Jan 13

Oxley Squirt

Overnighter to Long Flat, sensational idea! Alas, it is only the 3 of us though – Karl, Paul & me. This’ll be Daisy’s first real road (teething) trip. We’ve, well Karl has done a bit to her, I’ve done the pretty stuff and think I’ve figured out the packing for a trip (in particular a camping trip) sorted.

Saturday 11th Jan 14

8:30am Saturday and we are off….woo hoo!  Plan – Fuel at Berowra (where I can’t get off the bike cos I can’t get off without her falling over – thanks Kath for holding her for me), up the Old Pac to Australian Reptile Park and then back on the Freeway to Bucketts Way. How much fun is the Old Pac on Daisy? – Awesome amounts of fun!! But the fun doesn’t last long, it’s uncomfortable L We hit the freeway and I’m squirming around like a worm.  Anyway’s finally turn onto Bucketts Way and I get off ready to go home. Karl ends up taking the swag after I’ve spat the dummy and we turn the bag around to give me back the seat space needed to be comfortable *thumbs up*.

Mount up and Daisy, she no start – crap. Karl’s already gone, Paul starts to go and realises I’ve got trouble. Anyway, there is no way she’s going to start. Finally after about 15 minutes she fires and we are off (this turns out to be an ongoing issue). I’m still fuming and it’s not getting better, the seat is now uncomfortable. Can’t fix it on the road will have to wait til Gloucester.

The usual food haunts in Gloucester are busy, so we head up to the Kik’n’bac Cafe for lunch. Flies, who ordered flies with our lunch, they are everywhere. Lunch was nothing special for the bucks we paid so we won’t be going back there.

They should have a side of "flies" on the menu...Yikes!

They should have a side of “flies” on the menu…Yikes!

Fuel at the shell and unfortunately I had to turn Daisy off – bugger. Finally get her started and Karl says “you go putting up the street, we’ll catch”, ok then. With the airhawk now fixed, the luggage sorted I finally start to enjoy riding Daisy….YAY!! What a hoot and I’m into it – no sign of the fellas though *shrugs*. Into the lookout I get a couple of pics before they arrive.

 

Carson/Cameron's Lookout. I never get the name right.

Carson/Cameron’s Lookout. I never get the name right.

Paul "The Leprechaun"

Paul “The Leprechaun”

Karl checking out the view.

Karl checking out the view.

I’m accused of hooning! Naturally I must’ve been right, cos they couldn’t catch me and after all I’m not on a fast bike now – it’s cruising in a bouncy kinda fashion…LOL

Assessing the clouds we decide we are possibly gonna get wet heading into Walcha. Paul and I swap bikes about 40 kays outta Walcha and not long afterwards it starts to rain…oh well, it’s not bad but we’re tough and don’t worry about wets (not required really).

 

A little wet Daisy in Walcha servo

A little wet Daisy in Walcha servo

The skies clear in the direction we want to head and I’m happy (thank god for that I reckon the guys are saying) and off we go to “smash the Oxley”, well to have a bit of fun anyway. Other than the straights, I surprised myself by keeping up with them. Daisy lurves the curves and she dips in here and flicks into there with a spring in her stride – it’s awesome and sooo much fun.

Heading down into Gingers Creek.

Heading down into Gingers Creek.

Cuppa tea at Gingers and a WOO HOO from me…happy Kimmie!!

Almost forgot we had to stop at Apsley Falls so Paul get a pic – Daisy’s first time too.

Daisy's first visit

Daisy’s first visit

One of the locals on his way down to the look out

Giant wildlife....would eat ya leg off if you let it! LOL

Giant wildlife….would eat ya leg off if you let it! LOL

Check out the view

Apsley lookout

Apsley lookout

Panoramic view

Panoramic view

Back on track, sorry, time to go, a cold beer is a calling. Now down the exciting part of the Oxley and WOW, it’s so much fun and relatively easy going on Daisy in comparison to Angel.

Pull up at Long Flat, a cold drink, unpack and start to relax.

 

Drinking hole & bed for the night

Drinking hole & bed for the night

As you can see Karl & Paul have the beers ready and made a new friend…good to see them playing nicely with the yocals!

Great alfresco dining overlooking the river with great company, what more could you ask for really. A walk after dinner is in order so we toddle off down the road yakking away and checking out the camping down by the river wondering how they got in there. I decided to climb the resident tree and felt like a Hobbit for a moment…LOL

Hobbit land? leave it up to you....

Hobbit land? leave it up to you….

Our usual night cap of tea and biscuits, more tea and Pringles, beer, chatting some reading and finally it’s cooled down enough to hit the hay.

Sunday 12th Jan 14

I had a good nights sleep and it was a slow start to the morning. Paul had demanded coffee and toast on his opening of thyne eyes in the morning. So when I had toast cooking and was ignored by him (who was still in bed) bugger him and Karl had gone across to the general store for coffee (which was disappointing this time).

No rain in sight today, the sun is out, the air is crisp, Daisy started first go (she’d had a sleep afterall), the fellas are having their war of words that they have and time to go and climb that snake of a road back to Gingers.

trusty steads.

trusty steads.

It’s a short stop, and the Power Rangers pull in not longer after we arrived so we hit the road. Let’s spoil ourselves in Walcha with a nice cuppa tea and scones! The Oxley never disappoints and the run through the top end twisties is invigorating!

