heading into Nowendoc . Further entertainment and discouragement in using the ‘ private road ’ came in the form of at least a half-ton Angus bull , froth and snot exiting his large nostrils , as he stomped and dragged his front hoof , his brood of cows looking on in appreciation , impressed with his display of manhood .
More gravel roads , more green paddocks , impressive Angus cows and calves among rambling country estates , gave way to bitumen , the Nowendoc Public School and Police station announcing our return to modern conveniences , and a welcoming coffee at Nowendoc General Store . An order for a caramel latte , made on skim , with two sugars was greeted with a raised eyebrow from the ‘ barista ’.
A weight reduction exercise was undertaken in the public toilets , prior to the mundane ‘ transport ’ leg , north along Thunderbolts Way . Well maintained bitumen , sweeping corners and wide expanses of green paddocks gave way to pine forests , and recollections of Mountain to Molehill . Unlike that ride , there were no snowdrifts by the roadside .
Forest Way loomed on our left , indicators pressed , gear levers pushed downward , throttles blipped , and the township of Nundle was next on our agenda . Before then we had kilometres of back country roads to explore and exploit . Recently laid bitumen was soon replaced by gravel roads , cambered corners , and long open straights . Trees lined the roadside , with the occasional pothole and evidence of recent rainfall present in mud puddles dotting the road ahead .
Nundle Forest is a working pine forest , logging trucks occasionally joining us . Evidence of recent timber harvesting scarring the landscape , the smell of freshly cut pine mixing with the ever-present dust . An historical landmark near Ponderosa Camp became a focal point for the ubiquitous group photo , a mix of old and new bikes , hugging the relics of old vehicles , slowly rusting into the landscape .
Ball bearing sized rocks and gravel sitting on top of the formed road surface caused consternation , the answer lying in finding an appropriate amount of momentum to apparently ‘ glide ’ over the rocks . Manmade forest gave way to native species , with the slippery surface also changing . A long , steep , and curving descent from Hanging Rock to Nundle , entertaining and fun . Rolling down the hill into Nundle , meeting up with Matt and ‘ The Dentist ’ ( we can ’ t show you his face or tell you his name ), we headed for the iconic Peel Inn . Lunch was quickly devoured , with each rider keen to head back up the hill , to Hanging Rock lookout . The view certainly not disappointing anyone .
A short ride to Sheba Dams , an area originally built to service the gold mines in the area in a past life provided a more than suitable location for a large , warming campfire , a sensational beef stew , washed down with cold beers , and as the beers flowed , stories were exchanged and laughter ensued , along with a restful night ’ s sleep .
Waking to the sound of birds constructing a nest in the tree above me turned out to be a pleasant start to the day . Watching the birds fly strategically into their nesting site , flaring their wings , beaks filled with twigs , I was witness to the start of a new family home .
While bacon and egg rolls were graciously consumed , the eggs cooked to perfection , yolks still runny , bacon cooked and still soft , bread fresh and fluffy , a generous helping of barbecue sauce , a magnificent crimson coloured parrot
TRAVERSE 63