After all, it wouldn’t be an adventure without a bit of rain!

And it wasn’t too cold because we all had our thermals on. I had on my new ‘Rukka’ jacket and gloves! Fantastic! Latest riding gear from Europe.

Some decided to come in their cars and 6 of us were on our bikes, 5 from the Central Coast and Selena from Sydney.

We made it to Richmond in good time for coffee and morning tea and we were lucky with the rain. Now this trip I let Selena lead the ride! It’s a rare exception because she doesn’t always know where we’re going but I knew she did this time! As it was only an hour to My Victoria, it was an easy ride, except for Selena. She was out in front and did a few tank slaps but managed to stay in control, very well done! She just needed a few extra drinks that night to get over it!

It was hard to believe it was only 5 deg. when we arrived, didn’t feel that cold. Lucky when we went to the pub for lunch our gift for this Adventure was a lovely red beanie! That really went down well, the girls didn’t take them off all weekend, I think Sandra might have even slept in hers!

With the afternoon free we decided to car pool and go to Leura for a bit of shopping, there are lots of special little shops there and it was easy to pick out our group all thru the main street with their red beanies on.

We got back to the guesthouse at about 5pm, settled in front of the fire and had a show and tell with our purchases. Then the mulled wine and canapés arrived and the party started. Most enjoyable dinner in the heated dining room, along with Santa and an entertainer. It was a great evening. We’ll definitely put this on the calendar for next year.

Sunday morning we all had a huge cooked breaky and slowly decided to get our gear together and leave. Blackheath Art & Craft Markets sounded good, only 20 mins along the highway. The markets were in the Community Hall and were fabulous! So many handmade items. And they all wondered about the red beanies everywhere!

From there we rode to Springwood and had a nice leisurely lunch in the pub and eventually decided we should head home. Made it home about 4.30 to the coast, Selena about 3.30 back to Annandale and yes, it did rain a bit again!

But we were lucky, we didn’t have torrential rain like we seem to get in the summer, just a drizzle most of the time.

After a hard day in the saddle yesterday – we decided to get going early to avoid the kangaroos later in the day.  So we pulled out of Charleville at 8:30am and headed towards Bourke which was around 470kms away.  Hoky Smoky – those bloody kangaroos hadn’t gone to bed!!  There were still some around until around 9am.  After the roo’s decided to pull their heads in and go away – Terry then had a close encounter with a goat!  It ran straight out in front of him and lucky Terry got to test out his ABS braking system very well –It worked!!! 

This was also the day that I saw hundreds of Emu’s – what an amazing sight, making the ride to Bourke quite interesting and enjoyable.  We pulled into Bourke around 2.30pm and had lunch at a café called My Little Café – which was very nice. 

Found a bed for the night at a quaint little joint called The Riverside Motel which was a very old building that has been converted into a motel.  We had a little look around town and then had the best meal since leaving home at the Port of Bourke Hotel. 

Hello NSW!!!

Goodbye Qld!!! – until next time!!!

Day 11 Saturday 21/5/11

Again we got going early – today’s ride involved long straight roads, nothing particularly challenging other than trying to stay alert on brain numbing boring road.  This was the strip down to Nyngan and if you check out the map you will even see that there isn’t a corner sight!!!  At Nyngan we were lucky enough to see the changeover of the helicopters.  These were hueys from the Vietnam war and the one in Nyngan was being transported to Caloundra as a result of an organised exchange with the Vets.   

After a coffee (very ordinary) and wee rest – hit the road again, a quick top up at Naromine and then directly onto Dubbo – hehe, we beat the kangaroos today as we got there around 2pm.  We had a quick look at the Old Dubbo Goal. 

We are staying with a mate in Dubbo – who has a property about 15kms out of town.  After getting directions and pulling up at his driveway, it then dawned on me, that a property in Dubbo means no paved driveway!!!  Shit!!  I rode the Harley up very dusty and rutted driveway (it had been flooded 3 months back) – I nearly binned the bike a couple of times, but finally pulled up after about 5kms of dirt riding, feeling very relieved that both bike and myself had arrived without incident. 

