YAY!!! it’s that time of year again for the annual pilgrimage to Tintaldra ***happy dance*** and it’ll be Dudley’s first time 🙂

Friday morning with the two boys (Trevor & Dudley) packed and ready to roll, Karl and I head out of town to rendezvous with our friends Mark, Esther & Rob in Hume ACT. I’m going for a ride so naturally we had some rain til we got to Goulburn and then it was like someone turned the hose off and let “the sun shine through!”

Fuel and quick hellos and we are off. It’s still a little cool but will warm up soon enough….the sky is a beautiful pale blue with fluffy white pillows – lovely!

The Monotonous Highway never really changes and soon we are into Cooma and wave goodbye just as quickly heading towards the turnoff to Adaminaby – The Snowy Mountains Highway or better known as “Kimmies Favourite Road”.

Karl knows only to well how much I love this stretch (44km) of road to Adaminaby and kicks me through. It’s not long and I’ve rounded up Esther and then chase Mark down. My happy face is “on” (despite a kick arse headache) and I can feel that Dudley is excited to have a crack at this piece of road. We round Mark up lickity split and I ask Dudley “are you ready for this?” As I down a gear and open up the mighty triple he roared with anticipation to get his teeth into this ride………

We were in flight, taking the sweeps and curves with the hungry eagerness of someone starving for excitement!! Not having his suspension set quite right had us backing off a few times as the front was a little flighty at times which was a little unnerving. Mark was hot on our rear tyre and was happy sitting at a nice $1.50 (anything over that was a bit hairy). Adaminaby for lunch and a fist pump as we roll into town – I, sorry we (me and Dudley) “lurve” that stretch of road. Dudley’s ride of firsts includes a photo op with the Ada Trout.

Dudley & The Ada Trout

Off through the Kosciusko National Park and High Country. Unfortunately we were advised Cabramurra Way was closed so we had to take Elliot Way. Unfortunately, we think Rob missed that bit of the discussion at lunch cos we got to the Southern Cloud Lookout and no Rob but we picked up Don. The roads are great, the sun is shining, my head is pounding but we are riding and therefore the world is good!

Southern Cloud Lookout

Southern Cloud Lookout

We figured Rob took the alternate (closed) road and we would meet him in Tintaldra so we press on. Karl takes the dirt option at Tooma while Mark, Esther & I take the sealed route through the farmlands. Over the hill and down the dale and the tall trees that line the road leading to the Mighty Murray / Border and Tintaldra are in sight and it’s like the weight of the world is lifted off my shoulders – I have reached “serenity!!”.

What seems like eternity rolls by and no Rob! We manage to get his phone number and start leaving messages and texts before going – nup we are heading out to look for him. Not long as the boys head out he rolls in…phew! Turns out he did take Cabramurra Way all the way to the end (it’s not closed) and then turned around when nobody was there and came back down Elliot Way.

Our lovely hosts from the Clearwater Caravan Park, Rick & Eilsa greet us with huge hugs and smiles and we settle in for a meal fit for Royalty and a night of stories and laughter.

Settling in for a great night

Saturday is the mighty breakfast for champions and the ride plan for the day is set. Walwa – Granya (including a stop at the Granya Pub – Tallangatta (headache pills for me, fuel for others) – Eskdale – Mitta Mitta. Some of us have trouble reading signs and Esther flew past (I’m told…I was behind her riding like a nana), I stopped just past the sign and did a uey and we waited for Bubba to chase Esther down and bring her back.

Granya Pub

Nice ride of twists and turns with the sun bearing down on us.

A pleasant lunch at Mitta Mitta

river at the back of the pub

and some of the guys decided they needed an afternoon nana nap (I’m gonna cop it for this one).

Poor old dears…..lol

…..before we head out to Dartmouth Dam for a photo op

then it was back over Granya. My head is not feeling any better and I have to stop, so Karl and I head for the Granya Pub again for a cold drink. Rocket Rod arrives and we have a rest before heading off again for fuel in Walwa and an ice cream. Doesn’t matter how many times you do these roads you just wanna keep going back to do them. The scenery is spectacular, the roads are windy, dappled with the suns rays and peaceful!

We finally arrive back at Tintaldra and I NEVER get tired of taking this photo……my happy place!!!

The Mighty Murray @ Tintaldra

and we are ready for another fabulous meal, more stories, laughs and the Crew Photo!

