Vic Alpine Ride - Part 1

It was that time of year again where a group of mate's get together for our annual Snowy Mountains and Vic Alpine ride. Being in November it's not really that snowy but that's how we like it, dry twisty mountain roads and this year was no exception.

DAY 1

Now with the bike prepped and ready to go and with 4 days off work I was ready and raring to go. We were to meet at Stu's for a 8am start, no problem as he live's 2 mins from my place.

Work? F#ck that, I'm the hell outta here......

Our route out of Sydney was to take in a bit of freeway(D'oh) down to the southern highlands(woohoo) and on into Kangaroo Valley, a good twisty bike road only 1.5 hours south of Sydney. The road surface in Kangaroo valley is superb and it feels like a race track. We stopped in the township for coffee and some had pie. I needed the coffee to wake me from my morning comatosed state that I'm  usually in.

Kangaroo Valley

Fueling up in Nowra we picked up 3 more of our group before heading out and down into the southern ranges to Nerriga and then on into Tarago. We stopped at the Loaded dog pub where we should have picked up a couple more riders. But we soon found out Doug had a puncture in Goulburn and was at the bike shop getting it looked at. They would meet us in Nelligan for lunch.

The loaded Dog Hotel

So on we headed down to Braidwood and down the Kings Hwy also know as Clyde Mountain. Another excellent motorcycle road, however these days it's quite heavily policed but we were in luck and didn't see any today. Doug and Craig meet us in Nelligen just after we finished lunch so we pushed onwards for fuel in Batemans bay. From here it was only a short squirt down the south coast Princes Hwy.

We stopped in at Narooma for a quick beer at Obriens Hotel. It's the hotel with the million dollar views. It was too soon for me so I opted for a Squash instead, I didn't want to end up in a food/beer coma whilst riding, no siree.

It wasn't long before we were back on the road where we turned off down the Bermagui - Tathra road. This is a great scenic ride with a bit of everything thrown in, twisty mountain, forest road, with coast cliff riding and sand beaches. Such a beautiful area. We stopped in at Tathra Pub as it was rumored to be now open after it burned down about 5 years ago.

Indeed it was open and what a great little pub it has now become. There is a huge outdoor seating area around the building. There was a micro brewery in behind the bar area and they have accommodation out the back. looks like a place to stay for next year's trip. They have fantastic views out on the deck area and we all had a relaxing beer on the deck.

From Tathra its only a short 20 minute ride to Merimbula where we stayed in the Sea Spray Motel for tonight. It was a nice comfortable motel with very clean well presented rooms at $75 shared. Highly recommended place to stay and very welcoming to Motorcyclists and they cordoned off an area for the bikes to park in. It was a bit of a hike to the pub for dinner though.

Day 2

It was a rather conservative night out last night and I was feeling good in the morning, not hung over like a skunk. Geoff wasn't here drinking with us.I wonder if that's the reason? It was an 8am start from the Motel and I must say the beds were so comfortable I didn't want to get up. I noticed that the owners were feeding a flock of Grass parrots under one of their tree's. They really took a shining to Scotty. I thought he was going to get shat on but luck for him he didn't.

Scotty attracts all the hot birds

From here we made our way down to the waterfront to one of the local cafe's for breakfast. It can be difficult when a group of 11 lob up for breaky but we put 3 tables together and all was good. Gear and helmets were unloaded to the nearest bench which made an interesting photo. The helmet's and gear is as varied as their owners.

From here we fueled up and hit the road out to Candelo then onto Wyndham. I caught up to Scotty in his 86 along the twisty mountain section through the forest. He wasn't mucking around either and can really drive that 86 well. I large branch flew out from underneath the 86 across my path and I had to swerve onto the other side of the road to avoid it. It's much better to follow a bike than have a car block your view, so I got in front after that so I could see better.

We stopped briefly so everyone could catch up and go the right direction and to make sure everyone got through ok. The Mt Darragh road is quite twisty and I had good fun hammering through there with Brett on the MT-10 hot on my tail. I was to follow him a few days later and the sound of dueling crossplane's is absolutely brilliant.