Of course you have to get one of these!

cos ya have to...

cos ya have to…

Another tanty as Daisy wouldn’t start after fuelling up in Walcha and the guys had already left me for tea. 15 minutes later she starts and I have the irates something chronic. Karl goes and starts her first go after I get to the cafe and explain what happens….grrr. Yeah, well I’m disappointed again, no darn scones! WTha is going on here….it’s a conspiracy I tell you!!

On a better note, they have a new sculpture at the Walcha Cafe – the creator is truly talented.

something out of Alien???

something out of Alien???

The heat of the day is stinging already, so next stop is the lookout and then Gloucester for lunch. This time we go to Roadies Cafe (passed by previous taste tests) and there’s fans and aircon…YEAH!! The Daisy issue is really giving me the irates to the point that I just don’t want to turn her off. Finally on the way and it’s a cruisey run down Bucketts. In saying that Thunderbolts still has some good sections and some, well crappy road surface. Maybe one day they’ll complete both Bucketts and Thunderbolts, somehow I don’t think that will happen in my lifetime though.

End of Bucketts and Paul is pulled over and indicates he needs to put oil in the Rex (TRX850). So him & Karl, I thought had a plan (silly me) anyway we end up stopping at the driver reviver at the top of the Freeway home so he can add oil. Thankfully this time I was able to park in the shade. As Karl rode off and Paul started to leave, yep you guessed it, I’m still sitting there trying to get Daisy started. Paul turned around and tried to help but alas until Daisy’s ready to start, there is just no pushing her (at least this time someone else can explain to Karl what is happening or not when she gets hot). Eventually we are off and see Karl stopped down the freeway waiting for us.

Let’s get home!! Final fuel at the twin servos at Tuggerah (not for me I need to see what kays to a tank Daisy will get) but yep she won’t start again. Over it, just over it, totally ridiculous! An uneventful run down the freeway and into the drive..Yay! So glad I was to be home that I stupidly *doh* turned Daisy off “big mistake” cos Karl now had to push her up the drive in the gate…oops – sorry Sweety!!

Look, it may sound that I had a crappy time but if I was totally honest, it was a great weekend, once I sorted the luggage and seating. Ok, a major hick up with Daisy which I have no doubt Karl will sort in time but it was a teething run for Daisy. So now we know the bugs and can set to rectifying them.

For the specky people…

Total kays for the weekend 1086, Special Price $1.42, OA 80kph, MA 88kph

Dec 28

Xmas Holiday Day 7 & 8

Day 7 – Friday 27th Dec 13

The Hobbit, I want to see the Hobbit, please Sweety!! Yes, the sun is shinning, and Warriewood cinema has a session at 10am…beauty! For holiday season the cinema is practically empty, maybe 20 people watching this session – awesome.

The movies long and finished leaving me waiting for the next episode, so yeah I enjoyed it! As for what’s the movie about, you’ll have to go watch it yourself…I’m no spoil sport.

It’s gorgeous outside, Karl & I stop on the way back for get some lunch before heading back to the penthouse for a nice relaxing afternoon (which includes reading, cuppa tea and a nap), Oh Yeah!!

Now everybody said “you have to go to the Arms”, so naturally not having been there before I wanted to go. It’s our last night and Karl says “s’pose I should take you to Newport Arms shouldn’t I”, hell yeah are you nuts or something. Dinner was fancy over priced pub food (on the seafood side). It was ok, but I wouldn’t rave about it. The view is rather special though and here I am modelling my new dress.

Newport Arms

We get back and take Ella-Jane for walk along the beach – she loves it.

Day 8 – 28th December 13

Ho hum, our last morning on the beaches 🙁   Anyway, it’s time to pack, do all the washing and housework before we make the trek home.  It’s been great having the week up here, time to chill out and relax which has been absolutely fabulous. However, like the old saying there is no place like home and by mid afternoon we are home and unpacked.

Thanks Nana & Pete for the holiday!

 

Dec 27

Xmas Day / Boxing Day

Xmas Day

Another strenuous morning of sleeping in…lol, one could get accustomed to this lifestyle. hmmm.

Karl and I had already received our early xmas/birthday presents from each other so it was lucky that Ella-Jane did a bit of last minute shopping and surprised us with a small pressie each 🙂

Our day was pretty relaxing, reading, taking Ella for walks (which she is sooo enjoying), snoozing and a bit of telly before Karl had to pick up his daughter. Once back she opened her presents and Karl started on our traditional (very loose term) Xmas dinner (we were pretty lucky as Coles is next door and we managed to snag some bargains).

Look we had the basics of a baked dinner covered……stuffed Turkey breast wrapped in bacon (baked in the oven) – tick, chicken (chicken kiev, baked in the oven) – tick and baked potato (curly fries, baked in the oven) – tick, pasta salad and an Indian chickpea salad, Xmas dinner in a nut shell and it was delicious!!

With full tummies, we vegged on the couch and had an early night.

Boxing Day

We met Karl’s father,wife and brother at Bilgola for breakfast and of course Ella joined us (everything is so doggy friendly up on the beaches). It’s also my dads birthday today.

Bilgola Beach

Breakfast done and a surprise phone call from dad to say mum wasn’t well but he’d keep me posted. Mum did ring later in the day to say she was feeling better. More walks for Ella and it starts to sprinkle time to say bye.