The Tintaldra Hotel has “live” music tonight – Duncan & Macca are playing covers. Most go on up to join in the festivities at the pub but we decide to hit the hay instead for an early night.

Sunday and all the happy faces appear….not – we all have to go home today 🙁

Karl cooked breaky for us today and we noticed that Don’s tent, bike & Don were missing!!! On closer inspection of his campsite we found a note in the tree. Apparently someone woke him super early so decided to get going.

The trip home through Cabramurra Way – Adaminaby – Cooma – Bungedore where we stopped for lunch and Karl helped a poor bugger fix his flat rear tyre (which mind you he’d been battling with for 2 days). When he saw how Karl repair it says “I’ll have to get me one of the repair kit things”….seriously, you should already have one (were my thoughts)….anyhoos….

Arrive home and Ella-Jane is so glad to see us. Tintaldra Pilgrimage done for another year.

Capturing those special moments of the weekend!

Tintaldra 2016

With Karl away for the weekend, and as a reward to myself I went off on a little ride on Dudley. I’d decided that heading south and Jamberoo was going to be the destination – I didn’t even program the GPS, thought I’d just wing it….OMG!

Never been to Woronora Dam, passed the sign heaps but never gone down there. This morning was that day. Not a solitary person around, serenity, early birdies were out twittering & tweeting and the glass-like stillness of the dam was a sight within itself.

Woronora Dam

Arty shot..lol

So peaceful and smooth

When we lowered Dudley we also changed the suspension on him and have since been chasing the front-end. Flighty and wobbly is the best way to describe it and somewhat like a pogo stick on braking and heavily into a corner….not the most confidence inspiring. Anyway, put him back to the “factory setting” with the lowering links in and the seat in the low position and he’s seems to be handling so much better. I may even just increase (harden) up the preload on the forks a tad bit more and go out again and see how that goes. I’m hoping that with these minor adjustments I can avoid having to spend and $$ on re-springing the forks.

Following my nose, found my way to the Sublime Lookout, again another sign passed many many times without venturing in for a look see. Blinker on and up we go. There’s a little cafe up there, the look out of course and so pretty machinery…I’m tipping not all the time.

Sublime Lookout

ah, my pretty

OK, time to keep moving. So far Dudley and I are enjoying the roads and the road conditions aren’t that bad. The heat of the day is starting to set in and I;m almost sorry I didn’t wear my Draggins instead of my touring pants…but AGATT.

Out onto Mt Marshall Rd, through the causeway (Dudley’s first river crossing…lol). I wanted a photo, it was so lush and pretty but the water was running a little quick and the surface leading in a bit slippery…another day. Also no bouncing through the corners….awesome.

Mt Marshall Rd..so green

Mac Pass…Oooo, time to have some fun!! 🙂  For the first time in….I don’t know how long, I had a clear run. Not a single car/bike in front of me..awesome! 2nd & 3rd gear and Dudley just whirs through the twisties at a steady pace and I find flicking him from left to right so much easier. Bout half way up I see Angel (now renamed “Whitebird” by her new owner) and it put a big smile on my face. Quick uey and down the pass & they’ve uey’d too..lol Waiting at bottom of Mac Pass now.

Mac Pass…waiting

To much traffic this time up the hill and glad to stop  at the Pie Shop to re-hydrate and a yak with some new friends.

I’d planned Jamberoo for lunch, so we go in the heat to find some lunch. Not much traffic here either and a road I don’t know so just took it nice and easy and took in the scenery. Through a few twisties and a nice photo op..I thought.

Barren Grounds

Into Jamberoo and lunch…not the healthiest but it was rather tasty!!

lunch

34 degrees according to Dudleys temp gauge and I’m feeling every degree, time to start heading home. Dudley said he wanted to see this coast road and Bald Hill where he insisted we have an ice cream while taking in the view.

Dudley wasn’t quick enough to eat it, so I had to help him…  🙂

Was a little bit blowey and was lucky to keep  my hat on

happy me

Now to head home through the National Park. Unfortunately being early afternoon there was a decent amount of traffic blocking the way. However, we still managed to have a little bit of fun here and there. Had I packed my swimmers, I would’ve stopped at one of the beaches for a quick dip to cool down.

Back home around 2ish, wash Dudley and have a cold shower to cool down myself. Not a big day out, but as I’m not ride fit and in the heat, it was plenty enough and I had a Really Good Day.

