STOOKIE
I like it dirty
So it was 5am on Saturday morning and Im up before the alarm has gone off.Im very excited. We had packed the bikes up the night before and made sure we had everything set to go.
It wasn't a very nice day outside, the forecast had said light showers clearing in the morning, but it didn't clear all day. We left and headed down the South Gippsland highway and headed for Korumburra. We got as far as Cranbourne and Lil noticed a massive downpour about to happen so we pulled in at a servo just in time. The heavens opened and down it came. We had a crap servo coffee and waited for 20 min. The rain eased off so we got back on the road and again attempted to head for Korumburra. We turned off just after Lang-Lang and had a clear run through to Korumburra until roadworks and a large truck got in the way.
The roadworks had left a lot of shit all over the road and the truck in front was killing visibility bacause of all the silt and crap it was chucking up at us, we couldn't see a clear road ahead due to the truck so tryed to stay far enough back to see in front.
I was hanging back as I was getting used to the crap conditions and the extra weight on the bike. We came to an overtaking lane and hammered past the truck hoping it was not a short overtaking lane and we got through. we stopped in Korumburra for a macca's break and the weather was looking promising.
Off we set again now heading for Bairnsdale, this road was bloody boring. I was thankful for that all the same as twisty bits and sweepers where not what I was after due to the wet and the cold. Another quick stop in Yarram for fuel and a bottle of RAINEX.
That stuff is amazing....no more shit covered visors. We just got back on the bike and the rain started again, bugger it and off we went. We eventually get to Bairnsdale and have another Macca's break and lunch.
Now the next leg of the trip is Bruthen to Omeo, I was especially looking forward to this part as I had done it the previous year on my 250cc cruiser. That cruiser had such a flogging on that road i buggered the rear drum brake. This time I was on My VFR and I was ready for a better run. We stopped in Bruthen to see if the rain was going to stop but NO.....Fuckety fuck fuck-it.
we headed of at a very sedate pace, the road was very mysterious, the asphalt kept changing colour from dark to very light sandy shades. this was really throwing me as I was seeing as nice and dry and the rain had stopped. Excellent i though. So off I go and start to get a better pace going. BAD IDEA....slid my arse end round a left hander and the weight in the bike really made the bike slide out further. Pulled it back and then slowed right down......the road was wet and it was tricking me every change of colour.
We get into Omeo safe and I was pissed off, i loved that road but it just wasn't meant to be today. Another time.
We fill up again in Omeo. The VFR is getting about 300k per tank but the Duke on manages 200k so I fill up too.
Then, a big red flashing sign is warning ICE and SNOW on Hotham. We asked the lady in the servo whats going on here.
She tells us they had a very bad frost and snow last night and the top of the hill has a covering of snow. She warns us to be careful of the corners as they WILL have black ice on them. We grab a nice hot coffee and discuss what to do. Lil reckons we will be ok if we take it slow. Me Im not sure im up for that. Ive slid down the road at a slow pace and have 9 pins and a plate holding my shoulder together to remind me. "Im not doing it "I say. And as if by some guidance from the motorcycle gods a trailer with 2 bikes rolls past all smashed up.......a red VFR the same as mine. Well thats an Omen if ever i saw it.
So we head over to the only caravan park and get a cabin as its going to be a bloody cold night.
the cabin was great and pretty cheap too. Great base for a few trips in the future.
Sunday shaped up to be a perfect day and we headed out for Bright at 8am. Hotham was perfect.
No ice and a very quiet run up the mountain. Going down was pretty slow as its a steep decent and Lil was having a bit of bother with new braked and all the weight so i just followed slowly and made sure we got down safe. we got into brigh and had some tea and then decided we will get going and head for Tumbarumba.
We headed over Tawonga gap where I was off like a rocket, I love that bit of road and it didn't take long to shred away the chicken strips. we got to sullivans lookout where we sat and I proposed marriage to my Lil and she accepted promptly. More about the wedding later.
