Bike K1100LT �93 with 73,000 kms
I had a new rear tire organised for fitting Thursday, but Galvins failed to deliver on time. So I organised another Dunlop D205. I replaced the front D205 that had worn in a triangular shape and given a piacular feel to the front A front metzler Z2 restored the handling.
That left me on Thursday night with a questionable tyre for a 2,500 km trip. Gecko tyre in Canberra had a D205 rear in the right size, so that was reserved for fitting Friday lunch time. I had a few beers that night.
I awoke late, packed and had to take the fast but boring Hume hwy to Canberra. Gecko tyres were great, "no sir we will take the wheel off the bike, you can have a coffee in the back"! Definitely a step up from motorcycle accessories. Then I got lost in Canberra finding petrol... finally out to cotter, Piccadilly Circus where the tar ends and the slow dirt begins. From there to brindabella and another 3kms? I averaged 40k/h. From there half way to Tumut more dirt, averaged 80k/h, then new tar all the way to Tumut. I have travelled this road many time over the years, going to the Alpine Rally. Good senary but less dirt each year. First to arrive at the Royal Hotel, I had a beer, then asked for the best room, it was one with fly screen on the rear window. Went to look around town, meet Geoff Hansford just getting off the bike who was puzzled at my interest after my transformation from bike to civilian. Shows what type casting does!
Oh yes, in a rear lane shop window is a cap for a �smart arse� with maths on it.... Don�t think the demand would be enough for an aus.motorcycle version Kevin.
The rest arrive and settle into room, drinking, cleaning and thinking about food. Ate the cooked bits of a stake from the commercial hotel�s stake house across the road. I think 20 people swamped the cook.
The Snowy Monts. Hwy goes through to Cooma, a good fast road through flattish land, but we leave it after Adaminaby. There is a hot pool at yrrangobilly caves if you have the time.
Through Berridale to Jindabyne for lunch. I like coming into Jindabyne, the view of the lake is very good. From here to Charlotte pass and back then through Thredbo, as the alpine way is closed here you go through the narrow village roads to go around the slide. Through Geehi, site of the Kosciusko Rally to Khancoban, Corryong Tallangatta Dederang to Mt Beauty, and the Snow View Lodge for a shower, beer and a good diner at the granary.
Up to falls creek, nice tree furns a slice of Tasmania, and the road builder must have relations there too. At this point 3 of us too the dirt option to Omeo. More great senary, and at the bottom a very nice twisty road through to Omeo. On the way there we stopped at the Blue Duck Hotel... very nice! Recommend staying here next time $12 each for 5 in a self contained lodge with shows and toilet. Caters for up to 37. phone 03 5159 7220
Omeo small top up for petrol as we are not certain of the mileage here. On to Hotham Heights, a small section of dirt under repair, no loose gravel thank you. Again good senary. When will it run out? On to Bright for a late lunch and rejoin the main group.
Up Mt Buffalo on to Myrtleford for petrol then. A bit of a mix up with the directions here
3 of us went straight on when we should have turned right. Recommend a tank bag with a map that you use for the next ride frank. And keep some of your mind in gare on those boring stretches rather than following the bike in front. Oh well eventually on to Tallangatta for petrol, after getting the pizza hut fella to open up the shell station for the fuel. On to the overnight stop by the short way. I don�t recommend the pub at Tintaldra for an over night stay. If you must, but the other places put it to shame.
I head out early, or so I think up to Cabramurra for fuel. The servo here wants payment before you get the petrol... guess how much you need, but that and then hopefully fill your tank. I think I got within $1. The others arrive so I leave to go on and look at Kiandra, they have been doing some diggings into the old place and I want a look see. But as I exit on to the Snowy Mountains hwy 2 police landcrusiers are blocking the road to Tumut. One takes off, but barriers block the road, I go and ask, he says that the road is closed due to a fire. I take 5 minutes to do a quick recce of Kiandra, and go back to Cabramurra to let the others know. Change of plans, back through coma, Canberra to collector bushranger hotel for lunch (late... !) Leave here 3.30 for Sydney... back down the fume hwy said to see the group slowly split up as we approach Sydney. The group got a bit of a surprise as a cop hwy patrol car goes past at 130k/h, every on backs down to 110k/h then about 1/2 speed back up while the rest of us take it easy for the last bit to sidnee. What a let down.
Its now Wednesday and I�m still recovering from the high.
A good trip, well organised by Laurie, congrats and thanks.
Late Friday afternoon trip to collector or gunning (both good pubs that will run to diner if you book)
Then sat through Tumut, Tintaldra, Tallangatta and on to the Omeo Hwy (about 20kms of dirt but worth it for the twistys) to the blue duck inn. That�s a long day. Then through Omeo to Nowa Nowa Up the coast, if pushed you could make it back home for a late Sunday night, return to work Monday, but you�d be buggered. This would be a good trip for the canberites! More of a strain for Sydneyites.
For Sydneyites a 3 day weekend could run you back from Omeo, Bright, Mt Beauty, Corryong, Khancoban, Thredbo, Jindabyne, Adaminaby to overnight Tumut. The next day home to Sydney.
As regards the running of groups larger than 10...
Tony reckons on splitting them up to groups of say 6 to 10. But you do loose that massed effect on the road!
The problem with the tag system is that it�s as strong as the weakest link. And we had riders leaving and joining as the days went past. And sometimes the bike inside the group is not one of us and can lead you astray :)
I don�t think there is an ideal solution, just factor it in to the plan, people, and route.
Everyone should know where the stops are, and if possible the phone numbers so messages can be left in case of breakdown, accident etc.
As for preparation, well I sure we all took a good look at that tyre, oil leak and took some time checking our own bikes for pressure, oil levels, missing bolts, nuts etc.
The best advice take a break, do as much preparation as you think, then add a bit, take money (cash), a smile, patience, oh and a tank bag with maps of the area and laurie for the weather
frank warner still recovering :))))))
Link to Finners photos on Tony Fussell's site