Ducati Monster Forum

I'm taking a bit of a break for the rest of this financial year and thinking about getting out and riding.  Heading north seems like the thing to do (well that's where the sun's heading).

So has anyone got any road trips in the NSW/Qld area planned in the next month or three?

Or any must do suggestions I should think about?

Should flippers and paddles for my monster be my next bling purchase?  [laugh]

Well that sounds very relaxing.
Yes I'd say a floatation device might well be a good purchase, can you get one in Carbon.

had a trip planned up the Oxley last weekend with a few mates, but the forecasts for rain all over NSW killed it.. will try again soon though i think...

Now that looks interesting.

I have lots of NSW roads from the M/cycle atlas that I haven't ridden yet.  [moto]

A catch up with the Ozmos of Sydney and its surrounds [cheeky] ;D

Other than that, it is best not to ask me.

Hi Mark.  Yes a catch up with OzMos goes without saying.  Even though we both just did!

And of course I can ask you.  You & Jukie have probably got some favourite rides that I should check out.

No, nah, no-no-no!

Some of my suggested routes have almost ended in divorce ... so I think I should stay away from this one.

Find that hard to believe. :o So maybe you can let me know which ones to avoid then?

Yes I heard about fallen trees etc...

Heather, when coming up from the South you have to do a lap through Kangaroo Valley and Macquarie Pass.
Have a look at the Sydney ride thread there is a map that might interest you.

Thanks Matty. 

I have only ever travelled Kangaroo Valley whilst driving a bus (in another lifetime) so I would definitely include that in my travels.

some great roads up there, from Wauchope up to Walcha, around tenterfield. gingers creek.. even the Putty road to Singleton, thunderbolts way.. no shortage of great roads..

Between Xmas & New Year we did the Snowies.. a loop from Wagga (you can head down through Queanbeyan to Cooma and up that way), but we met in wagga, rode to Albury, up through Wodonga, Tawonga Gap, then up Mt Hotham, down to Omeo (some of the best roads in Australia), then you can loop up to Cann River, up to Bombala, across to Wyndham and Merimbula, up to Tathra and Bermagui.. we then went back to Tathra and across to Bega and Cooma, then via Thredbo to Khancoban, Tooma, Tumbarumba, Holbrook and back to Wagga... 3 days riding and about 1600klm of great roads! plenty to see out there...

Let me know when you are coming through, I usually have enough time to take a leisurely tour.

How rude Matty,

                   When a guest comes calling through one should 'escort' the young lady to ensure one does not get lost and enjoys the wonderful (back) roads that we are privledged to ride upon.





                                   Mmick (playing tour guide in our backyard)

Sorry Matty you posted up too quick.  [thumbsup]






                                    Mmick

Thanks for the chivalry Mmick (and for calling me a 'young girl'  [cheeky])

Yes it would be lovely to have company and escorts whilst I'm in the area but I also realise that just because I'm now unemployed others still have to earn a living.

So I will be very grateful of any assistance but I'm sure I will manage on my own when I have to.  And any chance to ride with someone else or meet up for  [beer] [wine] or some of that coffee you people rave about will be taken up.  [thumbsup]

This is also a good read
Hema : Australia Motorcycle Atlas Top 200 Rides

The Australian Motorcycle Atlas is the most comprehensive attempt ever to put Australia's great bike roads on the map.

With an additional 100 rides, this popular atlas now contains 200 rides: all written by Peter Thoeming. Peter "The Bear" Thoeming is a Sydney-based motorcycle and travel writer.
He is the editor of Australian Road Rider magazine and the author of the resource books Motorcycling in Australia and On the Road Again.
With twice the number of rides, there should be something for everyone whether they be a sports bike fanger or a cruiser dawdler, a dual sport fanatic or a touring mile muncher.
Includes the following features:
Camping areas, Points of Interest, Detailed Maps, Road Distances, Guide to 200 top rides, Fully indexed.
This Handy Atlas is a more compact 25cm x 17.6cm size and features a spiral binding which means when you turn a page, the page stay turned!

Thanks Nickati.
I have the 2nd edition of said bible.  [roll]  But maybe I should upgrade to the new one as mine only contains 100 rides.

When you've done the 100 rides, time to upgrade girly... otherwise, let the planning begin...

Well rough calculations show 20 rides in NSW, 6 in Vic, 13 in Qld (haven't been there yet), 2 in SA and 1 left in Tassie still to be travelled then the book is just about done unless I buy a dirt bike and do the few dirt roads as well.