Another lazy day, well we are on holidays…no guilt here. Karl drops his daughter back and our friend Leonie arrives for a visit. Chin wagging and nibbles, hmm a good way to spend the late afternoon before dinner, if you ask me. The menu tonight is Thai and we toddle off down the street to have dinner, which we then followed with what has become a nightly occurrence of walking along the beach…noice!

The three of us a having a good old time but we have been watching the sky which is getting increasingly dark and yukky looking. Bam, yep, big drops start hitting us (which just quietly I thought a bird had pooped on me…shhh), holy crap, and here we are running up the sand to reach cover. Too late!! 🙁 weez wet. Refuge round the back of the surf club but it’s not letting up and we have to make a run for it. By the time we get back we are soaked (Leonie says “nice pink undies Kimmie”, hmm lucky I wore a dress with a lining hey….lol). Drying off and not long after another friend Paul arrives – he’s soaked to the bone (he rode, oops).

Kettles boiled again and we chat away. Time flies and our friends have a decent hike to get back to their own homes, so we say good night. I can’t remember what time it was or when we got to sleep, thank goodness we can sleep in though.

Dec 25

Xmas Eve 2013

What’s the best way to start the day…..with a massage of course!! I’d booked myself into the Bua Thai Massage & Day Spa for a bit of pampering.

very exotic....but no Katut..lol

very exotic….but no Katut..lol

Feeling pretty good decided to spoil myself even more and went down to Poise (local boutique) for some retail therapy. What are the chances that I get to meet the store owner and local designer…100 % today!! and a small discount to me – YAY. New dress and scarf purchased, bank balance a little lighter..oh well, I’m on holiday after all.

Arrive back, Karl says “where you been, I went looking for you” – retail therapy I say…oops.

Nice relaxing afternoon and we treat ourselves to dinner at Braza – noice.

Too much food, so a nice relaxing stroll along the beach before settling into Carols by Candlelight for the night.

1458480_498161810299836_40074375_n

Lucky we got back when we did, cos it started raining just as we got settled – phew! And pretty much rained for the rest of the night…..lucky we were inside watching the Carols on channel 9. Well I was, Karl was busy with Ella-Jane capturing the zzzzz’ds that were flying around our room….lol

 

 

Dec 23

Xmas Holiday Day 2 & 3

Day 2 continued….

It’s hard stuff this relaxing thing, so hard that I needed some retail therapy – Warriewood Centro was the chosen clinic!! Unsuccessful, I returned as Karl suspected I would – empty handed 🙁

Dinner at Cha Rice Noodle and a walk afterwards was the perfect way to make room for more yummies….lol and wind down for the night.

 

Day 3

Yawn, stretch, smiles, ahhh what a good nights sleep and a beautiful morning, again! Off today to see mum and dad for Xmas and dad’s birthday. A good run up the coast, a couple of sheriff’s with customers along the way, pretty trouble free really.

Mum and Dad are stoked to see us (it hasn’t been the best year for them), so if putting a smile on their faces does the trick in making their day better – then that’s something I am more than happy to give.

A nice lunch and the exchange of gifts. I wish I had the camera ready to go when mum and dad realised what we gave them….the sunshine beaming from their faces was priceless!!! Some more relaxing (this is hard stuff, ya know) and telling of stories before Karl, Ella and I had to head back.

Thanks mum and dad (one day you might get internet so you can read and see what your daughters get up to). I love you!!!

Back in the apartment, oh the decision for dinner – that’s easy tonight, fish and chips.

Now here I am sitting back on the couch, cider positioned on the coffee table while I catch up here (my memory sucks, so in years to come this will be my diary of life as I see it at that point in time).

Signing off for tonight. I’m exhausted, need to catch me up on some of that relaxing stuff…lol

See youse  🙂 

Dec 22

Xmas Holiday

 Holiday, did I just type “holiday”, wow what’s that?

Usually for me, it involves hundreds of kays traveled upon my trusty motorcycle to places far & wide for the sheer pleasure of it. Sometimes staying in some beautiful places (country towns) where ah, the accommodation isn’t exactly 5 star (lucky to be a “star” sometimes…LOL). However, NOT THIS TIME!!! no sir re, we are living the high life in a penthouse apartment opposite the beach – complete with all the creature comforts Karl, Ella & I could ask for (after all we deserve it – right!).

After settling in yesterday, I took the afternoon to check out the local gourmet boutiques (you aren’t in the west now Kimmie). WOW, there are some beautiful things with what I call not so beautiful prices (lol), but in true style I snagged a bargain (a fashionable piece to go over my swimmers – win).

Take out for dinner (even great chef’s like Karl need to have a break) and couple of ciders and how relaxed are we! We are graced by a visit from a friendly face who traveled far to say HI and to get some milk on is way home….

Off to bed after a hard day (not) and time to wind down.

DAY 2

Not a very good nights sleep – the locals are rowdy and the light is streaming in the bedroom (even with the blinds closed) eventually we dose off but ARGHHH it’s not even 6am!!! and we are awake – what’s going on here??

Breaky – tick, swimmers on – tick,

Modelling the fashion item & chillaxing with a coffee

Modelling the fashion item & chillaxing with a coffee

OK Sweety take me to the beach for our morning walk, swim, etc…..  A little heads up here – I am not the beach type, can cope with the sand but out in the water that’s a whole different story.   Walk done, now for the swim (I didn’t buy these swimmers for nothing). Karl’s gone in a flash, gettin amongst it while I’m dottering about walking my way in (the water wasn’t that cold) but I hate getting my face wet….LOL (you’re at the beach Kimmie that’s what happens). Anyways, Karl did come back for me & I clamped onto his arm like an octopus and he took me out a bit. Got smashed!! Karl laughed, I spat out sea water…lol – was fun.

