew for battle damage. After a few brews and some idle chat we were back on the bikes for a final leg “back to the fort”. Some voted it the best run ride ever and the Chinaman lapped up the applause.

 

Nice to see Alan Moyle’s dad Jimmy at the Station to cheer Al in at the end of the ride, some parents just keep on supporting their kids.

 

Lunch was superb, the steaks super tender. Thanks to Billy and Di for that and to Deaner and Britto for their bus support.

 

Quite a few Mongrels have entered  the Wollombi Wild Ride on September 4^th, mostly in the 60 k event but make your own mind up, it was a great day last year.

 

Walcha is on October 31^st,  but because of the clash with other events there will not be a bus going up this year. There are still some Mongrels going so arrange your transport and book your own accommodation. Enter via the Westpac Rescue Helicopter site.

 

Other interesting rides include three run by the Westpac Helicopter Service. Sunday 15th August - Sapphire City Teams Challenge Inverell, 9am start. Sunday 31st October - Walcha Teams Challenge from 7am start. Sunday 7th November - Nundle Bike Event 8.30am start & Fun Run 8am start. 

 

 

Next ride,   July 25, a lakeside loop from Pippy’s Hotel starting at 8 AM . We will ride anticlockwise on the foreshore, through Green Point, over to Belmont, east along Cold Tea Creek and up to Redhead. From there we will pick up the Fernleigh Track and some other trails before heading back via the Great North Walk, Charlestown Golf Course and back to Piipy’s for lunch.  We have access to showers at Pippy’s so bring a towel. Organise a car crew to ride at 8 sharp.

 

Then August 22^nd, a local ride.  September 12 Pedalfest Dungog, (commencing 9 AM).  October 24 a home ride and November 14 ride Awaba Mountain Bike Track.

 

Check out www.kurrimongrelbastards.vox.com  for updates and photos of past and future rides.

 

Billy leading a long leg in Tasmania

Mongrels ontop Mt Wellington

Mongrels in the Barossa

 

 

May 23rd 2010 Ride Report

May 23rd, 2010

 

A rainy week, other rides and pure laziness reduced the May ride to a field of 20. Departing the Station at 8 AM we were missing our fearless leader, Billy was travelling by car. There was no real excuse other than his usual myriad of medical moans and  mumblings but the rest of us rode happily into the bush for the first 6 ks. Marty Henry was along for his first ride with the Mongrels, showing off his clean new Merida. It was pretty chatty until we hit the tar for a 15 k slog to the top of the gap.

 

By this stage Dave Jessop and the Dog had turned up, Dave enjoying a last fag before we went bush again. Billy was threatening to ride from this point but thought better of it.

 

This is where things got interesting, the mud, clay and slop made one of the Hunter’s better downhills a slippery test of riding skills. Many hit the ground, most just laughing that once you started to go there was no saving it.

 

By far the most spectacular spill was Deon, not for the complexity of the dismount but because he finished in the bush with a stick stuck in his ear. Dr Phil to the rescue, the opportunity he has waited so long for, a medical emergency. Soothing Deon with his “I could have been a Doctor” story he put one foot on his head and pulled the stick out. Deon’s ear drum was perforated and he kept everyone entertained holding his nose and whistling out of his ear. 

 

The rest of the ride was interesting. John old track to Dora Creek had had a mining haul road built over it and we were lost several times. We struck a big mob of orienteering enthusiasts and Deon’s wheezing through his ear sounded like bagpipes in the background.

 

6 ks from town we struck tar and Billy had overcome his medical problems and was on the bike for the last run to his Dora Creek house. Everyone relaxed, ate and enjoyed a beer.

 

Good luck to Mark and Lozza at Canberra “Capital Punishment” this weekend.

 

Upcoming rides include Wollombi Wild Ride on September 4^th and Walcha on October 31^st. Enter via their websites.

 

Check out www.kurrimongrelbastards.vox.com  for updates and photos of past and future rides.

 

Next ride, June 27, an out and back adventure in Werekata.

 

Then  July 25, maybe a lakeside loop from Pippy’s Hotel.

 

PS You might remember Chappo had a bike for sale recently. Well his new Trek Fuel, top of the range  ended up in small pieces after he picked it up from the shop and drove home and straight into his garage with it still on the roof of the car, nice work.

Dora Creek, May 23rd

April 25th, 2010

 

Was it rain or was it just that it was Phil Stewarts pick that kept most away from Sundays great mud ride. The Chinaman recons they were all just scared, especially Barry Crawley, Donny and Cacka, very soft were his words. And he had been a casualty all week himself, undercarriage repairs had him under medical supervision, he rode against doctor’s advice, still had his surgical gown on and some wound dressings showing, but he rode on. Not like our leader Billy and tail gunner Grahame Sanson. Both appeared in full ride dress but declined the rain and went for the big breakfast at the pub in the warm, nice one gentlemen. Deaner was also a turnout, as you would expect but he was given the morning off and slunk back to bed.

 

But the “fab four” (Dave, Phil, Maurer and Marty) rode out, following the Chinaman who, as usual led from the rear. He had in mind a dry track that turned out to be mostly swamp but a good test all round. Al Maurer had mechanical problems out around Tumblebee and retired to the pub. This left three to ride some more and then represent the Mongrels at Weston RSL. Being Anzac Day there was a crowd, even some ladies. $2 middies were a novelty and a great Sunday morning was spent shivering in the hallway of the RSL downing beers.

 

There were a number of spectacular falls in the last leg back to the pub but the less said about them the better. A surprisingly good day spent mostly under water.

 

Good luck to all Mongrels who are braving Dirt Works this weekend.

 

Upcoming rides include Wollombi Wild Ride on September 4^th and Walcha on October 31^st. Enter via their websites.

 

Check out www.kurrimongrelbastards.vox.com  for updates and photos of past and future rides.

 

Next ride, May 23^rd , our annual ride to Dora Creek with a bar b que at Billy’s Lake House. BYO drinks and food.  Bring along your girl and have a good day. Transport home will be limited so get  yourself and few mates organised.

 

Then June 27, a local ride and July 25, a lakeside loop from Pippy’s Hotel.

 

PS Chappo has a bike for sale, as you would all know its hardly done any work. See ad  already sent