Ride Report 8th July – Toormina Koala Spotting

DUBBUG Ride Report

8th July 2012

Ian Scott

Well, we almost got the organizational bit right today, just forgot the sign on sheet. Eight riders turned up at BP North Urunga at 8:00am for something a little different, some koala spotting in Toormina.

We headed up the old highway towards Lyons Road passing quite a few cyclists heading south. Obviously everyone from Coffs is getting in training for the up and coming Coffs Coast Challenge on 5th August.

Turned right into Lyons Road then left into Toormina Road then stopped at the reserve opposite Centro shopping centre. Yours truly then gave a short presentation on the plight of koalas in northern NSW and QLD and that koalas where recently added to the vulnerable species list by the Commonwealth Environment Department.

We then rode along the pathways through reserves beside Toormina school stopping at various points to observe examples of the natural habitat that exist in these reserves, One example in particular is a magnificent old Black Butt that is well over 200 years old. Unfortunately, no koalas in easy view today! The sad thing is most Toormina residents don’t know what a natural treasure they have right in their own backyards.

Onwards towards Boambee East, we made another brief stop to view a bit of man-made habitat restoration, namely a small water pond that has become a water bird sanctuary.

Now the bit everyone hangs out for on our rides, Coffee stop at Garden Mania! While we were enjoying our coffee and scones, El Presidente decides to hold an informal meeting to dob in someone to be treasurer with Graham’s imminent departure. We quickly consulted our copy of “Robert’s Rules of Order” to make sure what was happening is constitutionally correct. Herb said he would rather be treasurer than secretary then Mike started contributing to the debate so his punishment was being given the secretary’s job. At least I think that is what happened! My concentration was lapsing by this time. We await the official announcement!

After coffee it was back to Urunga along the new highway.

Next ride Sunday 15th July meet at BP North Urunga 8:00am for an easy ride to Coffs Harbour Jetty via Waterfall Way overpass and old highway, Return via new highway. More information George 6568 2115