Post by Bob on Jan 14, 2016 15:58:22 GMT 10
Just back from a 7 day 2150km trip around Tassie, my home state.
Day 1
Starting from Penguin, on the NW coast, followed the Bass Highway to Smithton, then on to Woolnorth. Then a 23 km gravel road to Marawah, where I refuelled before heading South to Arthur River where I camped at the Prickly Wattle Campground.
250km
Day 2
An early start. 100-odd km of gravel on the Western Explorer to Coorinna. Svetlana (2010 Tourist) is even better on gravel (than on bitumen). I'm glad I have the extra suspension in the tractor seat. Across the Pieman River on the punt, and on through Zeehan to Queenstown where I had an excellent traditional hamburger with the lot at 3K's cafe. Serious UDF in Queenstown. Then on to Derwent Bridge and Lake St Clair, where I paid $25 for a campsite and a hot shower. Met a young Russian bloke who was surprised to see a Ural in Tasmania. He's been in Aus for over 2 years, and Svetlana is the first Ural he'd seen here.
280km
Day 3
Kept heading South, to Meadowbank and then I detoured to Maydena, where I looked up a couple of friends from a former life, then to Strathgordon, and camped at Ted's Beach on the shores of Lake Pedder. A riotous evening with some young European backpackers, until 10:30 when I retired and left them to party on.
270km
Day 4
Avoiding highways whenever possible, I continued South past Hobart, through Huonville and on to Cockle Creek, as far South as one can travel on roads in Australia. Camped in the demilitarised zone between the bogans and the grey nomads, adjacent to their shared longdrop. Svetlana continues to purr along, coping with all surfaces and conditions, and impressing everyone who sees her.
310km
Day 5
To Swansea, on the East Coast Stopped in Hobart for a late breakfast, and was entertained by the number of people who stopped to look as Svetlana, parked across the road from the cafe. Because she was wearing her tankbag, the Ural logo was hidden. At one stage there were six people looking at her, and talking vigorously. A UDF which caused no delay. Then via Bream Creek and Weilangta Road which was unbelievably rough. Massive corrugations, and potholes, and down to the basecourse in places. somewhere along here the speedo needle broke off and I lost an ocky strap- the only mishaps of the trip. Swansea Caravan Park full of C&W music fans. Good showers though. 290kn
Day 6
Up to Bicheno, to visit an old friend, and then an hour or so at the Bicheno Motorcycle Museum. Worth every cent of the $9 entry. Dozens of old bikes in immaculate condition. Then back to the Lake Leake Rd, and through to Campbelltown for a cuppa with my sister, back up to the top of the Lake Leake Rd, and then some rough forestry roads through to the Old Coach Road, which runs from Cranbrook to Avoca. The Old Coach Road is absolutely the best gravel road I have ever ridden. Gentle grades, long sweeping bends and an excellent surface. 53 km of Ural Heaven. On to St. Mary's for the free campsite with free showers. Had I known that, I would not have paid the night before. An excellent meal in the local pub, and conversation with people from all over. Heavy rain overnight, but the 15 year old tent stayed (mostly) dry inside. 270km
Day 7
North through St Helens to Pyengana, home of the best Cheddar Cheese in Australia. Just in time for a tasting, too. Bought a $50 slab of the Mature Cheddar - superb. Then Scottsdale, where I found a bottle of Sangiovese to go with the cheese. On via the Sideling - steep twisty up and down, probably more suited to a solo bike, but Svetlana handled it well. In to Launceston, then on the East Tamar highway to the Batman bridge. Through Beaconsfield to Yorktown, which is not a town at all, and then over a steep and rough logging road to Bakers Beach and Narawntapu National Park for the last night. 290km
Day 8
A short uneventful ride on the old highway home to Penguin. 120km
Total cost of the trip, including wine, cheese, other food, accommodation and fuel, was about $500. Svetlana performed faultlessly. Went through 100ml of engine oil.
I'm a bit stiff and sore in the shoulders from all the gravel roads, but I'd do it again tomorrow. I would probably do it again in January 2017, if anyone is interested in joining me...
