Trip Blog
There was a great stirring as occurs about twice a year. Under cover of darkness and a clear sky, the Foxes slinked out of their homes, mounted their machines and gathered at their spiritual headquarters in Turramurra. There was a sense of excitement & expectation not seen since last time the group met. A crowd had gathered to see us off (investigation underway to identify the leaker) so we mingled with Janelle and her dog for a few minutes.
Then, cutting the atmosphere like a knife came the words from Russ that make the Foxes salivate, Are we gonna dick around here all day or are we going to ride HARD!. As Janelle took many photos, we revved our machines and moved away from the gutter without incident. In full dress uniform, we looked pretty special. Those participating Foxes were Steve (Hydro), Tony (Sean Connery), Pete (Lewy), Russ (Rusty), Gibbo (Mad Max) & Neil (Singo).
We exited Sydney via the M2/M7 with a scheduled stop at the Service Centre at Exeter. At the turnoff to the Illawarra Hwy, Lewy, with great execution, exited left leaving the group confused (and frankly assuming Janelle had phoned and asked him to return home). After locating him via electronic means some 5km from our petrol stop, Gibbo retrieved him and brought him back to the pack for the first 2 cautions of the weekend: for leaving home with an unfilled petrol tank and desertion.
Everyone back on the same page. The next few hours were spent heading to the coast at Batemans Bay (via B52) and then south to Moruya & Narooma. Incident free & easy riding. A couple of stops for coffee and official group photos. Lunch at Moruya. Tony (Sean) is obviously back, splashing out on smashed Avocado. Back inland via the Snowy Mountains Hwy and through lots of small villages with forgettable names (although Gibbo could probably manage after a bottle of Rusty Nail). The kms flew by and so did the time.
As darkness settled in and, with a still considerable distance to Bombala, we rode through Wyndham. A bike flew up on the inside of the line of riders with the rider gesticulating wildly. I’m out of fuel! he yelled hysterically. Earlier times came back to haunt us and, as one, the group exclaimed, I thought Boxy was in Adelaide! No, its Lewy again. Must be riding in 1st gear? The one petrol bowser in town didn’t work. Without waiting to consider a strategy, Lewy took off into the darkness with head bowed. We shook our heads. Retrieval a second time is banned under Cl 98(a) of the Foxes Constitution. We collectively wished him well and noted that we are not a support group.
Then, belatedly, out of the thickening fog emerged a ghost-like figure walking slowly and purposely toward our group. He looked like a bushranger and wore a t-shirt with Harley-Davidson on it. We tensed, a long silence and then he greeted us with the words, heard the bikes, you guys need some petrol. The relief was palpable. And an answer came directed in a voice unexpected and verbatim I will quote it: Yeah but Petes gone to Bombala riding, and we don’t know where he are?
We filled Gibbo’s gas can, thanked our friend and wound over Mt Durragh through the darkness and sporadic rain showers to Bombala. Pete was there to meet us. He had already checked in to the Heritage House Hotel and had a massage!
Our hosts tonight in Bombala were Les & Priscilla who owned the guest house. We had it to ourselves. Single rooms for all but Russ & Hydro. That was a Mongolian Surprise. We ate the best Chinese dinner in Australia (thanks Priscilla) and retired to watch GWS trounce the Swans in our private lounge with a selection of beers & wine. Will sleep well.
Another big day tomorrow..
Day 2
Bombala to Corryong
After a brilliant breakfast of Bacon & Eggs (thanks Les & Priscilla), we refuelled and moved out of town on stage 2 of the journey. Today we cross the border into Victoria, traverse the Mountain Country and finish up in Corryong.
Initial going was slow as the land was carpeted in fog. Suddenly, we descended a hill and dropped out of the fog to be surrounded by a picturesque countryside in full autumn display. Gold and red trees on fire. Blue sky and sun providing the perfect riding conditions.
We rode to Orbost and then onto the Great Alpine Road to Omeo. The magnificent scenery of gentle valleys is assaulting the senses. We stopped for lunch at Omeo, a lovely town offering so much opportunity. It would later come to be known as the location for The Omeo Incident or Focacciagate.
With all the Foxes fed & watered, except Rusty & Singo who had ordered chicken focaccia (with smashed avocado), it was time to leave. It was not like the joint was full. We were the only ones there! After several calls to the kitchen and various dropped plates we managed a few mouthfuls before being forced onto our bikes by our uncaring colleagues for the onward journey. Not happy Jan.
The road from Omeo to Mitta Mitta is like no other. 108 kms of curves at 25, 30 or 40kms. We refilled at Mitta, exhausted and arms hanging like broken branches. Another 150kms and we limped into Corryong in the darkness to our hotel.
Down 5 doors to the pub for dinner and a lot of water and a few wines. We have covered some serious ground and thank goodness tomorrow is not so long.
[This is a reasonably accurate account of what happened]
Day 3
Corryong to Adaminaby
Emergency: Tony has been requested to attend a number of phone meetings this morning by his employer. Apparently, his team have discovered he is a Silver Fox and chaos has broken out. He will not be able to join us today. We laughed uncaringly cos we are not a support group.
After a rider meeting (Tony requested to sit out) & briefing from our leader (Mad Max), we trundled into town (visibility zero due to fog) for breakfast. We are in the real high country here. Have to be careful when taking photos of ourselves in case someone sees us strutting around like city folks. The cattle dog in the ute didnt look upon us favourably. Arguably, our first album cover photo is shot on the verandah at the shops.
We departed Corryong in the cold and fog, aware that a roo or wombat could attack us at any time. The countryside could barely be seen through the layers of mist. A further stop down the road for Bikers in the Mist, our second album, and then onto the Tumut Hydro Power Station for photos. Regular readers will know that this is where Hydro (Steve) first received his nickname 5 years ago. He has intimate knowledge of the operations of a power station that bores us witless. The things we do for this bloke!
After shutting down his briefing on the recent hydro power developments we departed for Cabramurra via the Khancoban road. Fog has lifted and we are riding in magnificent conditions (gentle curves on unmarked roads with little traffic coming the other way). Gibbo is giving us a lesson on how to use the whole road to perfect your turns. A few cars coming the other way expressed some dismay and possibly required a change of underwear.
Stopped at Tom Groggan (Hydro explains this is the head of the Murray River just in case anyone cares) for some intimate portrait shots. Tony would be dying not being here for this.
Adaminaby to Sydney
We awoke to an overcast day and drizzle. No mucking around..straight home boys!
Wet weather gear on (Hydros held together with duck tape) and we splash our way through the fog to Cooma, 55kms, for breakfast. Hydro reviews the satellite and proclaims that we should be fine. Spits & spats of rain but otherwise fine.
A couple of hours later we stopped near Goulburn for a break. We have just endured 2 hours of constant rain and cyclonic winds.
The only thing visible was the tail light in front of you. Difficult for the bloke behind Gibbo cos his doesnt work. Hydro offers not to review the satellite again.
Downed a pie, coffee and departed for home with the call of the Foxes.
EPILOGUE
The weather broke for the final stint home. Everybody safe & sound after covering 2,133kms in 4 days. It was a wonderful weekend of fun and comraderie. We are a truly lucky bunch of guys! Thanks to Gibbo for planning the whole trip. With that there is only one thing left to say….So ends another GREAT Fox Adventure.
Silver Foxes Motorcycle Club Australia 