Thenwe headed to redbank road which to be honest is boring. I suppose its off the main Highway and less likely to see the "old Bill" but boring none the less. Then it was over to Talangatta for a fuel stop and off round the Murray valley highway. We turned left after Bullioh up to Granya and that is an awesome road, I loved it so much i wanted to go back and do it again. We saw a lonely BMW rider parked up so we stopped to check he was ok and he waved us on......10 min later he was on our tail and we had some company to Walwa. We stopped and had a chat and he said he could catch my tail light through granya and i must be a local, sorry mate but Im as local as nessie. We chatted for a while and he told us the road from Jingellic to Muderoo was all sealed now an worth a visit next time. We had looked at that road before but noticed it was not sealed so gave it a miss. but the local knowlege assures its a great one so we will bear that in mind for next time.
We head off for Towong and then left up to Tumbarumba, the road surface was very dodgy but it was the home straight so we kept at it. Its a very isolated road and the landscape was parched, in desperate need of some rain which wasn't coming.
Into Tumbarumba and it a bit bigger then expected. We stay at the Tumbarumba campsite right next to the creek.
Lil parks up the Duke which takes 10 min to fall over , told her not to use tree bark for a base but nobody listens. Thats where the hatchet came in handy to give a better base for the stand. We wnt to the local cinema cafe and had great pizza and watched a movie and had the place all to ourselves.
Next morning we are up at 6am and off we head for the Kosciuszko national park and the Snowy mountain. Loads of fallen rocks and very tight narrow roads. At the top of the hill before the water dam we stop for a photo stop as the river looks green the as if out of nowhere a cement lorry and a car pulling a boat come to head right where we parked the bikes. the cement lorry stops with an almighty slide as Lil hails him to stop as a cars coming with a boat. Im waving furiously at the car as somebody was bound to take both bikes out. It passed without incident but it just goes to show you can get traffic where its not meant to be and thats all we saw on that road all day.
We stopped at the damn and had a rest and a few more pictures. Then off up the Snowy mountains and the most amazing landscape I've seen in a long time. Green grass to burnt trees and a rugged land stretched out as far as you can focus.
We looked down to see an outrageous twisty road and wondered where it was and how do we get there, fortunately it was part of the road we where on but it looked so far away. We stopped at the Water dam and had another break. That road really took alot out of you. So much concentration was needed to focus on what lay ahead and not on the surrounding beauty.
We near the bottom and almost back to civilization and almost get wiped out by a 4x4 on a right hander. Lil almost gave birth and i looked on as he almost rolled bloody thing on top of us. i think he got as much of a fright as we did.
We reach Khancoban and decide we will head back to Bright. To many close calls and we are not covered by TAC in NSW. to many close calls and safety is the key as Im looking forward to getting married in January.
We do the other side of the Murray valley and back through redbank road and Back up Tawonga gap to Bright.
We set up camp and we are getting rather good at it and we both do our thing and are setup in no time.
We go to the Chinese restaurant for dinner. One bit of advice, don't eat there its really bad, well by my standards its pretty poor.
We go back to our camp and play Black Jack over a few glasses of red and a wine glass taken from the Chinese to substitute poor food. Hey, im scottish, if its not nailed down I'll only nick it !
Up again at 6am and we head into Bright for some brekkie. We head of Home via Whitfield, mansfield and into Alexandra just so we can fly through the Spur.
On the way through from Whitfield to Mansfield once corner had gravel and pebbles all through it and we noticed mid corner doing about 120k/ph. Lil almost lost the back end, well she did but recovered it just in time. What a woman ! I was sliding to but more worried about lil a Ive been there before and went home in an Ambulance. Made it through and i think i swallowed my asshole.
Back throught the Spur and Home safe and sound.........Phew !
As for the Camping thing we both had an absolute Ball of a time. We got on very well and worked in perfect harmony together. No arguments or debates and we didn't get lost really. Missed a few turns but knew straight away.
I loved the tent thing although a bigger tent would be great. One thing I must admit which we couldnt have done without.....the cigarette socket Nev advised me on......what a treat to charge the phone and ipod and Blow up the mattress.
And thats the Camping in October story, with a very happy ending.
lil and i are to be married on the 26th january (australia day) We are now planning for that and the honeymoon..........MMmmmmm Tawonga gap and the Murray valley I think......
