At a rally there could be upward or more than a hundred, even more, leaving the start venue in waves, not long down the road separated into faster and slower riders.

Some riders prefer to ride in small groups of perhaps five or six, depending on the capacity of their machine, i.e. possibly of the same or similar horsepower. The more powerful and faster machines separate to lead while the slower fall behind.

This is the rider’s preference but normally on a private trip motorcyclists tend to travel in pairs or small groups.

There are of course loners who will be satisfied to travel alone and I remember my own excursion in 1951 to see my mate in Gunnedah and decided to travel from Forster via the Oxley Highway when the only sealed roads were through townships. 

I set off with high hopes on Dad’s 1948 500cc BSA, rigid frame and girder fork equipped, caught in loose gravel north of Taree and fell off. A passing motorist helped me up and straightened the headlight, the Beesa fired up so I was off again.

Leaving Wauchope there was gravel right over the range to Bendemeer and on that fine Saturday, I didn’t pass another vehicle, car, truck or motorcycle.

It was certainly a lonely trip and I thought it I fell off again or the bike stopped, no one would find me as there was no sign of habitation anywhere, just bush and dust.

With motorcyclist determination I made it to my cobber’s place.

I’m not knocking solo travel as my preference is now below the speed limit. After all, riding is enjoyment so why rush?

Take time to enjoy the scenery and let the experience last as long as possible.

I will admit it’s rather comforting to ride with a mate though and possibly safer too.

Saturday, April 21: Airport Tavern, Cundletown show and shine, fundraiser for the SES, $10 entry.

Sunday, April 22: Smithtown Hotel, BYO lunch, leaving 9.30am at the Taree visitor information centre.

Wednesday, April 25: Mid-week rider, leaving from three venues, 9.30am respectively.

Saturday and Sunday, April 28-29: Weekend at Walcha, leaving 9.30am at the Taree visitor information centre.

WWednesday, May 2, Mid-week ride to Moorland, leaving 9.30am at the Taree visitor information centre.

Saturday, May 5: Gloucester motorcycle expo, leaving 9.30am at the Taree visitor information centre.

Wednesday, May 9: Riders’ choice, three venues, 9.30am respectively.

Saturday, May 12: Mother’s Day special, macadamia farm at Lorne, leaving 9.30am at the Taree visitor information centre.

Wednesday, May 16: Mid-week run to Harrington, three venues, 9.30am respectively.

Sunday, May 20: North Brother Lookout, lunch at Camden Haven, leaving 9.30am at the Taree visitor information centre.

Monday, May 21: Monthly meeting at the Airport Tavern, 7.30pm.