Bombala Weekend - September 14/15/16

Ben Warden CBR926RR, Rhys Williams ZX9R, Ian Payne - CBR919RR, Geoff Jones – R1

This trip had come about by a few of us wanting a weekend away to explore the roads just over the border in south east NSW. So with minimal preparation, a date was selected and the word put around that a 1500 km ride was on for anyone interested!

Friday at 3 pm and only four takers. No problems as this small tight group should be able to cover a large amount of ground quickly. This was no idle boast as those attending were all long term Club members on large capacity sports bikes, although Geoff had only just traded up to the Yamaha R1!

First stop was to be Bairnsdale where an overnight stay would be made at one of the local pubs. We proceeded down the Princess Hwy to Pakenham then around to Nar Nar Goon and Drouin. From here it was onto some of our favorite back roads as we cut across to Ellinbank, Yarragon and Moe. Then down towards Walhalla before cutting across to Yallourn North and Tyers for our first stop. We had made good time but still had some distance to travel so after fuel and a bite to eat we were on our way and travelling through Heyfield towards Stratford, then the back road through Bengworden to Bairnsdale.

Ben had booked us into a nice little pub that had been recently renovated. They had excellent meals and good facilities with bikes allowed to park around the back in the garage and, at $20 per night, it proved good value. The only down side was this pub was the “flavor of the month” and therefore attracted all the party animals. Still, earplugs soon allowed a good nights sleep.

Up bright and early with breakfast planned for Orbost where our host enquired if we were heading to Bombala for the “Bike Fest”! Apparently Bombala hosts an annual Celebration of Motorcycles, Show & Trade Expo every September, and although we were going to Bombala, it was not for the show. In fact we were unaware of this event until Ben tried to book accommodation in the town the week before!

From Orbost our next stop was Cann River. Being on the Princes Highway, a fairly cautious pace was adhered to, even though Rhys thought it would be far too early for the Boys in Blue! After a quick stop for fuel it was up the Cann Valley Highway towards Rockton Junction. With the road now “fully” sealed an excellent time was had by all, which could not be said for the next stretch across to Eden. This Imlay Rocks road used to be a real gem but being used mainly by logging trucks it is now quite badly chopped up.

Once back on the Princess we continued on to Kiah for a break, then to Eden and South Pambula where we diverged to Wyndham. As this road is now also fully sealed, quite spirited riding could be enjoyed, although once through Wyndham a couple of local riders latched on. In true Touring Club spirit a bit of a competition ensued. Now this section of road is a bit like the Reefton but 30 kilometres long so quite a tussle developed but these guys new the road extremely well so it was only a matter of time till they passed. The first guy, R1 mounted, made his pass. What really surprised us was that he had a pillion! Okay, so it was only his 10-year-old son, but still a pillion. One good thing about his passing was we now had someone to follow, so the pace really hotted up which made it harder for his mate. But eventually, with his YZF1000 literally screaming in the lower gears, he pulled a few desperates to get around us. “What great FUN we all had.”

After we reached Bombala word came through that Geoff had run out of fuel and, in all the excitement, none of us had noticed him missing. We soon retrieved him and settled down for lunch.

From Bombala we headed due north on the Monaro Highway to the Snowy Mountains Highway and the fabled “Brown Mountain”. Now, unfortunately, the sensational stretch of road has been speed restricted down to 60 kays! We continued on to Bemboka, then inland to Candelo, Wyndham and back to Bombala. What an incredible 160 kilometre loop!

After a quick stop, we were off again, heading for Cann River, 90 kays away. The only damper on this great motorcycling road was the abundance of wild life now grazing on the side of the road. We made Cann River in record time and booked into the local pub, freshened up, and headed for the bar and a few cold ones. I couldn’t believe this was the same pub I’d stayed in a few years ago. Back then it was wall to wall people, but this time there was just us four and a couple of locals! Still, another excellent pub with good, cheap meals. The owners allowed us to park the bikes around the back in the beer garden. All this for only $22, bed and breakfast.

Sunday dawned fine. As we had planned quite a long trek home, we were up and on the road early. We droned down the highway past Orbost to Nowa Nowa, then around to Bruthen. Here we took a fuel stop and consulted the maps as we planned to try and stay north of the Princes Highway all the way to the Dargo road. After a few false starts we eventually linked up Wy Yung, Calulu, Wuk Wuk and Iguana Creek, and on to the fabulous Dargo road.

After a leisurely lunch, it was back on the bikes and onto this magic stretch of road until Fernbank where we diverged to Briagalong then Boisdale, Newry, Heyfield, Toongabbie and Tyers. Here we took a well-earned break. Then on to Moe and the highway to Yarragon, then south to Ellinbank, Lardner and Drouin, where the familiar Longwarry – Nar Nar Goon road lead us to Pakenham, the end of the ride.

What a fabulous weekend. Although we traveled in excess of 1500 kilometres the only strain appeared to be on the Visa card and, perhaps, our tyres. But with great company, great roads and great weather, what else could be expected. Thanks to Ben for the organizing and thanks to Rhys and Geoff whose company was much appreciated.

Ian Payne (Honda CBR919RR)