Knorrits Flat .
Riding down from Tomalle Road , the fine weather provided a ’ vision splendid ’, green timbered hills , grass covered valleys , blue skies , fat cows , and dry roads . Billiard table smooth bitumen and manicured grass on roadside verges signalled our arrival at ‘ Ellerston ’, a significant land holding in the Hunter Valley , and a definite demonstration of wealth .
Moonan Flat corralled the riders adjacent to the Moonan Flat Hotel . Undergoing a major renovation and redevelopment , once open the pub is bound to become a mecca for Adventure bike riders . Rumours suggest the redevelopment will include accommodation and other features desired by those seeking adventure . In a perfect location , with excellent proximity to some of the
greatest riding country in New South Wales .
From Moonan Flat , the track took us to Scone , where the intention was to seek assistance with troubled front brakes on the Tiger 900 . Unfortunately , the nearest source of assistance was at Tamworth , some 130 odd kilometres north . Rob , the dentist , made the decision to peel off , leaving the rest of the Nutta ’ s to ‘ slab ’ it to Gloucester , with the destination for the day being Knorrits Flat Camping area .
Gloucester is nestled at the foot of the Barrington Tops , not that far from where we spent the previous night , Polblue . As mentioned , the closure of the Barrington Forest Road , and the ‘ local intel ’ meant riding to Gloucester the long way round . Fuel for bikes and a replenishment of alcohol , ( and energy drinks for Whitworth ), and gathering twilight saw a distance of 54 kilometres to the final destination pop up on GPS screens .
Turning off Buckett ’ s Way , a magical ribbon of twisting bitumen witnessed some epic and prodigious use of 2nd and 3rd gear , lean angles on the bikes increasing , as the smiles on faces also increased .
At Tiri Road , those smiles soon turned to looks of consternation , another ‘ Road Closed ’ sign greeted us . Consulting the previously prepared route maps , a left turn only 4.5kms from the sign encouraged us to explore further and , with fingers crossed , hoping the road would be closed after our required turn .
Alas , a major piece of infrastructure was in the midst of
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