This was our second weekend away under the "NSW Motorcycle Tourers" banner. The formation of this new group has proven to be a good decision as we are not only riding with our favourite regulars, but also finding new riding mates along the way.
The October long weekend is a favourite among riders to get away from it all and live a little, and for us, an opportunity to enjoy the NSW country side. The country west of the Blue Mountains has been copping lots of rain in the past two months and for a while , we were concerned that our ride may be effected by the rain and swollen rivers, but as you'll see, we were lucky with the weather and conditions once again.
Day 1: Map (281 km)
We met most of the group in Eastern Creek, at McDonalds, which ended up being a Euro tourers reunion with the exception of Jim and Nicky. Along the way, we picked up Craig, who joined us for a day ride to Oberon, and Lance in North Richmond.
Our first stop was at this little cafe in Bilpin.
It was great to see Mick and Belinda on their new KTM. Grant! cant take him anywhere.
Jalal borrows Cathy for an "all blue" pic.
These trips are always great for a chat.
Craig's Triumph Sprint in the foreground.
A very relaxed atmosphere, don't you think?
We then carried on through the Bell's Line of Road, then on to Oberon for lunch. The weather was not great, with some drizzle about, but it soon stopped, so we carried on to cross the Abercrombie River.
The river was swollen and the highest we've seen it.
Lovely lot aren't they?
About 5km down the road from the river, the road was flooded over at Burra Burra Creek, with water running across 200 mm over the causeway. Lance led the way and we all made it across with no problem, feet up in the air as we crossed to keep our feet dry.
Here, we make it safely to the Taralga Pub with our bikes parked under cover.
The weather soon dried up, so Cathy and I took the opportunity to take a walk and get a few pics before joining the group for drinks and dinner. This pic, looks back toward Oberon.
All the dams in the area are full due to all the rain that has fallen.
The horses didn't mind all the lush green fodder.
We have photographed this traditional bark hut before. You don't see many of them anymore but this one stands proudly in Taralga.
You certainly get the country NSW feel in this pic.
Cathy charges ahead once again.
Another lovely example of a heritage home in the town.
This beautiful horse came to us to say hello and a pat.
This old barn, sporting a wind vane.
Last stop, was the general store for a bottle of water for our room
Day 2: Map (252 km return trip)
Today, Cathy and I began with a brisk walk in the brilliant sunshine.
After yesterday's cloudy day, the sun was very welcome this morning.
Lovely old garden ornament, I thought.
This area of country NSW is predominantly wool growing area.
The lovely old Anglican Church looked grand in the morning sun.
These typically Australian wind mills are common in country properties.
This sign stands on the road close by, which we will take to Boorowa after breakfast.
Back to the pub. We noticed that the front section seemed to be the original structure, with the building to the rear added at a later date.
Only 150 years old.
Our bikes wait patiently while we have breakfast together.
The boys solve the problems of the world.
While the girls enjoy a coffee.
Group pic before our day trip to Boorowa.
Grant and Kelly enjoying the sunshine.
And these blow ins.
We arrive in the lovely town of Boorowa and sought out our good mate Mike, the publican at the Boorowa Hotel. He was kind enough to give us the use of a room to leave our gear while we enjoyed the day and the towns wool fest. The Wool Fest is held each year on the October long weekend and a great way to enjoy country NSW.
The tickets are sold to raise funds for various reasons in the town. They are numbered as are the sheep. If your numbered sheep crosses first, you claim a cash prize. By the way, we didn't win.
Jalal, also tries his luck.
Although the turn out was good, the flooding in the area kept numbers lower than last year.
This year, the sheep actually ran, rather than walked as they did last year.
In fact it all happened so quickly, the farmer turned them around and did most of it again so the crowds could see a little more.
Well they did look like they could lose a little weight.
We then enjoyed the following parade from the comfort of the pub's verandah.
A mobile sheep shearing display. Notice the lazy sheep dog doing it's best.
Mary had a little lamb ...... apparently.
Also, a bush ranger show, complete with firing guns.
And these fantastic examples of old farm machinery.
The rural fire brigade also made an appearance.
Those noisy bush rangers again.
Hey aren't you supposed to be shot dead? He's smiling !!!
After a light lunch we headed back to Taralga to settle in and enjoy the NRL grand final. Here we rode ahead to take a pic of the group riding past, beginning with Jalal.
Mop and Kel.
Mick and Belinda,
And finally Lance.
Here's one of us, taken by Jalal.
No NRL grand final is complete with out beer and good food to enjoy with mates.
This year the Cronulla Sharks were up against the Melbourne storm. The Sharkies won by just 2 points.
Day 3: Map (257 km)
The forecast for today was to be rain and very windy. Not a good combination, but as it turned out, there was very little drizzle and the strong wind was limited to the first part of the ride to Goulburn.
Kelly all dressed up and ready to roll.
Last night we met up with this lovely couple who also spent the night at the pub. We befriended them and they joined our group for the ride home. James and Tamzin also live in Sydney, so I'm sure we will enjoy their company again.
No sunshine to be seen this morning.
We made our way through to Bundenoon, via the Highland Way, where once again the sunshine smiled on us, ending the weekend with a smile on our faces.
Finally, enjoying a coffee together in the warm sunshine.
This was another great ride with mates. We laugh, drink and eat together, but most of all we enjoy the countryside safely and live to enjoy another trip another time.