Now it was definitely for a drink – we had earned today!!!  Had a great night with Dave & Chris, and I left Terry talking big boys stuff at 11pm and hit the sack.

Day 12 Sunday 22/5/11

Today was our last day on the bikes – we had to be back in Sydney by 4pm at the latest.  After breakfast we got moving and again I conquered the dirt driveway and pointed the bike in the direction of home!  It was bloody cold – the coldest we had experienced so far on this trip.  I had my thermals and all the layers on.  Terry needed a breakfast top up at someplace along the way (can’t remember the name of it) just to warm up. 

It was onto Wellington, Orange then another stop at Bathurst for some motion lotion – then to Lithgow.  We decided to come home via Bells Line of Road – this was an interesting experience given that we had just completed about 4500kms without corners!!  Putting a Road King through the corners was like driving a brick/tractor – the road condition was very bumpy and it took quite a bit of concentration and effort to make a somewhat pleasurable experience. 

We pulled into Sydney around 3.30pm – mission accomplished.  Our job completed 1 x Road King & 1 Ultra Classic safely delivered from Darwin back to Sydney.   It was a 4641km exercise and we enjoyed every minute of it!!  Terry & I would highly recommend this trip to anyone up to doing it!  In fact we could even recommend a good rental company to get bikes from and when you should go! 

Packed;

2 cooldry t-shirts
2 undies
2 pr socks
1 thermal long sleeve top & pants
1 t-shirt for dinner
1 pr jeans
1 pr shoes
Riding gear - Helmet, Summer Jacket, Neds Jeans, gloves (2 pr) We always carry more than 1 pr of gloves in case of bad weather! Nothing worse than riding in wet gloves or cold hands.

Noodle (neck wrap)
Kooldana (a cooling bandana)
BikieChic Cardigan (Lizzy)
Wet weather suit
Tool kit
First Aid kit 
Wine Glass (donated to Kakadu NP)

Purchased on route

1 x foam esky
6 x icebricks
1 x wine cooler
1 x sharp knife
1 x Wine glass
Beer & Wine (who would have guessed this???)
Breakfast supplies
Lots of cheese & biscuits J

This is the last update for this trip, again I want to inspire other people to follow their dreams – when you put your dreams out there and declare them to the world; life has an uncanny way of delivering. You can live the life you dream of…. Just be brave enough to dream a little (or a lot!!).

Life is worth living – don’t live in the past, Keep faith in your friends and laugh every day, Then your aches and pains will fade away.

Okay back to dreaming about that next trip.  Take care my friends.

Until next time – stay safe,

Selena & Terry

Day 7 Tuesday 17/5/11

Before pulling out of Mt Isa – Terry convinced me to do a quick peruse of Mansworld – being a mens outfitter (get your minds out of the gutter – it’s not a sex shop!!).  Then the road between Mt Isa and Cloncurry was beautiful and one of the nicest rides to date!  At Cloncurry – it was right turn clyde and started our haul down the Lansborough (Matilda) Highway.  We pulled into Winton around 4pm and found a motel room.  By the time we unpacked and got back to the Waltzing Matilda Centre it was too late in the afternoon to have a look around – so we did a quick walk around town, checked out a couple of the local pubs and then had dinner at the RSL.  Apparently it was the first night for the restaurant to open again – it wasn’t a bad meal either. 

Day 8 Wednesday 18/5/11

We have an easy day planned today – as we were only riding 175kms to Longreach.  We wanted to check out the Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton and then head down the road to check out the attractions in Longreach and should have plenty of time.  After our tour of the centre in Winton, we found out that all was not too well back in the office with Lauren being checked into hospital – so after a number of phone calls with her and a few others, and a little rearranging of roles – we finally got on the road to Longreach.  It is a great town and probably one of my favorites in outback Queensland!  We went to the Qantas Founders Museum and Terry did a tour of the Beoing 707 aircraft – which he enjoyed a great deal! 

