Canberra Run to the President's Picnic
17 October 2019 / Words and Photos by Norm Barker
It might have only been a small group but the enthusiasm wasn’t lacking. The weather was perfect and we set off from the Hall lay-by at 8:30. The drive on the Barton Highway was good heading west but the traffic was steady heading into Canberra. The short stretch on the Hume to Gunning was quiet, as was Gunning. On to Taralga via Crookwell which was a very pleasant cruise through the countryside. The road was good and we made good time. Arriving in Taralga we met our Convenors, James and Giulia at the Ploughman’s Cafe. This is a cafe with a reputation for good food but sadly is soon to close. There were many motorbikes on the road heading for Canberra and at the cafe we found one of them was the son-in-law of one of our members, Kerry Evans who was in Ireland.
Once we had refreshed with coffee, tea and snacks we headed off to Oberon. This road is a quiet one and takes a meandering route through quite varied countryside. Scenery was photogenic but once on the road in our cars no one (except for a couple of passengers) wants to stop. Couldn’t have wished for better conditions and we all enjoyed the run.
On arrival in Oberon we parked opposite a cafe for lunch and settled in the “Naughty Corner” for a good feed and rest.
Leaving Oberon we took the Duckmaloi Rd to Jenolan Caves Rd and on to Hartley. The scenery through this road was beautiful and we had a clear run to the Great Western Highway, on to Mt Victoria and across to Bell. Not long after Bell we picked up some traffic which increased in intensity all the way to Richmond. We booked into our Motel for the evening (Richmond Colonial). Cars were washed ready for the show the next day, and after a rest and a walk around town we all met and walked to the Richmond RSL for dinner which was excellent, then back to the motel and a good night’s sleep.
An early start was necessary as some of us were judging the show and shine. What an absolutely picturesque site it is and the little church looks like it had come straight out of a painting. Of course the attraction of the day was the cars and 129 cars were in attendance with 220 people. Again the weather was perfect and everyone had a fantastic day. We will spread the word in the Canberra Chapter for next year. Thanks to all the organisers of the day for a great picnic and event.
Norm Barker
Wordsmith, Photographer and Run Leader