We arrived in Bombala and there were a few bikes around, they were having the Bombala bike show on this weekend. That could be interesting. A quick fuel stop and we were off to Delegate and down the Bonang road. A few people were Bonang virgins and popped their Bonang cherries today. Needless to say they didn't think they could have that much fun with their clothes on.

Doug enjoying the fresh Bonang air

The scene of Geoff's infamous police bollocking

Bonang Goodness

The Bonang was a little bit rough in places making it hard to set a good pace as you never quite know what to expect around the next corner, but it was mostly in good nick. I really like some sections of the Bonang with its banked curves which really help you hook into a bend. The bottom section was in top shape and we had a blast  along here with Doug and Scotty in the 86. We stopped in Orbost for fuel and lunch at the bakery and waited for everyone to catch up.

From here we took another cracking back road out to Buchan. I lead through here and it wasn't long before a wallaby had jumped out across the road in front of me which wasn't to be unexpected on this narrow forested road. Not long after 2 Galah's few out of the grass at the side of the road. I didn't think about that much until about 20 more flew out after them and all I could see was a wall of white birds. I ducked behind the screen. I didn't hear any birds thudding into me or the bike so continued along at pace. Doug however rode through a cloud of feathers that had come out of one of the birds I'd hit.

Bruthen regroup

There was quite a lot of stopping and regrouping this trip as there was quite a lot of varying ability  levels of riders and machines. From R1's, to Tuono's, MT-10 to a ZRX12 and Bonneville, Vstrom and even a TRX850, I love those Trex's, Yamaha shot at the Ducati marked back in the day.

We topped up our tanks in Bruthen before heading up the Great Alpine road to Swifts Creek. This part of the ride is always enjoyable as the road flows along next to the Tambo river and is a cracking ride with a wide road with pretty good surface which flows really well.

Another stop in Swifts Creek to wait for the other as we were turning off here. When they arrived we kept going, I'm not sure how it happened but only about half of us turned off and the others went straight ahead to Omeo. The back road is more interesting option being much more twisty and scenic.

Technology - The old and the new

It's only a short ride from Swift Creek into Omeo but it is one cracking good bit of tarmac and it wasn't long before we arrived at the Golden Age hotel, which was to be our accommodation for the next 2 nights. There were a few jugs of beer consumed but it didn't take Jacko long before he got stuck into a jug of Captain Morgans. Needless to say we all had a good night, it's been a long time since I've played pool......

Cheers Boys

Today's map. At least 420 kms of twisty bends on today's ride, that's why I love the Victorian High country so much. I wonder if I could move down to Bright or that area to live the slow country lifestyle again. You can ride all day here and it's all bends where as in NSW you can ride all day and only do 50 - 100 kms of bends.

Victorian High Country Ride Day 2

Hooray for an earlyish night and therefore the resulting lack of a hangover, cheering. We hit up one of the local cafe's for a early breakfast and were underway just after 9am after fueling up. Today's route was going to take us up the Snowy Mountains highway and then turn off through the back roads to Candelo, Wyndham and further on to Bombala.

Lads in Candelo

I keep forgetting how good this road through Candelo is. It has bits of everything from sweeping hillside scenery to thick forests with some very twisty blacktop and everything in between.

Myrtle Mountain Road

We took a short break in Wyndham for everyone to regroup and then continue our way to Bombala for fuel and coffee. It was too early for lunch yet.

Wyndham

There were a few bikes travelling through Wyndham on their way to Bombala, including a bunch of postie bikes. The Bombala bike show was on this weekend so we found out, but we didn't have time to hang around to check it out which was a bit of a shame. Stopping in Bombala there were a few bikes around the streets, not as many as I thought there would be though, but is was still early about 10:30am when we stopped for coffee.

Bombala main street

It was here the group discussion on the route plan for the next bit was a bone of contention. Dave and Brett with their brand new toys - Aprilia Tuono and MT-10 didn't want to get them dirty on the 11km of dirt road on the Bonang Highway. So we ended up splitting the group, four of us including myself went via the Bonang Hwy and 4 went via Cann Valley way and the main Highway. I know who is going to have more fun......

