This was another great ride, taking in the coast, grazing lands, patches of rain forest and bushland. Once again the weather treated us well with mild, overcast first and second days and sunny warmer days on the third and fourth. No rain at all but we encountered some heavy mist or low lying cloud in the mountains which got the front of our jeans a tad wet.
As always, the scooter performed well with the addition of some sheepskin seat covers we bought ourselves for Christmas from the Berry Wool Store. We'd seen these on several other bikes and were told they made for a more comfortable ride (better for your back). Well they did make a difference and we are very happy with them, even if they do make the scooter look like an "old man's bike".
Again we had no "close calls" to speak of however , coming back into Windsor on the last day, a bird that looked like a low flying killer quail flew into our path. Triumph 1 - bird nil.
Day1: Sydney to Laurieton Map (426 kms travelled)
As I mentioned, today was a very mild overcast day which was a real pleasure to ride in. Armed with our luggage and fluffy seat covers, we were off ! Because we had been up this way recently, we stayed on the freeway longer and got straight onto Pennant Hills Rd rather than take the scenic route through our beloved Berowra. This cut our trip by about an hour or more so the focus today was more about our destination.
Our first break at the service centre on the F3 near the Toukley turn off. This place was so full of travellers it was hard to get a parking spot and we had to take a ticket and wait 10 mins just for a bloody diet coke !
We somehow took a wrong turn and ended up on the Newcastle Harbour foreshore but that's ok, it made for a couple of nice pics.
Again, we took the Lakes Way turn off passing Smith's Lake and Forster. This is the Jetty behind the Pacific Palms Fisherman's club.
As you can see, it was peaceful and the water was smooth.
Didn't see this until we were walking back off it. Ah well, better late than never.
This is the boat ramp at Tuncurry. It looked like people did well fishing on the day.
The water was so clear and blue on a perfect day.
The local Pelicans did well having a feed from the scraps.
Finally we made it into Laurieton and rode through to the banks of the Camden Haven Inlet.
The local boat ramp.
This is where we stayed, at the Laurieton Hotel in the centre of town and walking distance to everything.
No bike lock up but at least the scooter was under cover and near the window, right next to the bed. Notice there was no shortage of refreshments and the room comfy and clean.
After unpacking and changing out of our gear, we head off on our walk to have a look around the town. This is a pic of the fisherman's co-op.
Cathy's way ahead of me as usual. This board walk runs through the mangroves and forms part of a Walk/cycle way.
Day 2: Laurieton to Urunga Map (425 kms travelled)
Today met us with a mixed bag of weather conditions, roads, and scenery, which made for an exciting ride to say the least.We took in the Oxley Hwy, the Thunderbolts Way and the Waterfall Way (my personal favourite due to the scenery and historic towns along the way).
We started off with brekky at this local cafe.
Simple but pleasant.
Shortly after breakfast, we were in Wauchope where we fuelled up to really begin the day and the whole purpose of the ride was focused on today and the next day's route. The Oxley is well known and loved by motorcyclists and rightly so.
So this is where Timbertown is. Never been there ..... and still haven't.
Walcha was to be our first rest stop.(Not counting pic stops)
This is typical of what you get on this road. About 50kms out of Wauchope, the exciting part of the Oxley begins with over 60kms of tight 35-45 km bends. Way to much hard work for my liking but popular with the boys and gals on sports bikes.
As the road took us into the mountains, we found ourselves in low lying cloud which made the ride very interesting and very hard work. shortly after this pic, visibility was down to about 20 metres in front of us. We were riding in heavy mist so we didn't get to see all of what the road had to offer.
On the other side of the mountains however, the weather cleared once again and made for a more pleasant ride for us both.
This is a great little cafe where we stopped for a break and a drink
Inside it was full of old motorcycle memorabilia.
And another angle.
Outside, we met this fella. It was as if he was guarding the toilets or something.
So here at Walcha, is the point where our ride the next day will bring us back to. Today we are turning right toward Armidale on the Thunderbolts Way but tomorrow we will be riding through to Gloucester.
Now here's something you don't see every day.
We parked up and had a chat to the farmer. He told us that he was giving the paddocks a break and giving the cattle a feed on the roadside while it was so lush.
You have to be so careful riding through this because the cattle get so nervous and have a habit of running across your path suddenly.
Beautiful pasture along the Thunderbolts Way.
The town of Ebor along the Waterfalls Way, west of Dorrigo
The weather was great along the plains, west of the mountains but when we climbed to Dorrigo it turned wet and misty again but no rain thankfully.
This is why we don't find a use for a GPS, there are signs everywhere and as long as you have some idea of the correct direction. there's no problem.
Ok, so we climbed the mountains again and found ourselves riding in these conditions. It got colder and moist enough to wet our jeans a little but still loads of fun however we slowed right down. There's two things I really detest when riding the bike and that's gravel and moisture.
Here the mist gives it that "Scottish" feel to the pic and again. shortly after, visibility was down to about 20 metres until we got down to the coast.
Arriving in Dorrigo - timber country.
One of the locals showing his better side.
We came across the Newell Falls on the way down the mountains and had to stop for a "Captain Kodak " moment.
Looking up from the road
Looking downward from the road.
Here's a view of the falls crossing under the road. Imagine how great it would look after some descent rainfall.