Dudley performed great with the luggage and the suspension setting with only one or two skips/wobbles which even on Angel I believe I would’ve experienced the same. Just a tiny bit a diving on braking which as I’ve said I’ll make a slight adjustment and see how we go on the next run out.

Thanks again for staying tuned and I look forward to sharing quite a few more adventures/journeys in the coming weeks/months 🙂

……. born in SA in March 2015, a fine strapping babe he was too. Previously owned by a retired gentleman who in 6 months had his first service done and had put 2054 kms on the clock and decided he wanted something different and put him up for adoption.

Searching the internet I spotted the ad for his adoption and pondered the thought – no photos available, what’s wrong with him? Bit the bullet, range the dealer (didn’t want to miss out on what I wanted), enquired and started the dealing. SOLD!! in record time, now to go pick him up…..YIPPEE!!!!

I picked up my new man Friday morning from Adelaide. We are currently on our first date and getting to know each other. NO I haven’t traded Karl. Anyway meet Dudley!

Dudley!! My new man.

Travelling under a special permit, Mr RTA said I had to take the optimal direct route to get home…bugger that rules out detouring to see my FarRider friends in Aireys Inlet. Leaving Adelaide we headed south for Hahndorf along the freeway. It’s already getting warm and as much as I’d like to stop here, we really just need to push on.

Hahndorf

Adjusted the brake & clutch reach and lifted the clutch lever slightly. There’s a heap of play in the throttle but that will have to wait for now. Down the B12 heading towards Pinnaroo and it’s getting quite hot now. Lunch on the way home is at the BP servo in Pinnaroo. Day 1. It’s bloody hot 37 degrees ? but the ride has been pretty good so far. Dudley and I are getting along just fine. Took refuge from the heat in the diner while I had a bite to eat and downed a Powerade. Fatigue hits me quickly in the heat and I make a few stops along the way purely to have a drink.

Somewhere before Underbool SA the heavens opened up and I can tell you this was a very pleasant relief. All vents open and while the temp was still sitting in the low 30’s the rain was enough to cool the body temperature down somewhat…thank goodness. The storm followed me all the way to Tooleybuc before drying up. I’d ridden through road works, gravel road, slippery surface and Dudley handled it all well.

We arrived into Balranald at 6pm (still 37 degrees) and while there was still daylight, it wasn’t worth pushing through to Hay. I had the insight at lunchtime to ring ahead and see if I could get a bed in Balranald (just in case) and luckily enough snagged the last bed available in town which was at the Shamrock Hotel Motel…phew! Thank goodness cos by the time I got there, I really didn’t want to go any further – the heat had got to me. Poor Dudley is covered in bugs….Oooo.

Balranald

My flash accommodation at the Shamrock…… Showered, fed, and hit the bed. Dudley also got a bath (oops shower, boys don;t have baths) as a the storm front hit Balranald while I was having dinner.

first class accommodation…lol

Saturday morning up to a nice day (no rain), pack and we get on the road ready to cross the Hay Plain. What a beautiful morning, the sun is already high (missed sunrise) and we have a clear run. I’m a little more settled / comfortable on Dudley this morning and enjoying the ride and the scenery.

Hay Plain

Hay Plain

A photo that has eluded me until now has been in front of “Hells Gate”. Thanks to OX-34 & Eliot for the co-ordinates and location so I could get this one off the bucket list.

Hells Gate

Into Hay for a pit stop (no fuel), check in with Karl and get on our way to Narrandera. Now I’d figured that I should get 300km minimum to the tank if I sit on $1.15/$1.20 but for some reason the first fuel bar dropped at 180 kays. the next bar dropped after another 36 kays and now I was calculating whether I would make Narrandera or not (my calc had me short by about 3 km….yikes!). I backed off a bit and when the last bar was left started the count down again. Oh no, the empty light is now flashing and I’m sitting on $0.90/$1.00 and something funky happened to the dash trip meter. This “Trip F” thing started a count down and I watched it and said a little prayer hoping to make the servo. We made it!! Phew!! with 7.6km on the “Trip F” and I have no idea how much we had to go. Anyway, 306.1 km to that tank and now reflecting back I don’t think I actually got an absolute full tank in Balranald (which would maybe explain things).

On the way to Wagga Wagga and came across this lovely view.

Canola Fields

Into Wagga Wagga for lunch at the forever nutritious McDonalds….LOL!! It’s not as hot as yesterday thank goodness. Missing my Sweety but Dudley is making me smile.

