Kim's Journey - Bushwalking/Geocaching/Biking

Alpine Odyssey

13/4/2019

Bike is getting close to a year old and before Winter sets in, I've always wanted to do the Snowy Mountains Highway - so today was the day. Set off around 8:30 am and it was a tad chill-some. During the week, I had re-inserted the pants and jacket linings though I packed the thermal liner under the seat just in case. Still rode with the summer gloves but the heated hand-grips had a bit of a workout around Bredbo. Stopped a few times to take photos and I was gladdened to see some people stopped to make sure I was ok.

Stopped at Cooma for a coffee and use of the facilities but the worst of the chill had gone. The road west from Cooma to Adaminaby and Tumut is divine. I really like the Tundra bits though the forests were also good. Not too much traffic on the roads - a few cyclists doing it tough. A few of the Alpine lakes have really low water levels - maybe that is normal for this time of year. The road between Tumut and Gundagai is being fixed up and it was a beauty. Filled up at Gundagai, cranked up the "Highway" playlist and freewayed back home. All up, a 500km ride.

The meanest baddest bikers hit Thredbo

25/2/2019

After a rather hectic 2 week Parliament sitting period, which included 2 , six day working weeks, it was truly nice to have a few days off. The COMCAR bikers club was planning a 2-day get away across the Australian High Country, overnighting in Bright before returning to Canberra. An overnight trip didn't really suit me but a few lads were planning on joining them for just one day before returning to Canberra. That sounded right up my alley.
          Morning rendezvous at 8:00 am at the Servo in Hume. An interesting array of machinery, a couple of GoldWings, couple of Harleys, some another nice touring machines and one BMW Maxi Battle Scooter. The group quickly got separated trying to join the south-bound Monaro Highway to Cooma but we all knew the second rendezvous point. It was actually quite chilly on the first leg to Cooma with Air temp hovering around 10 degrees C.
          The group met up at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre on the northern outskirts of Cooma. Facilities were used, coffees were had (and some sneaked in cakes) before heading off to the next stop at Jindabyne with most of us putting on extra layers of clothing. At Jindabyne, after another chin-wag the group separated. We were all heading past Thredbo but the overnighters would push on to Corryong for lunch. The more gentlemenly of the gang were going to stop at Thedbo for lunch.
           Now, apparently if one is going to just ride through the National Park without stopping, one doesn't need to pay Park Entry. By the time we got to the Park Entry Booth after all the other riders, the smiling lass said "Riding through, have a nice day !" So who was I to argue.
            The Alpine Way between Jindabyne and Thredbo is just a superb biking road. Great surface, good visibility, undulating and the vegetation is well back from the road. I have always loved Thredbo in Summer. After a bit of a search for a parking spot, we made our way to the Alpine Hotel for a well deserved lunch and a light beer or two. Was good to get to know Bob and Steve a bit better. After lunch, the weather was declared glorious so those extra layers were put away and we headed back to Jindabyne to fuel up.
               Another coffee stop in down town Cooma on the way back where one of the subjects of conversation was some of the very ordinary drivers we had encountered between Cooma and Jindabyne. Said our farewells at Cooma as we did ride together to the Canberra outskirts but then went our different ways. All up, some 405 km for me, the bike performed flawlessly and I suspect I will sleep well tonight.

Australia Day 2019

29/1/2019

Looks like the usual Easter escape to Wombarra won't be on - Damned owners want to stay in their own place. So an earlier escape and our first to Wombarra in Summer was planned for the Long Weekend. As I am bit prone to cabin fever, it was decided for me to take the bike down so I could go for blasts up and down the coast.

Good plan but South East Australia has been having one of its hottest summers and sometimes, that can mean being on the back of a bike isn't the most pleasant place to be. But on the other hand, The Illawarra region down the coast has much more pleasant temperatures than inland. I thought I would make it a bit of an aviation themed weekend so I pushed off earlier on Friday morning, via Macquarie Pass to visit the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) Museum at Albion Park.

