Discombobulated Bozo

[Bozo]

A massive turn out to Catalano's this morning even if some bikes were not firing on all cylinders.

Good to see Peter Bee back from his enlightening tour of the Kimberley or was it delighting. Good also to see Snagger Tom and Gill after a long gap.

Twelve riders took advantage of the surprisingly good weather to head to Toodyay to observe Cookie and his crew remote controlling aircraft. HRG, DFS, Wes, Firey Ross, Nannup Nick, Goldie, Andy, Graeme, Just John, Peter Bee, Swampy and Bozo headed out past the airport to the Caltex on Toodyay Road. One member of the group got tired of waiting for the mob to move and headed to the Coca Cola Cafe. The rest took the Haddrill Road option to avoid traffic. Peter Bee handballed TEC duties to Wes to lead us through the tricky route before getting to more familiar territory at Connemara Road. We were molested by myriads of MGs, old and new, that were twisting their way down the scarp as we ascended.

Apart from a white 4wd we had O'Brien, Clenton and Berry Roads to ourselves. The Leschenaultia and Climatis were just blooming to add another dimension to the splashes of yellow from the wattle. A group of 4WDs on Toodyay Road suddenly stopped for selfies in the irridescent paddocks of Canola and almost caused a second incident for the day. A few kilometres later a bee flew into Bozo's helmet and the resultant rapid stop of the group was also a little dicey.

Sandplain Road was the next incident with HRG and Peter Bee taking an alternative route due to poor communication from Bozo. Arriving at the Toodyay Race Track, Bozo took lots of wrong turns and then led the mixed range of bikes across a paddock to park on the airstrip (and I thought the enthusiastic waving of arms was a warm welcome). Relocating the bikes so aircraft could land and take off we were treated to an impressive demonstration of aerial acrobatics from a model aircraft bigger than an LT's top box and panniers.

Given how the day had gone we were unable to simply ride off the racetrack without incident. 80% of the group assembled to wait for the final three riders. Some how DFS managed to avoid the waiting group and flew off to Dewars Pool unable to be stopped by a chasing Bozo.

Some good news at last with a smiling Swampy ensconced at the Coca Cola Cafe (the only lost point he ever needs) but two bikes were low on oil and there had been another incident in the rough paddock. The outcome was that Just John, Wes, Goldie and Graeme joined Swampy in leaving the ride at Toodyay. Six riders then headed to Bindoon hoping to find DFS flying past a parade of pony cars on Julimar Road.

We tracked down DFS at Bindoon but had to join a massive queue at the Bakehaus to get a pie and a drink. Nannup Nick nicked off leaving six to taker Blue Plains Road and the Chittering Valley to head home.

If this blog sounds disjointed and confusing it is a reflection of the author's state still wondering how a simple ride can end up with three tail end Charlies (thanks to Swampy, Peter Bee and Wes), three ride leaders ( Bozo, Peter Bee and HRG), numerous incidents involving insects, oil and bike damage. When HRG uttered discombobulated at Toodyay it seemed to be an apt description of the state of the ride leader.

Still it was a brilliant day to be out amongst the Canola and wildflowers on mostly dry roads. Excellent to have Andy with us with his new purchase (1250 GS HP). Thanks to Peter Bee for his mechanical ministrations, ride leading through tricky bits and tail end Charlie work. Thanks also to Swampy and Wes for tail end Charlie work and to Goldie for helping get all the ride group home safely.

Bozo

[pspencer]

A well led ride Bozo, with some issues to keep us all entertained and none of them due to your lead. It was just one of those days. A beautiful winter’s day with good company and great food - a winner. Thanks to Swampy and Wes also for TEC duties.