On the Hume Highway and there is nothing much very exciting happening along here. Dudley is just cruising along, happy as and my butt is as sore as. A quick little detour for a pic at The Dog on the Tucker Box….have to treat Dudley to all the sites 🙂

Dog on the Tucker Box

Dudley’s cruising nicely on $1.20/$1.25 just purring along. My only real complaint is the buffeting I get from the screen….it’s not quite high enough and makes for a noisy helmet. Into Yass for fuel and a short stop. Have a chat to a couple of young fellas also riding and then get on my way again.

Almost there, my butt is now really sore and I have to stop at Pheasants Nest for relief and a splash of fuel. Now in long distance riding there’s this unwritten thing about having a Cherry Ripe at the finish of a ride. Well, we weren’t exactly finished (almost) but this was the only chance Dudley was going to get to experience his very first Cherry Ripe on his very first long distance ride.

Pheasants Nest – Cherry Ripe

Last leg home and I think we were both a little excited. Dudley was feeling very spirited and we had become one! we maneuvered through the traffic….cars moving as they hear his triple engine roaring with that burst of power that pulses through his veins and puts a huge smile on my dial. GO DUDLEY!!

Home at about 7pm. We are both covered in bugs and in need of a good shower 🙂

Sunday morning and Dudley is due for his shower.

Clean Dudley.

Big THANKS to Karl for installing his first modification, the lowering link on him and adjusting the preload and damping for me.

Now that’s he all clean, time to wheel him in the shed for his second modification…..a radiator cover.

Ready for surgery

The finished product, genuine article straight from Mr Yamaha (cheaper than aftermarket) and looks pretty good.

Genuine Yamaha rad cover.

I hope he has enjoyed his first long distance trip cos it was the first of many more to come!

So, was Dudley all as promised? Pros and Cons…

ALL and MORE!! It’s easier to list the cons cos there aren’t many…………1). The standard seat is too hard for my liking and my butt is still recovering (I forgot to take my airhawk)……2). Needs a slightly taller screen. The std is very noisy and I had a bit of buffeting. THAT’s IT.

Very happy with Mr Yamaha’s entry into mid size tourers *thumbs up*

I can hear you asking “how did he get the name Dudley?” Well, it didn’t come straight away but his shiny red uniform and smart good looks reminded me of Dudley Do-Right of the Mounted Police and so “Dudley” it was!! And will he DO-Right by me…..well, he already has!

I’m looking forward to taking into something that has a few bends in it, but from the 1400 odd kays we just covered in 2 days….I don’t think I’ll be disappointed.

This particular bike is the one that I have been most looking forward to ride. Since it came onto the market, it’s one that has always caught my eye and I’ve thought….hmmm I can see me on that (in white of course…lol). Other than the ride home of Saturday that’s all I managed to get in (sometimes life gets in the way). After a rather late night Sunday morning Karl & I headed out for a little squirt up the Old Pac. Not the nicest day, it had been raining and was still drizzling now and again but nothing serious, but hey you have to take the moment and make the most of it.

The F800FT has a very pleasing agronomic to it, so similar to Angel that it wasn’t funny, so I kinda felt at home from the get go (good start). The screen provides excellent protection, the levers and controls are all located in easy to operate locations. The gearbox I found to be tight, especially from 1st through to 3rd…it could just be one of those things but it didn’t put me off. Comes with heated grips standard, traction and ESA which I fiddled with, Comfort, Normal & Sport all reacted the same as it did on the F700GS – no complaints. Down the freeway, it quite happily sits above the limit and is smooth and comfortable.

                           BMW F800GT

Getting down to business though, from a standing start taking off it reminded me of riding my dads Burgmann 400 scooter. It had that same wind me up and pick up that it did, complete with the buzz sensation you get from the engine. Into the twisty bits and back into 2nd gear and you do have to get the engine above 4000 rpm to get it to wake up….it’s kinda like Sleepy of the 7 Dwarfs and there is nothing wrong with that if that’s what you’re after. It’s agile and the weight isn’t to dissimilar to the F700GS….as you’d expect. You had to work the gearbox on inclines, I mean you could’ve done it in 6th but it chugged, 4th gear seemed to be it’s happy place. What did surprise me though (and I was warned about this) was how warm/hot the frame where your knees, thighs touch it. Today wasn’t hot and it was drizzly and my legs were considerably warmed and dried….so I hate to think how hot it might get on a hot day, let alone in the middle of the outback in summer…. It handles well, is solid, stable and takes the varying surfaces fine and it would be more than happy to tour the country just ticking along.

