WSBK 2009 Trip

[goldFiSh]

Thanks G, that's good to know - I'm not fussed with a little dirt, but I'm figuring the concensus of the group will be to avoid it.

Hi Heather,

Another option is to go the way I went up to Canberra and that is via the Monaro Hwy. It's a big ride. Cooma, Bombala, Cann River, Orbost(police can be active in that area and up the hill to Newmerella ), Nowa Nowa, Bruthen and Bairnsdale . Then there is the transport section. This could be up to 160km on the Princes Hwy.

Next you could head to Mirboo North. I usually come from Melbourne and turn off at Trafalgar, but from your direction there is an earlier turnoff. There are a number of options of less obvious routes through this region and I can make further suggestions, but it will be towards the end of the day and you may prefer to go via less tight stuff at that time. Leongatha, Inverloch, Wonthaggi, Kilcunda, and PI.


Here's another website to watch: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/incidents/incident_summary.htm

It's a very dynamic situation, I'm guessing it will be very different in a week's time. I rode through the South and West Gippsland areas (close to PI) yesterday and except for the Bunyip Forrest Fire to the North, the air was fairly clear of smoke.

We're planning to do the Cann River, Bombala, Monaro etc etc on the way back - the idea on the way down was to spend a day tooling around in the alpine region.

We could change it around if it makes sense given the present situation in Vic. Thanks for the sites, I'll keep a check on it, as will Mostro and Heather who are rapidly taking over the ride organisation (and thy're welcome to do so!) Mostro with his GPS and Heather with a the local knowledge. Sounds like G better come along as well...  [moto] [moto]

[heatherp]

I will give Vic roads a call tomorrow to find out the condition of the road out of Jamieson.   I don't mind dirt roads I rode dirt bikes for years.  But I've found my monster doesn't make a good dirt bike (my old Kwaka roadie didn't mind em) so it will slow us down a bit. If the Jamieson road is not an option the Omeo hwy would be fine by me  - it's on my 'to do' list.

As much as I like the Monaro hwy/Cann river area it would be too far out of my way considering where I'm starting from  (G I'm leaving from Hamilton over near the Grampians!)

Nick I know you've done a lot of hard work on this  please don't give up now as  I'm in no way qualified to take over.  It's very frustrating looking at the fire maps several times each day.  Two days ago I wasn't even sure I could head north east from home without having to take a very long route to get there.  But a lot can happen in a week and I'm sure it will all be fine by then. Apart from the areas like Marysville (Black spur) which is shut off even to the locals as it's being treated as a crime scene. 

Shall keep you posted on any developments.

G any help with route choices and info greatly appreciated.  ie keeping sanity whilst riding Bairndale to Sale?   

[mostro900]

.....   I don't mind dirt roads I rode dirt bikes for years.  But I've found my monster doesn't make a good dirt bike (my old Kwaka roadie didn't mind em) so it will slow us down a bit. If the Jamieson road is not an option the Omeo hwy would be fine by me  - it's on my 'to do' list.
 

I'm happy with dirt roads, but then I'm on the GS. Anyway, I've ridden about 300-400kms of dirt on the Monster and it handles surprising well. About 100 of those was with a pillion and a packed Ventura bag on the back. Still got to reasonable speeds on the straights.

Hey, that's 3 of us not concerned too much by a bit of dirt - does that make a consensus for that route?!   [moto]

[Dockstrada]

I have also had many years playing on dirt roads ,Belangelo state forest one of the regulars. I don't need to look at my monster very hard to realise that ergo's don't promote dirt riding , My KX was was less than 100kg's and my DRZ was 130kg's yet still a hand full . Dirt road machines are all about rider position and the monster dose not promote this position ,unless you sit on the tank.not to mention my Ohlins being very firm.

In any case it wont stop me from riding these roads, but I for one would be the first avoid long dirt stretches if possible 

[heatherp]

I just looked at the road on Google earth. On there it is still dirt and twisty in places.  Would be great sealed.

Before we make a decision check it out.

Start in Jamieson and head south, south east through Kevington, Gaffneys creek and Matlock. 

I'll still make some phone calls tomorrow.

[Dockstrada]

I just looked at the road on Google earth. On there it is still dirt and twisty in places.  Would be great sealed.

Before we make a decision check it out.

Start in Jamieson and head south, south east through Kevington, Gaffneys creek and Matlock. 

I'll still make some phone calls tomorrow.