Time to draw a map methinks.   [moto] ;D

Stick some knobbies on the Monster  [thumbsup]




                      Mmick

Sure we can find some more roads in Tas for you [thumbsup], maybe an easy introduction to riding the monster on dirt  ;D, asked council about the main section i have to ride, if it would be turned to that nice black stuff any time soon got back not in the foreseeable future I HOPE they are very short sighted! [bang].  Happy rides heather look forward to stories and pics....

Maybe I should come stay at your place.  Then my Monster will get over it's fear of dirt.

You need to get all your neighbours to write letters to council.  Most councils only respond to nagging.

 ??? WTF  ???

 [thumbsup] Yep  [laugh]

How far north?

Happy to go for a blat around the SE QLD area, in actual fact heading up MaMa Creek this morning with all my mates (yep solo). But the range between NSW & QLD has a bunch of good rides including Mt Lindsay & Lions Road. Then there's Mt Glorious, Mt Mee, the dam roads the list just goes on.

Post an itinerary of sorts so we can align efforts.........and then there is always the "LONG RIDE"!

Cheers

Hi MonsterDorf

So far I'm planning on getting as far north as Byron Bay but have even considered popping into Darwin to say gudday to friends (probably being a bit too ambitious there  [cheeky]).  Will be doing all this in April but haven't planned an itinerary yet.  Happy to come to SE Qld if someone's willing to show me around.

Is the long ride open to females too? If the distances on their site are between fuel stops, I wouldn't make some of them and I have to agree with Matty about the roads.  And I'd probably feel a bit out of place with all those cruisers, trailers and testosterone.  [laugh]

How much of it are you planning to do?

OK the long ride is open to all but obviously the donations all go to prostate cancer research. Work is looking to attack this from a couple directions with a group heading from Canberra to Sydney (Glenbrook). They join with the Sydney guys and head for Nyngan.The SE QLD group heads from Brissy to Nyngan on 1 May for a meet up. Then in convoy heads north with people dropping off at various points. I myself will head for Nyngan then follow north but need to be home Sunday night.

I'm hopeful we can get some people interested in a ride or two here in SE QLD. More than happy to show you the local rides depending on your timings.

When you head north out of Sydney the route via Gloucester is a treat.

How lucky am I?
Last two days have been glorious sunny, warm autumn days.

Day 1 of my 6000km trip - raining just about everywhere in OZ.  :'( :'( :'(

Knew I shouldn't have put the flippers on the bottom of the bloody pack.


Just about to hop on the bike. Hopefully sorted everything.  If I haven't and you need me - txt or phone me.  [thumbsup]

 [moto] [moto] [moto]  ;D ;D ;D

Happy trails heather.

If you do make it to S.A. and I'm able (work commitments) I'd love to catch up / meet for a ride.

Vossy

Will pass that on for you Vossy.
Kaz.

Not this trip Vossy. Going to QLD. But I live about 1/2 hour from the SA border not far from Mount Gambier. Wouldn't mind riding Gorge road again.

Having fun. Rode Imlay road this morning and brown mtn this arvo (both ways!)  [moto] Managing to avoid the rain so far although it keeps going round me and coming back.

Sounds great Heather. Please don't bring those rain clouds to Sydney with you. We've got some serious riding to do on Sunday!!!!! [laugh] [laugh]

Serious riding!

I'm out then.

Nooooooooo!!!!!! Betty, there is nothing much serious about anything I do. You know that. I was just trying to ramp up the excitement a bit. I need someone to keep me company at the back of the pack. Please consider.  [bow_down]

Serious riding for serious Betty  [roll]

Comon Betty when else am I gonna catch up wiv ya?

Rode into Queensland today. 3500km ridden so far.  Some parts of my anatomy are feeling as square as my rear tyre   :o

Goldfish's friend has made me paranoid about my square tyres. So as I will be riding the snowys next weekend, I am now also getting new shoes on the bike as well as the 60k service. ching, ching.

[clap] I'm jealous.
TMI there H  ;).

Make sure you stay at Jindabyne and do a walk to the summit of Kosciuszko!!!  Spectacular... [thumbsup]

Ita

I am sure that there is a great view up there but the day hubby and I were there all we could see was cloud -  mmmmm something in the highest points when we were on the highest peak here in TAS we had about 3m visability but were were snow shoeing at the time  [roll]

Great view...

This was November last year...