For Aviation enthusiasts, HARS is brilliant - In this day and age, $20 admission is extremely reasonable and that includes a guided tour by a keen volunteer. Many aircraft can be explored including the insides. The tour takes over 90 minutes , I did lose track of time. I had managed a park under the shaded tail section of the B747-400 and was parked next to the first other BMW C650GT I have spotted in the wild. 38 km ride to our usual accommodation and it was good to get out the biking gear. Fish and Chips for dinner after the rest of the family arrived and it was great to go to sleep to the sound of crashing waves, not before thrashing the extended family at a variety of board games.

The local forecast for Saturday was high 20's and a bit warmer for nearby Sydney. 55 km to Sydney Airport so I thought I would continue my aviation themed weekend. By the time I got to Engadine, the 6 lane highway was clagged with traffic and was at a standstill. The Temperature according to bike was 38 C and I could feel my socks getting soggy with sweat. Regretfully, I turned around and headed back to base.

Similar forecast for Sunday, so I took my chances and headed south to one of my favourite spots - Kiama. Again, I was dismayed by the highway temperatures of mid 30's but Kiama itself was an oasis with a lovely refreshing sea breeze. However, every man and his dog had similar plans and the place was jam-packed with people. By the time I got back to Wombarra, I was over-heating again. Fish and chips from a new place tonight (delightful) and a huge storm hit whilst we played a number of different games.

Forecast for Monday included heat and rain - I decided on an early departure 7:00 and I had a misty and foggy ride along the Picton Road. Once on the Freeway, I had a bit of misty rain and drizzle and when I fueled up at Marulan, I put on the Gortex liner underneath my Summer jacket which was a surprisingly smart move as I was hit by heavier rain around Goulburn. Have to say the bike is brilliant at keeping most of the weather off. I adjust the fairing so as to keep my visor clear of water and ok, there was a bit where I turned the heated hand-grips on. Trip back via Mittagong, fueling and a wee stop was 3 hours 15 minutes - a great long weekend.

Heat Wave and bikes !

30/12/2018

Canberra is having one of its hottest Christmases I can remember. Having a week of mid 30 degrees C makes for less options of going out and entertaining one's self. Though the forecast this morning was for another 35 C, the day dawned a bit overcast so I leapt at the chance for a blat in the country-side.
The plan was fuel up, and do what is becoming a quite common ride, heading up the back roads to Sutton, Gundaroo and Gunning. From Gunning to Crookwell then I thought I would head toward Taralga before heading to Goulburn and home. Good plan. I love the road between Gunning and Crookwell but I now understand why Crookwell is home to such a large wind farm. Around Crookwell, the temperature began to soar and the wind became very strong and gusty. That put paid to exploring the district so I headed straight for Goulburn, again, on a glorious motorcycle suited road. Due to the deteriorating conditions, I free-wayed it back to Canberra though by the side of lake George, the temperature dropped to 28 degrees. Lake George was looking surprisingly green but I didn't stop for a photo due to other considerations (oh, okay, my bladder). 277 quality kilometres.

Making the most of a pearler of a day

4/12/2018

Slightly later work start today and it was a magnificent day. So rather than stare at a computer monitor, I started with a really nice walk around the lake including going up and down ANZAC Parade. There were lots of cute puppies being walked as well. Home for lunch, tried on my new motorcycle gang T-Shirt (we are sooooooo tough) and thought I won't get a chance to ride next week - so lets go for a mini blat. Off to refuel at COSTCO, then up the country roads to Sutton, Gundaroo and Gunning. Then a slightly less enjoyable freeway blast to Yass Valley Way then home via the Barton highway. Lovely ride though it gets a bit hot under the jacket. Now, time for a shower, dinner and then off to put the Pollies to bed.

Whilst the Reps are away, the COMCAR Driver might play

12/11/2018

With only the Senate sitting this week (Gawd knows why), it means there won't be too much work for the enabling team. So, the morning looks spiffy, I have no commitments, I have 3/4 of a tank of gas, the sun is shining, the magpies have been fed - I'm orfffff !