Finally made it to Urunga and the Ocean View Hotel.We can recommend this great little town for its natural beauty, history and location.
As usual, we unpacked, changed and went for our walk to explore the area.
Here I realised that I had no shots of bridges that I'm famous for, so in desperation I shot this poor example.
But then, around the corner I found this beauty crossing the Kalang River. This should make Andy happy.
Then this newer version next door.
Another angle - what a top spot.
There were alot of rabbits around, some were white and quite tame. I couldn't help but think that there was a distinct lack of local residents with a Maltese back ground because these rabbits would be stew in no time flat!
On our walk, we passed this BBQ and was immediately drawn to it, thinking of our friends Pat and Chelle. Can't imagine why ?
Back to the pub after a refreshing shower and change of clothes, we got ready for dinner but not before a few shots showing the pubs characteristics, starting with the verandah overlooking the water front.
Our room number 12.
The common room with television showing nothing but Keno and Sky TV.
Our clearly outdated but very clean and comfy room.
This pub was great to stay at and they locked the scooter away for us overnight. The bistro is excellent and there was an hour and half wait on meals due to its popularity and school holidays but that didn't worry us because we just sipped a few drinks and enjoyed each others company while we waited for our meals.
Day 3: Urunga to Stroud Map (429 kms travelled)
After a great night's sleep, we started the day with a walk along the river and came across this board walk that takes you from the town of Urunga, 1 kilometre out to the beach. We got speaking to a local fella who happened to be the president of the fishing club. He was the type you can sit a listen to for hours but we were on a tight schedule and still ended up talking for almost half an hour. He was studying the ocean conditions because his son was up from Sydney and wanted to go fishing. He told us that this board walk had been rebuilt 3 times over the years, each time extending it to how it stands today.
And another angle. As you can see it was low tide but you can see heaps of bream and mullet along the walk which also branches off into the mangroves for 250 metres or so. Urunga left a real impression on us both and we can't wait to go back and stay a few days next time.
What a difference a day makes. Heading back over the Waterfall Way over the mountains and through Dorrigo without the low lying cloud and mist was an absolute pleasure and the highlight of our ride. The road was great with its winding roads and tarmac in great condition, not to mention the excellent scenery.
A typical example of the Waterfall Way near Dorrigo.
Lovely picture this isn't it? Notice the fresh green grass? Well after this shot we nearly dropped the bike trying to get back on the road after the back tyre spun out from under us but managed to escape with my pride being bruised and a handful of grass and mud under the exhaust guard.
On the way across to Urunga the previous day. we saw this sign as we passed by but today with the great weather we stopped for a look and glad we did.
A look out over the valley.
The Ebor falls
Couldn't go past this old cattle yard without getting a pic.
Here we are back in Walcha, where our previous day's ride took us, for lunch this time.
Remember this sign? So now the difference is we are travelling through to Gloucester.
Hooning along the Thunderbolts Way, I spotted this echidna crossing the road. By the time we pulled up and walked over to it, he already started to bury himself in the red dirt so I had to roll him back town to the road "gently" with my boots so I could get this shot. Mental note-those quills are sharp.
They don't muck around out in the country when it comes to mail boxes. Maybe they only check it once a month or something. Or they buy alot of crap from eBay ???
So imagine this. You're riding along happily doing a 100 on a quiet country road when you come across this. Roadwork with red. sticky, slippery mud on a motorcycle. To make things worse, the council water truck came the other way as we were on it and sprayed us with water! Arsehole !
A typical scene on the way to Gloucester from the north.
Great little spot this and peaceful as.
The view of the other side.
After a brief stop in Gloucester for fuel and a drink we finally arrive near Stroud.
Down town Stroud, with the Central Hotel to the right.
Looking the other direction.
We ended up in the same room we had last time we stayed. The owner has taken the pub back over and has given the place a lick of paint and some great improvements since our last visit. Very clean and a great place to stay.
Sunset over the Upper Hunter.
And again.
Can't get over the original character of these old pubs - a great place to stay.
As was the last time we stayed, the food was excellent at this pub and good value too.
Day 4: Stroud to Sydney Map (306 kms travelled)
The weather was so clear and crisp this morning. After a great night's sleep, we made an early start to Dungog for breakfast before heading home.
Down town Dungog.
Ah at last a country bakery for breakfast.
Too much choice.
It's usually me taking pics of Cathy eating but this time she got her own back. Cheeky Cow.
The country side looks great at the moment, Very rich and green.These roads out here are so quiet and a pleasure to travel on.
A view across the hillside.
After a fuel and drink stop at Singleton it was on to the Putty road back home. Another fun road for bikes. Here we stopped for a rest at the Grey Gums Cafe before heading home on our last leg of the ride.
So this is what our scooter looked like after this ride. We got home at 1:30 in the afternoon and after a brief rest, I spent 2 hours hitting her with a pressure sprayer then soap and suds after that. Another hour of waxing and polishing after that, brought her back to her former beauty.
This was a great ride and the bike went well. The seat covers made for a more comfortable experience and recommend them. The scooter now has almost 23000 kms on it with this ride taking almost 1600 kms. The front tyre is looking like needing changing again (3rd one) and the oil will be dropped and changed for the sixth time shortly but that's why we have this bike, to enjoy what it has to offer. She's definitely not a show pony although she does look rather pretty in our eyes anyway.
