All Categories - Kim's Journey

Cotter Loop and the Cascades Trail at Tidbinbilla

2/11/2020

Was thinking about a blast to the coast but with the torrential rain on the region over the weekend, might leave it for a few days to let the debris settle. Have a new external mike for the GoPro so I thought I might give it a bit of a trial (that's the next project after the blog). First problem was clipping the mike to somewhere that wouldn't interfere with the helmet operation.

When I left Deakin, the temperature was in the mid-teens - just perfect. First stop Cotter Dam. Lots of water flowing over the dam wall which made the air smell really clean and refreshing. The next part of the journey saw me catching up to a caravan which kept the speeds down.

At Tidbinbilla, my favorite walk had apparently been improved by the inclusion of a new lookout. So off to the Mountain Creek car-park. Only one other car there so I strapped my helmet to the handlebars and set off on the Cascades trail. This is really good for the soul, even more so after rain. One tricky ascent where the water was flowing over the rocky steps but my Goretex lined boots didn't feel a thing. Absolutely lovely new waterfall access at the new lookout - the iPhone pics don't do it justice but I hope the GoPro footage does.

A mostly uneventful ride home except for the dickweed who tried to overtake me when there was clearly an oncoming car. He slammed on the brakes but I think the oncoming car probably needed an underwear change. I was already moving onto the shoulder so no damage to me. Caught up to the caravan at Tharwa - I suspect they were lost. A lovely outing!

Storm's first coastal blast!

15/9/2020

Well, Storm had its first service last week and is sort of "run in" I guess. Fake Spring has been spotted both here and down the coast so it was time to load up the GoPro and head off. Having a bit of a problem with refueling the bike, can't get it to "full". I'll keep experimenting but the trip down was uneventful except for a fair bit of road work on the Clyde. Spotted a hidden Police Car which came roaring out and followed me at 40kph through one of those road work zones.

Had a quick bladder break at Nelligen and that gave me the 15km or so to decide on Fish and Chips at the Boat-shed or a burger at Malua Bay. Fish and Chips won and it was a good choice! We rode without the Jacket's Gortex liner and that was also a good choice but I think tomorrow, I might remove the pant's liner as well. Helmet and Fairing make for a quieter ride which is great.

After lunch, I wanted to head toward Moruya Airport and a Geocache I had done the groundwork for discovering. The burnt out forest's near Malua Bay still look sad though they are greening up. Nearing the airport, I put Storm into "Enduro" mode for the ride along the dirt track - Enduro mode backs off the throttle response, desensitises the ABS and does some electro-trickery with the suspension. We both survived and the Geocache was in the first place I looked. A quick squizz at the Ocean was required, then we headed into down-town Moruya and marveled at the small town's traffic jam.

Refueled at the Bay and then it was back up the Clyde - going up is more fun than coming down and the bike handled superbly. By the time I got to Bungendore, I was beginning to ache a bit so I parked at the lovely old train station, took some Pics then headed back to Canberra via Mac's Reef Rd. Cruise Control on the highway is great and allows me to rest the wrists. All up, about 370 km and I think I will sleep soundly tonight - I'll work on the GoPro footage tomorrow, if it is any good !

Tidbinbilla Loop

28/8/2020

After my worst week with COMCAR ever, was in need of some errrrrr tonic ! So, we took "Storm" for a leg stretch. Need some ace serenity so with Gibraltar Falls having a top up with all the recent rain, we headed that way. It did not disappoint. Finished the loop with a blast on the Mt McDonald twisties road. The bike is such a pleasure to ride, pity about the mounting and dismounting. 112 Quality kilometres but I will investigate the lower seat option. Next week, we will fire up the GoPro for a view adventures.