                                 F800GT

However, just fine and just ticking along isn’t what I’m looking for. I want a bit of excitement and this bike just didn’t give it to me. What amazed me though was how different two bikes with the same engine and slightly different gearing can be. The F700GS was a hoot and the 800GT was ho hum….go figure. Yes I know the suspension makes up a big part of that difference also but I suppose I wasn’t expecting such a huge difference. Horses for courses.

                      

Watch this space for the final decision……..it might be a few months though (have to get a few ducks in a row first).

The sun’s out and I’mma heading west, way out west, where the temperature increases by 5 degrees and the salesmen are human (well these were anyway).

I was out testing riding again today. This time round I booked a ride on the Yamaha MT09-Tracer. The salesguy figured since I ride a Blackbird he could trust me to go out riding on my own for as long as I wanted. Awesome! Only problem was there wasn’t much fuel in the tank and that feeling of phoning the dealership to tell them I run it dry and was stranded just didn’t take my fancy…lol!

Google maps told me there were a couple of roads that I’d not travelled which had a few bends in them so they would be the perfect testing ground for my test ride.

The tracer ready to go, Luke gives me the run down on the controls and off I go, heading out of Penrith, Emu Plains and up the hill on Old Bathurst Road. The road meanders and the Tracer is loving it, me too!! There’s a few 15km hairpins on this section of road, so it’s nice and steady and the with the width of the bars it makes life a little easier getting round them. Through the little shopping centre at Blaxland and now I had to keep an eye out for the way down. No GPS, what’s a girl who gets lost in a circle to do……cross her fingers and hope for the best!!  LOL

Nah, not that bad, I’d remembered a left turn onto Wilson something then followed my nose to find the next new road “Mitchells Pass”. Now if you want to avoid the freeway, this IS most definitely the road to take. It’s mostly one way traffic (which dummy here didn’t realise), nothing is posted and majority of the corners are blind, but still fun. Down in the gears, a bit of juice and the triple sang! A little lean on the bars and I tell you it’s like riding Daisy on STERIODS!! Got to the bottom and thought, I should go back up and do it again but not having much fuel decided best to head back to the dealer.

Back onto the freeway into Penrith and opened it up and before I knew it I was punching out over $1.40…….plenty of power for overtaking long haulers 🙂

Into the dealership and I had a smile on my face. It was so much fun and comfortable.

I’ve made the comment to people when considering another bike “if I could get a Daisy (DR 650) that was comfy for the long distances and was as fun, then I’d be a happy camper”, well I think I have found the winning combination.

The MT09-Tracer delivers on all those requirements as well as being light and nimble with a reasonable fuel range (from stats). For a little more confidence, I would look to lower it to get just a bit better foot to ground. The beauty of this package and it is a package is that it comes with panniers & centre stand as stock, so I would only have to look at a topbox, heated grips, aux lights and crash bars/knobs and I’d be ready to head off on a Long Distance adventure.

MT09-Tracer

Good looking

Great all rounder, just not my colour.

The final bike to test is the F800GT which is proving to be illusive, however I did take a ’09 F800ST for a ride. I got to the bottom of driveway and didn’t like it….open mind Kimmie. Continued to the end of Henry St, Penrith and decided that I was taking it back to the dealership….I hated it!!!   There are no other words to describe the ride, it was awful! No photos of this one, it might’ve broken my camera. However, I will still test ride a current F800GT as from 2009 to now things have changed and one can only hope for the best.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned!!

Big decisions have been made in the mind of the Kimmie, I mean REAL BIG!!

These haven’t been made lightly either, but those that know me pretty well, know all too well that it takes me a while to come to the final conclusion.

I’m hearing you….what are they???…..get on with it (well that’s Karl saying that…LOL).

Since damaging my wrist 2 years ago, my riding of my beloved motorcycles hasn’t been the same.

Daisy was purchased so I could see how I liked the off road scene and do some camping. Now I LOVE the camping and going away with Karl camping but the off road thing….well, if I’m totally honest, it’s not my thing. So with a lot and I mean “a lot” of deliberation, I decided to sell Daisy.

