Hi all,

Pondering a Southern Ride again for March 2024.

Proposed date: Weekend 9-10 March plus getting there and back, of course.

Proposed location at this stage: Bonang Hwy - Bombala to Orbost the back way. Rickmeister contacted with that suggestion, and to quote King Lear, "Thou but remembrest me of mine own conception."

All of this subject to confirmation and Lynette and I might do a 4 wheel recce maybe even this month to look at specifics and feasibilities.

Any complaints, ideas, compliments etc. welcome.

What do people think?

Bill

Sounds like a good area for a ride.  

Where would you be planning on staying?  From my travelling around in southern NSW a few years back, I was reliably informed that Bombala was the incest capitol of Australia.  Perhaps a brief stop during daylight hours unless we wish to improve the gene pool.  

I would also be considering a overnight stop in the Parkes area during the trip, for reasons which may become obvious later.  Would Walwa be factored in as Rick and I rode east of there earlier in the year after staying at the pub?  If you include Khancoban and Adaminaby that would be fun as they are now on my list of mandatory roads when in the area.  

A run home along the southern NSW coast would be nice as there is some spectacular scenery along there.  If considering staying at the Orbost end, is there anything at Marlo worth staying at?  

As for my reliable long distance riding partner, Rick will you be up for the ride by then?

As for my reliable long distance riding partner, Rick will you be up for the ride by then?

Most likely not as the fix for the five ribs that were busted into bits will be in the new year and then the shoulder has to be fixed.
I may be ready for the Canetoad Rally but that is a maybe.

Rick G wrote:As for my reliable long distance riding partner, Rick will you be up for the ride by then?

Most likely not as the fix for the five ribs that were busted into bits will be in the new year and then the shoulder has to be fixed.
I may be ready for the Canetoad Rally but that is a maybe.

Fair enough.  Although I take it the next moto will be ready to go.

I'm IN! Bill, a recce run would be ideal, as I forgot if the whole road is sealed or not.

Going to try and make it a 4 or 5 nighter, to / from Bombala.

TacKler wrote:

Rick G wrote:As for my reliable long distance riding partner, Rick will you be up for the ride by then?

Most likely not as the fix for the five ribs that were busted into bits will be in the new year and then the shoulder has to be fixed.
I may be ready for the Canetoad Rally but that is a maybe.

Fair enough.  Although I take it the next moto will be ready to go.

The bike is close but the trailer needs some repairs.

Lads,

I Googled the Bonang Hwy, Vic roads C612, and it appears to have been fully sealed up to the NSW border, with 105 Km of twisties, probably enough to get the endless straight roads out of the system. The Delegate to Bombala (NSW) section appears to be mostly sealed.

This is purely suggestion, only. I don't want to steal Bill's thunder!!

As Tackler implied, Bombala is the nation's incest capital, but that shouldn't be an issue. There is even a sign at the entrance to Bombala, that it is a motorcycle friendly town!.

Again, purely suggestion....

Day 1: Bombala - Delegate - Bonang - Goongerah - Orbost - Cann River then back to Bombala (Haven't added up the K's yet...)
Day 2: 30Km south from Bombala - Head East - Hit the Princes Hwy about 25 Km south of Eden - Eden - Up to Merimbula and then a multitude of choices back up the escarpment (We've done these sections before!)

We're all getting longer in the tooth, and the "iron butt" is slowly turning to putty.

Just thoughts. I need to have a carrot on a stick, something to look forward to.

Rickmeister.

Rickmeister, your thoughts pretty much parallel mine, at least up to Saturday night. I hadn't thought beyond that.

My daughter in law's medical practice includes a Bombala branch, so I might get a clue on the incest question and possible accommodation situation.

All subject to logistics and practicalities confirmation, but a good beginning of a plan at the very least.

Last I heard, from a Road Rider magazine a few years back is that it is all sealed.

Bill

Rick G wrote:

TacKler wrote:

Rick G wrote:As for my reliable long distance riding partner, Rick will you be up for the ride by then?