Before heading out to dinner over more cheese & biscuits and wine – we planned the upcoming days rides.

Day 9 Thursday 19/5/11

For those who know me, know that I have Garmin Zumo GPS which I have fondly called Harriett (Harriett in my chariot).  You may also know that I call her a lying bitch. She told me that it was only 385kms from Longreach to Charleville – BUT it turned out to be over 500kms!!!! Given that it was only going to be 385kms – we decided to check out the Stockmans Hall of Fame before leaving town.  MISTAKE!!!!

After running into Andrea & Ken from Nedswear  in the carpark at the Hall of Fame – we finally got moving towards Charleville – it was only 385kms right????  WRONG!!!!  

It was a hard day on our mobile office today – it was the Day of the Kangaroos!!! 

Between Longreach and Barcaldine – the road kill count was 118!!! It was only 105kms!!! So it was more than 1 item per km!!!  When we pulled into for a quick wee stop in Tambo, and as I got back on the bike, I asked a lady there how long it was to Charleville – she said about 220kms which I thought was a little much – but then she said “watch out for the roo’s”!!!  I said to her it is only 3pm – she then told me that they come out about now.  SHIT!!  Now I was on full alert and the head games began!!!  Now I have to say sorry to all the conservationist, but I have decided that the only good kangaroo is a dead one!!! Particularly when I am riding a bike!!  I forced myself to stay relaxed, stay in the middle of the road, don’t panic, keep talking to myself  – yeah like that was working!  I was a cot case!!   I didn’t think I was going to make it all the way through to Charleville and contemplated staying at Auguthella.  That was until we arrived to the town and I quickly changed my mind!!  After leaving Auguthella within 1km – a roo jumped out at Terry and clipped the bike!!  It didn’t bring him down, but it heightened our awareness, making the next 100kms very strenuous. It was a real head job – with me constantly chatting to myself saying “just ride the bike and stop looking for roo’s “ We saw about another 5 live ones before pulling in for the afternoon.  We have now completed around 3200kms so I quickly cracked a bottle of wine and celebrated the fact that I had succeeded this days ride! 

Tomorrow we are off to Bourke – I will check out the Kms a little better so we don’t get caught short on time!!!

More news shortly!!!

Day 4   Saturday 14/5/11

Terry was up bright and early and checked the tyre pressures. The blue metal aggregate in the roads up here is very abrasive.  We are running the tyre pressures a little higher to reduce the wear and tear on them.  Bikes all checked over and packed ready for another day out. 

Today we are heading to Katherine and then to Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge).  As long as I have known Terry he has always wanted to go to Katherine (stuffed if I know why??), so he was excited to be on the way. The road out of Kakadu National Park was pretty rough and cut up due to the long wet season up here this year.  Along the way we stopped off at Nourlangie Rock were there is a rock painting on a massive beautiful red rock!!  One could say though that riding gear does not lend itself to bush walking making it both hot and tiresome (that didn’t have anything to do with our personal fitness!)

Back on the road again, there were a lot spot bush fires – which we think might have been a controlled burn off causing a few blind spots to ride through.   It was only about a 350km ride today which allowed us to get to the gorge in time for an afternoon 2 Gorge Cruise and check out the beautiful waterway.  Back into town after the cruise and booked into a motel in Katherine for the night.   Over a nice dinner at RJs Bar & Bistro – we planned the next day.  We decided to go the long haul and head to Tennant Creek tomorrow. 