Craig on the Bonang

The boys discussing the dirt section just after finishing it

Selfie Goodness on the Bonang

It didn't seem to take long at all from the dirt section to the fireplace rest stop where we stopped for another chat. I don't think I've ever seen the Bonang in better condition and the temperature for today was spot on too. It wasn't hot or cold which made for perfect riding. The banked corners on the top section really help you attack the curves.

The  Bonang must rate right up there as one of the best roads in Australia for riding. 105km's of bends with over 1080 curves in that distance.

I lead most of the way from the dirt section down to Orbost with Stu in Hot pursuit, I did have to slow down a few times to give him a sporting chance!!!

Arriving at the end of the road I decided I wanted a picture at the 105km sign, luckily Craig motored by just as I was about to take the pic so I got the two bikes.

105km Bonang Hwy - Pure motorcycle heaven

We stopped in Orbost for fuel and the other four soft cocks were waiting for us at the bakery next door having a spot of lunch with their pristine condition bikes and chicken strips. We quickly fueled up ready to go whilst Geoff inhaled a sausage roll. I wasn't hungry so I went with just some water to rehydrate.

We decided on the scenic route out of Orbost to Buchan(pronounced Buckun) which keeps us off the main highway, as well as being a fantastic twisty bit of remote rural countryside with some stunning views, you might say it was Buchan fantastic. I did crap myself at one point when I came around a bend at speed and three sheep were standing in the centre of the road. A beep from the horn and nothing, a blip of the R1 throttle and that exhaust note scared the bejesus out of them and off the road.

Geoff and Doug getting amongst it

Buchan - Orbost Road - You Buchan beauty

We stopped in Bruthen for a top up of fuel before heading up towards Omeo. The section of road that runs along the Tambo river is another favourite of mine from years ago when we used to ride to motogp. It's fantastic to see a freight train of bikes insync with each other flicking from left to right laying it over into the long bends that run around the river. Simply magic stuff.

Tambo River

Getting into Omeo late in the afternoon we parked the bikes up under the awning and settled in for a few quick beers on the front lawn. It was fantastic basking in the evening sun having a cold one with da boys talking everything bikes. I like staying in Omeo, in every direction is a winding road, the meals are good and they have free cooked breakfast all for $50, bargin. Another 502km for today and mostly all twisty road. It doesn't get much better than that.

Day 2 Map

2016 Not the Snowy Ride Day 3

A big slap up breakfast was what is called for when one has a massive red wine hangover. Lucky for me I stayed off the reds and just had a few beers, as a matter of fact I was feeling pretty good. The guys on the other hand didn't look so good, that reflected in the leaving time which was around somewhere after 10am. Breakfast in Bruthen was washed down with a couple of nice coffee's then it was time to head out. Until one of those recalcitrant Ducati's decided that its battery would shit its self over night. A jump start at the local servo and we were under way.

At breakfast there was a couple of heavy showers that passed over and then were gone, looking at the radar the showers were heading from south to North. If we time it right we will ride along in between the showers and not get wet. Well that's the plan.

Tambo River

R1 on the Tambo

I love the section of the Great Alpine road that runs alongside the Tambo river. Its probably only a short 20-30km stretch but it is fantastic fun. It was a bit difficult in trying to read the road surface as some sections were wet from passing rain then there were dry patches, it was hard to tell the difference. 

I had to stop finally as the weather closed in and it started to rain so out came the wets again.

Soon we were in Swifts Creek, I saw Ant had a cup of coffee. I said "Ah great I need a coffee, what's it like?". Ant looked around to see if anyone was nearby, and then said"Its the worst coffee I've ever had in my entire life" Yikes splash the idea of getting a coffee then so I settled on a bottle of water. Yeah better to Hydrate anyways.