Thanks for all the advice, we could'nt have been better organised without you help.
Stookie and Lil
It wasn't a very nice day outside, the forecast had said light showers clearing in the morning, but it didn't clear all day. We left and headed down the South Gippsland highway and headed for Korumburra. We got as far as Cranbourne and Lil noticed a massive downpour about to happen so we pulled in at a servo just in time. The heavens opened and down it came. We had a crap servo coffee and waited for 20 min. The rain eased off so we got back on the road and again attempted to head for Korumburra. We turned off just after Lang-Lang and had a clear run through to Korumburra until roadworks and a large truck got in the way.
The roadworks had left a lot of shit all over the road and the truck in front was killing visibility bacause of all the silt and crap it was chucking up at us, we couldn't see a clear road ahead due to the truck so tryed to stay far enough back to see in front.
I was hanging back as I was getting used to the crap conditions and the extra weight on the bike. We came to an overtaking lane and hammered past the truck hoping it was not a short overtaking lane and we got through. we stopped in Korumburra for a macca's break and the weather was looking promising.
Off we set again now heading for Bairnsdale, this road was bloody boring. I was thankful for that all the same as twisty bits and sweepers where not what I was after due to the wet and the cold. Another quick stop in Yarram for fuel and a bottle of RAINEX.
That stuff is amazing....no more shit covered visors. We just got back on the bike and the rain started again, bugger it and off we went. We eventually get to Bairnsdale and have another Macca's break and lunch.
Now the next leg of the trip is Bruthen to Omeo, I was especially looking forward to this part as I had done it the previous year on my 250cc cruiser. That cruiser had such a flogging on that road i buggered the rear drum brake. This time I was on My VFR and I was ready for a better run. We stopped in Bruthen to see if the rain was going to stop but NO.....Fuckety fuck fuck-it.
we headed of at a very sedate pace, the road was very mysterious, the asphalt kept changing colour from dark to very light sandy shades. this was really throwing me as I was seeing as nice and dry and the rain had stopped. Excellent i though. So off I go and start to get a better pace going. BAD IDEA....slid my arse end round a left hander and the weight in the bike really made the bike slide out further. Pulled it back and then slowed right down......the road was wet and it was tricking me every change of colour.
We get into Omeo safe and I was pissed off, i loved that road but it just wasn't meant to be today. Another time.
We fill up again in Omeo. The VFR is getting about 300k per tank but the Duke on manages 200k so I fill up too.
Then, a big red flashing sign is warning ICE and SNOW on Hotham. We asked the lady in the servo whats going on here.
She tells us they had a very bad frost and snow last night and the top of the hill has a covering of snow. She warns us to be careful of the corners as they WILL have black ice on them. We grab a nice hot coffee and discuss what to do. Lil reckons we will be ok if we take it slow. Me Im not sure im up for that. Ive slid down the road at a slow pace and have 9 pins and a plate holding my shoulder together to remind me. "Im not doing it "I say. And as if by some guidance from the motorcycle gods a trailer with 2 bikes rolls past all smashed up.......a red VFR the same as mine. Well thats an Omen if ever i saw it.
So we head over to the only caravan park and get a cabin as its going to be a bloody cold night.
the cabin was great and pretty cheap too. Great base for a few trips in the future.
Sunday shaped up to be a perfect day and we headed out for Bright at 8am. Hotham was perfect.
No ice and a very quiet run up the mountain. Going down was pretty slow as its a steep decent and Lil was having a bit of bother with new braked and all the weight so i just followed slowly and made sure we got down safe. we got into brigh and had some tea and then decided we will get going and head for Tumbarumba.
We headed over Tawonga gap where I was off like a rocket, I love that bit of road and it didn't take long to shred away the chicken strips. we got to sullivans lookout where we sat and I proposed marriage to my Lil and she accepted promptly. More about the wedding later.
