AUSTRALIA NSW Southern Highlands Easter Getaway      What a difference a day makes! The week leading up to Easter was promising mid-summer temperatures for our ride down to Bowral in the Southern Highlands of NSW. Stocks of fluids and sunscreen were in order for what promised to be dry and hot conditions. Thursday was even threatening to be too hot! Come Friday morning and it was a move to more autumn weather conditions with drizzle at the start point, some rain early in the ride and a varying headwind for good measure. Not to be deterred from the challenge of riding south a hearty, focused group led the way through Sydney’s south western suburbs where the roads had dried and conditions improved. With just some occasional slight drizzle along the way, Mother Nature provided good cycling conditions up to the final 10kms into Bowral where the dampness returned and the mercury dropped. A feed and hot shower was needed to warm our insides and settle down any chills (Matt certainly had the “shakes”). With 140kms in the legs it was time for a solid feed at our residence, the Berida Manor.       Saturday continued the theme from Friday and promised more challenges than just Macquarie Pass. The Gang-of-Five destined to take on the southern hills soon found themselves warming up inside Robertson Café while watching the horizontal rain out the window. Cake and coffee finished, it was on the shoulders of Wayne and Matt to take on the ‘Pass (whose efforts must be commended in the conditions) while the others headed back to Bowral for a swim and spa. It seemed today as though the summer weather from earlier in the week had well and truly deserted the Highlands. Talk around the table Saturday night centred on who would make it out for the Easter Sunday Southern Highlands Cycling Club ride and who would stay rugged up in bed. Bets were on the weather improving. For those determined to get the ride in it proved a winner as the conditions couldn’t have been better! The roads were dry, wind had stopped and the sun was clouded. The hospitality shown by the SHCC was first class as they welcomed us on board and took us for spirited riding over some of their favourite roads. They even moved cows off the road so everyone could get through (thanks Stephen). All that was left was a few obstacles for the second bunch to get around!       At the Southern Highland Cycling Club's favourite coffee shop we were invited to partake in the custom of downing a shot of Jagermeister to warm the insides and top off a great ride. It did that and more with some very funny reactions form the 70 proof liquer!    Back at the Berida Manor the Easter Bunny had been busy laying her eggs around the grounds for the kids to scour and collect the chocolate prizes. All were treated to their own ‘bunny and collection of different sized eggs. Congratulations to all the kids for their search efforts and generous sharing of the booty which ensured no one was left out of the game. The rest of the day was left for everyone to explore their own special part of the Southern Highlands. With numerous Easter holiday activities and towns to visit, a plethora of quality restaurants and cafes to savour, local street markets and the natural beauty of the Highlands, we were definitely spoilt for choice. With the weekend drawing to a close it was time to ride off, but not before serious discussions and decisions about what the weather was likely to do. Reports from Sydney were threatening rain and the talk centred on riding to Camden for morning tea to evaluate the day’s ride and half-expecting to jump in the car for the final stage. What wasn’t expected was the warm and sunny conditions that met us almost from the point of leaving the highlands. Summer had returned to welcome us back home in Sydney. All agreed the getaway proved a perfect tonic holiday weekend to escape the hustle and bustle that is Sydney. With riders getting in some great riding over fantastic roads; partners/families taking advantage of Berida Manor pool/spa/tennis facilities; and all enjoying local festivities and attractions that make up the Southern Highlands townships; this is definitely one gem of a locale to visit, stay and ride. Mark your diary for Easter 2009 as planning has started and bookings made!

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