So had a quick look ,From Jamieson to Graffneys creek is 23km all dirt and to Matlock looks the same so im guessing 50 odd km of dirt and that as far as i wanted to keep looking, My thought " Fark that "at Gaffneys Creek

But if that the only way round it will  be an adventure  Im getting some Nobie's on the monster

[heatherp]

So had a quick look ,From Jamieson to Graffneys creek is 23km all dirt and to Matlock looks the same so im guessing 50 odd km of dirt and that as far as i wanted to keep looking, My thought " Fark that "at Gaffneys Creek

But if that the only way round it will  be an adventure  Im getting some Nobie's on the monster

My thoughts too.  But would have to fit the knobbys after the high country as they wouldn't be knobbys after that  More dirt after Matlock too by looks of it.   Knew I should have kept the dirt bike when I moved over here!

There is still the Omeo hwy option.  Good road all the way to Bairnsdale and (touch wood) no fires in the area.

[mattyvas]

Thought I might chime in being one part of the touring party.
Can't say I've ridden on dirt a whole lot, more likely been caught out unawares while riding.
Being the fact that I'm planning on selling very shortly after we get back from SBK's.
I'd like to avoid as much dirt as possible, but if it means back tracking or side stepping for hours then I guess dirt it is.

Lots can change in a week so we'll see what happens in the next week.

[heatherp]

Thought I might chime in being one part of the touring party.
Can't say I've ridden on dirt a whole lot, more likely been caught out unawares while riding.
Being the fact that I'm planning on selling very shortly after we get back from SBK's.
I'd like to avoid as much dirt as possible, but if it means back tracking or side stepping for hours then I guess dirt it is.

Lots can change in a week so we'll see what happens in the next week.

Tarmac it is then.  phew was wondering how I was going to afford both a set of knobbys and the new set of road tyres that I will need after this trip.    Valid point Matty.  Following people on gravel roads is one of the best ways to get stone chips not to mention the passing cars we'd likely encounter. 

So does Day 3 look like Bright - Omeo - Bairnsdale - Sale. Turn off at Sale to Gippsland Hwy (A440) to follow coast to PI I guess.  Sorry don't have Nick's map techo skills to do it electronically.

That's still 2 roads from the Motorcycle Atlas.  Unless we are still going into the city to visit Brad? 

The only sealed way from Mansfield to Reefton spur is through Marysville and even if the roads are open by then they will be damaged and covered in debris and I don't really want to be riding through burnt down towns.

[mostro900]

Tarmac it is then.  phew was wondering how I was going to afford both a set of knobbys and the new set of road tyres that I will need after this trip.    Valid point Matty.  Following people on gravel roads is one of the best ways to get stone chips not to mention the passing cars we'd likely encounter. 

So does Day 3 look like Bright - Omeo - Bairnsdale - Sale. Turn off at Sale to Gippsland Hwy (A440) to follow coast to PI I guess.  Sorry don't have Nick's map techo skills to do it electronically.

That's still 2 roads from the Motorcycle Atlas.  Unless we are still going into the city to visit Brad? 

The only sealed way from Mansfield to Reefton spur is through Marysville and even if the roads are open by then they will be damaged and covered in debris and I don't really want to be riding through burnt down towns.

Heather,
Is this the route, you're thinking of ?

[heatherp]

Heather,
Is this the route, you're thinking of ?

Almost but need to avoid Tralgon too (Churchill fire!)

How's this

This part is not fun.  Will be glad when I'm actually on the road and just have to get somewhere regardless!!!!  No wonder Nick is not saying anything. How do I save these google maps to My Maps.  I can't remember how to do it.

[goldFiSh]

I've been Nemo minding all day, and not really had a chance to follow the thread!

looks good. would rather avoid the bairnsdale to sale bit - can we go via some back roads like:



if not, no worries, but I do recall that stretch being dangerously boring, especially after the delights of the great alpine road..

[heatherp]

I've been Nemo minding all day, and not really had a chance to follow the thread!

looks good. would rather avoid the bairnsdale to sale bit - can we go via some back roads like:



if not, no worries, but I do recall that stretch being dangerously boring, especially after the delights of the great alpine road..

Yep I'ts got my vote.

[mattyvas]

yeah that looks good to me Nick. Happy with from the couch in the lounge room.

[mostro900]

yep, good stuff. I think we're just going to have to remain flexible for any changes between now and till we get there.