Thenwe headed to redbank road which to be honest is boring. I suppose its off the main Highway and less likely to see the "old Bill" but boring none the less. Then it was over to Talangatta for a fuel stop and off round the Murray valley highway. We turned left after Bullioh up to Granya and that is an awesome road, I loved it so much i wanted to go back and do it again. We saw a lonely BMW rider parked up so we stopped to check he was ok and he waved us on......10 min later he was on our tail and we had some company to Walwa. We stopped and had a chat and he said he could catch my tail light through granya and i must be a local, sorry mate but Im as local as nessie. We chatted for a while and he told us the road from Jingellic to Muderoo was all sealed now an worth a visit next time. We had looked at that road before but noticed it was not sealed so gave it a miss. but the local knowlege assures its a great one so we will bear that in mind for next time.
We head off for Towong and then left up to Tumbarumba, the road surface was very dodgy but it was the home straight so we kept at it. Its a very isolated road and the landscape was parched, in desperate need of some rain which wasn't coming.
Into Tumbarumba and it a bit bigger then expected. We stay at the Tumbarumba campsite right next to the creek.
Lil parks up the Duke which takes 10 min to fall over , told her not to use tree bark for a base but nobody listens. Thats where the hatchet came in handy to give a better base for the stand. We wnt to the local cinema cafe and had great pizza and watched a movie and had the place all to ourselves.
Next morning we are up at 6am and off we head for the Kosciuszko national park and the Snowy mountain. Loads of fallen rocks and very tight narrow roads. At the top of the hill before the water dam we stop for a photo stop as the river looks green the as if out of nowhere a cement lorry and a car pulling a boat come to head right where we parked the bikes. the cement lorry stops with an almighty slide as Lil hails him to stop as a cars coming with a boat. Im waving furiously at the car as somebody was bound to take both bikes out. It passed without incident but it just goes to show you can get traffic where its not meant to be and thats all we saw on that road all day.
We stopped at the damn and had a rest and a few more pictures. Then off up the Snowy mountains and the most amazing landscape I've seen in a long time. Green grass to burnt trees and a rugged land stretched out as far as you can focus.
We looked down to see an outrageous twisty road and wondered where it was and how do we get there, fortunately it was part of the road we where on but it looked so far away. We stopped at the Water dam and had another break. That road really took alot out of you. So much concentration was needed to focus on what lay ahead and not on the surrounding beauty.
We near the bottom and almost back to civilization and almost get wiped out by a 4x4 on a right hander. Lil almost gave birth and i looked on as he almost rolled bloody thing on top of us. i think he got as much of a fright as we did.
We reach Khancoban and decide we will head back to Bright. To many close calls and we are not covered by TAC in NSW. to many close calls and safety is the key as Im looking forward to getting married in January.
We do the other side of the Murray valley and back through redbank road and Back up Tawonga gap to Bright.
We set up camp and we are getting rather good at it and we both do our thing and are setup in no time.
We go to the Chinese restaurant for dinner. One bit of advice, don't eat there its really bad, well by my standards its pretty poor.
We go back to our camp and play Black Jack over a few glasses of red and a wine glass taken from the Chinese to substitute poor food. Hey, im scottish, if its not nailed down I'll only nick it !
Up again at 6am and we head into Bright for some brekkie. We head of Home via Whitfield, mansfield and into Alexandra just so we can fly through the Spur.
On the way through from Whitfield to Mansfield once corner had gravel and pebbles all through it and we noticed mid corner doing about 120k/ph. Lil almost lost the back end, well she did but recovered it just in time. What a woman ! I was sliding to but more worried about lil a Ive been there before and went home in an Ambulance. Made it through and i think i swallowed my asshole.
Back throught the Spur and Home safe and sound.........Phew !
As for the Camping thing we both had an absolute Ball of a time. We got on very well and worked in perfect harmony together. No arguments or debates and we didn't get lost really. Missed a few turns but knew straight away.
I loved the tent thing although a bigger tent would be great. One thing I must admit which we couldnt have done without.....the cigarette socket Nev advised me on......what a treat to charge the phone and ipod and Blow up the mattress.
And thats the Camping in October story, with a very happy ending.
lil and i are to be married on the 26th january (australia day) We are now planning for that and the honeymoon..........MMmmmmm Tawonga gap and the Murray valley I think......
Thanks for all the advice, we could'nt have been better organised without you help.
Stookie and Lil