Walk back and a stressful day begins. Even Ella has had trouble adapting to the new lifestyle – don’t you think?

Karl & Ella struggling.....

Karl & Ella struggling…..

Nov 26

Riding Miss Daisy

Daisy is a country girl, born and raised in our Country & Western Region of Australia (partial to a little bit of Keith Urban, I believe).   For her age – 14 (don’t tell her I told you she’s a bit sensitive) she’s in really good shape, I’d even go as far to say as good as new!  A bit of negotiation with her current owner and the deal was agreed.  Saturday saw Karl & I road tripping in the car (with tools and both sets of riding gear) to Armidale to check her out and hopefully bring her home.

Arriving in Armidale under stormy skies and pelting rain I wasn’t too impressed to be taking her for a test ride in this, but I did anyway and was not disappointed.  Came back with a huge smile on my face – the deal was sealed.

Before riding her home (just over 500kays) Karl required to work his magic to lower her for me (lucky it wasn’t that difficult, just tricky working in someone else’s garage in crappy weather). Thanks Sweety!!  Geared up and pouring rain we start for home….Karl in the car and me riding Miss Daisy.

What a different experience, the thump of a single, the whir of the tyres, the solid seat (or the concrete g-string as I have renamed it-the seat that is), heated grips, touring screen, IMS 20lt tank and highway pegs – ya gotta love them. How interesting is the ride, well totally different to Angel. The tyres make a burring sound like a baby mack truck..lol, the front tyre isn’t great so tipping in doesn’t happen so I was steering her around. Daisy is more upright, 100kgs lighter, more bouncy and rides through more strenuous conditions with ease – what a HOOT!!! Can’t wait to take her out with some decent tyres to see how we both go.

Daisy clicked over a milestone on the way home.

17,000 original kays (thaankfully the rain had stopped for a few minutes)

17,000 original kays (thaankfully the rain had stopped for a few minutes)

We find a lost soul (Smurfette) along the way. A quick stop in Scone for fuel and she says “Oh Smurf, we forgot the jam and cream Kimmie”…lol! We finally after many hours arrive home at just after 9:00pm, tuck Daisy safely away in the garage and head to bed.

Smurfette trying out a spot on Daisy

Smurfette trying out a spot on Daisy

Daisy is in really good condition, service records, tidy body, ok shoes and a few extra accessories which are all ok. However, I’d really like to see what she’s made of, so it’s time to pull her apart and have a good look. Hoowee, the sprocket cover is yuk and the chain and sprockets are buggered  – like 14 years of build up but it doesn’t stop there, she’s like it all underneath.

Sprocket cover

Sprocket cover

front of the swingarm

front of the swingarm

dog bone and rear linkage

dog bone and rear linkage

Sorry, I should’ve warned you that you were going to look under Daisy’s skirt…oops!

Degreaser is my best friend today, but Smurfette also wants to help out (really Smurfette, do you know what to do with that screwdriver).

Kimmie if you can get dirty, why can't I?

Kimmie if you can get dirty, why can’t I?

List of parts required: new tyres, chain and sprockets, swing arm chain guide, gaiters (not the snappy type) – not a bad list considering.

List of wants: comfy seat, new grips, HID head light, LED spot lights, panniers, GPS cradle and mounts, power socket and I’m sure there’s going to be more.

Anyways, here she is undressed

DSCN2202a

 

So have you figured out what Daisy is yet? Well here you go, meet Daisy!

Suzuki DR 650 – 1999 with 17,390 on the clock.

Miss DAISY!!

Miss DAISY!!

 

May 20

Oxley….how many times?

ha ha ha…….as many times as you want!! that was Karl’s plan. This ride was Karl’s brain child in a small window of opportunity (these don’t come by very often). The seeds were sown and the lonely flower of the group did what she does best, booked some great accommodation while the thorns set about plotting a cunning plan….mwahahaha.

McGraths Hills Macca’s was the start point for this adventure and here we are……Salute!! LOL

You think we're happy...hell yeah!!

You think we’re happy…hell yeah!!

As you can see it wasn’t an early start, but it was still a bit fresh and we were pumped…..”let’s GO”!!

Kimmie has no mogo this morning so I’m happy to run the rear. Haven’t been well all week, but after going to the doctors on Wednesday he told me “there’s nothing wrong with you, go take panadol”. Where do some of these quacks get there qualifications, the cornflake box!! The boys smashed it up the Putty and waited for me after 10mile 🙂 thanks boys xx

Singleton for fuel, then onto Gloucester for lunch. Very busy today but the bakery for pies and I think a sambo for one was the winner. Suns a shining but the wind chill factor is well……attention grabbing. Thunderbolts north of Gloucester is absolute **shite**, rough surface, road works, gravel, road works, windy and chilly, but hey, ya know what – who cares we’re gonna do the Oxley…ner ner ne ner ner!!