Ita

(http://Upload.KawasakiNaked.com/images/Jindabyne 040sm.jpg)

Heather please have a happy and safe journey
It was nice to meet you on the Kanga valley ride
Make sure you post up when you are back in our neck of the woods so we can do it again
ride that is ;D
No secret hand shake ride  ;) like with Matty and Goldie
That looked like a great ride
hope to see you again
Dezmonster

No secret handshakes, just a small group as it needed to be quick and mid week to fit H's plans..

It was an awesome little trip. I can see a trip in the future including:

- up the putty
- bylong valley way
- bells line of road home

It's not something for a large group, but something like this:

map link (http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=windsor+nsw&daddr=broke+nsw+to:Bylong+Valley+Way+to:bylong+to:lithgow+to:Windsor+NSW&hl=en&geocode=FZIr__0dyUr9CCm1B4oQZGINazEl8FksprKrRw%3BFYpBDP4d8qcBCSnfGLwmN8YMazFVriO9Dd14Dg%3BFWCBEf4dfP70CA%3BFeNZEf4dCo_yCCkLGzNmZBYMazF_O6pg6Zd4xQ%3BFXwiAf4dozrzCClTjdklWwoSazH7nmQjeWjCsA%3B&mra=ls&via=2&sll=-33.066226,150.858765&sspn=1.71939,2.80426&ie=UTF8&ll=-33.169744,150.867004&spn=1.717365,2.80426&z=9)

550 kms / over 9 hours + getting to and from windsor...

Okay you asked for it .......

Monday 19th - Brisbane (60 000 service and shiny new tyres  [thumbsup])
Tues 20th ride to Byron bay
Wed 21st rest day in Byron bay
Thurs 22nd Ride Byron bay to Port Macquarie
Fri 23rd Ride Port Macquarie to Shellharbour (escorts through Sydney welcome  [cheeky])
Sat 24th Ride Shellharbour to Jindabyne (with South Coast DOC)
Sun 25th Ride Jindabyne to Adaminaby (with SCDOC)  Yippee riding the Granya Road again.  [moto]
Mon 26th Ride Adaminaby to Batemans bay
Tue 27th Rest day at Batemans Bay but will probably ride up to Braidwood and back.
Wed 28th Ride Batemans Bay to Sydney city (arghhh)
Thurs 29th Arancini feast at Bar Italia  [coffee] [coffee]

after this ......

Sun 9th May brekky in Melbourne.

Now the whole world knows where I will be [laugh] [laugh]

Heather are your dates correct?
Monday 14th of what April, can't be as it's the 18th April today
and the 14th of May is a Friday?

And Dez no secret handshake as Goldie said it was a mid week ride that not many are able to do
it also needed to be a small group so the pace could be up-ish.
The map posted would be a great run, 542k's is not that far it could be done in a day even in winter.
You'd just have to leave around 7am to give you enough light for stops and getting back into Richmond/Windsor.

Oops.  Fixed. Thanks Matty.  They were the day number of my trip not the date. 

make sure you get mick to massage your bott bott! can't have that permanently square! ;D

Ha ha  Looney you have an over active imagination. No massaging going on here.  [laugh]

why not Heather come on ???

I think Mrs Monsterdorf may have some objections  ;D

whats wrong with a threesome ???, im sure monsterdorf wouldn't mind [evil]

Made it to Byron Bay finally - love the place already.

Bike had it's 60 000km sevice yesterday. Bevan at Eurotwins played with all the suspension settings on my bike and it now rides wonderfully.  Yes Looney he did drop the forks a tad. New fork oil has helped heaps.  New tyres also making the riding more enjoyable. Ended up with a diablo rosso front and a 170 Angel ST on the rear.

And I finally put a new clutch pack in (after 60 000kms!).

Can highly recommend Bevan.  He taught me heaps and didn't charge extra for me hanging around the shop supervising.  [thumbsup]

Staying here for a rest day tomorrow.  Have had a massage. Yoga class tomorrow and SHOPPING  ;D

 [roll] I might  [evil] [laugh]

Trip sounds awesome Heather, I'm jealous, enjoy  [moto]

Geez Heather I'm glad you're having a top time but I'm also a bit jealous.  Spending that much time on your bike means really getting to know all it's nuances and idiosyncrasies so when you do change suspension settings and stuff you really notice the differences.  I guess your riding has improved out of sight too (not saying that you weren't good before). 
I'd love to do another extended road trip!

All I can say as an Officer and Gentleman, is what happens on the road, stays on the road.

Also, although not a big fan of body art, in the right places it does have it's charm  ;D

Explorers are usually expected to describe the places they've explored on their return.

Phew you lot have active imaginations!
Whilst I have been busy riding in the Snowys.

Well what can I say.  Still have a big grin on my face. 

