Wrench'n Ride'n

I’m just back from a 26 day adventure with Brunhilde (1974 BMW R90/6), exploring the eastern part of the state of New South Wales. I headed off on a cold afternoon with all layers on and arrived back in much the same state. Along the way I experienced a huge range of conditions including sleet, tropical heat and humidity, dust storms, bush fires and a whole lot of impeccable days of sunshine and big blue skies. First day was a short run along the Upper Murray valley … … with rain threatening but politely holding off until I had set up camp and cooked a decent meal. Here’s the first campsite, near Tumbarumba – lots of firewood, long-drop dunny (crapper), etc. The morning was sunny but cold, warming up during the day as I headed north-west over the mountains. I typically choose roads that have few cars; ones that have a tendency to meander through the countryside and small communities in a way that seems deliberately designed to bring pleasure to the owner of a mature motorcycle. Brunhil...

Some of the Aussie guys from BoxerWorks.com forums had a wee get together last weekend. I missed out. Next time maybe. Charlie (AirBear) Smith penned the below words..... Being a 'Father and Son' affair, and my sons and grandsons being unavailable, I had to resort to a 'Rent-a-kid' service. My young friend Jack - now 'Bad-ass Jack the biker' - came along. He really enjoyed himself and is looking forward to the next adventure. And adventure it was. The Bethanga contingent at launch time - Jack, Charlie (AirBear), George and Philip. The Omeo Highway hasn't been graded for a while and has deteriorated somewhat in the few weeks since I last came this way. Lots of loose gravel and drifts of clay dust. Along the way we came across a bloke on a Triumph with a punctured rear tyre. Between us we had the technology to get him back on the road, albeit with only 25psi in the tyre. 10kms later we had to patch the tube again, this time with access to a compressor. Note ...

Day 3, and it is 30kms to Omeo to refuel – last available fuel was at Mitta Mitta, 150kms back. The road to Omeo is a cracker, very twisty and well engineered, but soft in the heat. The black streaks on the surface at corners is melting tar. The bike was feeling a bit insecure, and I stopped to investigate. I could push a stick right into the tar. I adjusted my riding accordingly. I refuelled at Omeo and headed for Mt Hotham, another High Fun Area – long high-speed sweepers punctuated by squiggly bits. Wearing a jacket was difficult, so I packed it away and greased up with sunscreen. (I know, I know). I took to just purring along, rather than pushing hard. It’s a great road. Near Hotham. The advice on the sign seemed pretty good. The road from Hotham down towards Harrietville was very black and soft enough to be a worry. I had to go easy, treating the blacker corners like gravel. From Harrietville the road was easier but the heat was insupportable. It was like riding in an oven. I hopp...