Most likely not as the fix for the five ribs that were busted into bits will be in the new year and then the shoulder has to be fixed.
I may be ready for the Canetoad Rally but that is a maybe.

Fair enough.  Although I take it the next moto will be ready to go.

The bike is close but the trailer needs some repairs.

Oh, what happened 

indian036 wrote:Rickmeister, your thoughts pretty much parallel mine, at least up to Saturday night. I hadn't thought beyond that.

My daughter in law's medical practice includes a Bombala branch, so I might get a clue on the incest question and possible accommodation situation.

All subject to logistics and practicalities confirmation, but a good beginning of a plan at the very least.

Last I heard, from a Road Rider magazine a few years back is that it is all sealed.

Bill

Daughter in law's medical practice no longer includes Bombala (new info to me), but some of her comments do support the incest capital sledge. 

Might be time to try to gauge interest, so please post or PM if you are interested enough to be a likely participant. As always, these things can never be guaranteed, so you're not signing your life away, but an indication will be helpful in planning.

Only one pub left in Bombala, I'm informed. The Globe apparently burned down a few years ago.

Bill

Okay,  

I'll put my name forward first.  

Rick appears to be a non starter, and I think I can count on Rickmeister and Bill.  Pretty sure my Dad Tom will be a non starter as well.  Matt has form for showing interest early then politely declining, so a safe bet to count him out and his father is far more reliable.  

Gaz, Nigel, Smithy?  Gary?  Charlie?  Any Kweenslanders from north of the river?  

Are we counting on Caveman in having a passport as I think he would love the opportunity to attend.  

TWB?  

So three, so far.

TacKler,
You're right! I would love to come down under and join you and the rest. The passport mess did get straightened out and I now have a fresh book with no stamps. The chances of me getting away this year are slim. I have agreed to take on another crazy project and the site, foundation, and main structural work will take another 8 to10 months to complete and just don't see me being able to sneak off.

So we shall note you down as a Maybe then?

TacKler wrote:TWB?
So three, so far.

I am currently working on a March or April 2024 three or so week visit. I've got to sort out whether to keep my '77 R75/100 in a mate's Sunshine Coast shed or transport it back here. It's getting no love there.

If it's March then I'm in if someone's kindly got a motorbiKe I can borrow for the trip south. My Logan Village-based big brother and his wife are selling their acreage and going mobile soon, so I won't have an address in Queensland anymore. That means less reason to fly into Brissie, but...

Found on Facebook a few minutes ago.
“There’s lots of people asking about the Bonang highway recently,
Here’s my fresh off it 1/2 hour ago, having a beer in Marlo pub review,
yes it’s finished & sealed, BUT, the new seal at the Delegate end wasn’t completely swept free of loose chip, so the apex of the corners still pose a slide risk, whilst it’s a fun bit of road, it’s not a racetrack for the first timers.
Many corners have short sharp dips in them which will throw you way off line if hit at speed, or the exits have damage on the centre line, there’s a lot of woop -dee-doos , but they’re marked with either white or yellow cross hatch paint marks to highlight the damage,
Have fun stay safe”
From Aussie Motorcycle Road Trips, 6 days ago.

Count me in Bill.

might also be a participant ....will see how things tie up 

may also have a new to the group rider (been on the forum for years "red rock mania")
tagging along

Confirming I'll be joining the ride. Probably be on my Triumph Tiger 800 XCX ( it is a triple so will be in good company with any K75's) as the K rebuild is proceeding at a glacial pace.

Quick straw poll:

Going to Orbost and back from Bombala (incest capital!) is doable in a day without too much trouble, according to Google maps. To be confirmed by recce when I get a chance. 

Would the likely participants prefer to try for Bombala accommodation Friday and Saturday nights and do the return run on the day

Or

Friday night at Cooma or Bombala and Saturday night at Orbost or Marlo


All subject to availability, or course. 

Same location for both nights is convenient, of course, but given that pitching tents seems to have gone by the wayside, different places isn’t the hassle it might have been in the past. 