Dual Sport Indeed

17/8/2020

Ha, haven't blogged for a while and lo and behold, reading the last post. Dual Sport. Meet Storm, BMW F750 GS. GS in German stands for Gelände/Strasse which is "off-road/Street. I don't want to ride off-road but I certainly want to ride on dirt roads. Picked her up last week, my aging body has trouble mounting it but it rides like a dream. Despite the name, it's engine is 853 cc and that is more than enough power. Took it for its first proper longer ride, 114 km via the back way to Wee Jasper, then onto Yass and back along the Barton Highway to Canberra. Great weather protection with a few drops of rain. The low light was the huge flock of sheep being mustered along the road. Took me 10 minutes to filter my way through and the smell wasn't nice. Looking forward to the warmer weather !

Last of the Summer Blats

29/2/2020

       Not enough blogging going on or so I've been told! After a hectic (by COMCAR standards) 6 day week which included a number of motorcades for the visiting Israeli President, I was in need of re-invigorating on my 1 day weekend. Haven't ridden the roads around Crookwell for a while so that was the plan.
      Quick fueling at COSTCO and we errrr, I was off. A number of bikes on the road as conditions were perfect. Low to mid 20's, not much wind. Had my traditional leak at the Gunning Showgrounds, wondered for a second whether to head toward Dalton but I wasn't sure whether the road was sealed...... hmmm, maybe I need a dual sports ??????? Stuck with the plan for Crookwell and I was glad. The roads around Crookwell are perfect for biking. Undulating, wide sweepers, good road surface and not much vegetation by the road side. Didn't notice much wind but the wind turbines were spinning with gusto. Even stopped for a Geocache.
      Good to see Goulburn's water supply dam, full to the brim at the end of a very hot dry summer. Actually, the whole country side was looking very green. Very surprising! Time to head for home on the Freeway, turned on the helmet music and the Highway Playlist and the second song to come on was Bob Seger's "Roll me Away" which had inspired me to ride last night! All up, just under 300km.

Greenwell Point, near Nowra NSW

21/11/2019

Heat wave conditions in Canberra, fires out of control in NSW and Queensland. Canberra was forecast to hit 38 C so I thought I would escape to the coast. I had went for a ride on Monday but almost soiled my undies due to the severe blustery winds. Thought I would head to Greenwell Point near Nowra, which according to Wednesday's forecast, was high 20's and light winds. Nope, forecast apparently changed.
         Left Deakin just after 8.00 am. Nice and calm and almost balmy. Fueled at COSTCO and headed to Bungendore via Mac's Reef Rd. I'm beginning to like the road between Bungendore and Tarago a bit more, they seem to be clearing the vegetation a bit more from the sides of the road. Stopped as per tradition at the Tarago railway station, tis very very photogenic (and it has a toilet). The road between Tarago and Nowra is certainly divided into 2 parts. From Nerriga to Nowra, it is brilliant with lovely wide sweeping bends. Between Tarago and Nerriga, it is not as good but it does have lovely views along the way. One more road side pee before hitting downtown Nowra.
         The short stint between Nowra and Greenwell Point was a bit disturbing. Very strong smoke haze and the wind became very strong and gusty. Pulled up at the recommended fish and chippery - and they did do a lovely Flathead and chips. Bike was almost blown off its side stand and a very intimidating pelican came over to give me the eye as I ate. I had intended to meander up the coast but with the strong winds, I thought I should cut my losses. Headed home, via Kangaroo Valley, Moss Vale and the Hume Freeway.
        The winds died down (until Lake George) but the temperature crept up, 39 at Kangaroo Valley, 40 at Goulburn and 41 at Fyshwick when almost home. I drank at least a litre of water when I got home but the first beer did not touch the sides. I will check the GoPro footage and may put together a small YouTube clip.

Jervis Bay come rail hail or shine !

