Boorowa/ Araluen Overnighter

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.

Leaving Braidwood, we head through Goulburn then on to Taralga for lunch.

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.

Tarago Overnighter

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. 

Day 2: Map  (453 km travelled)

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 a complimentary breakfast, the group is set to go, but not before the compulsory group photo in front of the pub.

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.

Leaving Mollymook, we part ways with Ed, who stayed in Mollymook to visit friends and relatives, and Mop and Rohit, who carried on the freeway home. Ian joined Cath and I to Cambewarra Lookout for lunch then on home the back way, avoiding the hot highways.

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.