Day 1: Map (279 kms travelled)
The official start point for the ride was at the Pie n the Sky. Although I'm not a fan of the place, It's positioned well as a meeting place for rides, and is often packed with bikes, particularly on weekends.
Our first stop, Wollombi. A picturesque little village in the lower Hunter and home of Dr Jurd's Jungle Juice. Here we take a break for a drink at the pub.
Just outside the pub, these signs give an indication of where we are.
The main street through Wollombi.
From Wollombi we head through Cessnock and on to Neath, where we have lunch at the Neath Hotel.
Enjoying a cool drink in the shade.
We've visited this pub a few times now and they never disappoint.
I decide on a bowl of onion rings.
A group shot before we carry on to Stroud with full bellies.
After an unexpected detour due to roadworks in Clarence Town, we eventually arrive in Stroud and the Central Hotel.
The rear of the hotel, looking over the roof of the beer garden.
As usual, we changed in to our walking gear and took off for a walk around town, joined by Craig and Jalal.
We've been to Stroud several times, but not once have I ever noticed Stroud Gate.
It was thought that the original gates were built to stop unauthorised entry in to the town, but they were actually there to prevent sheep and cattle from straying.
This lovely couple and their young family were a nice surprise, simply waddling along the side of the road.
Stroud House looked it's best in the afternoon, and the spring weather meant the garden was in bloom.
You have to love the easy going lifestyle of NSW country towns.
After our walk it was "beer o'clock" and the boys are waiting.
Stroud Central Hotel is excellent for motorcyclists. The shed in the background makes for a great bike lock up.
Enjoying the afternoon sun on the pub's verandah.
Beer o'clock.
It was a nice surprise ro see Rob and Tracey, who rode from Pt Macquarie to join in the fun.
The beer garden by night.
The conversation and laughs are always good on these trips.
Rob and Tracey, kicking back.
Dinner time. Craig is letting us all know that his meal was number 1.
This salmon and king prawn pasta was real tasty.
We got to watch the football finals. Our beloved St George lost by 1 point.
Ed and Justin making good use of the snooker table.
He looks the part but "Charlton" is not his name.
Day 2: Map (322 kms travelled)
The Central Hotel has changed publicans since we were there last and the place has come along very nicely. The rooms, although traditionally small, are very clean and the bed linen "hotel quality crisp". We always like to support country pubs, and when they step up like these guys have, it makes it all the more a better stay.
Early the next morning, we all shuffle from our rooms and enjoy the fresh clean country air. I never did ask Justin, what the hell he was wearing on his head.
Sunrise in Stroud.
The sunshine through the verandah's lacework makes for a nice pic.
A light layer of mist hangs over the town.
Everyone's up. time to make tracks.
As you can see, no one's rushing off.
One last group shot in front of the pub.
This spot was another new find in Stroud, thanks to Lance. Silo Hill is named due to the 8 grain silos buried in the hill.
The view over the area was fantastic.
Two canons stand guard over the silos.
Transported from Sydney, oddly enough.
Here you can see the concrete slabs which now seal off the silos.
Also adjoining Silo Hill is this area, dedicated to the people of Stroud.
Just for a change, this morning we made the 20 minute ride to Dungog for breakfast. Dungog was hit hard in recent flooding in the area.
Another beautiful country town.
Breakfast at this bakery went down well in the warm sunshine.
The coffee wasn't half bad either.
After breakfast, the group split up to go our separate ways, according to the best way home for the individual. Cathy and I rode with Craig and Lance to Singleton where we all fuelled up before Craig left for home while Lance and ourselves took a more leisurely ride. Here we stop for a drink in Bulga.
It's true, the beer is cold.
From Bulga, we left up the Putty Rd and made our way to the Grey Gums Cafe which was crowded with bikes.
Regular breaks, make for a pleasant experience on these rides, not to mention getting too tired to ride safely.
After a light lunch, we followed Lance all the way in to Windsor, where we parted ways. We arrived home at 2:30, feeling rather worn but happy with the weekend away with friends.
