Kevin Hardy's High Plains Ride - 15th - 18th October 2024
Bright and early on Tuesday morning the day held lots of promise, that was until it was time to leave for our meeting place at Sutton Forest. Just as leaving time arrived, so did the rain. Soon it was heavy, and then it was torrential. I stopped for ten minutes at Shell Forestville to clear my visor, and to wait for a break in the deluge. When the rain steadied down a little I was on my way again, joining the slow traffic.
By the time I reached the M2 the sky was only offering a sprinkle, and that didn’t last long. My gloves were soaked, inside and out, so by the time I reached the meeting place, my fingers were slightly blue, as I had forgotten that I had grip heaters. With the help of some extra Watts the gloves soon dried out. We had perfect weather and sunshine for the rest of the trip.
There had been a couple of late cancelations, so our day one group was John W, MTC, Geoff, Keith, and myself. MTC and John were in their quadbikes; MTC rode with us until lunchtime, and then returning to exciting Sydney. John was really on his way to Phillip Island, but rode with us for the Southern legs, and left us at the Vic border after lunch on day two.
We hadn’t intended to visit the Marulan Quarry, the source of most of our Sydney gravel, however navigation has its challenges. Anyway the slippery Marulan Mud on our bikes added some character.
We avoided the wet dirt on the Cobargo leg, and I would recommend the Cobargo pub, though some of our party had forgotten how to use 2 tap showers, and the hot water was in short supply. The town itself is looking quite spick and span with their recent repairs and new buildings.
Heading Southwest on day two we started to find the gravel roads to be completely dry and fun to ride. We crossed into Vic to see the Delegate River Diversion Tunnel, left over from the gold rush days. Lunch at Delegate, then more black and tan.
The way to Cooma included a road filled with cows and calves, and a brief rest while their handlers moved them to one side. The tan Myalla Road was mostly straight, smooth and in brilliant condition, so we cruised north at a very pleasant 100kph. I looked down after a twist of the grip to momentarily see 115kph before I wisely backed off.
On to the Alpine Hotel Cooma where they were pleased to have lots of m’bike trade. By sundown there were about 23 of them in their garage and courtyard; most of them heading to Phillip Island.
The Friday forecast continued to cast a black cloud over us, and the prediction was worsening. By Thursday morning the report for Yass was 10-30 mm precipitation, and this was worrying the ride leader who wanted to keep his gloves dry and warm. Breakfast at Adaminaby, then we continued along the Snowy Mountains Hwy, enjoying the magic weather, and the progression of scenic changes to Talbingo. You know, Geoff had never been to sunny Talbingo., and this was Keith’s first time on the SM Hwy.
The Snowy Mountains Hwy always amazed me with its variety of scenic treats, and for one of our group this was his first time riding it’s length. We managed to miss the huge grey bull Roo lazily ambling across the road (biggest I’ve seen), and the herd of brumbies just watched us with interest. By Tumut Geoff had remembered another favourite road, and we were on the tan again. Thanks Geoff.
Friday was still worrying the ride leader (never believe weather predictions). So we abandoned our Yass booking and, with frequent rests, some difficulty locating the newly rebuilt Pheasants Nest, and a headlight globe replacement (thanks Keith), we pushed on to Sydney and home on Thursday night.
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