Well it was a long cold journey for me as I ventured south of the border into Mexico.
I decided to try a slightly different route than the usual slog along the New England Hwy through Beaudesert, Boonah and Warwick. Recently I put new shoes (tyres) and legs (suspension) on the old girl as she approaches her thirtieth Birthday. This route took me through Woodenbong, Urbenville then down to Tabulam and into Tenterfield before turning south to Glen Innes to stay at Charlies' for the night. The new suspension was working fine however the road north of Tabulam shook the living crap out the 75S' fairing resulting in a loose fairing for the rest of the trip. I had recently tightened it but the damage to the fairing bracket ended up destroying the mountings. Fortunately I have a new item to replace it.
After an exceeding cold night (for me) in the Glen, Charlie and I met Smithy and Schorn with the Scharnhorst in Guyra where it was reputed to be warming up at 2 deg C. So we were on our way and our first stop was at Wallabadah where the best coffee outside of Italy was reputably served. Anyway the drink was warming and we were cold. I had packed well with my new cold weather pants so only my hands were cold. A quick stop up the road at the servo and we were on our way. We planned to meet the Hunter Krew at Denman for lunch and were running late.
Wallabadah and the Three Wise Men. They were discussing regional government matters. 
We located the Krew outside a cafe in the shade(?) on a lovely winters day. A charming cafe it was and a quick bite saw the Krew depart at a great rate of knots leaving me as tail end charlie. Schorn had set up at a corner to film as the group headed towards Bylong and Rylstone for the night.
Once in Rylstone we were spread across the Rylstone and Globe Hotels gathering at the former for the night. It wasn't a big crowd and located across the road was a Mexican Restaurant. Just confirming to me that I really was south of the border. The feed was served quickly as there was not a large crowd in that night. Al met us there and unfortunately Schorn could only get a room at Kandos nearby. My stay at the Globe was more than adequate with a heated room and renovated showers and toilets. I believe they are trying to attract the motorcycle crowd as well as the Rylstone. Charlie and I both parked outside and awoke to frost on the bikes.
A bit of a slow start as Schorn had a leaking fuel tank and no amount of chasing found a suitable sealant to remedy the problem. His journey home was apparently entertaining after the NRMA guy and his Mintie were unable to fix the leak. Departing around 9:00am we arrived in time to meet everyone at the usual place on The Mountain at Bathurst.
The NRMA man and the Mintie. 
Here we caught up with Waz and due to some unforeseen changes he was unable to work his magic on the access pass. Anyway we gathered along with the family and paid our respects to RosKKo. It is still a beautiful spot to stop and to admire the view. Toasts were proposed and one was probably paid to the rain gods allowing the day to pass unmolested.
RossKKo's Memorial. 
We journeyed down The Mountain and onto the Jack Duggan for lunch for which arrangements were made at very short notice. Thanks Al. Parking out the back Covid restrictions only allowed us entry through the front door where Uli worked his magic for me with the QR code. It was quite warm inside and the meal served quickly. Soon it was time to leave as the Sydneysiders wanted to get away early. Sandra was most appreciative of our attendance and I was happy that I was able to obtain the photos due to the changes.
Our next stop for the night was to be the Royal Hotel at Yeovil, a random location chosen by Smithy in the middle of what was sheep country. When I arrived I was greeted by an eighty-four year old local who looked like he had been shearing all his life. His portrait was one of many on the wall inside the pub.
Along the way we travelled around Orange (big place) and through Molong where Gaz and I stopped for coffee at a cafe. Whilst sitting outside the the owner advised us of the toilet out the back for our use. As there was a departing rider there as well, Gaz mentioned, that this bloke wants the motorcycle trade here. Top marks to him for being so helpful. It was "Be Tempted at Barnseys" in Bank St., Telegraph Hotel across the road.
Anyway we departed and headed for Yeovil where we made a total of six stayers for the night. With twenty rooms to choose from and a shop across the road that served bacon and egg rolls for breakfast. A big pub and in its day would have been highly popular. A horseshoe bar inside where you could have a chat with everyone and more importantly be able to get the attention of the barmaid at the necessary time. Shearers can be thirsty chaps.
We found a corner and settled in. A pool room was next door and we had the use of the dinning room all to ourselves. An outside toilet and shower upstairs where I believe Rick decided to choose a room without a heater. At the end of the evening we settled in on the upstairs balcony to demolish the remains of the Honey Bourbon from earlier in the day. As a single malt man I had some Springbank 10yo I was carrying in a hip flask.
The Royal Hotel, Yeovil. Upstairs rooms and toilet this end. 
The day dawned sunny and cold again with the bikes parked on the street outside. The only incursion during the night was when Smithy thought my door was the hallway after a midnight prowl (to the loo). Gaz generously supplied breakfast and the Hunter Krew were off in a flash whilst Rick, Smithy and I decided on a plan to get home.
Departing at our usual time of around nine, we first decided to head to Bingara then later at Smithy's suggestion we booked into the Bendemeer Hotel at the top of the range near Tamworth. It was firstly onto to Wellington where we fueled up and then onto Gulgong were we stopped for a quick bite and a coffee. This is a town that I have travelled through many a time but as the road skirts the outside I have rarely stopped here. A charming little old country town.
Continuing on north past Dunedoo (I always chuckle at this name), Coolah and towards Mullaley where we hit the Oxley Hwy west of Tamworth. Before the highway we decided to stop at Tambar Springs for lunch instead of Gunnedah. A pie and a drink while sitting in the sun in the gutter. One of those things you just do on a motorcycle.
A view from the gutter - Tambar Springs 
Next to the general store which does everything including the post office there was a war memorial park. According to the sign and I quote, "The village has a special place in Australian war history - it was the first centre in Australia to erect a war memorial at war's end. It is also believed to have had the largest number of men, per capita, enlisting in the war for the British Commonwealth, over both world wars." For what appears to be nowadays a dot on the map it made me think.
Inside the store there was a lot of stock sitting in plastic bins. As was explained there is currently a mouse plague sweeping western NSW and this was just one way to stop them eating everything in their path.
So onto Bendemeer and Smithy took us on a short cut to avoid Tamworth and bought us out at the bottom of the Moonbi Range. Relatively uneventful and no traffic up the range. The road was in good condition and we were in Bendemeer in no time. A larger pub with new owners who went out of their way to make us comfortable. The barmaid was a bit particular in obtaining our details but the beer was cold and the rooms comfortable. The breakfast was superb.
Another cold night and our bikes were locked away as well. This was the first time my 75S struggled with a start but eventually all was good. A bit of jealousy here as my 75 does not have a reverse gear! We made our own ways back from here as I was travelling the furthest to Brisbane. I must have just missed Rick for a fuel stop at Armidale Airport.
Next stop was at Schorn's where he had arrived in one piece complete with outfit and entertaining tales of the journey home. A cuppa and a bit of fruit cake and the long hop started. I became increasingly annoyed with the roadworks along the way. Bolivia Hill I was prepared for but the five before Stanthorpe became a little annoying. Well I suppose it is a way too keep people employed during Covid.
Once I had crossed the border and was out of Mexico I could relax. I took the safe route home via Willowbank and arrived home a little after sunset.
So apart from the cold, roadworks, broken fairing and a possible speed camera ticket, a most enjoyable trip. It was good to catch up with the Mexicans and we travelled some new ground as well.
Re: Let RossKKo ride with you Thu Apr 29, 2021 1:36 am
it’s been a while much has happened. 
, hopefully it will be slightly easier than herding cats.
), I'd probably do the Rylstone night at least.