WOW, the first FarRide I’ve organised and the nerves were a little high. Would the event work, would people turn up, how will I manage check-in? All good questions and as it turned out all ones I didn’t need to stress about. People turned up (on time) well most of them, the venue was better than I imagined and YES, I had help from our larger than life friend Hackle. But how did it start…..

Friday 12:32pm from the local Shell servo (a new guy on the counter now and just didn’t get the whole “what time does your machine say” importance and I’m off. Getting out of Sydney is always a testing experience so headed through the back roads of Dural and popped out Windsor Rd and high-tailed it for Richmond, Bells Line of Road and into Lithgow with some annoying traffic…oh well

Freeway to Bathurst and a coupla laps of the Might Mount Panorama to make up some kays.

Out through Manildra when I had to get fuel (91 unfortunately) and a quick snack / comfort stop as I wanted to nail as many lays while I still had good light and the wildlife decided to coma and play.

Through Parkes and Forbes then travelled a road I don’t think I’ve done before…The Henry Lawson Way. Very picturesque, calming in fact but not calming enough to left my guard down for those damn hopping rats. Grenfell a nice little town came and went, time marches on and the sun starts it’s slow descent.

Young to Cootmundra and the sunset is truly leaving me to the mysteries of the dark….but I’m still smiling (inside my helmet…LOL)

Not far down the road though, my heart was in awe of the sight before my eyes…..

Cootamundra for fuel and it’s well and truly dark proper now. I check the new Tuturo oiler we installed on Dudley and it seems to be using (flinging) a lot more oil than I would’ve thought. Oil on the tread isn’t good so I do my best to remove what I can and make a note to keep an eye on it and rectify further once I get to Tumut. Needless to say the trip down Muttama Rd (one I haven’t travelled before was tense). Too afraid to lay Dudley over and nowhere to pull up. Just before I reach the Hume highway though there’s this pub on the right with good lighting so I pull up stumps there and access the situation. More oil in the oiler and dial the thing down, wipe off the tyre and head for the Hume Highway.

Turn off at South Gundagai – Gocup Rd and on the final leg now to Tumut. That last bit seems to take forever, but I realised that at the last stop my vertigo had kicked in somewhere along the ride in the dark….not ideal, I just need to take it easy. Roadworks on Gocup Rd and “gravel” in the dark not my idea of fun. Followed the cages in front at a nice easy pace under the speed limit and eventually we all arrived in Tumut.

Tumut Golden Arches for dinner, a quick call to Karl for some technical advice and then off to the Amaroo motel to hit the hay for a bit.

Saturday morning the alarm is yelling at me….get out of bed you lazy cow, but mmy head hurts and no drugs on board to assist. Over to the servo and address the oily tyre situation is the priority today and then head off. Bit chilly, fresh I’d say but maybe I shudda put me cardi on.

Ah, The Snow Mountains Highway should be on every ones list of roads to ride or drive, I just wish I could see it. The fog is so thick it’s like a fluffy doona wafting down to embrace Dudley and I. A short stop at Blowering Dam and I think I’d like to come back here and camp….looks lovely and not too far from town.

My head isn’t playing fair this morning and the world is moving in it’s own dimension so I just have to take it easy. It’s hard to believe that when you can see views like that, that others things can occupy your mind but it is “vertigo” and at Perry’s Lookout not too far down the road I have to stop again. I know, I hear you all….you should’ve stopped, rung in sick, something but this isn’t new to me. I’ve dealing with this for over 10 years now and know when enough is enough. Anyways, Perry Lookout provided a lovely vista for me.

Not far to Kiandra and the fog is just getting thicker. Parts of it was like some one got a bread knife and carved a perfect rectangular block out for Dudley and I to venture through before closing the end of the loaf for us to slowly weave our way through. But the fog isn’t the only thing happening this morning, the Brumbies are out. Lots of them if the poo on the road is any indication. So it’s eyes wide and hearing alert for these majestic creatures.

At the Mt Selwyn turn off though I had to stop again cos I’m freezing – yep shudda put the cardi on earlier. It doesn’t matter I allowed plenty of fat in my plan this morning just in case. When you actually look at where you are, it was mind blowing. The sign was rising behind the cloud cover and fog….absolutely breath taking.