The further north we head the windier it gets and the brrrr factor is like ice. My heated grips have stopped working and my hands are frozen stiff, bugger. Thunderbolts does improve though and the servo in Walcha was a welcoming sight and we all dismounted shivering, but the best was yet to come. All except for Pete love a hot cuppa, so I thinks (one of those light bulb moments) “Tim Tam’s” tonight with a cuppa relaxing – noice and I sneakily buy Tim Tam’s from the servo *thumbs up* (the boys don’t know…lol)

The sun is starting to lower it’s head as we hit the straights out of Walcha before hitting the curvaceous and tantalising section into Gingers Creek. The guys have huge smiles on there faces as I pull into Gingers freezing. Have I told you my heated grips stopped working…grrr, I mean brrrrr. Here’s where I earnt my weight in gold, well Tim Tam’s anyways. Quote of the day “you’re a good woman Kimmie – a keeper I’d say”.

a little sumfing for later!!

a little sumfing for later!!

The Oxley is always a delight to ride despite the road works and the couple of chopped up corners and today was no exception. For me it was cruising down this holy mountain, taking in the sights and the smells while trying to keep focused on not having cold hands and practising my lines as I caress the curves of this mighty road.

As the suns slowly sets, a magical moment. Peace and serenity.

As the suns slowly sets, a magical moment. Peace and serenity.

Arriving into Long Flat – Travellers Rest Hotel (our digs for the night) and it’s dusk.  Pete & Ben beat me down and it wasn’t long before Karl and Paul arrive. Lap 1 completed.

ducks in a row

ducks in a row

We weren’t the only riders staying here tonight. Most of us get settled but Paul has an issue…..

surgery by torch light

surgery by torch light

something to do with the head stem bearing. I left them to sort it out while I unpacked and attempted to make myself beautiful!..lol Dinner at 6:30pm and the food is good….value for money (huge servings). The guys were surprised I got through 98% of mine.

Mum & Dad

Mum & Dad

the "Children"

the “Children”

Now what is a ride trip without bike modifications, now really…..yep Pete needs to make some adjustments to his new weapon. Out into the cold night air with tool kits and torches at hand and they discuss the first world problems and how to rectify the suspension. I thought it best to make tea and bring out the Tim Tam’s at this time….LOL…”onya mum!”

It’s an early night for Karl and I but the children decided well they’re not “that old”, “really 9:30pm you can’t be serious! ” So we left them to there own devices.  Now the accommodation, it’s basic but when we stay there next time I’ll be requesting another room. There was this smell…oooeee but it was a bed and it was dry and reasonably warm (inside).

Saturday 18th May 13

What a beautiful day! The sun is bursting through and Karl and I are up, dressed, packed, had breakky (which is included in the room rate – awesome) but the boys well, are still in bed.

the little sleeping beauties (ogers)...lol

Ben, Paul & Pete – the little sleeping beauties (ogers)…lol

Come on guys, really it’s after 7 – what’s wrong with you!

the toys all tucked away

the toys all tucked away

Now I can’t go without getting a “bike in front of pub” pic

Travellers Rest Hotel - Long Flat

Travellers Rest Hotel – Long Flat

Finally, there is life

Karl, me & Paul

Karl, me & Paul

We leave Ben and Pete in bed and tell them we’ll meet them at Gingers. The plan for the day do as many laps as you want but I was having afternoon tea in Walcha (don’t care what you guys do) and be in Bendemeer by 5ish.

Karl & Paul are gone, so I made my own way up. It’s a beautiful morning, fresh, crisp, birdies flying high and the cows are grazing. Time for some pics.

Just out of Long Flat

Just out of Long Flat

Check out how blue and clear the sky is.

beautiful

beautiful

Onto the climb up the Oxley. Shadows are cast over the road with glimmers of sunshine peaking through the trees, warming the road surface and me. Nice and steady, it’s a great morning to be meandering through the mighty mountain and before long into Gingers Creek. Brrr, it’s a bit fresh so a hot chocolate is in order and boys have had coffee. But Karl & Paul have itchy throttle wrists and they decide to head off to Kangaroo Flat Rd while we are waiting for Ben & Pete.

Everyone at Gingers and Ben suggests we should get a group photo at the famous Kangaroo Flat Rd (famous you say….well, yes but that’s another story for someone else to tell). Lap 2 completed and we gather for the group photo (it’s still a bit windy and cool).

the FAMOUS Kangaroo Flat Rd

the FAMOUS Kangaroo Flat Rd

Back down the hill and we roll into Long Flat – Lap 3 completed and looky me it’s lunch time. The boys wanted lunch at Gingers but I just couldn’t go the stint without food…sorry guys. Fuel for the steads and us (pretty average at the general store) but there ain’t much choice in good old Long Flat.

What’s that, we have to go back up the Oxley…..oh darn..LOL are you kidding me!!! We are having a great day!! We leave in stages and as usual I am last again and get to ride with all my friends…me, me and oh me! The heat of the day was lunch and layers came off but as we are afterall heading into winter the heat doesn’t last long. About time I stopped and got a pic of this sign. It’s the start of the windy section of road that is the mecca of the Oxley Highway…..the reason we all come here.

hi ho, hi ho, it's up the hill we go!!!

hi ho, hi ho, it’s up the hill we go!!!

As you can see it’s nearly 2:00pm and I AM having afternoon tea in Walcha. I’ve been dreaming of hot scones with jam and cream all weekend so get a wriggle on Kimmie!