Day 5 Sunday 15/5/11

As it was a long ride today (675kms) – we got moving early, and pulled out at 8am (ok that is early for me when I am on holidays!!!).  We had our breakfast supplies (cereal, fruit and milk) – but overlooked the fact that the motel room didn’t have any bowl or spoon.  When I went looking for the kitchen – it didn’t open for breakfast – DOH!!!  Oh well, a liquid breakfast – tea and juice and on the road.  We pulled up 100kms later at Mataranka at a road house for fuel and breakfast.  Shit!  So did half of the town I reckon – 1 hour later we got our shitty little bacon and egg sandwich and scoffed it down before getting on the road again.  Terry was amazed that it took so long to cook 2 lousy sandwiches and is still ranting about it! J

Our next stop was one I was really looking forward to – I have heard and seen so much about it, it was bound to be a treat.  When we pulled it on the dusty dirt road – yep it was everything I had heard about it – DALY WATERS PUB.   It opened in 1930 and Is a historic joint serving travelers from around the world.  It has become famous for the memorabilia adorning the walls, with free nightly entertainment, it is a shame we aren’t staying the night.  We still had some miles to cover and make a dash for the Three Ways Roadhouse.  We moved through to Dunmurra, Elliot, Renner Springs before pulling up at Three Ways (25kms short of Tennant Creek NT).  We rode 675kms today and for those who know me – know that I only have a 450km butt!!  SO it was a big one for me! 

Terry reckons if you want the maximum amount of money taken off you in the minimum amount of time with the poorest service and quality – then Renner Springs and The Three Ways Roadhouse are way up there!!!  We booked into the DELUXE motel room at 3 Ways and it was a dog box with shitty water pressure, water that was debatable whether it could be drunk, a tv that didn’t work and a room that you couldn’t swing a cat in!!!  Another room without a bowl and spoon  – shit this place didn’t even have a crockery cup or a bottle opener!!!  Everything was disposable – obviously theft is a major problem in these here parts!!!  After a massive roadhouse dinner that could feed a family of 4, a couple of drinks – we finally turned in and rested our wary bones. 

Day 6 Monday 16/5/11

We decided to get moving early and pulled out from our room at 7.30am – had a quick breakfast at the roadhouse before making our way to Barkley Homestead – a short 200kms away.  It is getting colder in the mornings now – and we had to put on some extra layers so we are comfortable. 

The Barkley Homestead is a very nice place and I wish we had stayed there the night – nevermind, next time it will be the place to put on our route!!  At Barkley we found out that we had a 270km ride to Camooweal with a pretty strong head wind.  We brought a fuel can and took extra fuel as we have found that we have been only just getting 300kms-ish and didn’t want to risk the head wind factor. 

We pulled into Camooweal with about 50kms to spare and still the extra fuel on board – it was a long ride, but very pretty.   We stopped at the border and took all the necessary photos for both Queensland and Northern Territory. 

Had another quick 188kms to Mt Isa before doing a quick shop at Woolworths for the necessities and then pulled into a very nice (Clean, roomy, spacious) hotel called Burke & Wills Motel.  After a refreshing drink, with cheese and bickies  – we decided to try the local Chinese for dinner.  MISTAKE!!!  Another poor choice – but mark it all up to part of the experience. 

More again in a few days!!!

Day 1 – Wednesday 11/5/11

After only just getting to the airport with 30mins to spare (which in Terry’s terms, means we are running late) – we settled onto the plane and 4.30hrs later we arrived at the gateway to the TopEnd. We quickly dumped our gear at the hotel and headed off to collect the bikes (HD Ultra Classic & Road King) at the other hotel (which was much nicer than the one we were staying in). Once we had the bikes – we did a quick shopping expedition and purchased the grog, the food, and the grog coolers and then headed to the pub for a quick drink. We had a early night as we planned a big day tomorrow.