Gumtree was my friend here and after 2 weeks and a few enquiries, Daisy was sold on Friday. It was a very sad moment but also a happy one as she has gone to an extremely good home. Wasn’t til after the deal was done, that the new owner told me he was the son of a man I have only respect for and am honored to call “Friend”……how small is the world, hey!

Saying my farewells

Daisy loaded ready to go to her new home.

Hope you enjoy her Dave, as much as I have….she is a fabulous bike.

Now, what does one do when one sells a bike………well, you go bike testing!!!!  YEAH Baby!

First up was the Triumph Tiger 800 XRX. I really like the look of this bike and on paper it has all and more than I thought. Now the test ride, didn’t go as I thought. The ergonomics of the bike are great for me and the seat was very comfy set in the low position but that was where it ended for me. I found the throttle really snatchy, on – off, on-off. I couldn’t activate the cruise control (which is located on the R-hand control block) without throwing a fist full of throttle and new launching myself off the bike. I had both balls of my feet on the ground but that was it and it seemed a little top heavy. Stopping and lifting off the side stand, now in perfect conditions without luggage, it would be ok. However as you all know, I like to travel and take more than just a pair of undies and parking on the side of the road which was a little uneven and I struggled to lift it back up (and this was without luggage). So back to the dealer.

Tiger 800 XRX

Tiger 800 XRX

Now the dealer asked what I wanted to achieve, so after considerable conversion, I asked what the BMW equivalent is (or thereabouts). He suggests I take the F 700GS for a ride….well why not, I’m there, it’s there…..

Again I really like the look of this bike. The ergonomics are slightly different to the Tiger but felt a little more comfortable and it felt considerably lighter straight off the bat. I took the same route to be fair to both bikes and can honestly say, I felt comfortable, confident and had an absolute ball on the GS. Changing between modes, Comfy, Norm & Sport was really simple (on the fly) and you could notice the difference. The throttle was smooth and the gearbox the same really pleasurable. I did the same stopping on the same uneven ground and the weight distribution and grounding and lifting from the side stand was much easier (I’d almost say effortless). When I returned to the dealer, let’s just say the chicken strips where much better  🙂   I really enjoyed riding this bike. Back to the dealer again.

BMW F 700GS

BMW F 700GS

BMW F 700GS

What will I do……………who knows. You’ll have to watch this space.

An invitation was extended to me & Karl of course from friends of OzSTOC (ST owners club of Australia) for a RTE to Gulargambone.  You say where??? Gulargambone! Never heard of it, you puttin’ me on….lol.

Well they weren’t and I was looking forward to catching up with some friends I haven’t seem in nearly 18 months!!!! They all wanted to know if Karl (the mystery man in my life or The Phantom as he has become known as) would be attending – yes, why wouldn’t he be……hmmmm.

Saturday comes around and we leave at a respectable 8:00am for a easy days ride totalling around 550kays. It was foggy as we left McGraths Hill heading towards The Putty Rd and didn’t come clear until a  reasonable way up. Past Grey Gums and into the twisty stuff. It’s been ages since Karl & I have riding on our own together so I was looking forward to this weekend. Into the twisty stuff and I kick riders through……Karl is gone and I’m just taking it easy on Angel. One of the guys we’ve met (Karl & Andrew were waiting for me) and we head to Bulga where I have a hot chocolate to warm up and Karl waits again 🙂

Bulga and hot chocolate

Still cool but the sun is out and the fog has cleared. Through Jerry’s Plains and horsey territory with views of beautiful luscious greens fields. There has been so much rain everything is green for a change….a nice change (from a viewing perspective anyway). Into Merriwa for fuel and lunch at the bakery. Fresh pies h…..hmmmm  yummo, oh not to forget the sauce to go with it.

The Hutt – Merriwa

The Hutt, is an example of how the local Merriwa settler lived back in the day. There’s also a small museum off to the left and some local crafty things that all help raise funds for the local community. To the right on the side wall of the cafe is an iron work mural….pretty amazing.

iron work mural

Anyway, that’s enough for sight seeing, Karl is ready to go and I can hear a camp fire with my name on it calling……

Gotta love the country roads out here, I “Never-tire” (not today, we are going to Gulargambone…lol) riding them. Not long out of Merriwa and we are road blocked by a “super wide” load, complete with full police escort. Crapper, have to play nice and there aren’t a lot of places to overtake considering the oncoming traffic is pulled right off the side of the road. La de dah, de dah….Ooo, look out, a lucky break and Karl and I scoot off around the “how big is my bum” load and mossy along into Dunedoo. Very busy in town today due to the local markets and show.