We had to change plans first thing to avoid the forecast SNOW  :o at Jindabyne so went to Adaminaby instead.  Had to tackle 9kms of dirt road - but it was good dirt so no probs.  Then visited someone's friend on a farm - more dirt  [bang].  Arrived at the hotel in the dark and rain.  The black Multi with us arrived in a cloud of smoke and was retired.  The 3 red bikes were fine.

Next day weather was great.  So onto Jindabyne the long way via river road and GRANYA.  God I love that road it would have to be my all time favourite and even better now thanks to Bevan at Eurotwins tweaking my suspension.  The Alpine way seems even more fun now too.

Next day (Sunday) another fine weather day.  Rode the Snowy River Way from Jindabyne to the Monaro hwy just north of Bombala.  PUT THIS ROAD IN YOUR TRAVEL PLANS. This road is almost all sealed (only 7kms of very good dirt) I think it will be sealed completely this year.  Great road.  Many sweepers, huge views.  Then rode from Bombala to Pambula.  Have found heaps of new roads that I will post up later.

Braidwood and Mac Pass tomorrow.  yee ha.

Blown my km budget though.  Thought I would do about 6000km this trip.  I've just done 7000 with another 1000km to do to get home.

 :) [moto] :) [moto] :) [thumbsup]

Hi Rob.  Yep think my riding has improved with different suspension and tyres.  I wasn't getting left behind by riders I previously couldn't catch (of course they may have slowed down!) and I had so much more fun in the twisty bits than before. It's surprising the difference a well set up bike can make.

oi when did you see them!  :o

As I said, or rather didn't say, what happens on the road stays on the road  ;D

Ahh, the road trip.  Good for so many reasons. [thumbsup] [moto]

So you got ink H [thumbsup]

Pics please...  This thread is now useless without pics... ;D [drink]

Ita

for god sakes Heather don't show them the little spider you had done, it will starts rumours!






















oops....

yeah heather, show us your "tramp stamp"! [cheeky]


paul [thumbsup]

I bet that's what all ya girl friends have called you...    [laugh]

Ita

 [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

A huge thanks to everyone who contributed to making my trip so much fun.  From people who gave me accommodation (who hadn't even met me then) to the ones who came and rode with me.  All the suggestions for places to ride.  All the food, coffees, conversations. The list goes on.  I had a fantastic time and it was great to meet so many more OzMos – in the flesh!!
And of course if any of you travel to any location I happen to find myself in – I will return the favour in spades (or whatever currency suits).

Sorry I didn’t feel the need to live up to my serial killer rep.  (Nobody’s missing are they?) And I really hope the rest of you are still upright – You too Wells.
Chris and Marty – hope you’re back upright again soon. Also could some of you please throw a nail or two in your back tyres just to prove it’s not me.

I'm back home (for 5 minutes).  After just short of 9000kms I'm not really looking at jumping back on the bike but have things to do in the city so I'm off again tomorrow.

Victoria welcomed me back with wind, rain and cold. No surprise.

The dodgy numberplate held and is about to be replaced with the new real one.

Interesting to note that through 3 states, 9000kms and over 30 days I did not get noticed once by  [leo] And I wouldn't say that I am that law abiding either.  Yet everyone else who saw my bike noticed the lack of number plate. So maybe that’s an indication of the low police presence on the roads.  Just waiting to see if I get any little love letters in the mail but can't see that happening due to dodgy numberplate (fingers crossed).

probably your lack of speed, you really do ride like a girl! ;D

paul. [thumbsup]

hey loony Heather rides really well [moto]. what this girl thing [roll]. Dont listen to him Heather he will get a spanking for that [evil]. Anyway, if you ever go on another trip or you are up this way my place is all yours. [thumbsup]

Thanks Heather, it was lovely to meet you and have you stay with us.
Come and stay with us again soon.
Cheers,
Kaz. [thumbsup]

Too bloody right!

Riding with your feet on the pillion pegs is just plain wrong.

Heather, we miss you!  Come back and ride with us!

Last time I checked I was one. Probably explains why I ride like one.  [laugh]


You just wish you were so flexible Betty  :-*

Nah I'm good. There are certain parts of my anatomy that would not appreciate being in those positions I am sure.

Heather,
Glad you got home safe and sound. Was a pleasure having you in Syd for a few days. Feel free to test that iron butt riding again whenever you feel up to it!

and a trip down to the Grampians for some sydney folk seems in order I reckon....  [thumbsup]

Yes Yes Yes come and play in my playground.  Rode home from Melbourne through the Grampians this afternoon.  Only one kanga crossed the road in front of me (plenty of time to brake) and one wallaby by the side of the road (they too busy munching grass to move).

