denying the existence of a massive grader blade beside my left elbow . Passing the roller , the vibrations were felt through the bars of the bike , thankful I didn ’ t fall under the roller ! An open road in front , the accelerator rolled open , the shift pro assist seamlessly and rapidly changing up … modern electronics making an average rider look and sound surprisingly good .
Lunch at the Royal Hotel Café Walcha was good , filling , fresh , well presented , and excellent value . Storm clouds loomed dark , large , and threatening in our intended direction of travel . A southward track from Walcha , heading straight for the storm clouds soon manifested in large rain drops falling on goggle lenses and front screens . Ventilation zips were hurriedly closed , visors shut , and sleeves were wrapped tightly around gloves .
Bitumen quickly became torrents of water , the bitumen then changing to dirt , small rivers of rushing water crossing the track in front of us . The pace slowed , visibility restricted , and the road was slippery with patches of clay and red mud .
Rain drops quickly changed to small pea sized hail , and then perhaps the most dreaded sign known to motorcyclists loomed ominously on the roadside ; ‘ Oil on Road ’.
That particular section of road was safely navigated , without incident . Soon enough Forest Road was highlighted as the next right hand turn on the GPS . A quick 42-kilometre squirt along Forest Road was once again entertaining and enjoyable , the route now familiar to the group , having ridden it the day before . Where gravel had sat on top of the surface , creating a slippery and at times wallowing feeling , logging trucks had compressed the rocks , causing less concern . Or the experience of riding over the past few days creating confidence and a degree of bravado , or the thought of a cold beer at Sheba Dams , spurred riders on .
Pulling into Sheba Dams campsite I was immediately reminded of the calves earlier , a gaggle of riders , jumping and celebrating , displaying an exuberance normally reserved for those much younger .
Another cracking day for the Orange Nuttas , and Speedhump Challenge 2021 . Tomorrow had the potential for something even better ;
TRAVERSE 66