Onto the Castlereagh Highway heading towards Mendooran on a new road. Well, the road itself isn’t new but it’s new in the way that I haven’t ridden this one before. A lovely road to just meander along with no traffic and beautiful scenery. Into Mendooran and it’s like a ghost town, like so many other country towns these days. Some of the buildings have lovely murals painted on them…..it’s just a shame that there aren’t many people around to enjoy the talent of those who painted them.

How nice is it just riding with my Sweety, it just doesn’t happen quite enough. Anyway, on Mr Google Maps there is this town called Breelong (I listed it on my ride plan) and I saw a town sign, but I’ll be buggered if there was a town, barely any houses near the road just fences really….lucky I didn’t need to stop here (it might just be a bit scary).

Gilgandra for fuel and a small break.

Gilgandra BP

The sun is lovely and warm but there is still that hint of a chill in the air (I can only imagine how warm it is going to be tonight…lol). It’s only 50 kays to Gular (Galah), the sun is just starting its way down and is glaring into the eyes. Water, how much rain have they had up here. There are so many signs warning us of “water over road” luckily though we didn’t encounter any but the water is pooling in the verges off either side of the road.

Into Gulargumbone, my research had said there was “no” fuel here, however there is a Inland Depot on the right just as you enter town and these have a 24hr swipe card pay thingy (just for future reference) which could be in handy sometime. We find the supermarket come bottle shop for supplies then head off looking for the caravan park……but not before the obligatory photo of the post office.

The Posty

We are warmly welcomed on arrival at the Gulargambone Caravan Park by the OzSTOC guys and Dave & Bernadette the park owners. Into our cabin (former retirement home cabin) parked up on the grass, unpacked, changed into warm clothes (that isn’t riding gear) and we are off to start the socialising with old and new friends.

The camp kitchen down the back is bustling with activity and quite a few of the guys have set up a “not to shabby” campsite. I’m not sure Growly knows how to camp….he seems to “Glamp” it!!!  LOL

Did you know they even have a small menagerie, with for really living animals and everything….including Mr Licky. He really enjoyed Karl scratching his forehead and horns……a weird sort of bro-mance, but it was funny to watch 🙂

Mr Licky

and friends…….this little guys was just so cute.

baby goaty…..very cute!

and friends…..

a couple of Lama, sheep, ducks, geese and would you believe Turkey’s!!!  Sorry they were in the rear fenced area and I couldn’t get a pic of them (they were big too, fattening up nicely for xmas dinner…he he he).

Now, with a town name of Gulargambone and with symbols and artwork around town, one would have to be absolutely silly to not think it was named after “galahs”. So here are just a few of the “galah” locals hanging out for the afternoon.

the locals

As the sun goes down in a north western country town, people set in for the evening………. propped up on chairs around a roaring camp oven fire, beer / beverage in one hand and the other warming from the fire. That’s dinner cooking in the pots (ovens) in the coals and a couple of those are homemade damper…..yummo!!! Dave, Bernadette and a couple of their friends dish up a hearty home (camp oven) cooked dinner which was very delicious!!! We even had dessert of sticky date pudding which custard and cream…..Oh my wasteline  took a battering this weekend.

camp oven

Stories (and some fibs) are told 🙂 , new friends are made and catching up with old ones is always a great way to spend an evening. It’s been nearly 18 months since I’ve seen me mate Diesle Dave and man, we just can’t leave it that long. Good to see you buddy! How nice are the OzSTOC crowd?  Extremely, considering we don’t even ride ST’s. But like most motorcycle groups that I’ve had the pleasure of being apart of, you don’t have to ride the brand / model for which the group is known….it’s more about the camaraderie that brings riders together – which is fantastic.

Diesel Dave  & me – great mates!!

Grumpy had organised this event (as he lives here) and his lovely wife Julie had been baking madly to spoil some of the folk attending (some arrived on Friday and Grumpy and Julie had hosted them at theirs). One of the yummies she baked were some Triple Chocolate Brownies. Naturally I had to sample one and save Diesel from overindulging himself (as I’d been told he’d been making a little oinker of himself with them…he he he) and then there was 1 left. This solitary Brownie was going to be auctioned off to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctors Service.

friendly faces

To say it was cold was just a little understatement. Near the fire it was lovely and toasty, I even turned myself around a few times hoping to even out the tan….LOL. Quite a few of the folk here I had only met tonight and it was lovely to sit back and just listen to the stories of others and chirp in every now and again with a tid bit of my own.