Thought briefly about a coastal blast but I heard the roads around Crookwell are nice, and guess what.....they are! The ride took me through the villages of Sutton, Gundaroo, Gunning, Crookwell and Goulburn. No traffic to speak off, and unlike the ex-Treasurer Joe Hockey, I like the look of wind farms - far better than smoke stacks. Thought about lunching out there somewhere - I thought about Boarding School Days - there was a boarder from Crookwell whose family owned a milkbar - Stephen Samios, your snacks enabled me to survive the hell hole that was boarding school - didn't spot the Niagara (I think it was called). At Goulburn, my Highway Playlist was cranked up - chose a different Rest Area on the Federal Highway for the traditional leg stretch . Really enjoyed this spin in the country! (and there was 2 litres left in the tank when I refueled at Majura Park)

Therapy !

1/11/2018

.I had some serious surgeries on both my big toes. Recovery has been slow but I figured that riding Bernie, my BMW C650GT could be good therapy as I am not putting weight on my toes.. except when stopped at Traffic Lights etc. And Bridezilla's dream has come true, she has had her offer accepted on a errrr, ummm, shack (she says the correct term is heaven) down on the stretch of coast north of Wollongong (Scarborough to be exact).
                 The Weather forecast was good, if not a little too warm. They also missed the bit about underwear changing strong gusty winds. Set off around 9 ish, fueled up without a firm view on final destinations but I really wanted to see the old train station at Robertson on the Southern Highlands, it's famous you know!. I would then decide on what to see and do after that. Well, very disappointed by the train station - the rail side is hidden by a locked fence. Couldn't even have a leak! I'm sure it is pretty if you can access the rail side.
                    Decision time - let's do Macquarie Pass, its mid week, mid morning, should be fun. It was ....s sort of but maybe a few too many real tight turns incorporating much steepness. To be honest, I did prefer the Clyde Mt. But the windy bits are only 8km so it is not an lengthy period of time to cover the distance. Hit the Princess Highway and headed North to the Headlands Hotel at Austinmer for lunch. Those keen readers of this blog might remember that I had my birthday ride lunch at the same place - then I waited eons for a slightly disappointing hamburger - None of that today - Beaut fish and chips and it didn't take long at all.
                     Another decision point - oh well, better go look and look at the shack and see if it is as bad as I remember it. You can look at the Pics - judge for yourself - I think I have taken my very last holiday to anywhere - insert very sad emoticon (which I don't think this web builder platform supports).
                          Time to head back, the temps were hovering around a beautiful 25 down the coast and were hovering around 35 on the highway back. I did detour through Mittagong, Bowral and Moss Vale to avoid the freeway but the winds were freaky. Goulburn actually managed to land one drop of one rain on me. Did my now traditional leg stretch at the first rest area on the Federal Highway - Bernie does allow a leg stretch whilst riding with my feet extended forward. Home now, my toes are throbbing (maneuvering the 275 kg bike is hard going on the extremities). The heat is hard to manage with wearing protective clothing - I'ms sure I will sleep well tonight.

Meet a Cheetah.......so I did !

15/9/2018

My birthday present this year was a voucher to meet a cheetah at the National Museum and Aquarium. Have to book the encounters a bit in advance but the long range weather forecast for this weekend last weekend (I know what I mean :-) ) was good. As it turned out , the forecast was wrong , it wasn't sunny at all and a cold breeze was blowing. The Zoo has received a land grant or 2 from the ACT government so it really has expanded.
    Krystyna and myself got there a few hours earlier. The Zoo does a good job in bringing to visitor's attention some of humankind's bad environmental practices. All of the glassed enclosures have signs up asking patrons not to tap on the glass yet dim witted parents watched on as their feral kids did just that. 15 minutes before my scheduled encounter time, I had a safety briefing and could watch the group before me go in. One of the guests looked really nervous and we could tell from the watching area things were not going smoothly.
   When it was my turn, one of the keepers came out to explain that the cheetah was spooked and my encounter could not go ahead. I had the choice of rescheduling or going to another enclosure to meet a 10 month old cheetah cub "Solo" that was being raised with a rescue dog as it had been a single child and apparently cheetah mothers don't cope well with single children. I chose to meet Solo and what a good choice that turned out to be. There was purring, there was patting, the pup and the cub wrestled and the keepers took some really good shots with my camera. It was a fantastic experience.
   After that, we retired to the new cafe to get some chippies - as it was late in the afternoon, they threw in all the calamari left over for free. As we made our way back toward the exit we were victims of a kidnapping episode, a young Malaysian girl much preferred our company to her parents - luckily, a diplomatic episode was averted. All up, an absolutely awesome (correct use of the word) day !

