Mudgee 3 Day Ride 14-16th Sept 2023

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Mudgee 3 day ride report below and a PADPAL for those not on the Mudgee trip. The designated ride leader (Peter Wallshaw) bailed out at the last minute due to the unexpected arrival of his second granddaughter Rosie, who arrive a few weeks early. Peter was left holding the first granddaughter and her dog, subsequently missing a great ride. All doing well.

 

I led day one, 16 riders up to Mudgee via Tarana, Kelso, Sofala. Lots of nice twisty back roads.

 

Day two, I led the dirt ride loop, in the pub the night before we had 6 riders, but in the morning that had reduced to 4, sadly no GS riders were up for the dirt challenge. First thing we had to get back to the Sofala area to ride up The Bridle Track, so we went on some back roads through the mountains from Mudgee, very nice combination of fast bitumen and dirt, along Aarons Pass road for example, I can recommend it.

 

The Bridle Track runs alongside the Macquarie river, very scenic, lots of wild critters about, lunch at the Hill End pub was good, we were joined by Kenny the local billy goat, apart from left over salad on plates he likes lasagna and pizza, after lunch we went downhill along the Turon river to Capertee, once again the road follows along the river. That section was scenic but a little too flat and smooth, however it was perfect for getting the bike drifting.

 

Day two road ride, led by Dave Sipple:

After organising a well-planned 2 nights, 3 days Mudgee Ride Peter Walshaw was unable to attend his own ride due to unexpected family obligations so he asked me if I could lead the Wednesday segment while Rod led the dirty deeds, done dirt cheap riders group along the Hill End Bridle Track.

 

The day didn’t start so calmly for me as the troops were getting restless and eager to go I had a senior’s moment and couldn’t find my key to unlock the padlock for the Motorrad soft bag on the bike to retrieve my riding gloves so I asked Richo to lead the ride to The White Rose Cafe, Dunedoo for morning tea and I would meet them there. 

 

After turning my motel room upside down to find my missing keys and giving Richo and the boys a ten minute head start I eventually caught up in time for a coffee. After morning tea the ride continued along the Golden Hwy about 90kms to the Village Bakehouse in Dubbo for lunch. This bakery is possibly the best bakery in the country in my opinion and that’s comparing it with the likes of Robertson Pie Shop, Beechworth Bakery, Braidwood Bakery and the list goes on. 

 

Before venturing in to unknown territory we refuelled our bikes at the nearby Ampol Service Station and headed west onto the Newell Hwy to turn left at the Dubbo Zoo or what is officially named the Taronga Western Plains Zoo. This road is called Obley Road which takes you to the small country town of Yeoval. This little western plains town is where you will find the Bandgo Paterson Museum which also has a cafe at the entrance. The museum is owned and run by a couple who moved from Dural in Sydney 40 years ago to settle in Yeoval. After a very pleasant and informative stopover at the Museum we headed off to Wellington for a short break and then back to Mudgee via the outskirts of Gulgong past the hundreds of acres of Transgrid Solar Farms, Wind Turbines spread across the mountains nearby the Wellington Correctional Centre, commonly known as a prison. 

 

We had a nice little group of 9 bikes that joined us on this leg of the ride the others either went on Rod’s dirt ride or had a rest day back at the Soldiers Motel. 

 

Weather conditions were perfect. The countryside looks dry but the sight of yellow Canola crops is a nice contrast. Obley Road from Dubbo to Yeoval was sealed but rather bumpy and we were startled by a speed camera car parked on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere but that’s life.

Cheers 

David

 

Day three led by me again, Mudgee to Denman to Laguna for lunch, leaving Mudgee via the Wollar road, which google maps says is dirt, it was sealed a few years ago, therefore no one uses this road and we didn’t see a car for 45 minutes, its quick and winding and brings you out on the Bylong Valley Way where the train crosses the road, very nice fast ride. Near the end of the Bylong Valley Way we took a short cut into Denman via Yarrawa road, same story as above, quicker and no one on it.

 

We lost one rider who was going too fast and missed the right turn into Denman, he arrived later, and another rider took the exit into the Singleton industrial zone, which is easily done as the exit is the righthand lane. Other than that it was a great few days, good company, the Paragon Hotel in Mudgee is a recommendation, perfect riding weather. We saw our Thursday PADPAL going the opposite direction near Wollombi, they were travelling at mach three or maybe a little faster and were unable to stop and say hello. Thanks to TEC’s Alan Reece and John Randle.

 

Danny, is a mystery, I thought he was riding home with us, JR told me he went home the AB, so we may have lost Danny as well, not sure!

 

Cheers Rod

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