It needs to be explained at the start both water crossings that presented a challenge were never intended for use on our route :huh but that is adv riding Ride report So with some time off due to extra work and hours done I convinced Deejay to come for a ride, no challenge there but the plan was to prerun the two day up and coming navigation ride Old Bulls are running soon in the central west of NSW. First hurdle was Deejay had an appointment to keep meaning he wouldnt be at my place until after 10am. Once here we took off straight for Mt Vic the starting place for the ride proper. I put Deejay in front to follow the route I had loaded on his GPS. I figured it would be good testing. No navigation errors saw us at a railway line crossing I have used before, it's an unused line but getting the bigger busses eg. BMWs and 990s over it would present a bigger hassle so reroute #1 Ride back to the road (yes the camera was a little low on this one only) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_68PK7jrIA&feature=youtube_gdata_player We explored a few options to a single that I thought would be more than wide enough and EVERYONE would be able ride through they took their time. After that I put Deejays helmet cam on the back of my bike to get some footage of him. We ran up toward the pines area there are two options on this section. Hard is a section torn to pieces by WANKER four-wheel drivers yes WANKER I said WANKER. And he right side track doable by everybody. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0dn9nG3gZY There to the pines parking area where I noticed a mate Scotty's car which begged the question. Do they make those cars for men? We without any great drama got to Wolgan road and split up, I ran a single to the meeting place. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E_-QT0tmjI From there we rode out along the swamp and up to the main trail through the gardens of stone. We ran out past the lookout and started down the hill until we came across a section we decided would be above some big bikes and people's ability so we turned around and headed back down to the valley (swamp area) for those in the know this is beside the dreaded swamp where LC filled (read filled) in Muc-off Mike on he return ride from our 2010 birthday ride. We went and looked at a area that appeared ok but the moment I broke the crust of the grassy ground it sank like a stone and I was left throwing a roost that Deejay thought was neat while I was heading the China. I eventually got out but it was hard work on the big bike. Then we ended up at the crossing, Mike's crossing. It appears as though someone has cut a crossing in and it has a pretty firm sand base through it. We stopped and were discussing it, I said there is a crossing down further about 1 or 2 kms but Deejay said and I quote "it looks ok and has a good base" I turned on the helmet cam and away he went, and went well until the water was basically level with his seat and that put a stop to that. I rode around the track we discussed and it was then down to singlets and undies to retrieve the stuck DR. It was stuck good and the water was so cold, so cold it actually hurt felt like my feet were burning! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLPIiZEtpZI&feature=youtube_gdata_player Once out we put it up on it's back wheel and drained the exhaust system. Side covers off, seat off, plugs out (yes has two plugs) pumped then water out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sM7LbcoQl4c&feature=youtube_gdata_player Drained the air box and wasnt there some water in that http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le_HaholJqg&feature=youtube_gdata_player Drained the carby and paid particular attention to cleaning air inlet boot between the air box and the carby of all water and silt as Mickp had drowned his DR at Barry Station and they didn't clean the intake out and ruined the top end barrel piston etc and cost him a engine rebuild. Finally it ran although it had a fair amount or water in the oil so we needed to get the oil changed asap Deejay had to go back in to recover his helmet and gear :laugh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=441tgGFUYp8&feature=youtube_gdata_player We suited up and rode into Portland via some smick tracks http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V-chsonNqw&feature=youtube_gdata_player Once at Portland we purchased 10 litres of oil and some beers and went up to Mal5.1's as he said Deejay could change the oil there. So after we finished at Mals (thanks again mate you are a champ) we had a quick chat and decided we should still try and get to Hillend Pub. Knowing this would mean doing the bridle trail in the dark. I wasnt worried about the bridle trail and cliff edge in the dark because the speeds would be down and low. The worry was the wildlife getting to the bridle trail for me, still I rang the pub and off we headed. The amount of wildlife we saw between Mals and Bathurst was disturbing to say the least. We rode around Mt Panorama as you do at 7pm at night and made the call to abort Hillend and head to Orange. Learning the next day how the Macquarie River was running it was the best idea we had all day. It should noted here that I had spoken with every man and his dog regarding weather and rain out there the week before and was convinced that the river should have been fine. I rang the pub and cancelled the accommodation, rang my sister and organised us a couple of beds. After a quiet trip to Orange we rocked into the Pizza Hut restaurant a proper restaurant that still does all you can eat! Having not eaten since eggs on toast at 8am in the morning to say the least I was starving. Bottle shop located and the final run to siss place, brews shower, Dejays wet clothes in the dryer and bed. Day 2 Up early, Sis had been for a walk at half 5 and returned at half 6 asking did we want her to cook us some bacon and egg rolls, hell yeah!!! :woohoo: So we ducked into town and fuelled and discussed options for the day. Punched some singles :woohoo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao-Q3vsZpFY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPspJiclq8M Lets do Long Point and cross the river up to Hillend :woohoo: . On the way out to Long Point via Ophir we did an awesome little lane / bridle trail including creek crossings here is a section http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efKBPtJ88vM&feature=youtu.be Then we got to long point after the run into the valley. The river was up but I thought we should be alright. I started across the river, and got almost hallway and the water was about an inch below my seat meaning the airbox would have to have been only half an inch above the water at best. The bike was running still and I thought bugger this and started to pull a U turn. The river is made up of bowling ball style rocks and is a pain in the arse inch: Dejay had to walk in and help me turn around. From there back to the bank I couldnt get a roll on and kept getting stuck on the rocks. I remembered to turn on the rear camera when I got stuck and pushed the last time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epBIfnIHlBg It shows how much the river is up and flowing. Beauty wet boots for the day inch: Uphill out of Long Point We sooted back through the lane, Ophir and found a few dirt roads into Bathurst. From there we headed out towards Oberon direction and ran a few slippery dirt roads into the pine forests we used when we rode the Hampton 100 weekend. From there the wind came up. The bitumen section along the ridge from Hampton was the windiest conditions I have ever ridden a motorcycle in! From there normal Coxs river dirt road run to Hartley. A great two days, defiantly better than being at work :laugh: Highlights Singles on the Tenere, faster than I though possible and Boony! No stops, just riding Dejays attidude when it went pear shaped Catching up with Mal. Is there a nicer guy Purchasing my third CT110 (didnt mention that) The great trails we rode All ya can eat Pizza Hut Grip heaters Low points Wet feet second day for about 5 hrs. still could be worse TB
Great ride report thanks guys. I have been lucky and never had the DR that deep.:huh Thanks for sharing cheers Tony
Ahr man, that DR......I feel for ya. Great photos and vids. Looks like it was a great jaunt. Good work.
