Moto GP – Phillip Island
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- Nige finally finds his dream bike – ‘the’ Honda 250
First Trip for “New” Truck
Did a 2000km maiden trip in my recently purchased Navara dual cab and Cub Drifter camper van.
Basically a big loop – down south coast to Mallacoota – up the Great Alpine road to Bright – north through Albury and up Olympic Way through Junee to Cowra – across through Bathurst and Lithgow – along Bell’s Line of Road then to Sackville and Wiseman’s ferries and home.
Navara was faultless – the van needs some modifications, mainly just some strengthening of the internal bed arrangement.
Kept a record of fuel economy
South Coast / Bright / Cowra
Wyong to Tathra 582.4 km 68.22 l 11.7 l per 100km
Tyre blow out on camper just before Cann River. Tyres were both very old so two “new” tyres $90 fitted at Cann River which is very cheap especially as I would have HAD to buy one.
Tathra to Bruthen 361.2 km 43.81 l 12.12 l per 100km
Bruthen to Junee 503.1 km 61.71 l 12.27 l per 100km
Junee to Wiseman’s Ferry 486.1 km 61.21 l 12.59 l per 100km
Total km 1932.8 Total litres 234.95 Av 12.16 l per 100 km.
First night setting up at Bendalong. We asked for a nice site and they gave us this dust bowl. At $35 a night we weren’t impressed.
The kangaroos invade the grassed areas in the evening. Needless to say they didn’t visit us.
All of the above are at Central Tilba a National Trust village. Great little spot with Helen in front of a shop with the best range of hats I’ve seen. Thought about buying that top hat.
Second night at Bermagui. A beautiful spot to which we will return. Notice the grass on camp site and only $23.50. The pool is the Blue Pool beneath a rock face at Bermagui.
The historic wharf at Tathra. Great spot!
Nice old pub at Tathra.
All the above taken at Mallacoota campground. Beautiful and a bargain at $21 a night.
Art Deco pub at Omeo on Great Alpine Road. Lots of bends!!!
Still lots of snow at Mt Hotham on way to 4th night at Bright.
Shots of Beechworth and interior of Beechworth Bakery.
Set up in the rain at Cowra but they do need it out there.
Rain again in morning for our visit to the Japanese Gardens.
A very slow wet lap around Mt Panorama before heading home.
Hidden Valley Escape
In the true spirit of the Nige MC, I went on a solo run to Hidden Valley Escapes – a motel & bunk style country retreat situated on Willow Tree Rd, Merriwa. Basically, from Gosford you head up to Cessnock, onto the Golden Hwy through to Merriwa, turn right into Coulsens Creek Rd and then about 25km onto the establishment. About 280km from Gosford, though, the last 17km is unsealed, dirt road (see photos) which though, not unbearable, may not be suitable to all riders and their bikes? However, you can use an alternate entrance taking the New England Hwy to Willow Tree (turn left) and you’ll experience a beautiful ride with only 5km of dirt, though, this section is a bit more twisty and you’ll need to be careful as the gravel is loose (watch out for the ‘Roos as well – I avoided two bounding in front of me at 10am). Don’t get me wrong, whichever way you go you’ll have a truly scenic ride, you’ll just have to be prepared to travel slowly and put up with a dusty bike at the end.
Once you get to the residence it is well-worth the travel. Good motel style accommodation, comfortable and clean with ensuite (& warm shower), tea & coffee in each room. They also have bunk style accommodation which will sleep a multiple number of people with shared toilet/shower again clean & comfortable. Guests have access to pool, BBQ – courtyard, lounge (TV) & dinning room – outside log fire in a beautiful country setting with under-cover, secure parking for your bike. All very reasonably priced with friendly hosts, Michael & Penny. Would be a perfect weekend away, particularly for those of you on road/trail hybrid bikes!
Scrounger
Mudgee Ride – 9th, 10th & 11th October
For those of you planning on going on the “Return to Mudgee” Ride – some more detail:
Day 1 – Thursday 9 October:
Meet at Jerrys Cafe 9.30am for 9.45am leave.
Through to Broke via Wollombi – Golden Hwy with 1st stop Denman.
Onto Ulan Rd. turn-off just past Cassillis and take this right through to Mudgee.
Find Pub accommodation for night 1 (let Day 2 riders know where we booked in) – drinks, food, sleep!
Day 2 – For those of us in Mudgee – we head slightly north to take Hill End Rd turn-off and follow that south right through to Sofala & back onto Castlereagh Hwy. Head north slightly to take Bylong Rd turn-off and head back up through Rylstone, Crowee, Bylong etc until we get back onto Ulan Rd for short ride back into Mudgee.
Must be back in Mudgee for 4.30pm arrival of those riders only doing one night. Meet fellow travellers at pub for drinks, meal, fun & sleep.
Day 3 – Return to Central Coast – riders can choose whichever route they like e.g back via Bathurst, Lithgow, Windsor or back via Golden Hwy.
Please let us know if: a) you’re joining us & b) if you’re doing one or two nights?
Motori d’Italia – Lansvale, Sunday 28 September
Visited the annual Motori d’Italia on Sunday which is a celebration of all things Italian. A good selection of Italian bikes on display (and some cars). Scrounger was in his element – hmmm, now how long have I had that BMW?
Ride Briefs
Thursday 9th October – Saturday 11th October
Scrounger’s anniversary ride to Mudgee.
Those who can do 2 nights away, leave 9th October and ride to Mudgee. Day 2 will be rides around the surrounding area, returning to Mudgee to meet up with those only able to do one night, the 10th. Return to the coast (and Bathurst 1000) on Saturday 11th October.
Wednesday 1st October – Wednesday 8th October
Scoot and Nige head off for a week at the GP on Phillip Island
Sunday 28th September
Lake Liddell ride with Ulysses (don’t have to be a member) 9am Tuggerah Maccas
Saturday 27th September
Ulysses meeting at Wyong RSL (Nige can give a ride if needed)