28/8/2019

Had wanted to do a longer trip during the Winter Parliamentary Recess but the weather had not been particularly warm and friendly (old Fijian traditional weather forecast). Krysia was off visiting friends and family in Europe and I had really wanted to do Wilson’s Promontory and a bit of the Great Ocean Road. Earlier attempted camping coast trip which you read about here wasn’t particularly successful with the freezing overnight temperatures.
         So, I eyed off Jervis Bay, said to have some of the whitest sands in the world. I was looking at a 2 night stay, leaving Canberra on Monday and returning on Wednesday. The weather forecast said Tuesday might have a shower or 2 so I bit the bullet and booked a cabin at the Caravan Park on the Headland at Huskisson. No packing up wet tents for me.
        Well, it was the cunningest of plans. Set off mid-morning on an overcast looking day. After fueling up, headed for Macs Reef Road and the back way to Bungendore. Had the delightful experience of avoiding an Echidna as it waddled slowly across the road in front of me – pity I hadn’t primed the GoPro, a bit more on that later – Nah, lets get that over and done with. As I was about to commence Push-back out of the garage at Chateau Kent St, I normally connect GoPro which is attached to chest harness, to my phone so I can check the camera’s field of view. It said the GoPro needed a software upgrade so I began that laborious process. After it had finished, I had trouble connecting the phone to camera and I was getting a tad annoyed. Bugger it, I can fix on the road.
         I stopped at the scenic railway station at Tarago for a bladder break. Without looking at the GoPro (still on chest harness), I turned it on by feel. Shot some footage of the station and then continued on. Shortly after Tarago, using a remote control on handlebar, I shot a variety of footage before, during and after the rain hit. The rain hit did you say? Yes, the unforecast rain. I got drenched, completely and utterly – I had more rain weather gear in my bag but I didn’t want to stop as I thought it would clear up. When I finally hit the Princess Highway, it had stopped but I was cold and miserable. Was good to arrive at my temporary digs, WhiteSands Park.
        The Cabin had everything I needed, which at that moment was a heater, 4 walls and a roof. I quickly unpacked, got into street clothes and headed into town, a 5 minute walk. Stopped at a nearby café and a lovely club sandwich later, I was feeling a tad better. Walked around the town and the parks before heading back to camp (and a nearby Geocache on the Camp’s fence line). The Campground had a lockable gate that shaved 5 minutes off the walking time to town and the Manager told me it would be locked at 5:30. So probably not that much later, I headed back to town to sort out dinner. Not quite sure how they got their name but World Famous Fish and Chips sounded like a good option. A few minutes later, I was back in Cabin, heater on gorging on some lovely Flathead.
        I think by 9:30, I couldn’t keep my eyes open. Further good news was after turning the heater off, my bed had a really beautiful doona that led to a good nights sleep. Slept very well indeed.
Woke to the sound of rain drops. After a horrid shower, one that ambushes you when the water temperature decides to change on its own accord, I headed into town for breakfast. 5 Little pigs seemed to attract an early crowd so I joined in. Food was great, as was the coffee but the ambience was a tad noisy. The weather today was intermittent showers but I was armed with the world’s best umbrella (seriously), so I went for a walk towards Vincentia and some Geocaches. There is a lovely walking/bike track that goes from Huskisson to Sanctuary Point via Vincentia. It’s very scenic and has the sounds of waves to accompany the walkers. All up, I think I walked about 13 km.
       Headed back into Huskisson for lunch. The Jervis Bay Club did a fantastic seafood basket. I watched a whale watching boat return to the dock. Earlier, I had seen a sign that tallied the whales spotted each day. Yesterday had been 4. Maybe a bit too early in the season! Went for a further walk along the beach but the drizzle led me back to the cabin.
       I decided to review my GoPro footage of the ride yesterday. Smeg ! I had somehow managed, after my upgrade problems, mount the camera so it was facing me. All of it, every last second ! Bloody Hell !
Walked back into town for dinner options. Decided on Take Away wood-fired pizza – good choice. Got back to cabin, heater on and feasted like a king. The free WiFi at the caravan park was powered by a hampster with a sore foot whose treadmill had a flat tyre. I read my e-book instead and had another early night.
      Woke to semi blue skies. Showered and dressed and decided to check out early rather than walk into town for breakfast. Some how managed to miss packing my trousers despite my walk around the cabin inspection. Oh well, Caravan Park will mail them back to me. Stopped at bakery for an egg roll and coffee and then onto the highway. A bit of a traffic jam trying to actually turn onto the highway and it was quite clagged going through Nowra. A fuel stop before heading up the escarpment. As per usual for this trip, I then hit the fog, drizzle, cloud, all of the above as I made my way up. It wasn’t until I got to Fitzroy Falls that I hit the sunshine. Stopped for a quick view then back on the road. Moss Vale was looking very blossomy but I was really looking forward to getting home. Wind strengthened on the freeway but I am much more comfortable with it these days. Still hate passing semi-trailers. I did enjoy my little escape, regardless of the weather but it was good to get home. Now to see whether the GoPro footage is worthy of a Youtube !