To my amazement though just up the road the Brumby poo was real fresh, steaming fresh so I look around slowly and

Sweeping into Adaminaby and the cloud is starting to lift and by the time I get to Cooma, the morning has been born. Breakfast at the 123 Coffee House (somewhere new to me), fuel for Dudley and lets get cracking.

Feeling a lot better since breakfast and the oiler seems to be better tuned in now so we sit at a nice pace on the eastern side of the Snowys Highway. Compared to yesterday the fields on this side are green and lush and fresh smelling.

Down Brown Mountain but not before another stop at Pipers Lookout

And a bit of fun we had….not too much but just enough to lift my spirits. Get to the end and turn left and head to Cobargo. Now somewhere along here I see another rider (in my rear view) not sure who but figure they must be going where I am….and they were! I sat at a slightly spirited pace and was feeling much more comfortable now that the day proper had emerged into something glorious.

TAH DAH Bermagui!!! and to my amazement nearly everyone was already there 🙂 Being the ride coordinator for this one left my socialising time out the window and my official hat popped on pretty quickly. Had enough time though to find the chemist and get something to get my head sorted.

What a whirlwind checkin was. Everyone is so lovely, wanting to say hello, eager to get their names checked off, enjoy a little piece of Kimmie time…thanks everyone you made me feel special.

Thank goodness, I had Hackle and Clint there by my side to assist me and then the group photo was taken (well several) and everything was done. 6 new members and one of those is a whole 9 years Young – congrats Jett (hopefully grandad will let you steal *cough* borrow one of his bikes when you are old enough and you can lead him on a ride).

The venue was fabulous!!! Bermagui Beach Hotel opposite the park and perched up on the high side of town overlooking the ocean. Those of us who stayed overnight gathered for a little social function back here for dinner and lies *cough* story telling before retiring to our respective abodes for a goods nights sleep.

Sunday morning and it’s time to head home to my Sweety. Dudley and I are tired, the hand is sore and the head is in check (well better than it was) and we wave good bye to Bermagui but hopefully we’ll be back again next year 🙂

Easy run up the coast and enough fuel to get me a fair way up the road. Nothing except Macca’s is open on the way up and I wanted to stop at a cafe for breakfast. After 9 I decide to stop at Burrill Lake just south of Ulladulla at a little cafe that you can’t see from the street…it’s round the corner and delightful.

Lakeside Cafe adjoins a retirement village and has a lovely set up and the service and coffee are good. Met a couple fellas and their wives and they both have Tracers too!! Swapped stories but I needed to get home and didn’t want to get too stuck in the 38 degrees that was predicted for the day.

From there it’s home on the tank, so no need to stop unless I absolutely need to. Traffic from Nowra through to Gerringong was a nightmare and I should’ve turned off and gone through Kangaroo Valley, never mind. Up Mount Oulsey and as soon as I got to the Sutherland Shire, the traffic was horrendous all the way home. I was melting and Dudley was getting hot sitting idle in the traffic.

Eventually we made it home, hot, a sore bum and tired in general. Thankfully My Sweety had the air con on….he IS the man!!!!

All up 1418km for the weekend.

Here’s the maps. the long way round to get to somewhere 🙂

So not qualifying for this ride either since the hand is still up the buggary but doesn’t mean that I still can’t attend. Dr gave me the go ahead to start riding but not cranking out big distances…which we agreed to disagree upon….LOL but settled for time in the saddle.

Set off nice an early on Friday since I didn’t require a start docket and headed down through Macquarie Pass, Robertson and Kangaroo Valley beore stopping for breakfast/morning tea at one of my favourite spots Mount Cambewarra Lookout Tea Rooms https://www.facebook.com/thelookoutcambewarra/ . Naturally I had to have the homemade scones with fresh cream and jam with a side of coffee.

The locals here are pretty friendly and like a feed too.

And what a view! It was just a tad chilly this morning but the heated gear does the trick…..some of the best money I’ve spent.

It’s a dilly dally day and so different to riding without having to watch the clock, check the plan and check again. Alas, I must leave this little gem and head of down the mountain to battle the traffic through Nowra.

The weather gods haven’t been particularly nice to me and it’s raining, a steady dousing and I’ve discovered for certain now that my boots are definitley “no longer” waterproof……argh!!!! The run down the coast road is pretty uneventful (thank goodness). There’s not a lot of traffice so I just set the cruise control and dawdle on down the road.