Day 2 – Thursday 12/5/11

After a rough night sleep – we finally pulled out the tourist information and decided what the big day was going to be!!! We left one Road King tied up for the day and took the Ultra Classic out. After cruising around the waterfront of Darwin – we found the WWII Fuel Oil Tunnels and checked these out. A quick morning tea at Cullen Bay – we continued to map out the BIG day!!! Since this was no holiday!! We visited a couple of bike shops and made some new contacts for future business. Then because we had to pass the Aviation Heritage Museum, and Terry being Terry, he felt compelled to stop and make a donation for a visit. After checking the B52G, a mirage fighter bomber, some big fuck-off American helo (apparently short for helicopter) and lots of other planes and cool shit – we headed back to the big smoke of Darwin. We parked the bike and headed to the pub – as you do being in Darwin!!!

Day 3 – Friday 13/5/11

We both had a better night sleep and were keen to get moving on our long trek south towards home today!! We pulled out of Darwin at 8.30am and made tracks towards Kakadu. Terry nearly missed the turn off for the Arnhem Highway (lucky I was there to correct him of his ways!!!). After an hour or 2 we finally pulled into a roadhouse called the Bark Hut Inn, were we had morning tea (nice cupacino and muffin). We then continued our ride onto Jabiru where we found a nice bush bungalow for the night ($115) – this consisted of a room on stilts.

Terry said that in the past this might have been called a love shack – but that was the past!!! After dumping the gear again and 1 bike – we headed off to the local Visitor Centre and found a tour that we could get on. It meant a fast 30 minute ride to Cooinda – were we jumped onto the Yellow Water Cruise. WOW!!! We got to check out the wetlands – both flora and fauna (Terry big words for the night) – came up close and personal with a 4mtr crocodile and even some smaller ones!!! There were thousands of birds of many varieties – it was very peaceful and beautiful. Well worth the rush and effort to get there on time. After heading back to the love shack (I mean bush bungalow) – we cracked another bottle of wino and then headed to the Sports Club for dinner. So here we are now – sitting around a little table outside of our bungalow – drinking way too much and typing silly words, but one thing is for sure, we have taken lots of photos and we are having a great time. More in a couple of days!

Another group of BikieChics had answered the call!

Another wild weekend was in order!!

There where a couple of different groups coming from different directions on this ride.  The group I rode with met at Uncle Leos at Casula at 9.30am for a 10am departure.  About 7 girls met there, had a quick coffee, chat, catch up before heading down the road to Pheasants Nest, did a quick drive by to pick up a few more girls.  We pulled up just down the road at Mittagong Information Centre for a quick rest and to meet the new girls that had joined us. 

Group 1 at Mittagong

 After leaving Mittagong – we headed off along the beautiful Southern Highlands roads down to Kangaroo Valley where we had planned to have lunch, go to the local markets, and meet up with the other group of girls.  We had finally managed the weather to be absolutely amazing (thank god – I think I might have been strung up if it was wet again for this adventure!!!). 

Kangaroo Valley - Lunch stop

Cambawarra Lookout Cafe

 With a quick stop off at the local bottle shop in Nowra – we finally pulled into M&M Guesthouse – parked the bikes and quickly found our beds for the night.  In no time – bikes unpacked, a quick shower and change into comfy clothes – the bottles of wine and drinks were quickly opened and we were celebrating another fabulous day on the bikes.  As usual Di had arranged for the nights activities – with a word game we call PEGS and also the debut of BikieChic Bingo!  Both games brought out a the competitive edge of a few girls who played and mixed with a couple of games of table tennis and pool and alcohol – a bloody good night was had by all.   

M&M Guesthouse

M&M Guesthouse   The next morning after a little slow start – we all headed off to breakfast at the local McDonalds – a quick feed, a group photo and giggle about the antics of the night before.   

Breakfast Beauties

It wasnt long before we where back on the road looking for more great roads before heading home.  The weather started to  look a little ominus – time to pull out the wet weather gear – bugger!!!  We headed towards Kiama and pulled up for a another photo opportunity at the Blow Hole.   It wasnt long before we where back on the road looking for more great roads before heading home.    

Kiama Blowhole

 

So how was the weather down here over the wekend? Well if it was the same here as up north is was pretty damp!  If you have half an hour or so settle down with a cuppa or a beer and have a read!!   

