Another great weekend with good friends and, as always, we probably ate and drank too much. This weekend we welcomed yet another new member, Skye. She is another rider from the South Coast who we hope to see more of in all future rides. Gus, Triesha and Skye rode together from the South Coast and met up with us in Tarago, while Ian, Lance. Grant and Kelly and Jalal (who joined us for a day trip) rode from Western Sydney through Bells Line of road to Oberon, Taralga for lunch, then to Tarago for the night.
Day 1: Map (368 kms travelled)
Our first Autumn weekend away. The sun was shining but the air was cool and crisp, perfect.
The original plan was to head straight up the M4 motorway to this place, Hampton, but we found out that Jenolan Caves Road was closed due to a fund run, so we road the Bells Line of Road since we had extra time up our sleeves.
The Hampton Pub is always a good place to stop for a coffee and wee break.
Leaving Hampton, we headed for Oberon to refuel then down Taralga Road via the Abercrombie River Bridge. I took the opportunity to photograph the guys crossing the river. Ian comes through first.
Then Jalal.
Mop and Kel, who have quickly become regulars on our rides.
And finally Lance.
One more pic of our bike before heading off to catch up to the group.
Eventually, we arrive in one of our favourite country towns, Taralga.
Just in time for lunch, a drink and to enjoy the perfect Autumn sunshine. The friendship and laughs we share on these rides, are just as much fun as the riding itself.
One of our favourite pubs. The lovely Taralga Hotel. Also a great place to spend the night.
While our bikes wait patiently across the road.
This is the main street of town, that runs from Oberon to Goulburn, with Taralga located conveniently for a break.
Leaving Taralga, we head through the major town of Goulburn then on to Tarago for the night, to the Loaded Dog Hotel, named after a famous short story, written by Henry Lawson. You can see this short story HERE.
Grant enjoying the afternoon sun on the pub's verandah, looking down to the bikes below.
And now he's found the tea and coffee making facilities, up stairs.
After we unpacked, Cath, Kelly and I went off on a walk to stretch our legs and get a bit of exercise after a day on the bikes.
The local beef cattle thought we were mad and told us to mooooove along.
We named this one T-Bone.
And his mates, watching us very carefully.
Meanwhile, Kel spots a blackberry bush and picks a few for us to try.
The Loaded Dog, in all her glory, and for just $40 per head, you get a clean, comfortable, large room, including brekky.
Here Kel takes a pic of Cath and I beside the pub's mascot.
The bistro here puts out some great food as do most country pubs.
These tables sit out front for people to enjoy a beer or two. There is also a beer garden out back where we enjoyed dinner.
Most pubs are motorcycle friendly and usually have a place to lock the bikes up for the night.
Ok, time for a beer or three, or four ... ok maybe even five.
Looking very content after dinner in the beer garden.
These two hooligans fighting over a superb sticky date pudding.
Day 2: Map (454 kms travelled)
After a peaceful night's sleep, we woke up to a foggy crisp morning.
This is most of the town, believe it or not.
Ok that's all of it.
The mascot stands proudly, rain, hail or shine.
Such a loyal doggy.
Here I zoom in on Lance. "Gorrilla in the Mist" comes to mind.
A late comer had no room to lock their bike away with ours. Ah well First in best dressed. That's an old barn he's parked in front of.
As you can see, from this point, you can ride off in several directions. This road eventually takes you through to Nowra on the South Coast.
Oh the ladies have awaken. Must be time for brekky.
Kel and Mop must've smelt the toast burning.
The owners of this pub are kind enough to allow the use of their kitchen to make coffee, tea, toast and cereal. All inclusive in the accommodation cost.
More chatter over breakfast.
These two look waaay too serious. Must be planning a bank heist or something.
The compulsory group shot in front of the pub, before heading off.
And one more to capture the perfect country morning. That's Cath spying through the mirror. Always watching me.
Leaving Tarago, we ride through to Braidwood, then on to the fantastic King's Hwy to the coast and Bateman's Bay. The King's Hwy is a motorcyclists dream with it's perfect tarmac in most part, nice sweeping bends and great bush scenery.
After leaving Bateman's Bay and refuelling the bikes, we ride in to Mollymook for a coffee break at the Beach Hut Cafe. Here I take the opportunity to photograph the girls.
Mollymook is truly Heaven on Earth, and here's a great place to stay, but I'm biased.
Soon the sun got too warm for comfort so the group chose a seat in the shade.
From Mollymook, most of the group split up as some were local to Ulladulla and others had plans for the afternoon. Meanwhile, Ian, Cath and I rode to Gerroa for lunch to the Fishos club for lunch, where not only is the food cooked to perfection, but the views over seven mile beach are breath taking.
As you can see, the views are uninterrupted and hard to beat.
Time was getting on, so after lunch, we rode up Jambaroo Mountain, through Robertson then on to Picton via Tourist Road and the freeway. Here we take one last break to stretch our legs and say our good byes to good mate Ian, before heading home after another great weekend away.