Milton, Ulladulla, Termeil all very family towns before rolling through Batemans Bay, Mogo (I really have to go to the zoo one day), Moruya before arriving in Narooma, my destination for the day staying at The Top of the Town Motel and ~400km for the day and the hand and old body are a tad out of ride condition 🙄. Plus though, the sun came beeming out with some fabulous heat just as I got to town…cooked me with my thermals and heated suit on.

Found a lady in Narooma that fit me in for a 40min massage to ease the knotted up shoulder and neck..thanks Kay. Feeling much better. Now on a little walk of the town well the top half…I’ll never make it up the hill if I go down the bottom 🤣🤣.

The views are lovely and the sun is fabbo. Chillin out on the bench seat near the history plaque of Ted & Daisy Street as in Streets Paddle Pop.

It was a little late for lunch so a packed of potato chippies did the trick. Dinner was at the pub across the road (the locals pub) which was ok but think I should’ve walked down the road a bit to the other pub. I was lucky the rain held off to walk back.

The night was spent drying out my boots ready for the next days ride to Eden.

Well, it rained all night, bucketed down so it was a wet departure and poured all the way to Tathra. Had to stop for breakfast and get off the wet slippery roads as the strain on the hand was already getting to me. Took refuge in an aptly named cafe HoWeRoll Cafe.

Back out in the rain and travelling the Sapphire Coast Road. What a shiteful road, is in terribly disrepair with potholes, crevasses and washout all over the place. Was not one of my better decisions especially since it was raining…have I mentioned that.

Made it to Eden and stopped at the Coles there to get some waterproofing (plastic garbage bags) for my boots and some dry socks to ride back with. Arrived at the Wharf Cafe to meet the rest of my crazy friends who come out in rain, hail and shine.

Those who braved the elements……

With check-in completed (as I was on desk duties), it was time for the group photo.

Before everyone dispersed, Team FarRider announced that one of my icons in the family was stepping down from the FarTeam and advised that I would be taking up the reigns. This is quite a privilege for me and I was very honoured to accept the role….although I have very BIG boots to fill. Thanks Fatman & LTP for all the dedicated years to the Team and hope I can do half as good a job.

With the formalities completed, everyone headed off as we do and I headed up the highway this time to get back to Narooma….still raining.

Arrive back in Naroom after 3pm for a late lunch at the Ice-Creamery just before it closed for the day…..still pouring. Swear I am going to break this drought…just need to travel the effected areas 🙂.

With Dudley safely tucked up in his undercover parking, it’s upstairs to dry out the boots and socks again…..argh!!!!

Dinner tonight was in the onsite Italian Restaurant, but don’t bother eating there if you are in town. Dirty dish water would’ve tasted better and looked a lot nicer.

Heading home today and guess what……..it’s another damp day. Slumming it this morning at Maccas. Hoping to miss the storm front heading south….well that’s the plan.

And I am home. In the drive at 11:55am (yes, I was up early). Unpacked, load of washing done & had lunch. Now ready for a nap.

Not much rain from Ulladulla, seems the plan to miss the storm front worked.

It’s soooooo good to be back on 2 wheels, might take a lttle bit longer before I can do a big one but that’s ok.

Bwahahaha…….not really, I should’ve been riding. A bit of a set back with the hand injury means it’s still a coupla weeks before I’m hoping to be back on Dudley again….fingers crossed. Since I had booked the time off work and it was a long weekend, thought I may as well make the most of it still and go in Dougal – the FarCar!! Camping booked in Goondiwindi and since I was in the car, it made sense to take Felicity’s camping gear with me. Off we go Friday morning road tripping.

Up the freeway to the Hunter Expressway then out through Denman for a morning coffee…it’s a beautiful day to be out. Then out through Merriwa, got stopped by a police escort wide load before cruising through the quaint little town of Coolah. Must go back there and check out the 2 coffee shops. Looking at the fuel gauge and I should make it to Mullaley as originally planned. Stop at The Black Stump for a pic and you know what I think you could actually camp there if you have all your water etc…..hmmmm bank that for another time.

