Towong Thursday 26^th January, 2006 (Australia Day)

I arrived at Snowy Mountains Holiday B&B Wednesday night with the bike still in tow from Christmas. I had popped in Monday to check if it was okay to have Thor there. After setting up camp, I dined with Ron and Sarah and then headed off  for a hot walk with Thor up to The Ridge. Coincidently and almost literally, I bumped into Bronwyn in the dark, heading down to see me. We had had a brief chat while Dave and Bron were holidaying in Tassy, so I knew they were there.

Clint, Dave and Darryn were lounging around enjoying the fantastic accommodation facilities. I indulged in a much needed dip in the salt water pool which revived me. Then I was informed of the plans for Thursday which I was pleased to be part of.

Thursday morning and Darryn is leading us all the way to meet up with the other ten guys riding up from Melbourne. Bronwyn is rear riding. We chug through Walwa's Australia Day assembly bash with my newly made acquaintance from the constabulary standing out. Good, we know where he is. (While Lyn was camping along the river in Tintaldra, “Greg” would regularly stop by to check everything was okay… Ed.)

Over marvellous Granya Gap(!) and onto Tallangatta where I get fuel. Then down towards Mitta Mitta, turning right to Tangambalanga; a nice bit of road this. Then onto the Kiewa Valley Highway and the wonderful Happy Valley road to Ovens and Myrtleford.

We arrive before the others, so enjoy their grand entrance into town. Then we head around to the newly designated bakery stop which is off the main drag but air conditioned. It's good to see everyone; I haven't seen anyone I know since Christmas, although I’ve met a lot of people and there has never been a dull moment.

Ben leads us back back across the Happy Valley Road via Rose White, then back up to Tangambalanga, and down to Eskdale and Mitta Mitta. Danny Hasnat, Clint and I swim in the Little Snowy River behind the pub. It is a great spot and the water is well over our heads, a good spot for diving. Darryn comes down to cool off and then we head back to the bikes, not wanting to hold up the ride. No worries about that: Ron's Bandit has a flat rear tyre.

Ben sets about plugging it, twice, and we have a relay team using Danny's hand pump to get enough air in for Ron to ride it around to where he has sussed out an air compressor!

Soon we are on our way, but we only get as far as Eskdsale. The tyre won’t hold air as the plugs rip out, the tyre badly worn. The Bandit is left to be picked up later; that’s another story. Ron hops on behind Dave.

Over Granya Gap for the ritual regroup on the other side where everyone exclaims how much fun it was. A freight train to Walwa for a refresh and then the back way from Tintaldra to Towong. Julie Warden was already there and has kindly thought to buy and refrigerate Ruskis for me, thanks. I waste no time.

Paul does a pub run on his bike while Ben, Julie, Shane, Brett, Danny, Thor and myself go down to the Murray for a swim. Then back  up to the house for salad and chicken prepared by Ben and Julie. Then stories, jokes, drinks and tyre changing up at The Ridge, enjoying the pool and the beautiful night.

Ron and Jason set out in the car to retrieve the Bandit, running out of petrol in the process. Ben helped out by driving Ron back with fuel, the saga not over till about 11.30 pm by which time I was sound asleep.

Another top day. Thanks to all.

Lyn Duncan