Summer gets damn hot in NSW, but that doesn't stop us from getting together with some mates for a ride out in the country, away from our usual day to day routines. This weekend turned out to be quite hot, especially in the afternoons, although the mornings in the country are always quite crisp and fresh, always a pleasure to ride in.
Day 1: Map (333 km travelled)
This ride saw a couple of new bikes that our friends have upgraded to, including Ian's new VStrom. Before this ride, he had only driven it home from the showroom, but by the time we met him in Hampton, you couldn't wipe the smile off his face. As you can see, it's got all the goods and ready for his tour of Tasmania in March, along with a few other mates.
The Hampton Halfway Hotel is still undergoing a dramatic transformation, thanks to it's new owners.
The out door seating has been moved to fully appreciate the spectacular views over the valley.
Ian loving his new love.
Mop also loving his new BMW.
Great to finally catch up with Ed once again.
These two always hanging around like a bad smell. Our good friend Rohit joined us later in Taralga after having some things to do before leaving for the ride.
From Hampton we enjoy scooting through Shooter's Hill Road on great tarmac and almost no cars to bother us. Here we cross the Abercrombie River.
We haven't had much rain in NSW for a long time so the river was very low and in the distance, we were eyeing off a bushfire in the direction we were going. Ian crossing the bridge over the Abercrombie, well what's left of it anyway.
Followed by Mop.
And good ol Ed.
Cathy waits patiently, while I take the pics. What a girl!
The Australian summer can be quite unforgiving. This is the fire we could see in the distance and it was getting closer as we approached Taralga.
Arriving in Taralga, the smoke from the fire blanketed the town, creating an eerie orange glow.
At one stage, the fire seemed to die down but then it flared up again, fanned by the wind.
Sitting down for lunch on the pub's verandah.
Sorry Rohit, we couldn't wait any longer.
Meanwhile, the fire begins to pick up again.
And then there were five. Rohit finally joins us for lunch.
We leave Taralga after lunch and ride on through Goulburn and on to Tarago seemingly dying of thirst. It was hot outside, so it was so easy to sit in the airconditioned pub and drink ice cold beers, soon after we arrived.
Meanwhile, our bikes sat safely behind locked gates.
I decided to go outside for a few pics while the others misbehaved inside. The pub's mascot stands guard just outside.
This old fuel pump hasn't seen much action lately.
The hotel is named after a short story by Australia's own Henry Lawson.
These timber yard fences are so typical around the Australian country properties.
The beer garden out the back has been decorated in typical Australian bush style, complete with chainsaw.
The bar is quite colourful even out of focus.
Meanwhile, a few beers later.
I have no idea what was going on here. I swear.
Ah here's the culprit.
Ian tucks in to some desert.
And so does Ed, with Mop glaring at him for a bite. LOL
As the sun was going down, Ed and I ventured back outside to capture the sunset.
The photos are nice but the silence and atmosphere can't be captured.
Ed's had enough and ventures back inside.
The road out and those lovely 100 speed signs, we''ll be taking in the morning.
And finally, the welcome sign in to town.
The next morning greeted us with clear blue skies and fresh country air, with the only sounds being the cockatoos and cows in the distance.
The pub seemed to enjoy the perfect morning too.
The neighbouring hay shed can tell a hundred stories i'll bet.
Not much going on in town, this early in the morning.
Catching the sun rise through a willow tree.
Here, my daredevil wife walks in the middle of the road amongst heavy traffic.
Cathy hits the 100 zone and disappears out of sight.
So peaceful.
Seeing a Sulphur Crested Cockatoo in the wild, is a sure sign you're in Australia.
Still on our morning walk, we come across some cattle having a feed.
It's so dry out here at the moment and the pastures are so brown.
Many NSW country towns hold their own annual show and Tarago is no exception with it's own show in March, bringing in much needed income for local business.
The road out through to Braidwood which we will use this morning to ride the King's Highway.
And even more beef cattle peacefully just near the pub.
This is just about all of Tarago, well it's main drag that is.
After leaving Tarago, we ride the King's Highway through Braidwood then over the mountains where the tarmac is spectacular and great riding, until we pull in for a break in the river side village of Nelligan.
Another gorgeous spot on the NSW south coast.
This town keeps its public areas spotless for visitors to enjoy.
There's also a boat ramp, so people can enjoy the river.
The view along the bank to the bridge.
Meanwhile, the others enjoy a break at the cafe with great views over the river.
Ian enjoying his own company, in comfort I might add.
We leave Nelligan and ride in to Mollymook about 40 minutes later, where we swing past the block to show our mates our soon to be home sweet home. It was notably so much cooler right near the water.
Cathy inspects the build.
The lookout is stunning with spectacular views over Nowra and the Shoalhaven River. Well worth a visit for lunch or afternoon tea.
There are bird feeders hanging off the balcony where King Parrots often visit for a feed.
Our bikes parked in the shade out of the hot summer sun.
On our way down the mountain, I stop for one last pic of this gorgeous area, showcasing our big girl.
Leaving the lookout, we make our way through to Kiama, Jambaroo, Thirlmere, Silverdale and home. Most definately the long way home but worth the scenery and lack of cars trying their best to kill us. Although we did get some hot weather, I feel the group had great fun, enjoying some fantastic roads and scenery along the way.
Preparing the next stage of our life will probably keep us off the bike for a while, for overnight rides anyway, until we settle in to our new home. This will open up so many new areas to ride and explore for the future. Can't wait.