Just north of here there, the road crew is laying a new road surface…wet tar everywhere. Sat there for 10-15 minutes waiting….with the engine off as the range indicator and the GPS distance to Mullaley had me running 2 km’s short…oops. As I pull into the roadhouse the fuel range turns to ZERO and the GPS announces that “you have reached your waypoint”….LOL 😜

North of here I was ever vigilant for wildlife. Gunnedah came and went, travelling along the Kamilaroi Highway watching the scenery charge from barren fields on one side to green on the other. Head into Narrabri rocking along to my country music, then pass the little town of Edgeroi which has been closed down. At one point looks like they had fuel not no more. The weather gods certainly have turned it on for today…the sun is set high and emanating a lovely 30 degrees with a light breeze….yes I did wind down the windows of the car to take a deep breath of country air. Thought of Ed535 as I passed by the Moree Airport and kept on going.

It’s mid-afternoon, bewitching time for wildlife, so it’s with caution and eyes wide that I travelling this section. There’s a lovely new Shell on the way into Boggabilla and the old Wobbly Boot Hotel is still there…although I don’t think it is open anymore as all the windows seemed to be boarded up. Still I had to stop for a pic.

Almost to Goondiwindi now and looking forward to setting up and having a feed, not before stopping for wine and cheese. Arrive at Goondiwindi Holiday Park ~5pm, 3 hours earlier than I had advised Malcolm. He was surprised and disappointed that I wasn’t on the bike (as I had originally said when I made the booking). Gave me the key and pointed me in the right direction for our campsite. Nestled into the back of the park close enough to a camp kitchen and one of the amenities blocks. Set up camp Kimmie and when I emerged from the tent after making my bed, darkness had completely fallen. I thought about setting up Felicity’s tent but not having done it before thought it probably best just to assist her when she arrives.

Off to the Royal Hotel for a good feed of Snitty, chips & salad and a Pale Ale, Felicity arrives just as I’m finishing my dinner. We head to the van park and proceed to set up camp Felicity in the dark with the assistance of Dougalls headlights.

Saturday, ride day….well drive day for me. Although heading to the same destination we ride/drive our own plan and departed from the van park nice and early. Being in the car felt strange but gave me the privilege of time to stop and take more piccies……gotta be happy about that . Seeing as we’d missed breakfast, stopped at Moonie to grab a coffee and a tasty muffin for breaky which I ended up eating on the road anyway.

The grain fields are a plenty out here but not all are loaded with crop as this one….mind you there were quite a few bare patches. Thought I’d try an arty farty photo of the wheat? up close and all personal like, plus one of me (cos I can). Yes it was a bad hair day.

Made an impromptu stop in Miles cos I saw some bikes in the servo carpark near the bridge. Couldn’t help myself had to go find out who it was and Walshy, Danzzr, Giggles and there was someone else, but I can’t think who it was….sorry please forgive me. Anyhoos, time to keep moving. Why does the road seem so much more boring in the car than when I ride? A long straight road normally wouldn’t bother me on the bike but in the car it was a whole different experience.

Saw a sign to a lagoon and though I’d take a look, you never know when you mind need a camp site or an off the road rest area and this spot seems to be ok. Caliguel Lagoon, right on the river, nice road to get there, even has a toilet (bonus) and peaceful…well it was this morning.

Still with a timeline to meet as you don’t want to be late…even if you are in the car, I push on to Wandoan. It’s a tiny town that at first I thought consisted of just the service road but there is a but more…not much but more. There is a supermarket, the pub of course where we had lunch, laundromat and a few others including a community hall/information centre. Arrived at the Wandoan Pub and a few riders had already pulled up including Felicity under the shade of the few trees available. Thought I’d assist and conduct check-in for Ghosty & Clint (since I couldn’t qualify anyway) before taking the group photo and a few others.

With check-in complete those staying for lunch headed inside while we waved those not staying fare-the-well. Lunch, well what can I say……I won’t be recommending this place to anyone. The sour puss faces on the woman serving should’ve said it all….. I think had felicity and I ordered what the burger like all the guys, we’d have received our meal quicker but still slow. However some hour later our meals arrived and really weren’t worth the wait. Had I known when I ordered the quiche that they had to make it from scratch, I’d have ordered something else…rant over.