Bill

I would be interested in Option 2.  

Staying at Cooma, if memory serves me correctly there is a motorcycle friendly motel on the south side although it may be a bit far to walk into town for an evening feed.  Apart from that a decent sized town and a cooked breakfast would be no problem.  

I like the idea of Orbost or Marlo as suggested up thread, as a ride back along the coast is something I have not done for a very long time.  A few years back whilst in Canberra on the government purse, I did a couple of day trips down to the southern coast and was impressed by the stunning scenery and potential camping spots along there (not this trip).  I may even ride this way home if others decide not to.  

So that is the preferred plan for myself.  As the road south from Canberra to Jindabyne is heavily policed during the ski season, I would prefer to be tempted by those roads only once.  Also the road suggested by Rickmeister will no doubt be stunning, it would be great to continue that theme.  I suggest this, as we all know age is catching up on some of us and it would be a great opportunity do this this as a group whilst we still can.

If old age is catching up ride faster.

Being the kind and considerate chap that I am, just thinking of others in the group.  I am still a pup compared to some.  

Wasn't the Yellow Peril the fastest K100 built?

Couldn't possibly have been. It wasn't red.

Rickmeister's yellow peril was the fastest K100, even when the stud holding the suspension and final drive together was missing! Some fencing wire was the modification that held the beast together for many kilometres over poor roads.

Enquire of Charlie how fast Red is when throttled open and allowed to rev. The ignition grey box has been tweaked so negotiation with the restrictive rev limiter is a non-issue. It continues to pull.


...and it's aptly named because we all know, like red zipties, red is the colour of fire, hence, faster.

Yes, but.......  

Rickmeister's yellow peril was the fastest K100, even when the stud holding the suspension and final drive together was missing! Some fencing wire was the modification that held the beast together for many kilometres over poor roads.

Wot 'e sed.

Hey Bill, I reckon I will be a starter. Always happy to tour through the south eastern part of the country.

Cheers

Ay up lads
I would like to put my hand up for inclusion, although I don t think I can do the whole trip. For sure the first night at least but my body is not up to scratch just at the moment. I have stayed at the Alpine Hotel in Cooma a few times and enjoyed it if you stay in Cooma. Bombala is about my ride limit but would love to catch up with
Everyone.
Eyes up
RT

Hi all,

By my count, 7 people fit in the range of likely to definite, plus 1 hopeful. On the assumption that there may be a couple of people who tend to procrastinate like me, I've booked 5 twin rooms at the Alpine Hotel in Cooma. Bike group special is $50 pp, normally $60 from the online booking portal.
They have a shed for bikes, dinner is good (I've been there with son Jim  & family). No breakfast, but its close to the middle of town, so there will be options nearby.

Looked at Marlo (near Orbost, mouth of Snowy River), but the hotel there seems to have limited suitable accommodation apart from doubles and family, with a twin and a single room. Pity, because it looks nice, in a nice setting.
Orbost has one hotel that says it has lots of rooms, looks to be a lot of twins with a lockup yard for bikes. Haven't looked further yet.

Google maps suggests about 3.5 hrs from Cooma to Orbost/Marlo.

So alea jacta est, the die is cast: Friday at Cooma, Saturday at probably Orbost and as usual, people will do their own cat herding before and after those nights, depending on individual convenience and taste. Hope that is OK with everyone.

Bill

Cooma accommodation. Thank you Indian036 for your accommodation research. Another Cooma option is "The Cooma Bunkhouse" It is close to the centre of town - eateries, ATM's and supermarkets, long established, has off-street parking and has twin rooms. Used to stay there for 4 day stints in the 90's - was clean and well run.

Sounds good, Bill! At least a decision has been made!

At this stage, I plan to take 2 days to get to Cooma, leave Thursday morning, hopefully catch up with RT at Young, with several lagers, Cooma on Friday. Thinking about 3 days to get home from Orbost, leaving on the Sunday. Still haven't decided on the route. I'm not familiar with the back way from, say, Mittagong, to Penrith, Windsor then Putty Rd even though I've done it quite a few times over the years.