Into Gingers the boys are waiting for me – Lap 4 done, and they are ready for a cuppa. Karl & I get going again headed for Walcha, scones and a hot cuppa. The sun is sinking and I am getting cold again but I love the top section of the Oxley after Gingers and I come alive as we hit Big Sky Country. Long sweepers, you know the scene and the story, I’ve told it many times before.

I pull up outside the Walcha Cafe – a beautifully renovated old pub that is now a 50’s style Cafe with accommodation. Open the door and am greeted with absolute warmth (yeah, they have the fireplace going….it’s bloody cold outside, brrrr).

Walcha Cafe

Walcha Cafe

I order scones, jam and cream and the lady says “sorry love we are out of scones” NOOOOOO  you can’t be serious there must be at least one back there! But NO and she offers me a heated double choc chip muffin with a massive serving of cream…disappointed, but OK and I ordered two pots of tea to go with it.

tea and muffin with cream

tea and muffin with cream

So, it’s 2nd place with the muffin but you know what it was pretty nice and the tea was good. The children arrive as we are finishing our tea and they order their beverages before we headed off to Bendemeer. Was a shame to leave the warmth of the Cafe I tell you.

I also love this section of road from Walcha to Bendemeer. The boys do some bike whoring and Ben & I are last to leave. The two birds (thems the bikes for those that don’t get it) setting a nice pace, weaving our way through on the ribbon that wraps around this country. It’s cold, no heated grips, nevermind. The sun is slowly sinking into the cloud line but manages to catch my line of sight entering a few corners for which I had to slow down for. Ben & I are having a great ride out $1.50 through here no problem, but it’s over all too soon and we reach Bendemeer pub (where we are staying tonight).

The food here is awesome (as always) and with full bellies and few drinks (for the boys that is) many stories are told and laughed at. Time is ticking away and mum and dad say goodnight. The children however have plans to watch the qualifying round of the Moto GP – which I am told they did before the Tv was promptly turned off by the publican.

Sunday 19th May 13

Eventually we are all together at the cafe had breaky and decide on the route home. Now back in Walcha, Thunderbolts to Gloucester and then lets see.

Bendemeer Cafe - breakfast choice of champions

Bendemeer Cafe – breakfast choice of champions

Have I told you at all this trip how friggin cold it was……well this morning was no different – freeeezing and windy! The road hadn’t changed much since we came up it on Friday so nothing much to report except we all managed to ride reasonably together…shock! A quick stop at Camerons lookout (north of Gloucester) and chat to an old dude on a GS.

still blowing a gale and brrrrr...

still blowing a gale and brrrrr…

Super model material, aren’t I…LOL!

Into Gloucester for fuel (thankfully it’s warmer) and we decide to head to the freeway and Heatherbrae for lunch. The Golden Arches it is, not 5 star dining but hey we wanna get home. It’s here we split up, so say our fare thee wells and we gets going.

Karl & I pull in home about 3-3:30 and happy to be there.

All in all a great weekend was had by all. How many times did we do the Oxley…4!! Were we happy – HELL YEAH!!!  Would we do it all again even with the cold weather – In a heart beat!!!

So there you go folks, we motorcycle riders don’t care what the elements throw at us, we are just happy to be out there doin’ what we love to do – ride this great country of ours.

See you on a road somewhere *thumbs up*

 

 

 

 

Mar 31

Ella-Jane’s Easter Camping 2013

Ella’s never been on a holiday, a real holiday (well except going to Nanny & Pa’s). Friends of ours Phill and Kim asked if we’d like to join them at Easter camping and they were taking their boy Ninja with them, so we thought it a great idea to take Ella-Jane away on her first ever holiday with mum and dad – and why not camping!!!

Destination is Windeyer about 33 kays out of Mudgee (literally in the middle of nowhere).

Our camp site

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Karl & Ella looking right at home

Not too shabby. Now as you can see Ella has made herself comfy on my chair…hmmm.
Phill, Kim and Ninja just across the grass

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Phill, Kim & Ninja’s home away from home

Their setup is just a little more flash than ours….lol

As you can see, Ella has settled right into the camping scene – making herself quite at home at the table, enjoying the conversation…….”what was that dad….don’t let mum catch me at the table”.

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oops…..LOL

Lucky for us Ninja and Ella-Jane got on just fine….well until she growled at him..oops.

A chilly night but the owners commandeered a fire pit for us….toasty!!

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Ella decided it was warmer on my lap in front of the fire.

Off to bed and surprisingly Ella thought it was great. Of course she took up most of the sleeping bag curled up in a nice bundle down my legs……can’t remember if that was before or after Karl had evicted her from the bottom of his sleeping bag.

A crisp morning, the boys have the billy going for our morning coffee. In a paddock at the end of the caravan park are some sheep. Ella was a bit inquisitive yesterday but today hmmm.  Karl lets her off the lead (she’ll be right – famous last words) and she’s off…..oops. “You go get her”….yep you guessed it, she’s through the fence and off after the sheep….LOL

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Here’s Karl bringing her back, like nothing had happened.

Yummy breaky of bacon and eggs on an English muffin and coffee – the good life!! Then it’s off for some touristy stuff.

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The Honey Haven

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New things for Ella to try

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Somehow, I don’t think she has the muscle to pull that cart….but she had to try!

Then onto lunch at the Blue Wren Winery

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What a beautiful day for an outside lunch..

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A quick stop at Peter Van Gent Winery. Must say Ella and Ninja have been excellent visiting all these places.