Farewelled the rest of the crew and we headed back to Goondiwindi for another night at Camp Girl Power. Ice-cream at Condamine and finally stopped for a pic of the Condamine Bell. On the way back one of the cattle farmers were grazing the cattle on the main roadside…..mustering on horseback which in itself was a lovely sight to see and not one I see often.

Back at camp while waiting for Felicity, I cooled off in the thermal pool and spa….ahhhhhh, so refreshing, the only missing was the glass of wine and platter of cheese and bickies.

After Felicity arrived and we had a nice relaxing dip in the spa we ventured back to camp for our dinner of champions……..wine with cheese, bickies and dip – naturally 😊

Another good night’s sleep in the Tahjma-Kimmie but it’s time to pack up, say good-bye for now and be on the road headed home. Good morning Goondiwindi!

However, I couldn’t stop without getting a pic of Gunsynd – The Goondiwindi Grey before I leave. Check out more here Gunsynd Race Horse – The Goondiwindi Grey

With nothing open in town, it’s off to Moree for breaky. Drive around town and nothing, narda, zippo was open, so had to resort to stopping at the 7th Street Café located at the Puma Service Centre near the airport.

The advantage in the car is the air conditioning as the days temperature slowly crept up. A not so quick stop in Gunnedah which was nice to see in daylight and with time to look. Who knew they had tributes to the miners around town and clean facilities. Grabbed some lunch at Maccas and it’s off again.

The road home from Gunnedah is well travelled by me and one that never really changes. Quirindi, Murrurundi (where I thought I’d get a nice pie but nope), Muswellbrook and the slab back down the all too familiar M1 Freeway to home. In the door about 5pm and enough time to unpack and have dinner with Sweety.

I didn’t count the clock or keep a score of the trip. It was time out of the office to enjoy tripping on the road to see other like-minded (some would call us crazies) motorcyclists.

Once again would I do it all again – naturally the answer is ABSOLUTELY!!

The first “official” ride for the year…..kicking off in a lovely part of the country in the little town / hamlet of Dartmouth.

I asked Dad along for this one…nice weather in February and he hasn’t been out for a bit of adventure for a while . The planning of course had to take in the distance that dad is capable of doing..not always an easy task.

Google maps and a range of ~500km  max a day for dad had his plan landing him in Cooma on Thursday for the night. Friday he trundled around the Alpine area (which he hasn’t done for many many years) and propped at The Mountainview Motel in Corryong, where I would meet him that night.

For the first time in “a very long time” I planned the most boring ride for Friday. My local Shell knows me well for mid-day starts and with docket in hand off I head for the M2  and the ever so boring run down the highway of doom. I really didn’t put a lot of thought into this plan and while looking at the spreadsheet in my tank bag cruising on the freeway couldn’t figure out why I had plotted my route in that way……plan out the window – “Lets Wing It”!!

It’s really uneventful except for the volume of truck heading out of Sydney until Sutton’s Forrest – every one jostling for the vacant space…..reminded me of the old game Frogger…lol

Yass for fuel and I really have to slap myself yet again for stopping here. I say this every time and yet I’ve done it again…..argh!

Can’t help but notice the plethora of enticing signs waning on my sense of having some fun….turn off Kimmie, come and play on my twists and turns they are saying. Dudley is chomping at the bit, come on Kimmie ya know ya wanna……next time mate. *sad face* Next stop is Albury for dinner and fuel. Finding fuel turned out to be more of a challenge than I thought. Albury a big town and they hide the bloody fuel…WTA! Got fuel – phew and asked the lady where the local Macca’s was. Turns out there is a NEW Macca’s at East Albury and guess what…next door is a brand new BP *face palm*. Check in with Karl and Dad and get back on the road.

The Riverina Highway, what a lovely road and I was so glad to have something interesting to travel along for the rest of todays journey.  It’s amazing the change in ones spirit with a change of scenery 🙂  Down into Lake Hume and the bridge is closed so a u-ey and back out along the Wondonga road…..turns out this is the road I shudda been taking in the first place…he he. Come through Edben then turn left onto the Murray Valley Highway for the last stretch into Corryong.

I’ve ridden this road many many many times with zest in my wings and a gallop in Dudleys legs but alas as I watch the sun sink slower into the horizon, I remind myself of the wildlife that like to come out and play in this area. I see it all too often the following morning as motorists have an encounter of the furry kind. I don’t plan on being one of those thanks, so we settle back into a nice rhythm and take the curves and a gentler pace….absorbing the surroundings like tasting a fine wine.

