Finally, we're back on the bike on an overnighter, after a long spell. In the last four months in particular, we have been so busy moving out of our home in Sydney's west and into our new home in the NSW South coast. We asked good mates, Mop and Kelly to join us and check out some new roads, particularly on our return trip on day 2.
Day 1: Map (362 km travelled)
So we arranged to meet the guys in Ulladulla, where we both fuelled up before heading off.
We ride down the Princes Hwy to Batemans Bay then through to Braidwood, via the Kings Hwy.
Braidwood, being our first rest break, we soon find a cosy little cafe to kick back and rest over a chat and coffee.
We have visited this town several times, but it's always a pleasure.
Meanwhile, back in the cafe.
And this sign hanging on the wall. How true.
We usually enter this lovely town from the north, however, now that we live in the south coast, we approach from the other end of town.
Peeka Boo Cath! Yes, sadly, her head still looks big in that helmet.
As you can see, the spring sunshine was treating us on the trip.
The Taralga Hotel has always been our choice for lunch and never fails to please us with great pub grub.
Loving the sunshine.
These country towns are always peaceful and a pleasure to visit.
We leave Taralga and carry on to Crookwell to refuel then on our way to Boorowa, we find this odd sight.
On the corner of Boorowa Rd and Fish River Rd, someone has caught some carp and hung them out to dry on the road signs. Carp are a pest in NSW and are not to be returned to the water if caught, but what an odd sight.
Meanwhile, our bikes wait for us to carry on.
We usually stay in the Boorowa Hotel, however , this occasion, we gave the Blue Metal Motel a try.
The Boorowa Hotel stands proudly at the top end of town.
And it's off for an afternoon walk, before settling in for some pre-dinner drinks in the pub.
Boorowa has a pleasant walkway, running along this river, which makes for a pleasant atmosphere.
The girls charge ahead while Mop and I take a more leisurely pace.
Meanwhile the local sheep go about their business.
The girls are definitely on a mission.
Finally, we end the day with drinks and dinner over good company, before walking back to the hotel for a good nights sleep.
Day 2: Map (357 km travelled)
With overnight temperatures dropping to 1c , there was no rush to leave early, but wait till the sun was high enough to warm us up a little, so we didn't leave until 9am after brekky at the local bakery. This little motel was a winner in the end and right next door to our favourite pub.
Not even 30 mins into our return ride home, we come across a herd of beef cattle grazing on the side of the road. NSW is currently in drought and our farmers are struggling to survive. In this instance, the farmer is utilising the long grass by the road to feed his cattle.
Not being from the country ourselves, we find this scene great to watch. The young girl on the horse would've only been about 14 years of age, but had great control of her horse and the cattle.
She soon had the road cleared for us to pass under the supervision of her father standing at the end in the distance.
This morning, we were taking great quiet roads we have never been on before and as a result passed through little towns that were new to us all.
Definitely sheep and cattle country out here. Kelly's head looks big in that helmet too...... must be a girl thing.
Eventually we make it through to Bungendore for a break.
By this time, the sun was up and it was perfect sitting in the sun.
After our break, we head in to Braidwood to refuel the bikes. Then it was on to another great road to the tiny village of Araluen.
Araluen has a perfect little pub where visitors can enjoy a cold beer and pub meals.
These country pubs have a great atmosphere and usually set in quiet scenic areas. They always strive to please visitors and deserve our support. We decide that we would return for a day ride one day , just to visit the pub for lunch.
Just beyond the pub, we hit 50 km of dirt road, right through to Moruya.
Although, the majority of it is in great condition, there's lots of tight bends up and down the hills. Not something I'm confident in and enjoy. The straight stretches, however, were fun and could easily sit on 70 - 80 km/hr
Just over half way through the Araluen Rd, we stop to enjoy this great view of the river.
It was so quiet and the smells of the surrounding bush was a pleasure and good for the soul. There was a public camp site nearby and i'd imagine it would be quite the experience camping in a place like this.
The road condition was good coming down the mountain.
Finally a picture of Cath and I. I often get carried away with covering our trips and forget to get a pic of us, much to Cathy's disgust.
Our bikes and gear covered in dust, we eventually roll in to Moruya for a late lunch
We chat about our trip and about life in general over lunch, before saying our good byes and shooting up the Princes Hwy, home.
A big thanks to Mop and Kelly for their company, always a pleasure. Till the next one.
