Another fantastic tour through the NSW and Victorian Alpine roads. We like to do this ride just after Christmas each year, when most of us have a break from work and life in general, and it never seems to disappoint. I do try to alter the route each time, just to keep it interesting and to give our friends that "wow" factor on the tour. This year we welcomed friends Nicky and Jim and new friends Gus and Triesha who rode on their learner licence.
Video, thanks to Mick - CLICK HERE
Video, thanks to Mick - CLICK HERE
Day 1: Map (451 kms travelled)
We all met at the Pheasants Nest service centre in the morning ready for a great tour through Australia's east coast alpine region, with the exception of Gus and Triesha who left a day early and were to meet us in Lake Jindabyne.
After a necessary and boring ride down the Hume hwy, we have our first break in Goulburn.
We arrive in Jincumbilly, after riding through Lake Bathurst, Tarago, Queanbeyan and lunch in Cooma.
This little place fascinated me ever since Ed took us through a couple of years ago.
This little train station used to service the farming area surrounding it, but no longer is in service. Kelly was waiting for the next train but I didn't have the heart to tell her it was never coming.
The adjoining property has now fenced it off and have their pet donkeys grazing around it and using the actual station to shelter in. This is a great shame as the station is deteriorating as a result.
A quick photo for Facebook,
Nicky having a meaningful conversation with her new mate.
A shot of the railway and the adjoining siding, still in tact as you can see.
We waited and waited, but no train in sight.
Nearby, on the property, was an opportunity to take a portrait of my "other woman"
And her girl friends.
Kell and Mop
Bell and Mick
Nicky and Jim
And us of course.
Moving on through Dalgety, we cross the Snowy River, on this beautiful wooden bridge.
The Snowy River lazily flowing at the moment.
Oh and here we are again.
Bell and Mick, enjoying the atmosphere.
Such a rock solid old girl, which has stood the test of time.
Close up.
Finally, we make it to the Banjo Paterson Inn, where for just $100 per couple, you get a hotel style room with air conditioning, en suite, TV etc and a hot breakfast included in the price. Parking was also provided under the hotel. As you can see, it was beer o'clock.
Soon after arriving, this storm came through, but was short lived.
Here you can tell, that we all look after each other. Each person that went up to order their meals, brought back cutlery for everyone else.
Waiting for our dinner.
After dinner, the storm had cleared, so we took a short walk along the lake.
I have pictured this memorial before and it's still interesting.
This park bench is interesting to say the least
This fisherman enjoys his time along the water's edge.
Lake Jindabyne is so tranquil in the evening.
Then it was back to the Hotel for a well deserved sleep.
Day 2: Map (440 kms travelled)
Yesterday, we had managed to avoid the rain clouds and stay dry, however, it was a relief to wake up to a sunny morning in Jindabyne. Here. we take our annual group photo by the lake.
This is Triesh and Gus, who rode up from the beautiful south coast of NSW to join the ride from Jindabyne. Although they are on their learner permits, they did very well to stay in the ride as you'll see.
Ok, time to gear up and get the ride on it's way.
The route from Thredbo through to Khancoban in the national park is a scenic and enjoyable ride, with it's perfect windy roads and alpine forests.
This particular spot is a favourite of ours with it's tall gum trees and perfect tranquillity.
Got to love the smiles on the boys' faces on these tours.
Another favourite stop is Leather Barrel Ck with it's camping area and perfect mountain stream.
Here come Treish and Gus. We had a system where these two would ride at their own pace, knowing full well that the more experienced riders would not turn off the main road unless we waited for them first. This way they could enjoy the whole tour at their own pace and safely.
Gus, the quiet achiever.
As was the case last year, there were campers in this very same spot, from England, enjoying our beautiful Alpine region.
And this is what you get. A pristine mountain stream and the peace and quiet that comes with it.
The sign indicates that Leather Barrel Ck is roughly half way from Jindabyne to Khancoban.
The group, simply taking in the area.
About 15 km out of Khancoban, is Scammel Spur Lookout.
Here, I waited for our learners to catch up to the group. I parked our bike so that they would see it as they rounded the bend.
Nice rear end I must say.
Cathy walks the 200 m to the parking area, while Triesh and Gus arrive.
With the group together again, we have a break while checking out the lookout.
Hi Cath!
Mop and Kel, enjoying themselves as always.
Cath and I, loving the ride with good mates.
Rolling in to Khancoban, it was time for a coffee and a lite snack.
While our bikes waited patiently in they car park.
Soon after leaving Khancoban, we cross the state border, over the Murray River, in to Victoria.
Eventually, we ride in to Myrtleford and have lunch at this favourite cafe of ours, who make the best chicken salad wraps we have ever tasted.
It's important to take a break when on these tours. Whether it's for coffee, lunch or just taking in the scenery.
Our next stop was in Whitfield, in the King Valley wine region.
This lovely pub has a distinct German influence, serving some German beers along with local wines.
Lovely gardens surround it, giving it a very pleasant atmosphere.
These rides bring strangers together as if they've been friends for years.
Eventually we peel ourselves away from Whitfield and complete the last haul in to Mansfield, where we spent the night in the lovely Delatite Hotel.
It has become a tradition to visit Mansfield each year, where we get to catch up with good friends Dicky and wife Jenny.
Always fun to meet up with them and share a meal at the pub.
We met Dicky on a motorcycle tour of Europe we did two years ago and made good friends with him instantly.
Day 3: Map (344 kms travelled)
The morning of day three, greeted us with overcast skies, which later turned to rain as the day went on. It proved to be our most challenging day of the tour.
But first it's breakfast at the Mansfield Coffee Merchant, where again we met up with Dicky and Jenny.
This is how you get your English tea here. The timers help you achieve your perfect cup of tea. White for weak, black for regular and green if you like your tea strong.
