When Dalase suggested that we head down to NSW for a day trip, I figured “sure, a ride to the coast would be nice, as long as we can avoid the Pacific Highway for most of the way”. Apparently, that was not quite what he had in mind, as he then produced a map he had plotted out for a round trip that would take around five hours and would require me to get up early (on the one day that I don’t normally set an alarm!). Oh well, adventure awaits and though I haven’t actually sat in the saddle for that long before (having come very late to the world of motorbikes), you never know how you’ll go until you try.
We set off early and the weather was perfect for a ride. Cool enough that I didn’t swelter in my leather jacket, but not so cold that there was a fear that my fingertips would go numb; just the wind in my face and hair, which, for me, is one of the pleasures of riding. Heading out towards Beaudesert, we passed other riders out enjoying the day. One thing that I have discovered since becoming a pillion rider is how friendly and inclusive other riders are. There is always a wave or a nod as you go by and, if there is any minor or major disaster, you don’t have to worry about dealing with it all alone, someone always stops to lend a hand or check that you are okay. This just doesn’t happen if you’re in the car.
If you’re a biker through and through, I imagine the idea of sitting on the back is WAY down on the list of things that you want to do. Some of our friends just can’t wait to get out on the bike and “go for a ride”, planning their adventures based on the road to be travelled, the lean angles of the bike or the challenge of the ride itself. Being a pillion, I don’t have to worry about any of that. Sure, I have to pay some attention to what’s happening to keep from sliding or, on this particular trip, bouncing off, but mostly my mind can wander and I can just enjoy the experience.
Though the roads could definitely use some work and I had quite a few “seat adjustment” bumps, I have to say that the winding roads through the mountains and the countryside gave view to some wonderful landscapes. Here are a few of the things that I noticed on the ride that Dalase probably missed:
· A paddock set up for horse jumping that was home to at least 15 plovers – not quite sure how that would work in their favour;
· The most beautiful, tan coloured Brahman Bull, laying in a sunny patch;
· A mother cleaning her calf;
· Young horses frolicking in the paddock and others lined up in a row eating from what looked like old tyres (but probably weren’t) that were set out every 10 metres or so. This had me wondering what was in there, since there was plenty of lush, green grass at the time and why was there only one horse at each “bowl”- don’t horses share well?;
· Rabbits, kangaroos and even a fox – But no Yowies, no matter how hard I looked;
· Roadside stalls with things for sale and honesty boxes! If you do plan to follow along in our footsteps on this ride, take some cash so you can support the local farms. We passed limes, chillis, timber for the fire, horse poo, pumpkins, home-made relishes and even Bunya Trees (3 for $10 in case you’re interested).
So whether you’re in it for the ride, or in it for the view and the exploration, there is bound to be something for you to experience. I had a fabulous day out, travelling to places I had seen signs for, but never visited and even some I had never heard of. It’s truly amazing what you can find if you go out and explore.
After a long day of great food stops and lots of things to see and do we arrived home before the sun went down, weary (I must admit, that last swing over of the leg to dismount was anything but graceful), but really pleased with how the day went and eager to share our adventure.
If you’re looking for a winding and somewhat challenging ride with an excellent view and lots of interesting stops, give this one a go. It’s well worth it!
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