I had an early start and wore wet weather gear from the start as it was raining here at 6.45AM. I has a solo ride to meet the gals at Berowra.  I was second to arrive as I allowed extra time in case I took a wrong turn somewhere but fortunately did get there without incident.

Time for a stretch and a cup of coffee before the rest meeting us there arrived. Jeanine came in from not too far away, Bronwyn and lots of others I cannot remember names for.. sorry gals. J.J. and Daffy ( her yellow vtr – tweetys twin) arrived and she had brought Kath, a new rider to the group but a very experienced (Hmmm racing…) rider on Darling, her Aprillia. Lots more came, about 20 of us here .. but I may have counted a few odd ones from other groups here..lol

Di took attendance then explained we would ride north and meet the others at Beresfield. We travelled on the Pacific highway a while before we got onto the Freeway and started scootin along on 110kph or therabouts for a while.  Was awesome, only a few light showers here and there but couldnt dampen our spitits.. they were soaring, well mine were anyway!! Just the feeling of being one of about 20 riders travelling was fantastic!! 

Eventually we spaced out a bit and that was cool.. as long as I could still follow a few fellow riders all good.. I wasnt sure of the way so I did not want to lose sight of all of them!  Eventually we came to a roundabout where our marker was pointing. I thought, this was where we were stopping so I pulled up just around the corner behind 3 or 4 others.  I was keen to tuck my rainhood in as it had been flapping behind me for a while and it was annoying me. When I stopped I looked up and there were 2 guys on bikes ahead of me.. oops.. wrong bikers.. looked ahead and saw a gals, so pulled out around the guys and parked near JJ and Kath. Kath was off her bike so I asked if she could tuck in my rainhood for me to save me struggling with it. She did that and I thanked her.. When I looked back up ahead I saw gals riding off.. Ohh no! I thought I better get goin’ or I wont know where to go!!  So, now, all tucked in I started up and followed, and JJ followed me and Kath followed her.

We were away, merrily zoomin up the road for a long time.. riding riding.. gee isnt the turn off coming up soon?? Tummy was grumblin, breakkie was ages ago and Tweety will need a refill soon too. JJ starts waving.. where are we?? I didnt know.. I was following her.. next Annie comes up and motions for us to pull over.  We obliged.. who was following who?? Oh dear.. Annie messaged Di that we would stop at the Rock..( Thanks Annie) seems that was just up a bit, so we did that.  Apparently, and I really don’t know who I saw go and who it was I was following, I thought she was a gal, and JJ thought it was a gal but maybe we followed the guys????

In any case we were way ahead of all the others it seemed, as they all stopped and regrouped with the second wave of riders( and gave out maps)  so we were going to wait for them to go by and we were supposed to join them. We got fuel and a snack and waited.. and waited.. and waited…we thought we may have missed them, so we sent a message to say we would meet them at the golf cub at Tea Gardens where we ( the group) were planning to have lunch.   There were five of us that travelled the ten ks or so to the golf club and we of course were the first to arrive. We thought we may as well order and beat the rush when the other 25 of us turn up, so we did.

 We were waiting for our orders to arrive  when the gals showed up!! We explained what happened and they decided it was JJ who just wanted to follow the cute guys that lead our small posse astray// lol// luv ya JJ!! Anita  Kath Sue and heaps of others all arrived too. Nice to see everyone!

Anyhoo.. lunch was great, and it was just a short 30 minute ride or so to our destination so Myall Lakes here we come.. again only minor showers from here  so not much on that front.  A small detour to purchase some refreshing beverages in case the bar wasn’t able to accomodate our tastes and we were off.

