With the cancellation of the MotoGP and COVID restrictions on travel around the state, all my motocamping plans got thrown out for this year. Once again, a work trip is an opportunity for a ride. This time, it was to Newcastle, about 2-3 hours from Sydney, assuming you take the main highway.
Well, there is no way I would be doing that.
I mostly packed the night before, but even then I found it took me about another half hour in the morning trying to fit stuff. I had bought a bit of food (it was going to be more convenient for me, due to timings in Newcastle) and had bought a bit too much. I abandoned a few bits of clothing and some of the food before I managed to fit all the necessities in. As it was a work trip, I had to take my uniform, and had to take work documents which added some bulk. But I did see that I would have to be very strict on what I took with me on my other planned trips in order to keep the number of bags low.
The other dilemma was which bike gear to take. Weather was predicted to be mild to warm, and dry, except for the trip back, when it looked to be warm and storms. This normally means afternoon thunderstorm which shouldn’t be a problem as I would be home around lunch. In the end, I decided against my touring gear, and went with my jeans and leather. I did throw my overpants and jacket in the back, in case.
I got away about 9am. Which is pretty much on the dot of when I expected (I had to drop the kids at school first). Up to Windsor to fill up and then up the Putty.
The Putty was a nice run. Grey Gums was closed (they have been shut over the COVID lockdowns). First time I’ve ever seen that I think. So I had some of my own snacks and carried on.
I refuelled at Broke. This would easily last me until Newcastle. Passed through Wollombi and up towards Newcastle. I had a route planned but a couple of roadworks and I was off my route, and a little lost. Plugged the hotel into the GPS and went for it. Got there about 2pm, 5 hour trip.
The meetings were fine, but the next two days were filled. Fair enough, it was a work trip after all. I did get a little time to look around Newcastle. All still a little quiet with COVID restrictions lifting over the past couple of weeks. Still seemed a nice place.
Then it was time to head home. Being an earlier riser and without kids to drop off, I was on my way by 7am.
I used the GPS to get me onto the Wollombi Road, once there I was happy I could navigate myself. I filled up in Cessnock, still on the tank from Broke on the way up. This bike has much better range than the Daytona did. The weather wasn’t quite as nice as Tuesday, with high level cloud keeping the sun away a little. But it was clear that any storms were still many hours away, I was certain I would be home well before that.
Got to Wollombi and turned to head towards Wiseman’s Ferry. There is a really nice stretch just here, even to the point where I turned around and rode back about 20km to do it all again and record it (on the GoPro).
Jerry’s Cafe was busy, the Central Coast Classic Motorcycle Club was on a ride, so a collection of old bikes. I think their riders were even older! I ate my sandwich washed down with some chocolate milk I bought there (so Jerry wouldn’t get too mad at me having my own food 😉
And this was the stop where I decided to clean the GoPro lens. I didn’t have to worry because it was clear. It was clear because when I grabbed it off the charger I had managed to put it in backwards! So that lovely fun bit I redid, the footage, well I haven’t looked at it, but it will be facing the wrong way. If you’re wondering how I managed to mount a GoPro in backwards – it’s a GoPro Sessions, so just a little cube.
Anyway, from there I followed the road south before turning to Wiseman’s. This will be the last time I ride this part, as it’s just not what it used to be. The road is rough, never gets properly repaired. It’s probably 20 years since I first rode it, and it just gets worse. Compared to the Old Pac, or the Putty, which are both in excellent shape, this road is rubbish. I can’t recommend it anymore. The ride from Sydney up to the Ferry is great, just don’t bother crossing the river.
I had a bit of lunch after the ferry before setting off home. It’s only a bit more than an hour from here to my home, so at about 12:30 I was rolling up the driveway.
A fun couple of days riding, which took the edge off a little after missing out on all those other plans. I’ll dust them off in 2022 I hope.
bikesbabesbytes 