We did a left turn in Swifts Creek and took the back road up to Omeo, I'd not been up this road before and it was a cracker of a winding little country road much like a roller coaster ride up and down over the hills, the scenery was so green and lush with all the recent rain it was beautiful. Well worth the ride. Soon we were in Omeo and fueled up. The local constabulary pulled up and we asked him about road conditions across Falls Creek Alpine area. Unfortunately for us the Falls Creek road was closed still because of snow. So it was here the group split into 2. 3 of the more hungover guys headed straight from Omeo to Mitta Mitta, whilst the rest of us headed up towards Mt Hotham.

The road steadily rises up from Omeo all the way up through Dinner Plain until you get to Mt Hotham. On the way through Dinner Plain mist was rising up from the road surface as the water was evaporating, the 2 Ducati's in front of me made the mist break and swirl as they went through. I amused myself with the thought of "Ducati's in the Mist".

We decided to stop at a little place coming up into Hotham called 'the General', it looked like a mix of pub, general store and restaurant. We stopped out the front and saw our first specs of snow on the peaks ahead.

Selfie Time

Nearly all of us ordered a nice warm soup as we were all still pretty full from a big breakfast. I ordered a nice tomato soup, it was the best tomato soup I've ever had except I couldn't finish it. The views out the back over the valley were spectacular but there were dark rain clouds looming and dumping on the distant hills.

After lunch we rode up to Hotham Village and had a look around, there was still a bit of snow laying around by the roadside and on the slopes about. It was chilly at 6°C but I didn't feel it with my wet weather gear over my leathers, that and I put on my thermal top today.

6 degrees and balmy outside

Stopping in at the Cross at 1845m we frolicked around in the snow, with Steve making a snowman that kinda looks like a snow penis, not sure what he was thinking and Kingy walked to the top and slid all the way down.

I thought I would put my Go Pro on for the trip down the hill until I saw this little gem on the screen. 'NO SD'. Dang! I could clearly see the SD card sitting in the SD port in the front of my PC at home. I put it away again and thought what a blood waste of time that's been carrying a camera around for 1200kms and I can't even use it! Oh well........just enjoy the ride.

Continuing along this road is some of the most spectacular riding that this country can provide, the views from up here are simply superb and make you feel like you're on top of the world. York was listening to some tunes in his helmet.

We had to get going and quickly as in the distance we could see a huge cloud dumping rain and it had just about reached the road ahead just where we were headed. It started to spot on the visor as we rushed to get ahead of the rain on one of the twistiest roads around with one 35kmh corner after the next, corner after corner for 30 glorious kilometres. Good god this is so much fun.

Ovens River Harriettville

Harrietville

A quick stop in Harrietville and we were away again towards Bright, but we turn off before there and head up over the Tawonga Gap and on into Mt Beauty for fuel. Starting from the back of the grid I made my way through the field to win the Tawonga Motogp by about 2 laps. I love this road its one of my all time favourites and looks like the favourite of a bunch of other bikers as a heap flew past in the opposite direction. The Victorians certainly know how to make a winding mountain road nice and smooth, so much better than the NSW roads in comparison.

It was starting to get late in the afternoon so we got going and headed up kiewa valley way after having to abandon the Falls Creek road and it was now just the commute to the pub for the night. I wasn't overly joyed to be staying in Mitta at the pub, I'm not sure why maybe I was thinking it wasn't going to be as good as the Golden Age in Omeo where we normally stay. But as soon as we got to the pub after the fantastic ride through the valley to get there I was quietly over joyed at being so wrong about wanting to stay here. It was the best little country pub I've ever stayed at. There is a huge awning out the back with a tiered grass section that goes down to the Mitta river and a weir. How's the serenity came to my lips several times. Having a beer with Geoff we were both stoked.

The food was fantastic as I had the beef ribs with veggies and everyone else also thoroughly enjoyed their meals as well. It cost $65 for the bed and a huge cooked breakfast to go with it. It was dorm style rooms with communal bathrooms but very clean. I ended up not wanting to leave, with ideas of ditching tomorrow night's accommodation and staying here and doing loop rides through the mountains. But alas it wasn't to be, maybe next year we will stay for 2 nights instead.

The Mitta Pub

Map Reference Day 3