 Almost there, just a short ferry ride to go…. Now that was a different experience.. moving over the water while sitting on the bikes with sidestands down.. felt a tad eerie!  Di of course did a deal but got an even better one on the trip back!  Arriving back on Terra firma we turned left the 20 metres and we were there



 After a settling in period we went for a walk around and decided we would not swim in the lake with the green sand as it was a tad cool and rather breezy, the pool looked more appealing so that was next on the agenda.   Blissful.. warmish water  but still refreshing.. no chlorine.. salty even.. nice. A few joined us and we we were informed happy hour was at 5.30.. about 30 mins away.  Back for a shower and change for dinner and or pre dinner drinks..mmmmm the most popular was the strawberry champagne.. if the 14 empty (mini) bottles on the table was anything to go by..lol 

Dinner was a smorgasboard.. steak, snags and salad/ coleslaw, dessert was cheesecake and.. oops sorry OR  fruit salad, pity no one mentioned that before we all had our serves in front of us! I think most managed to get a taste of the cheesecake anyway.  After a lot of chatting and socialising it was back for a well earned rest from all the excitement of the day.   

Breakfast was croissants ( which they replenished when empty) a choice of cereals, toast and tea/coffee and or juice. A little more socialising and we were organised to leave about 10am. 

A quick group/class ( it seemed like it with 31 of us!! )photo by the ferryman and this time at $2 per head instead of $4 we were taken back across ready for our trip home..

Fuel at Tea Gardens then we were to meet at Karuah and some were going to head out and do a bit more exploring but as I was keen to get back ( a friends 60th) I got going, missing out on I am sure some more fun riding.  

I managed to get home through the rain, wind, fog and occassional clear patch of weather only to get more rain a few ks from home.

 I had a ball, only hope the next one is fun too!! Nowra- I heard someone say.. now that will be a shorter trip!!

 Hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed ridin and writing.

Cheers!! 

Marg ridin’ Tweety

Photos supplied by the lovely Crissy

Weekend organised by the fabulous Di!!

I rode up the coast to Hotel Scaysbrook and checked in for the night at Di’s place.  All the better to get an early start in the morning without having to deal with the morning peakhour!! Woohoo!”

On Saturday, Diane & Howard & I rode up to Kariong BP and met up with Virginia, Shelly and Jonathan.  Off we go again – and then came the rain too, but that’s ok – we put our wet weather gear on and kept moving.  Meeting up with some of the others at Beresfield Service Station.  Around 14 of us left the servo and headed up to Buckets Way to Gloucester for lunch – where we collected some more friends joining us for the weekend,  before moving on up to Walcha in the afternoon.  The weather didn’t do us any favours with rain and cold tempetures, but it was still just great to be out riding in NSW and making new friends.

Once we got to Walcha there was a Chinese drying room setup upstairs in the residencial area with the heater going full bore to dry all the jackets, pants, boots and gloves.  Greg & Michelle had ridden down from Lenox Heads and had already taken up camp in front of the telly watching the AFL grand final (take 2) in front of the heater.

After warm showers and dry clothes put on – we all meet up downstairs in the bar, where new friendships were formed and a few (just a few) drinks where had!!!!  Karen (from Commercial Hotel)  This was our first mixed (boys and girls!!) BikieChic Adventure – so it is going to be fun!! 

We had another great dinner that night at the Commercial – Karen always dishes up a great feed and keeps us laughing. 

The next morning the weather hadn’t improved a great deal, but we headed off anyway to Gingers Creek for an early lunch.  We all got wet again and it became a battle of whose wet weather gear was the best.  I was very happy with mine and now know it was well worth the extra dollars I spent on it!! 

On the way back to the pub that afternoon we had an accident in the group and Linda on her VTR came a cropper.  Fortunately for her – she came away without any major injuries, but her bike was much worse for wear!  It is a write off and she will be off bike shopping again soon no doubt!! 

Back to the drying room for all the wet riding gear and then off to the Appsley pub for dinner – mmmmmm Pizza!!!!  After a lot of laughs, pool games we decided to get the bus back to the sleeping pub! Oh yeah there was this game called the AFL Grand Final on as well.  Apparently it was some big deal to the locals up there, but I was more interested in watching the MotoGP, but they didn’t show that!!!