What about the Wombats you had breaky with.... [drink] [laugh]

Ita

Heard he was off playing bowls in NSW (ducks)  [laugh]

Serial Killer.... [moto] :o

Ita

ooh wanna fight huh?

(http://fineartamerica.com/images-medium/cereal-killer-darryl-kravitz.jpg)

Hmn that's going to stick, isn't it?  [roll]

Not with you.... :o :'( :(

Ita

Glad that your trip was rather AWESOME!! so where to now?tassie tassie tassie [moto]

What's the weather in Tassie like at the moment Nic?  [roll]

has been nice but a cold change is on its way starting tonight oh or should i say that it is great, day light hours are getting shorter and fire place is on so great for kicking back with  [coffee] or  [wine] and chocolate.  Also for hanging out in the shed (literally if you want to use the climbing wall) checking out what to do to the bike next.

Yeah the weather just turned here too.  Was sunny and warm, now wet and windy.

Doesn't sound like I'd be doing much riding down in Tassie at the moment. Tho the rock wall sounds interesting.

Hey Heather, the wall is a bit interesting but i have not been climbing for the last two years and it is kind of the steep side, and the holds well boys will be boys and look it is much harder to use if we turn it on this angle  [bang] .  Mind you there is still talk about another bouldering trip  to the gramps so maybe I will bring roxy and go on a road trip while hubby and co go climbing (not until next year though)  Oh it is wet here too off an on at the moment - snow to 600mtrs last night Mt Wellington does look good in white. 

Happy Days
Nic

Okay I've been rather slack with photos of the trip.  I've been really busy really - don't know how I ever found time to go to work.  Turns out I didn't take many photos.  By the time I'd ridden a good spot I didn't want to stop and take photos of it or there wasn't anywhere safe to stop to do so.  So this is it.  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=171000&id=840149860&l=a00ce39628 (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=171000&id=840149860&l=a00ce39628) This will open up the facebook album. Click on each photo to see the captions. 

Hey H,

    Brilliant nice pics you sure did some riding while you were away.

 Great pics Heather, makes me envious :)
What are the plans for the next next road trip ;)

It was good to catch up Heather, great photos also  [thumbsup]

Not sure what's next. Over winter already.

Tossing up between going overseas or buying a cottage by the sea and growing vegies. 

You just been overseas (Tazzi) [roll]
And veggies don't grow very well buy the sea.  [cheeky]
(maybe dem funny herbs will grow ;))

But hey i know what your saying you need a sea change ;)

Great pics heather - love the mirror shot!! (overseas and a cottage by the sea) you can do both if you want to class TAS as over seas  ;D.  I am not getting out much at the moment as our road now stays damp so any rain means slippery clay/mud (i am a scardy cat) the road is getting quite fun even in the car.  Take care and stay warm.

Nic

I have no Idea why I didn't read this thread earlier  :-[

Good Read, and the Photo's look good also, I just can't wait to start my road trip in about 5 weeks time.

Granted it won't be on a bike  :'(  It will be in a Hyundai Getz  :o

But a Road trip is a road trip, and quite frankly I'm not worried if it's in a Car or on a bike,

It's an Adventure.  [thumbsup]

You've been too busy with your own trip CD. With the current weather your trip will be much more comfortable in the car.  Just get yourself a bike come summer though.


Roxy - of course I class Tassie as overseas.  Just don't know if I could survive winter  :o I did notice that Hobart was 2 degrees warmer than Perth on Wednesday night - must be global warming.

a bit on the cold side of things today, came in from playing with the dags about 20 mins ago and my face is still tingling :o

Haven't you got any cool friends to play with??   [laugh]

Ita

Best to not have friends Ita, they just disappoint you !


Oh and want stuff






Like your body etc  :o

I think we need to start a Nickati smut talk thread. [evil]

Will you hold that against me ????

You are such a tart George ! :P

You wish.  [evil]

Kaz beat me to it.  ;D  [thumbsup]

Beat you to holding yourself against me ???????  [evil]

Shame Jukie's not here too


I quite fancy a cougar, especially when they take their teeth out.

Who are you calling a couger George?

Heather if you would like it to be you it's you














Heather if you wouldn't like it to be you it's you












Actually don't cougars hunt in packs ????




Jukie



Signora




Three's a pack

im no cougar im the slut remember George

Jukie you have been misbehaving again.

Go to my room.




NOW