After saying our fond goodbyes to Jenny, Dicky rides out with us to Myrtleford, but not before taking a short break in Whitfield out of the rain.
As I already mentioned, today's weather was less than desirable and because of the rain, we weren't able to appreciate Mount Beauty's lookouts as we normally would have, but instead carried on to the town where we could park under cover and have lunch at a local cafe.
Across the road, the clouds and mist hung low, creating this eerie scene.
After lunch, it was up over Falls Creek, through some gorgeous Alpine region and the roads that go with it, however, up high the fog so thick, we could barely see 50 m in front of us and limited our speed to just 50 - 60 km/hr.
Here we take another break to regroup and enjoy the area.
Another chance for our learners to catch up, although they were never too far behind.
Another beautiful Alpine stream at this rest stop.
At this point, we join up to the Omeo highway after experiencing rain and heavy fog.
In past years, we turned right and headed in to Omeo for the night, but this year we headed toward Tallangatta and spent the night in the gorgeous little village of Mitta Mitta.
Looking back up from where we came.
Here come Mick and Belinda, followed closely by Tiesha.
Nicky and Kel looking down to the Omeo River.
After riding on, we take another photo stop at the Lightening Creek Camp Ground.
By this time, the rain had finally eased, so we took the opportunity to enjoy the area, while taking the chance for the tour to regroup.
This section of the Omeo Hwy was excellent riding and until a couple of years ago was still unsealed.
Mick in good spirits as usual.
As you can see, the creek was running quite well due to the rain.
A picture with the campground in the backdrop.
And here come the dynamic duo.
Together again.
After a short blat, we make it in to Mitta Mitta.
This is the Laurel Hotel where we spent the night and recently taken over by a fellow named Chris. He is a chef by trade and as a result, the kitchen here puts out the most amazing meals.
With only a few homes in the village, this is the local store, petrol station, tackle shop and post office.
And not close to anywhere.
Our bikes parked out back under the trees.
This is the rear of the pub that backs on to the river.
Fisherman enjoy the trout in the area.
Another perfect spot to simply take in and enjoy.
It was late afternoon and mist began to form above the water.
Quite eerie looking really.
The pub is decorated with old collectable items all over.
Time to kick back after a hot shower and have a drink or three.
Kelly enjoying her seafood dish and yes she managed to obliterate the lot.
Everyone's meals were exceptional.
Pass the pepper Moppy.
At this point, Triesh and Gus realised just how much we eat and drink on our trips away. Man can not live on bikes alone I say.
Day 4: Map (421 kms travelled)
The morning of day four greeted us with an early shower that soon cleared to a cloudy day with no rain. This was a blessing after yesterday's unpleasant weather.
Here we reach the end of the Omeo highway at the Tallangatta end.
This is where the Omeo river is dammed, forming this beautiful lake.
The Omeo highway was great to ride.
Soon we were crossing the Murray River, back in to our home state of NSW.
Great spot for a quick photo or two.
This is Cabramurra, a small town who's only residents are employees of the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Authority.
This was our lunch stop, before carrying on to Cootamundra, via Tumut.
Before reaching the Snowy Mountains Hwy, I stop the group to take a look at these old gold fields.
This old contraption was used to crush rocks to extract the gold from within.
Not a great idea, even with a helmet on boys.
Cathy and I have been through here before, so I knew the guys would enjoy seeing this.
Nicky captivated by the history..... I think.
We arrive at the Tee junction where we turn left toward Tumut on the Snowy Mountains Hwy.
These kangaroos roamed freely at the camp grounds along the Talbingo Reservoir.
After quite a long ride, we arrive at the Central Hotel in Cootamundra where we stay the night.
For just $40 a couple, we get clean pub accommodation with air conditioned rooms.
Oh look, it's beer o'clock again.
More fantastic country style meals from a great pub.
Then this spotted on the counter. I was on my best behaviour that night.
Check out this desert for two. A meal in itself.
Day 5: Map (370 kms travelled)
This was our last day of the tour and was also the shortest in distance, so we left it for later to get started. Cathy and I took the time to go for an early morning walk to explore the town
As you can tell it was quite foggy this morning.
We soon learnt that Cootamundra is the birthplace of the famous cricketer Sir Donald Bradman.
This beautiful town is as peaceful as it looks.
I managed to take this great pic of a magpie enjoying his morning.
One of Cootamundra's churches.
A great example of the historical architecture in the town.
The post office.
Then it was back to the pub from the back gate.
Our bikes parked safely under cover and behind locked gates.
After a quick shower and packing our bags, it was time for coffee before heading off for home. The forecast was for a clear day with temperatures of up to 37 c. Welcome to Christmas in Australia.
From this point, everyone made their own way home mainly due to some minor bike issues that were encountered, however, Cathy and I decided to stay with the pre planned routes.
From Cootamundra, our first break was in one of our favourite towns. Boorowa.
We payed a visit to our good friend Mike, the publican at the top pub in town.
Another beautiful NSW country town to visit.
Leaving Boorowa, we then head for Crookwell via Rugby.
Not far out of Crookwell and on our way to Goulburn, we find the Pejar Dam.
Apart from being Goulburn's water supply, it is also a great little picnic and fishing spot.
A view of the lake with the spill way in the fore ground.
A little closer.
And this plaque on the picnic ground at the dam.
Finally we arrive in Goulburn, where we stop for lunch. Health food as you can see.
And one celebratory beer for a tour well done.
Motorcycle riding has changed so much for Cath and I over the years. We have seen and learnt so much about places all over the world and people we meet and ride with. As a result, we have grown as a couple and know where we want to be and where we're headed. Motorcycling isn't for everyone and to those people, I send my sincere condolences.
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