Nice,thanks for the picks F/B. Good mix of bikes on the run ! Safe travels home to all.
Well done boys. Sounds like a great trip. Thanks for the photos. Still envious.
One rider's review (map at bottom):
My first Snowy Run will certainly not be my last because of fantastic company and roads made for real riding.
I met up with the crew at Orbost on a very hot Monday afternoon after a pleasant but uneventful ride from Melbourne down the highway. Plenty of drinks to rehydrate for a hot sleep, then another hot day in the saddle up to Jindabyne in time for lunch. In typical fashion it was the scenic route for sea views and then into the hinterland after breakfast or morning tea at Cann River.
After lunch at Jindabyne, we headed off for a short ride up to Charlottes Pass, about 30kms away. Magnificent road and scenery. As this was my first trip in this region, I was blown away by what I saw of the mountain scenery whilst having a ball wearing out the sides of my tyres from all of the corners. I had already had a taste of it on the way but little did I know that they would see a lot more action over the next couple of days.
Parched throats were quenched before and after dinner at the resort. I know understand why chef must go over the edge of the balcony.
The 8am start saw the group off for the 600 kilometre day ride in an anti-clockwise direction which I am told is the best way to go for the day trip. The Snowy Mountains Highway was soon picked up on the way to Adaminaby, Talbingo with a fuel stop for man and beast at Tumut. Arriving at Tumbarumba about 11.30 we were going really well in the heat of another very hot day. Waiting for lunch we refreshed ourselves before heading off again to take in the sites of the road via Cabrumurra to Khancoban. At Khancoban it was more refreshment for dehydrated riders before hitting the last leg over Thredbo, continuing to Jindabyne and into the resort carpark for a well earned rest.
The road conditions were very good with only a couple of roadwork sites to slow us down. The weather was oppressively hot but at least all of the roads were dry, even in the depths of gullies and ravines. Yes, there are many, many curves, corners and twists in the road, but there were also many nearly straight stretches. Riding at a pace and rythm to suit yourself is the way go for maximum enjoyment. No need to keep up with the front runners, just keep up with yourself. I came in last every stop and the last about 30 minutes or so, but I knew that would be so.
Dinner for all of the exhausted riders and one pillion was at the hotel, and boy was it good quality.
Thursday was a quiet day having a look around the town , relaxing at the resort or having a snooze.
Friday it was all over, bike packed for a very cold departure at 7am (thanks for the wake up call at 6 Mick), onto the Snowy Mountain Highway which seemed like an old friend now, refuelled body and beast at Tumut, shedding the unwanted layers that had kept me warm but no longer needed in the brilliant sunshine. Eventually hit the Hume, turning off at Broadford to get some of the last curves before arriving at home at 4pm.
Writing this, I am reliving the roar of the exhaust, seeing the curves and tight corners ahead, selecting the correct gear, speed and corner line (most of the time), the thrill of the lean angle and then the roar of the exhaust again, only to start all over again in a couple of metres. Magic for my innner peace.
Next year's ride seems so far away that I may have to sneak in some shorter runs to keep the memories from fading too much.
Great write up Krackers .
Photos in and from carpark of Charlottes Pass on Tuesday afternoon.
The predicted thunderstorm for Wednesday afternoon rolled in from Thredbo, moved over us with strong wing and rain. It was very colourful to see such rapid changes in weather, hot and sunny to dark, back to sunny with a triple rainbow. Just about all of the resort guests were out taking photos or videos. We had to sit it out before we could go to the hotel for dinner. Just another part of the fantastic adventure that was Snowy Run III.
Tim S.G and Ted
Tim S.G, Hallze and Mickle enjoying what is soon to be the last of the sun for a while.
Contrasting skies making the adventure worth the trip into the Snowies just to see the changable weather. The next photo is at the same time just a bit to the right. Amazing.
These two show the contrast again. Sunny for us with the rainbows but black over the hills as the storm moves away from us at the resort.
Great write up Krackers and great photos. Definitly on this one next year. Although might have a sneak around this area after the Echuca run in October. We did Bright/Mt Hotham after last years run so keen to head further North.
Gotta agree with Kracker's post. It was a great couple of days with some great roads and better company. I had never ridden around there before and was amazed at the road conditions and scenery.
Thanks for the ride fellas and to Tim SG for organising it. Hope you all had an easy ride home.
The above floorboards had a whole lot of meat on them beforehand. This was mostly damage from day 1.
I will be working hard to get back for next years. I will listen to Mickle's advice next year and NOT order the steak at Jindy.
Cheers.
Bucky
EDIT: photos don't want to work properly.
A bit more information, it's okay, don't panic, names are mentioned: Obviously there was more to the trip than reported in the above review. We had South Australian riders assist in ensuring the longer distance attendees got away safely, or was that that they actually just got away? One Melbourne rider, George, took the opportunity heading to Adelaide to start and then drop off because he had to go back to work a couple of days later. Another couple, Mickle and Hallze went to Yackandandah from various locations in Victoria to meet up with the South Australia contingent (sounds fancy) just to get some practice in prior to the main ride. One couple, Sharon and Caff accepted the invitation by Hallze to ride to Yackandandah and then were kidnapped, being forced to ride to Jindabyne. No ransom was demanded but it was, or will be an expensive kidnapping because Bike Sales was being checked for suitable tourers. But that is not the problem in reality. The problem is more critical. That's right, critical! Do they add it to the stable of Fatbob and 500 or sell one? We'll keep an eye on that to see how it develops. They stayed one night at the resort and then escaped. I'm not sure where and when Bucky entered the fray, it may have been Yackandandah with the others, because he just appeared hot and sweaty at the Orbost hotel demanding a beer or twenty. He continued onto Wagga from Tumut on Wednesday morning muttering something about being back next year if he could swing the time. Fatbat continued on to Orbost after putting his mate Arrowhead on a train at Albury, well maybe pointing him in the general direction after Arrowhead's bike refused to travel any further. Fatbat then made the most of the rest of the trip but had to leave on Wednesday morning vowing to add an extra day next year. This year he was one day up on last year, but he may have to work harder on a longer leave pass. It was also educational:
That's all I can recall at present. No doubt other little pearls will arise to humour or inform the Formites.
Warning boards Mickle. Just to let you know your having a good time.
Love the humour Krackers
Good review Knackers. Sounds like a good time was had by all. I hope to make next year's run.
Got home yesterday , 4200km trip .First time with Action and he loved it . Came home via Great Ocean Rd , beautiful calm day . Awesome riding with great company and many laughs .A few missed this years run due to many reasons , so Snowy Run IV will be held next January . Stay tuned .......................
