I have copied and pasted below a part of the last newsletter (filed in Admin section of the forum) just to get the continuity of info here. And to help figure out an answer to John's question. Last time I stuck my head in the museum it was free, obviously things change! I had expected we would call in there anyway as from memory it was a fairly short (and sweet) experience to get enough of a hit. I'm a fan anyway, and am part way through reading Brockie's "How Good Is This" biography.
Certainly we are better to do a lap of Mt Panorama before going to the pub as, despite the best intentions from the lounge room back home, once we get to our stop getting back on the bikes before departure only ever seems to be a good idea to a small few (typically = 0!). So, let's have a look at what the schedule might be:
Leaving Freemans 9:15am
147km (incl two ferry trips 15 mins total)
Leaving Ebenezer after fuel 11:45am
145km
Leaving Oberon after lunch 2:30pm
48km
Bathurst, arrive Mt Panorama 3:15pm
So yes, there should be enough time to get a look at the museum! The above schedule might appear conservative to some, but experience tells me it is realistic for group travel. If it rains and we go anyway, add about 1.5 hours to it!
Extract from 12/03/10 Newsletter:For those that really can't decide until closer to the event (we know you're out there!) it turns out getting accommodation in the vicinity most shouldn't be a drama. So, if you're a last-minute-king, then you can check out the options that are listed here:
http://hunterdog.org.au/DiscussionBoard/index.php?topic=623.msg1674#msg1674 and make your own arrangements. However it would be handy if we know you're coming so we can do a head count before leaving.
We will be doing a "pick-up" at Mangrove Mountain for a couple of our more southerly participants, and can make any other arrgt along the route if you have a need, just let us know. Just to be clear we will go to the end of Bumble Hill Rd => Springs Rd from Yarramalong where it comes out on the road to Peats Hill George Downs Dr. We will stop on this corner to regroup and say goodbye to our day trippers who turn right to Wollombi, we will turn left and then in 2km turn right down Bloodtree Rd which joins Wisemans Ferry Rd and see our companions wherever they wait along this section.
We will stop for fuel at Ebenezer, being 147km from Freemans (including two ferry crossing rest stops). Then Oberon in 145km with 48km to Bathurst. After leaving Ebenezer there will be several "catch-up stops as we pick our way through the turns to get to the Bells line, then a full regroup at Bell (75km from Ebenezer) for a proper leg stretch before the section to Oberon.
Please note that we are not insisting on financial club membership for participation at this (or any) club event. It occurs to me that we have never made that particularly clear, and it could be an issue for some? We know very well that anyone that wants to participate in what the club gets up to will eventually be very happy to shell out for the really low membership costs we have, which comes back to you anyway the first time you shell out for anything at Frasers with the 10% club discount.