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Thrilled Not to Have to Ride to Thora

Kirk fixes Phil shoeToday’s ride was called Thora Thrill as we were meant to cycle to Thora via Bellingen. Because a majority of our riders weren’t too thrilled with the prospect of riding on gravel or doing a stretch on Waterfall Way, we abandoned the planned ride (with our ride leader’s blessing) and ended up gallivanting out to Glennifer instead, even though we had done the same ride a couple of weeks ago.

Seven riders left BP Urunga at our new summer ride time of 7am, and picked up some later-rising riders along the way. Kerrie and Kirk joined us at Raleigh and Ian and Kerrie cycled out from Bellingen to join us along North Bank Road. Dave Spears, the latest riser of all (blame the soccer game the night before) caught up to us at Glennifer.

Thanks to the earlier start time, which the DUBBUG members decided to adopt for our remaining rides in February (let’s call it adapting to climate change), the morning ride was beautifully cool. It was a real treat to cycle through the forest to Bellingen and then through more forest to Glennifer. 

2015 Annual General Meeting

GeorgeIt was a great turn-out for our 2015 AGM, with 17 people doing the short ride from our usual Urunga start point to Bongil Bongil National Park. Riders were met there by the ever-smiling Alan and Bev who, with Kirk and Herb’s help, provided morning tea before the start of the meeting at 9.30.

It was George Smith’s last meeting, resigning after three years as President and many years as a ride leader. His contribution to the DUBBUG over the years was warmly appreciated by the group. His final President’s report is included at the end of this report.

Macksville to Fisherman’s Reach

Fishermans ReachConfusion and organised chaos seemed to be the flavour of today’s ride, at least in the early stages. First off, Ian and Kerrie were coming from Bellingen and as they were going to be a few minutes late they thought they would text and ask us to wait for them. But the phone wasn’t in the car, so they returned home to get the phone, only to find it actually was in the car. So in the end they texted they were going to be even later than they originally thought.

EASY RIDE TO SAWTELL

Departing from Urunga BPThe summer heat did not deter eighteen riders from enjoying a swift ride up the Pacific Highway to Sawtell on Sunday 16th.  We enjoyed the company of some visitors from the Gold Coast and Sydney and caught up with some Coffs Harbour riders.

Stuarts Point & Scotts Head

Mark and Dave attack Hill 2

Mark and Dave attack “Hill 2”

Ride Report for Sunday 9 November 2014

Even though this ride is a continuous progression of hills and valleys, enough oxygen was still available for the group to enjoy discussions.

Discussion topics en route are a clear indication that other road traffic was minimal for most of the ride.  This is to be expected in a 60 kilometre course that commenced with the Upper Warrell Creek Road from Macksville, then southward along Highway One to the recently reconfigured Stuarts Point turn-off, on to Stuarts Point, then to Scotts Head for refreshments and finally back to our starting point in Macksville.

This itinerary mostly follows quiet, forested roads that are conducive to riding in pairs with conversation helping to while away the journey. We all now know to avoid any sodium nitrate cured meats and that milk is not a preventative for osteoporosis.

Ed was the designated photographer, as he was able to establish enough of a lead at will to then snap other riders as they passed him by.  As usual Phil and Mike were the pace setters, Dave kept a close watch pushing from behind, Mark rode without raising a sweat appearing not to notice the energy sapping terrain, while BettyAnne kept Kirk under control.

Climbing Hill 2

“Hill 2” can be a challenge

Next Sunday’s ride is a mercifully easy 45km from Urunga to Sawtell Garden Centre and return commencing at 0800 hours from the BP in Urunga.

Mike Flood

Vietnam Day 11 – Halong Bay & Home

DSC04882On our last full day in Vietnam, DUBBUG members took a one day bus/boat tour to Halong Bay. Halong Bay is described as “newest wonder of the world” and it was clear that we could only get a taste of this world heritage listed site in such a short time.  The bus ride in both directions is long, due to speed, road quality & traffic playing “chicken”, however it is a well travelled route and the stopovers were classic tourist shops with over inflated prices (even in Vietnam standards).  We were herded onto our boat and rewarded with some fine local foods as we cruised towards a recently discovered limestone cave that, last year, played host to some 1 million tourists. A cruise to a floating platform with a chance to do some kayaking, and then return past “fighting cock” islands back to the mainland was a very pleasant way to spend our last few hours in Vietnam.

Everyone agreed that DUBBUG ventures have exceled with this trip to Vietnam.  We are extremely grateful to Mike & Colleen for their efforts in coordinating the package.  Well done guys, take a bow.

For most of us, our flight left Hanoi the next morning just after 9 am.  After a 7 hour stop over in Kuala Lumpur we made it back to the Gold Coast Airport about 7 am the day after.  It was a long flight, especially for Alan, however that did not deter many of our group being at the regular weekday bike ride the next morning at Urunga.

Click here for photographs of Day 11 & finish

Vietnam Day 10 – Return to Hanoi

DSC04707In the morning we walked around Ba Be before leaving in buses back to Hanoi, with lunch along the way.  A favourite local industry includes creating & drying plywood sheets, with many on the sides of the road.  The roads out of the mountains are windy and, when we got to it, the maximum speed limit on the “motorway” is 80 km/h.  Even then, there are lots of reminders to “keep spacing”.  The major transport in Vietnam is the motorcycle – when trying to cross a road, never run so they have time to avoid you!  Throughout the tour we tried to collect photographs of motorcycles carrying incredible loads.

We were all keen to catch up with Alan and pleased he was at the hotel waiting for us.  The “old quarters” of Hanoi is a delight on the weekends as they close the streets at night to only pedestrians – amazing bands appear, and food stalls are abundant.  Be sure to check out the music videos.

Click here for photos and videos of Day 10.

Vietnam Day 9 – Ba Be National Park

DSC04551Today’s ride involved three climbs, crossing a succession of river valleys.  The tour guide (Le Kien) decided we would stay on the village road, rather than take mountain tracks. After a big breakfast in Bac Me, we start from the top of the first pass.  ED manages to challenge Kein up the hills, even after taking the photos of the DUBBUG climbing the next hill from the rear.DSC04508

Coming downhill, towards Yen Hoa, Alan comes off his bike and requires to be taken to the local hospital and then transported back to Hanoi.  We were most fortunate to have Kirk as “tail end Charlie”.  With his medical training, he quickly stabilised Alan and then stayed by his side, including returning to Hanoi.

We had lunch and the remaining DUBBUG continued to the village of Dan Dong, where we transferred into traditional long boats for a relaxing 1.5-hr ride along the beautiful Nang River and cross the lake into the stunning Ba Be National Park. The park is centered on the country’s largest natural lake which is surrounded by limestone cliffs, waterfalls, caves and abundant of wildlife (though we did not see much wildlife). Dinner and accommodation was in a traditional house of Tay minority.

Click here for photos from Day 9

Vietnam Day 8 – Bac Me

DSC04429After a night of indulgence in a resort, we have a late-ish start from the top of a pass. At first we tackle 12 km undulating, idyllic route through friendly villages and paddy fields, surrounded by jagged limestone hills with just a few steepish climbs in the heat. Light lunch en route and a chance to mingle with the local school.  A couple of massive climbs justified the “Rose of the Mountain” going to Colleen.  Then a pleasant run downhill into the small town of Bac Me late afternoon. The rest of the day, was used to explore the town and its surroundings before dinner next door, Kirk being invited by the locals to participate in Karaoke (a favourite of the Vietnamese).

Click here for pictures of Day 8.