We left Walcha early the next morning heading home – it was still bloody raining – the locals had better not complain about any droughts for another 5 years I reckon.  This is the wettest BikieChic adventure we have ever had.  The rain finally stopped back down at Gloucester, but getting there was a huge effort, as coming down Nowendoc mountain area, you couldn’t see 5 foot in front of yourself, the road was really wet and very slippery.  But we all made it without any further incidents.     

We rode from Gloucester over to Patterson – and the sun was shining, it turned out to be fabulous weather for the rest of our ride home.  We all started peeling off towards home and another successful BikieChic adventure was over.  Until next times my friends – ride safe!!!

The first meeting point was at Bikescape and quick time was made to the next point at Rouse Hill.  About 8 of us left Rouse Hill for the big meeting point at the Fruit Bowl at Bilpin. 

 By this time we where 22 strong, and new freindships where starting to be formed already.  The ride route was discussed and we headed up the hill towards Lithgow – go to the Lithgow McDonalds, turn left and then right at the Shell Service Station – fill up with fuel and regroup. 

Well it all sounds pretty easy doesn’t it!  Ha!  However, the sky was so black and the wind and rain was horrendous – corner marking went right out the window!!! We had 2 go straight ahead at McDonalds, and not turn left!  Six girls rode past the Shell Service Station and needed to be chased down before reaching Katoomba again on the Great Western Highway.  In the meantime, everyone else waited at the Servo whilst the rain set in and became torrential!

Given how heavy the rain became, we decided to head up the highway for Bathurst instead of going through Tarana (we would have to leave that for another day!!).  It became cold and did I mention how much it rained!!!! After being blown around on the highway – we nearly swam into Kelso, to fill up on bottle shop supplies. 

This adventure has brought girls from all over – we have girls from Canberra, Newcastle, Central Coast and Sydney – it is great to see that the word is spreading and so many girls from all over are enjoying the annual Bathurst or Bust event.

Everyone made it safe and sound to our accommodation by 3.30pm and the beds assigned for the weekend.  Di and I headed off to Bathurst to organise the snacks, dinner for the night.  At least the rain had stopped and we had started to dry off. 

Pizzas where delivered at 6.30pm by the lovely Lisa from Eagle Boys and a few drinks consumed during the night.  The girls hit the sack pretty early after a great day of riding, eating, drinking and chatting. The lights where finally turned off about midnight….

The next morning we where up bright and early for a cooked breakfast to start the day off to a great start!!! On our bikes and make tracks to Hill End for lunch.  What a spectatular day, the sun was out, the birds where chirping and the roads where brilliant!!

We had a lovely lunch in the sun at the Hill End pub and wandered around this very histortic town, it really is amazing and makes us wonder how they managed in such tough conditions. 

After our lunch and great group photo, everyone had a fabulous ride in the sun back to our joint for the night. 

The girls started getting ready for their big night – a pyjama and pamper party.  We had a big night planned for them – all they had to do was dress up in their PJ’s (how easy is that!!!). 

Again, Di and I headed into Bathurst to organise for dinner to be delivered at 6.30pm and at 7.30pm the entertainment turned up!!  Without giving too many secrets away (what goes on tour – stays on tour! – you know the saying!!!)  the girls where laughing so hard, there where tears and sore stomach muscles.  By the end of the night, with a few passed out bodies – the lights finally turned off around 1am. 

After another hearty hot breakfast – the girls started packing their bikes up and getting ready to head home.  One of the best “BikieChic Adventures” ever experienced.

On the way home the sun was shining again (woohoo!!) and we finally got to ride the road through from Bathurst to Tarana – yep the scenery is still specatular!!  With a couple of stops along the way – more coffee and chocolate, we finally all made it home safe and sound. 

Hopefully we will see all you BikieChics on our next Adventure – thanks for coming!!!!