The Associated YouTube clip

13/8/2019

MotoCamping Broulee

13/8/2019

Krysia is off gallivanting around the other side of the world - Canberra is having one of it's coldest snaps ever - snowed during the Footy on Friday night. I have been eyeing off a bike camping trip to Wilson's Promontory in Victoria then ferrying across Port Phillip Bay and riding the Great Ocean Road - in winter- mid week, so no crowds and Parliament is not sitting so I don't miss out on work. Been trying to get away last week but the weather was really cold. It made sense to do a trial run down to the South Coast.

So Monday morning, packed the bike with all the camping gear, some food essentials. It is quite an art-form to strap everything safely to the bike and I got Michael to run a last safety check. All good, first stop COSTCO for refueling. Everyone was having problems with the new card readers they have installed on the pumps. I helped one person then everyone else came to "bloke on the bike" to get their bit of assistance - Jeepers, the new card readers are just like ATMs so not sure why everyone was struggling.

The best thing about riding to the coast on Mondays is very little traffic - I think I overtook one car and was overtaken by one car on overtaking lanes. I really enjoy the ride when one doesn't need the stresses of bad drivers on the road. The Clyde Mountain is always enjoyable - if you watch the YouTube, there may have been a little cursing when some cars were reluctant to overtake the trucks that had pulled to the side to make room.

So around 2 and half hours after departing, I arrive at Broulee Big 4 campground. $20 a night for a tent site - the park is actually very pretty with good beach access but the actual Van Sites and Tent Sites are very ordinary. Toilets and showers were clean A few Vanners were there, not overly friendly. A bit of a struggle to get the tent up but all good in the end - I need to be more disciplined in where I put things. Went for a walk to the beach and then to see if there were any cafes open - Nope, the little local supermarket was a depressing little place but I had earned a Lemon,Lime and Bitters.

Had an early dinner....or was that a late lunch - knew I had forgot something. One last stroll to the beach and then back to my annex where I read a book on the iPad and marveled at how cold it was getting. By 7:30, I was shivering, didn't want to put all my riding gear on so I retreated into the tent proper. At about 8:30, one last trip to the Loos then bed-time. Absolutely lovely listening to the waves crash on the beach, it almost drowned out the chattering of my teeth. My sleeping bag is rated to Minus 4, Minus 27 in extreme circumstances whatever that means. I also had a liner and an insulated sleeping pad underneath me but I froze. I could hardly sleep and the middle of the night walk to the Loo was horrible. My Sister tells me that Moruya got to minus 1 that night

Morning was very welcome. Boiled the kettle and used my new portable espresso machine that makes a really nice shot of coffee. A Muesli bar was breakfast and then I made my way to the bike trail that runs between Broulee and Moruya Heads. There are a number of Geocaches along the trail which I had started from the other end some months ago. The walk is truly lovely, far better than on a bike and I was happy with my world - the backdrop of waves on the beach added to the effect. Caching almost completed - will need to return one last time to get the finale of the series.

Made by way back to camp and had some Nasi Goreng. As I watched a new neighbour struggle to put up his tent, I made the executive decision to cut my losses and not have another night like the previous one. Not sure which is easier, making camp or breaking camp - I did have difficulty in strapping everything to the bike but I did stop a few times to make sure nothing was moving - the late afternoon sun is not easy on the bike especially in and out of shadows - the wind had sprung up as well. I was glad to reach the peak hour traffic of Canberra but a few last hairy moments on roundabouts where the sun blinded me. Great to get home, great nights sleep in own bed and the YouTube will be published shortly.

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.