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Then we’re off back to Windeyer for a restful afternoon. On the way Karl & I found our first home, with lots of yard for Ella to run around in.

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What do you think? Was a bargain…

Just needs a little bit of work, but she’ll be apples!!

Windeyer Rd is home to an interesting array of art at the front of someones property

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Back at camp we kick back with cheese, bickies, dip, nibblies and of course wine before having an afternoon nap…as you do. Sitting round the fire again chatting away and enjoying the peacefulness and it’s amazing where the time goes.

We had rain last night, not much just enough to make things wet but not soaking. I get a sleep in…ahh and Kim and the boys have got breaky started already. Ella’s happily wandering around on her lead with Karl but he decides to let her off again. Words of warning from me “you know she’s going to head straight for the sheep and you know where you’ll be going”. Karl “no she won’t, she’ll be fine” (famous last words, again) – she’s off like a rat up a drain pipe after them sheep. She didn’t even stop for the fence this time she went straight through into the paddock. Anyways, here’s the result…

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 I remember you guys from yesterday.

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Let’s play………

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Chasings……YAY!!! I’m gonna catch you if you don’t run faster than that…..lol

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Well, I’ve turned you round, now what to do…..

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Better go back to dad, before I gets in BIG trouble.

As you can see, Ella-Jane had a ball. It was great to take her away with us and we’d do it again.

Thanks Kim, Phill & Ninja for the invite – we all had a great time and laugh, haven’t laughed so much in ages.

 

Mar 11

Tintaldra 2013

Our annual pilgrimage to Tintaldra – a culmination of 3 states, 3 forums and a world full of personalities.  It started 6 years ago, of which Karl and I have attended for 5 of them and met some wonderful folk that enjoy our past time of motorcycle riding.

We have an international inclusion this year with the presence of Patrick (a family friend of Karl’s from Germany). Friday 8th March, 7:30am we are ready to roll . SPOT is a goer and flashing away. First stop Pheasants Nest for fuel and to see how Patrick is settling into his new ride a BMW GSA650 (800) *thumbs up*!

Very uneventful ride all the way through to Hume, ACT where we stop for a short break and check in with Andy to see whether he’s joining us. Unfortunately, it’s bad news from Andy and he is stuck in Canberra with a busted bike – not the best way to spend your birthday weekend – sorry you missed it mate 🙁

The cry “let’s go” rings out and we are going again. As usual Karl runs front and I run the rear making sure that Patrick is safely in the middle. Patrick’s doing ok considering he hasn’t done a lot of distance riding. Here’s Patrick heading out of town.

Patrick & the Monaro Highway

Patrick & the Monaro Highway

Long ribbons of tarmac lead us into a beautifully warm Cooma. What more could you ask for! Fuel and I wanna get to Adaminaby, but we ask Patrick what he’d like to do and we decide to stop for lunch. SPOT is still tracking (well the lights are flashing anyway) so let’s hope my long distance (LD) friends are watching. Ready to leave when the other group from Sydney (who are joining us for the weekend) arrive. Goodays and introductions are made but that road, my favourite is calling – I can hear it!!  I tell Karl “I’ll meet you in Adaminaby at the fish”.

Snowy Mountains Highway to Adaminaby should be called Kimmie’s paradise. Going going gooooone!!!! Smooth surface, sun shining, slight breeze, rocking away to my music and on song with Angel as we caress each twist and turn of the black ribbon we are riding. A few Aussie road blocks are overcome and it’s no time before I roll into picturesque Adaminaby and pull up at the newly restored trout. A photo opportunity and stripping of layers as the temp is rising. Gods country, I tell you.

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restored Trout in Adaminaby

We take a few pics for Patrick I don’t think he’s seen anything like this and time is ticking (not that we are in a hurry) but these roads…well…… Into the Kosciusko National Park and for years I’ve past this sculpture and each time thinking “I must stop and get a pic one day” well one day happened finally YAY! I’m still not sure what it is, maybe another day I’ll take a break there and find out…lol

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Sculpture thingy

The boys are gone and it’s time to play catch up. We wind our way through the beautiful picturesque National Park before a regroup at Tumut Ponds. Patrick is doing really well but sends Karl & I ahead. Mate you aren’t holding us up, ride where you are comfy at and if we want to overtake you we will.  Nice steady pace, light, shadows, leafy litter adorn the road as we rise and descend through the park and before you know it it’s into Corryong for some shopping. “Schnapps” says Patrick. “Mate, go for it, if that’s what you want”.

Into the driveway at Clearwater on the Murray Caravan Park- Tintaldra  and time to unload, kick back and wait for everyone else to roll up. It’s good to see everyone again and have a few drinks. We receive a message that Eve has broken down in Jindabyne and she & Eamonn make the wise decision to stay overnight and have the bike repaired then head on down the next day. The rest of her group will meet us tonight, just a matter of time.

Rick and Eilsa have a fabulous roast dinner in the rotisserie going for us, so it’s time to take the first timers up to the Tintaldra boarder crossing on the bridge over the Mighty Murray River.

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Karl, Anto & Don on the Tintaldra Bridge

Now you can’t come all this way and not admire the peace and serenity of this area of the country. View from the bridge just before sunset.

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Just before sunset on the Murray River

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Beautiful!!

A great night a reminiscing, learning about your new friends, drinking, laughing and of course story telling was had. But it’s time for some shut eye cos tomorrow we have riding to do on some more great roads.

