Sunday morning a little overcast and on the cool side (it’s winter in Queensland). A urban ride to mates place, then a ride to a meet at a BP service station down Browns Plains way. A chat, a socialise and we are off to Beaudessert via the normal two lane, non divided road that passes for a Australian Highway. Roadwork’s provide a short delay, traffic is plentiful but we get along in the 90′s in the 100 zone. A coal fired motorcycle in front, causes a little sniffling and the occasional bleh!

Into Beaudessert past the MacDonald’s , doing its usual brisk weekend trade, and off to the Show ground’s. Two dollars thank you and park down on the arena (paddock).

Negotiate the small drain, down a slope and onto the “Paddock’. It’s rough, hard and dry with some grass coverage. The hard bit is good, as the side stand has a very narrow foot on the GTR. Park, pack the riding gear away, grab the camera, note that there are people watching the bikes, not only parking but a bit of security. (Excellent two dollars value, thanks much appreciated.)

Notice the ladies serving ‘Devonshire Tea’s”. Hmmm Beaudessert is “Queensland Country”, semi rural really, so it’s all probably home cooked. Inspect and sure enough. Home made scones and “Anzac Biscuits” (an Australian biscuit). “Black tea thanks and two Anzac’s”. $4.00.

Sitting down mate turns up with coffee and scone with jam and cream. Oh well….. “Two scones please, Jam and cream.” $4.00.  I soon realise I have made little error here. Two scones equals 4 halves, with liberal jam and cream. Oh well! Share one half with another mate.

A wonder around reveals many interesting motorcycles, parts and people (pictures in 1400gtr log) . A few pleasant hours are spent wondering, listening and observing.

Time for lunch. A ride to Aratula and the Aratula Cafe via Boonah is decided . A few lite showers on the way and a steady ride via the Beaudessert- Boonah Road and then to the Cunningham (New England) Highway from Boonah.

Lunch at Aratula Cafe. Hamburgers for most but I have a Corn Beef and pickles (country remember, mostly home made) sandwich and my usual black tea.

A top up of fuel for the GTR and off around Moogerah. A side trip to the picnic area near the dam wall and I see that the Dam and it’s surrounds have recovered well from our decade long dry spell (this dam was down to 7% at one point during the dry). The ride back to Boonah involves some very nice scenery and twisty bits. The road surface (sealed) is failing badly in many places and serious maintenance is required (a reseal). Traffic is light as nobody is heading home yet. Down to Peaks Crossing and a right to the on ramp. Give the Highway a miss and a nice cruise on a new lightly used piece of road with heaps of bridges (must have cost you and me a mint) over this and that. Exit onto the Toll Road via a nice tight, 40kph posted left turn. Going down a couple of gears into this the Leo Vince gives a nice growl and rumble, attracting a glance from the Motorcycle Police Officer, stationary on the side road, writing notes.

Onto the motorway and its 100kph all the way to my exit. A wave from a mate as he continues on his way and I am homeward bound.

Nice day, nice ride, nice bikes and good company. What else could one want.

Paul

1400GTR – LOG has the pictures of the meet.