Fuel at the Mount Mittamatite  Caravan Park before rolling into the motel where dad is waiting for me. We have a bit of a catch up on his travels down, how’s mum doing and the low down on the pub grub and town happenings….dad likes to have a chat to the locals……who’d figure….LOL.

Dad’s a bit excited and to be honest I am a bit myself to head off this morning for our little 300km stint. Love morning riding and the crisp smell and feel of country air. We travel past Tintaldra into Walwa before winding our way around the mountain on the Murray River Rd – dad hasn’t done this before.  Sitting on the limit cruising and outta no where a mob of Roos come bounding from the right – target Kimmie!!! Managed to miss them and watched in the mirror as dad also missed them…thankfully he was travelling far enough back to a bit more time to prepare.

Sunrise with Dad – Murray River Rd

The northern turn to Granya and dad has to change glasses – photo op.

This is a nice bit of road if you get the chance and before long we wind our way to the Bellbridge Bridge.

Back through Ebden for me and we turn right and head towards Yackandandah where we get fuel and have a lovely breakfast in the old shop on the left as you come into town.

Time to get our skates on and my plan has us weaving here and there with a couple of detours on unfamiliar roads….oops. Back onto Lockarts Gap Rd and it’s a lovely scenic run onto the Omeo Highway before turning on to Dartmouth Rd and leading a few other riders into Dartmouth Pub for FRE #48.

The usual catch up with friends and meet a couple of new ones before checkin opens.

It’s wonderful how every single rider welcomes dad to our catch-ups even though he doesn’t hold a FR # and he “LOVES” it!! Riders are really the most wonderful  and welcoming people.

We have lunch, well we share and before long the group that was, was no more as the crowd dissipates into the haze of the start of a hot day. Thankfully we are only heading back to Corryong as dad is getting weary. Dad heads up the pub (as you do) and I head to the pool to cool down 🙂 . Although to dads disappointment the pub wasn’t open yet…oops so we have a chat and get ready to go back for an early dinner.

Sunday breakfast is at the Black Sheep in Corryong. It’s not a big day today as it’s starting to take its toll on dad so Goulburn is our goal for today.

Travelling the well worn Goats Ridge Rd to Cabramurra but not before stopping at Tumut Pond Dam – photo op.

Can you see the smile on dads face !!!! I Can!!! Gotta love this man – he IS a legend!!

Twisting and turning our way through and around the mountain and we come to Three Mile Dam and in the distance there are some Brumbies….not a sight you see very often. They are magnificent and I can’t not stop to get a pic.

And of course, a pic of Dad

Come on kid…..I can hear the words again as I type….he he he.

I had a bit of fun through here and had to slow a few times for dad as he doesn’t recall the last time he’s done this road and just takes it easy.

Up through Selwyn, then turn onto the Snowy Mountains Highway and we meander into Adaminaby for a brief stop.

Too early for lunch so we forge a plan to stop in Bungendore at the Gunna Doo cafe. The beauty of today is we don’t have to rush. The day is heating up and thankfully we have the most of it behind us before it gets too hot.

From here it’s  an easy run up through Tarago and into the Astor Hotel Motel for the rest of the day and a cold beer for us both. The stretch here wasn’t terribly exciting, but the distance was starting to show on dad…just little hints he gave out.

We check in at home, kick back to watch some telly then , it’s an early night for the both of us and the final stretch home tomorrow.

Breakfast across the road at Tatts Cafe – highly recommend if you are in Goulburn. It’s a pretty ordinary run up the highway this morning but the air has a bit of heat in it, so I am glad we are out early to beat the traffic and the heat. We stop at Pheasants Nest for a short stop and bus loads of kids are everywhere!!! Dad and I say our good byes as we won;t be stopping before he turns off at Pennant Hills Rd.

Pheasants nest final stop

Heaps of traffic on the M7 which was a bit unexpected considering the time but we eventually clear that and motor on down the M2 and wave hoo-roo at Pennant Hills Rd as planned.

I’m into the driveway at lunch time and Dad pulls at his home a bit later.

A fabulous weekend riding, catching up and spending quality time with my Dad!!

Thanks for reading.