To the Bay and back !

20/8/2018

I had a latish start at work scheduled and the weather of late had been, I think the technical term is "yuck", so today, with the sun shining (we'll forget about the minus 4 start) and the wind died down, time for a ride. After fueling up, I decided to head for Braidwood and then decide whether I was up to tackling the Clyde Mountain. There were gusts of winds to unsteady me but the traffic was light so after a pit start at Braidwood, I headed toward the Clyde. Been quite some time since I had driven (let alone riden) the Kings Highway but there has been some money spent on it and it really is a good road. I enjoyed the descent and Bernie's CVT did really well with engine braking. Got to the bottom unscathed, bit of a traffic jam in the Bay itself but got a park, right next to the fish and chippery. Ate my snapper on the deck but there was a cool wind blowing so I knew it was winter. Got back to the bike where a group of Japanese women were admiring it and in broken Engrish said " I had a very nice bike". Now for the return - the Clyde is sooooo much more fun on a bike going up and again with next to no traffic, I had a ball. But the wind had freshened and the temp had lowered so it wasn't as much fun getting back to Bungendore. I took the back way to the highway where the wind really did pick up, fueled up at Costco and got home safe and sound. My new Boots, socks and merino midwear all performed well.

The Birthday Bash

4/7/2018

Unseasonably warm day forecast, both for Canberra and the Coast. Bernie, the faithful steed was up for it so we hit the road just after 8:30 am One bit of roadworks held me up for 15 minutes before Bungendore but that was OK (had I known, I would have turned the engine off and gone for a walk). The road between Tarago and Nerriga isn't the best in the world but it is quite scenic. Lots of shade though, that can hide the potholes but I kept a speed I was comfortable with and being midweek, there was very little traffic. But once one has passed the village of Nerriga, the road becomes truly fabulous, especially on a bike. Long sweeping turns, good visibility and when the time comes, just saying, plenty of places to pull over for a leak.

I probably didn't navigate the best way through Nowra as there were lots of little traffic jams but they were soon in the mirrors. Not far North of Nowra, the freeway starts but I was surprised how long it had taken me so far. I think I blame Google Maps as it forecast I would be probably maintaining 100 kph on the windy pot holed bits. The Reserve fuel light came on just as I approached the outskirts of Wollongong so I filled up near my forecast lunch spot at 1:00 pm

Lunch was at the Headland Hotel, the weather was a balmy 21 c and I wondered why everyone was sitting inside. My burger took ages to arrive and for the price, I was a little disappointed. AND, I didn't even finish all the chippies. I really thought I would be having lunch 2 hours earlier and the wind was quite strong. I decided against one of the real reasons for the trip (a blast up the Macquarie Pass) and decided to proceed along Lawrence Hargrave Drive, past our usual Easter accommodation to the scenic "Sea Cliff Bridge". I had Michael's GoPro on a chest harness (my next task this morning is to YouTube that) so all was not lost......except when I got to the bridge, I had to follow a slow ugly bus. After ascending from the coastal strip, I pulled over to turn the GoPro off and as I touched the off button, it fell from the harness - that was lucky.

The wind was really picking up so it was a bit unnerving. The only really scary part of the trip was when I turned onto the Picton Road and a huge semi began to pull out in front of me - he had no excuse for not seeing me and he did slam on his anchors and we all lived to tell the tale. Once I hit the Hume Freeway, either the wind died down or it was in my back. I had my "highway" play list pumping tunes into my helmet and I set my sights for home. I was getting a little stiff and sore when I got near Goulburn so I pulled over once I hit the Federal Highway and had a little stretch. It was dark as I hit the 'burbs and I haven't ridden at night on this bike before. Good lights but it was good to hit the driveway. The garage door wouldn't open for me and I soon figured out the reason for all the Electricity trucks next door - power had been off since 1.00 pm so good thing I had been out and about. I was knackered though, some 570 km over the day (200 the day before). Still time for a birthday feast with the family and then this achy body hit the pillow. Might not go for a ride today !