Maybe Batemans Bay, Braidwood and then stay at the Loaded Dog?

So, after all that, I plan to be back at Maitland by the Tuesday.

Bring it on!!

Rickmeister.

Working on my 2024 Calendar now.

I'm a want to/could be at this stage.  Watching progress.

Al

According to the brother of a mate who lives in the area, the Dalgety Pub is motorcycle friendly as well.  

I've visited his property and been tear arsing around there on a quad bike.

A bit slow to get back in, sorry.

We have 4 twin rooms at the Orbost Club Hotel for Saturday night. At this stage we have 8 people for Saturday night and 8 for Friday night at Cooma Alpine Hotel. Vacancies for 2 at Cooma and 0 at Orbost without having to change existing bookings.

Attendance list so far:
RT
Gaz
TacKler
redrockmania
Charlie
smithy
Rickmeister
Indian036 (me)

Bill

TacKler wrote:Okay,  

I'll put my name forward first.  

Rick appears to be a non starter, and I think I can count on Rickmeister and Bill.  Pretty sure my Dad Tom will be a non starter as well.  Matt has form for showing interest early then politely declining, so a safe bet to count him out and his father is far more reliable.  

Gaz, Nigel, Smithy?  Gary?  Charlie?  Any Kweenslanders from north of the river?  

Are we counting on Caveman in having a passport as I think he would love the opportunity to attend.  

TWB?  

So three, so far.

It clashes with the Local Government elections up here for me.
I badly need the income from the 3 weeks work it will provide me.

Pegasus wrote:It clashes with the Local Government elections up here for me.
I badly need the income from the 3 weeks work it will provide me.

I'm hoping for similar at our local government elections later in the year, so I completely understand.

Bill

I was hoping to attend, but apparently my presence is required somewhere else that weekend.  Have a great ride guys.

Al

caught up with smithy the other day , whilst working on his next build .

he messaged me with an idea for a route south for us lot up here .

wednesday 6th , northern tablelands to Rylstone  (not sure of route yet , but thinking down the guts rather than the new england south of tamworth )

Thursday  7th  Rylestone to Young 

Friday      8th   Cooma via Tumit and the highway over the hills ...(awesome views )

just a heads up

Which month?

March

Which year?

Bad weekend for me, my presence is required at Narrabri. Will see you for dinner at Rylestone though. In the car, too many furry grasshoppers up there in the dark.

thanks Al 

all being well, see you at Rylestone 

good luck with the trip up to maries parent place ?

Unfortunately I can't join in this year but I shall raise a glass or two to you all and watch out for rocks.

Rick G wrote:Unfortunately I can't join in this year but I shall raise a glass or two to you all and watch out for rocks.

I shall make a point of visiting the quarry on the way down.  

I really need to see the size of this golf ball to put my mind at rest 

Looks like the northern tablelands group will be hooking up with gaz and ully as they pass through rhylestone   ...on our way to Young .for an overnighter ...

booked in ...Wednesday and Thursday nights

Charlie, Gaz and I will meet at Branxton, departing there at 08:00 on Thursday, via Denman, Bylong, Rylestone, with a view to lunch at Portland. I imagine we'll get to Rylestone at around 10:30. After that we'll make our way to Portland, to check out the pub there for overnighter after Rosskko's memorial ride, end of May.

Cheers Ully 
Will be good to catch up , yet again 

Murray    our  riding mate redrockmania   and smithy will be looking forward to the trip.

just a bit of a lubricate of the splines before the run south ...but the splines are way worn , have spares to replace soonish 
topped up all the fluids 
luggage fitted up 
with just about 10,000 klms since recommissioned 
waiting to be off .


above , the gerty box , just the right size to support the bevelbox when sideways and when refitting the gearbox , lines up just perfectly ,  the block of wood under the swing arm is my clutch housing main seal insertion tool , which just happens to support the swing arm in just the right place when extracting the bevel box ....lol