The Wild Geese

Isle Of Phillip
JAG & Rob's Trip the Isle Of Phillip.

After much gnashing of teeth and pulling of non existent hair over my broken bike, I finally met up with JAG at Kenilworth and we set off on the trip to PI only to stop at Maleny whilst I did running repairs to a leaking brake master cylinder.

The poem about all this first bit in which appears in "News" is reprinted here: A Poem On A Part

Off again and the run to Armidale was uneventful and an overnite in a caravan park a good rest. The picture of us on "horses" in News depicts the air of frivolity surrounding the trip.

Further south to Lithgow via the Putty Road met cooler weather and a bit of mist or was that precipitation James? (Seen here praying to the rain God).

Turning right after Lithgow we made their way to Oberon through the bush via 50 kms of dirt road with JAG performing on the R like an MX rider all the way to Goulburn AND in the dark. Not a roo in sight but mind out for that HUGE wombat just when arriving on the outskirts of town.

After a good nights rest, (JAG got the big bed this time) and a visit to the local disposal store for a new set of wets, we set off into the Snowy Mountains via Yass & Gundagai.

The ride through this beautiful place was fantastic. The scenery magnificent and the road was perfect. Bend after bend, there was riding which can only be described as sublime and the weather very kind to us. All the way through Jindabyne (hope I spelt it right), Cooma and down to Cann River where a large group of bikers were met and where stories of the many like rides were shared. The hotel was very, very basic but it did the job. Actually packed 'em in like sardines.

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1.Brake Repairs 2.Gundagai Stop 3.JAG's Snow Morsel 4. GS in The Snowy's

The ride over to PI was also a great experience. Taking the advice of a local GS rider the pair travelled via country roads, once again through rolling hills with lanes and back roads giving another memorable ride.

Enroute Rob was nearly struck by a fallen wooden block from a truck but stopped to collect it to carry along as a parking pad.

Arriving in Miraboo North for a coffee break, JAG was met by Homer Simpson the local fireman and whilst they chatted, bikers galore ignored them for a while. That was until they realized that the block of wood on Rob's bike was just that and not a bible!!

On to PI. Well, that was a sight!!. The camera lens was not big enough to capture the entire view. Tent city was like the bear pit in Caligula with the sherry flagon of boiling petrol on a fire enough to make any medic tremble. The resultant smoke ring in the sky bought a cheer from 5,000 throats. On a lighter note the tent on a motor scooter was very funny too.(I will send the vid clip out by email)

Down to the racing. Many may have seen it on the tele but.. You had to be there!! A blast. Rossi, what can you say, to quote JAG, "like a knife on two wheels"

Walking round the track was a half day trek that suited neither bike boots nor sandals as was soon found out.

6. 7.imgs:PICamp 8. 9.

6.Fireman Simpson 7. PI Camp 8.A parking lot 9.Racing Rossi with a view

After a bit of stuffing about on Saturday afternoon,(a trip to 4 local bike shops and 1 in Melbourne), I found EXACTLY what I wanted at the Cowes BP Servo. Michael & his staff were gems and "can do anything". With a new tyre fitted free, the weekend was ALL SUNDAY RACING but soon over and time to turn to home. Just call before you go and he will get it in and have it there when you arrive from anywhere!

Phillip Island Automotive 03 59523660 They Can Do It

After such great weather what could be better, more great weather for riding. Into the mountains again via Bairnsdale and the Alpine Way. A few go fast dickheads came unstuck but JAG was there to help out with some timely first aid and a check up. Mind that gear change!! See pic 10.

A ride through Mt Hotham and out along the Murray River Highway and side track to Granya was well worth it and again the road was fantastic. Great pubs in which to stay and awesome views all the way to Bathurst for a stop. A quick sprint around Mt Panorama then off north to Armidale and Ebor for the last night. (Dorrigo would have been better).

Kyogle on Thursday morning saw rain and over the Border Ranges Nat Park and along the Lions Road was another great part of the ride.

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10.Bent his leg and the sign 11. Mt Hotham 12. Granya Moonrise 13.JAG @ Mt Panorama

Home through Esk (in the rain) and Somerset Dam was comforting as too was the warm welcome and meal from Julie & Isabella who was so happy to see her Dad Home & Safe. The only way to finish any ride really. More Great Memories. Thanks James. Rob

Footnote: Glenn & Bev had great news whilst there. Marriage on the horizon for the kids. More on this later when they get back. Rob