Saturday 9th March 13.

Bacon, eggs, toast, tea, coffee, the breakfast of champions ready for a day of twists and turns.

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assembling for the days ride

Who paid the weather gods?  THANK YOU cos we have a magical day in the weather department – awesome!!! Our plan for today we decided on last night, Corryong, Granya, Jingellic, Tumbarumba, Tooma, Corryong and back to Tintaldra, an easy days ride but for those that aren’t used to back to back distance in the heat it can be tiring.

Patrick is settling into the group and considering he hasn’t ridden roads like this before is doing really well. Corryong for fuel and a nice steady pace out along the Murray Valley Highway to the turn off to Granya where we have a regroup and I swap corner marking duties with Brian and wait for Don. Now Granya Rd is one of those “must do’ roads. This time we head south to north and I’m not disappointed. The recent rains have provided much needed moisture and the fields are green and the Murray River is looking beautiful! Weaving through the mountainside, Angel purring and we lean in and hug the curves of this magical road. A regroup in Granya and one of the locals decides he wants to say g’day! LOL

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seems we have a couple of Dr Doo-Littles in the group and I’m not sure the local is impressed.

Heading on Murray River Rd with the Murray River running alongside us, through Thologalong and this is what you see……….

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amazing….

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peaceful…..Murray River

I love this section of road, open sweepers, beautiful scenery and great riding buddies and we are heading towards Jingelic. Crowey & Mark are marking the turn off (it’s easily missed) and over the rise I almost have trouble hauling Angel up to take the turn…oops…he he he.

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view from the Jingelic bridge

Over the bridge and onto Linden Roth Drive, next stop Tumbarumba for lunch. It’s warm and I know I am at least looking forward to lunch and a rest, hopefully Patrick is enjoying his day of riding and the new friends he has made. The 4 Bears Cafe is our destination for lunch and you can’t not have a photo with Big Ted.

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Big Ted, surely lives up to his name

I think Patrick was  surprised at the cafe – not something I’d imagine you see in Germany.

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Patrick and furry friends..

A yummy lunch is had by all.

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it’s a feeding frenzy…..lol

What was the Esther?…….I couldn’t quite understand what you said with that mouthful of sambo…..lol (I know I will pay for this later – payback is a biatch).

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Ree and her little pink friend, Esther and Mark

Our group splits up after lunch with half going to enjoy themselves on the inviting Elliots Way and the rest of us decide to head back through Tooma. Karl and I are trying to show Patrick as much as possible of the fabulous roads the Snowy region has to offer. Tooma is looking luscious and the views are spectacular. I’d said to Patrick that we’d take him to this lookout that we found last year cos the views are breath taking. We pull into the carpark of the South Cloud Memorial Lookout and here is the reason why….

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view from the lookout

It’s a bit warm and we take a few moments to draw in the magnificent views, have a drink and Patrick mounts the Jeep (thinking of an upgrade from the 800)…hmmm.

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Patrick on Jeep, Karl & Marvin

We all arrive back and are pleased to see that Eve & Eamonn have made it safely. Drinks, nibbles, tales of the days ride from everyones perspective and relaxing…..ahhhh excellent.

The crew of Tintaldra 2013 – from left to right

Back row: Don, Patrick, Anto, Karl, Eamonn, Mark, Esther, Eve, Marvin, Joy, Sue & Bubba        Front row: Joy, Ree & Me (Crowey is missing, something about “gone fishing”).

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Tintaldra 2013

Sunday 10th March 13

Fabulous nights sleep, a crisp morning and unfortunately, sadly today we must leave our little Snowy gem. Hang on a minute, not before another hearty breakky for champions though…lol.

We say our fare thee wells and Karl, Patrick and I head off to tackle The Alpine Way. The air is crisp and I open my visor to take in the aroma of the country air…great start to the day.  A stop in Khancoban and we brief Patrick about the magical road ahead.

ready to leave

ready to leave

We climb through the mountain, Karl and I are just cruising at an easy pace but as Patrick is not familiar with the road we pull ahead. The Alpine Way never ceases to amaze me each time I travel this road with the kaleidoscope of colours and shapes.  We stop at Dead Horse Gap (the highest point in the area, just before Thredbo) for the tourist pic.

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Patrick at Dead Horse Gap

Through Thredbo and onto Jindabyne where we stop for a break. What a beautiful morning. Oh no, Patrick has a wardrobe malfunction. The zipper on his ………..leather jacket (gotcha) has cross toothed and won’t move. McGiver Karl to the rescue and we are off again.

A quick fuel stop in Cooma, then onto Bungendore for lunch at our favourite spot.

lunch in Bungendore

lunch in Bungendore

Great pies, sausage rolls and pasties!!

It’s hot and humid and home ain’t getting any closer sitting around. The last stretch seems to take the most time…..I still can’t figure out why that is. Slabbing up the Hume Highway is boring but we are lucky there isn’t a lot of traffic. Finally, we pull into the Mobil servo at Pheasants Nest for our final fuel stop……where Karl boasts his extraordinary range at 619 kays!

It’s here we say our thank yous and good byes to Patrick as he is going to head straight back to his Sydney home instead of dropping off at ours on the way.  Into the driveway and there is no place like home.

A great ride with great friends, great location, great hosts and lots of new memories and lots of laughs = fantabulous weekend!!!

p.s here’s our more relaxed group photo….spot the cheeky one!!! LOL

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