After a short brief from Chas our ride leader for the day informing us about our route and stops for morning tea and lunch etc (Plus double demerit points were active) off we set down the Barton Highway for the first short wee break and regroup at Jugiong. Just the usual boring bit traveling down this part of concrete.
Leaving Jujiong Chas asked for a volunteer to act as Tail End Charlie, Thanks very much Trevor McLeod offering to undertake this. Also corner markers were required and Chas gave a demo to those not familiar with this task as to what was required for the smooth operation and welfare of the group of riders.
Further down the concrete and at Coolac we departed from the Highway and headed out to Darbarala which meant crossing the Murrumbidgee River at Crowes Road and we were pleasantly surprised to see that a brand new bridge had been built to cross the river.
This stretch of road albiet a typical rural road had no fences containing the said animals and yes we did come across the normal gathering of dumb sheep smack in the middle of the road however caution followed and we were soon past this little obstacle. This stretch along the river down to Brungle and Tumut was an interesting ride. Some short little twisties, the odd Cattle Grid and of course the Farmer with his wide tractor/machinery taking up most of what little road we had;needless to say all was good. Along this stretch of road Darryl spotted a Bison on the ridge line.
Tumut saw Ian waiting for us at the café arriving ahead of us. The crew sat down to the assorted coffee, tea and cakes and the chatter of times ago and a few stories to enlighten the day. Peter and Trevor partook of the usual delights and poor Mick was aghast at the size of these fat fixes as the pictures show. Ian was so disappointed that the café had no Pies. Oh well maybe at the next stop we can get Ian one.
Some of the crew departed here and headed back to Canberra as prior commitments did not allow for the full journey to be undertaken. So off we head down the Snowy Mountains Highway towards Talbingo it began with little traffic but that soon came to an end with double white lines (no crossing) and a clapped out old 4 wheel drive fully loaded to the brim towing of course the nice expensive speed boat with all the trimmings. Needless to say we were down to 30/40 kph going up the hills. Blowering dam obviously his destination was not that far away so all was good.
Talbingo then saw us climbing up to the escarpment top with lots of lovely twisties and great fine weather to accompany us. Mr Plod was out and about which was good to see not that this was any obstacle to the careful riders in the crew. The following road conditions all the way to Kiandra and Adamindaby were fantastic for a great days riding. At the top we also saw two lots of Brumbies and a few horse floats and trailers presumably an organised muster. Thank god no brumbies came careering across our path.
Upon arrival at Adamindaby for the lunch break it was intended to refuel at the Shell Servo. Not so out of the 12 available pumps 11 had the NOT IN OPERATION sign attached to them. One local farmer occupied the available pump with another group of about eight to ten riders waiting in line. Cooma was only 53 k’s away so it was decided to refuel there. Lunch at the local café in Adaminaby was enjoyed by all along with a considerable number of locals and tourists.
Departure from Adaminaby saw Mr Plod in his 4x4 head out in front of us to Cooma keeping a watchful eye on the ride leader to ensure he stayed the correct distance behind him. Arrival in Cooma and a refuel and the obligatory ice cream (Hey Trevor you missed out. Garry McCurley had this fabulous Mint Gay Time it looked so good) Garry mentioned that the sign in the servo said two for $5.00. He politely asked how much for one. The proprietor replied $2.50. You gotta love the country folk.
Here it was farewells and we all made our way home from there. I would like to thank the crew below who came along for a great day, great riding, great company, lots of laughs and stories to boot.
Safe riding to all
Cheers Chas
The Great Crew
- David Formica ZX14R
- David Dawson 1200GS
- Steve Smith KLR
- Neal White Goldwing
- Don Shepherd R1200GSA
- Garry McCurley VFR1200
- Darryl Cullen 1250 Bandit
- Trevor McLeod FJR1300
- Steven Hausfeld BMW K1300S
- Jan Hausfeld BMW K1300R
- Peter Arday Honda ST1300
- Mick Winters Triumph Trophy
- Ian Paterson Goldwing GL1800
- Andrew Campbell FJR1300
- Chas Towie Honda ST1300
