from the bikes the first order was a few schooners and some tales to share . Each Nutta had a look of exhilaration , mixed with a look of exhaustion . The day ’ s adventure was perhaps best summed up by the following statement in answer to the question , “ So how do you feel Matt ?” Matt ’ s reply , “ I ’ m here , I ’ ve got a beer , end of fuckin ’ story !”
Accommodation was in the relatively comfortable cabin a short walk from the Wollombi Tavern . Dr Jurd ’ s Jungle Juice a mandatory accompaniment to our evening meals , whilst mosquitos were a constant accompaniment to the ensuing night ’ s attempt at sleep .
A new day , with new opportunities and new challenges . Despite the heavy rain and wind of the day before , the morning dawned clear , dominated by a bright blue sky and the promise of fine weather for the remainder of the day .
Coffee and breakfast were the primary concern for all the Nuttas , and after returning the key we assembled at a local coffee shop , the coffee exemplary and the breakfast filling .
An area steeped in history with convict-built roads and magnificent sandstone buildings , we commenced the next leg of our adventure , pushing on towards our final destination and 1300 acres of motorcycling nirvana . Turning off the Great Northern Rd onto Wollombi Road , dirt , and gravel once again beneath the tyres of our five Adventure bikes . The road dry and dusty , loose gravel covering the surface , each Nutta finding their groove again . Dry and dusty soon turned to wet and slushy , the local council performing roadworks , grading , and watering the road , turning the surface to an almost quagmire like slippery dip . The tight downhill turns of Greens Road becoming a challenge . After battling Greens Road , we made our way along the Hawkesbury River , a contrast of historic transportation methods and modern adventure bikes . Our passage now unhindered , following a hard packed , relatively smooth , and dry road .
Climbing up from the Hawkesbury River , the road became a little more challenging ; tight left and right hand uphill turns , with occasional traffic coming in the opposite direction . Constantly amazed by the inclination ( and stupidity ) of drivers to cross to the incorrect side of the carriageway , on blind narrow corners , our vigilance increasing with each kilometre .
Reaching the Putty Road at Colo Heights , the expression on each rider ’ s face said it all … “ This is living !”
A short punt along the lower reaches of the Putty Road and we turned left onto another stretch of dirt , winding its way down to the Colo River . Crossing the Colo River , the road once again started to climb upward , its surface in great condition , the corners open and flowing and the absence of oncoming traffic saw some of the Nuttas stretch their legs , while others continue to search for and find their ‘ dirt legs ’.
With an increase in elevation , there ’ s a change in the vegetation and a change in the track ; taller trees , denser vegetation , a lot more greenery and a sandy loam surface . Bells Line of Road looms large at the end of the track , and with a right turn we snake our way toward Bell , turning onto the Darling Causeway , in awe of the sheer sandstone cliff faces and towering trees , mother nature reminding us once again of her beauty , golden hues of sandstone , mixed with the unique colour of eucalyptus leaves . Frustration only coming as a result of the apparently ridiculous 80km / h speed limit in many sections .
Crossing the Great Dividing Range and dropping into the former
industrial centre of Lithgow , bikes are fuelled , shopping lists checked and crossed off . One final run to the 1300 acres of motorcycling heaven in front of us . Cox ’ s River Road , Ganbenang Road and other local roads providing amazing conditions with fast corners and smooth surfaces , each of the Nuttas revelling in the environment .
TRAVERSE 52