Karl, Tipsy & Paul?

In, terrible with names but I did manage to remember one or two. As you can see Karl is pretty relaxed kicking back next to Tipsy around the fire. ST2UP and Diesel gave a small speech thanking Dave & Bernadette, Grumpy & Julie and everyone for attending to make the event a success. It was then over to Grumpy for a few words before (disclaimer – I’m sorry if I get your name wrong) Dave conducted the auction of the ever so “prestigious” Brownie.

Brownie Auction

The auction started with Tipsy’s $4.80 and grew to a whopping $344 (I think) with all the proceeds going to the RFDS – absolutely awesome achievement and for a good cause. Now the eating of said Brownie was predetermined by the OzSTOC crew who generously forwent the desire to devour the Brownie themselves and thought a worthy recipient was Tipsy. Tipsy has his own story but I soon found out that this RTE was to be his last attending on 2 wheels – yes, he was hanging up his riding boots. He is a character and has more than a few stories to tell but tonight I saw a humbled man who was overwhelmed by the generosity, kindness and respect shown to him by his fellow riders.

humbled Tipsy

As the night went on the air just cooler, correction, damn right cold. I ventured out of the circle of fire to the camp site and much smaller fire to have a chat to others. Karl had toddled off to bed but I don’t get to see these guys often so I stayed as we stood around in the night air around a tiny fire (which give give off some heat). Chat, chat, chat and all of a sudden I wasn’t feeling well (backs sore and tummy is unsettled). I decide the best thing is to call it a night and saw my nighty nights and retreat to the warmth of the cabin.

Unfortunately, it seems I’d caught a chill in my back, kidneys and couldn’t get warm to the point that I was what seemed like convulsing in bed. Karl to my rescue, googling madly to find out what it could be but not really finding anything that made sense. Hot shower, more blanket and cuddles and eventually with him sitting by my side nodded off to sleep.

No alarm! (what a lovely sound, well no sound) and a gentle waking (how every morning should be) and I’m fine – phew! Karl’s already out wiping the frost off the bikes and packing up. I’m a bit slower but get there and we go down for a good hearty bacon and eggs breaky with tea and coffee.

I don’t know how these guys camped…..but some of the setups are pretty impressive.

Camp Diesel

As you can see, some even have the Taj mahal and pack the kitchen sink. Seriously though, This little setup that Growly has is may way of camping. It’s a trailer that converts into a bed with annex and everything.

Growly’s Glamp site

The morning after the night before and as you can see there are some fashionistas among the guys. Lets face it, we are all fashion icons when we ride!!

The morning after

It’s that time when all good things must start to come to an end 🙁  but not before we get the group photo. It’s official, Karl & I are members of OZSTOC…..there I am front and centre and Karl even stayed in the photo – back row.

OzSTOC RTE Crew

We say our thank you’s and nice to meet you’s and farewells before get on our bikes and start back home ourselves.

It was pretty cold and come Dunedoo I had to stop for an extra layer and a hot chocolate to warm up. A2Z (Allan) pulled up not longer after and ended up riding with us to Mudgee. The fog was pretty bad all the way to Mudgee so it was steady as she goes (since I was leading) and had all my lights on just in case some dim wit coming the other way couldn’t see us. We waved Allan farewell as we continued on through Mudgee for fuel.

Funny how the weather changes, it was like someone put up a wall at Mudgee that didn’t allow any fog to enter to travel south. It was clear th rest of the way, the sun was out bit it was still chilly. It’s not very exciting the rest of the trip home. We stopped for lunch at Lithgow before heading down Bells Line and hoping we wouldn’t get stuck with Sunday drivers. Unfortunately, we weren’t that lucky and was plagued by dumbass drivers that wouldn’t even do the speed limit which (as riders) know can really spoil that last leg when you just want to get home.

Anyway, we made it….eventually….. early enough for me to get the washing for the weekend down and just kick back and have a little relax.

A thoroughly enjoyable weekend was had. It’s just a shame they are all too short.

Thank you to the OzSTOC community for inviting us along. You are a great bunch of people and hopefully I’ll be able to get out for an actual ride with you soon.

Til next time….rubber side down!!!