NSW South Coast Ride - by Liz Laver

Post date: Dec 06, 2017 3:10:46 AM

Ok here it is, the comings and goings of our multi-day November ride for 2017 - SOUTH COAST NSW

 

Oxford - Kiama

We started our journey from Otford on the coast, about 1 hour south of Sydney.  Here we met 

at the train station where the truck was there waiting for us with our bikes and bags.  After a quick fix

-the-handle-bars, put-the-pedals-on and pump-up-the-tyres, we were off! The forecast was to be warm & sunny and the ride book said 'undulations'.  We had only gone a couple of kms when we got to the spectacular Seacliffe Bridge which goes for 700mts over the water.  Fantastic view.  We had 71kms to do today and there was plenty of scenic coffee stops all the way along.  Staying at a motel in Kiama tonight and dinner was at a local pub.

 

Kiama - Huskisson

And its 75kms today to get to Huskisson.  More scenic riding close to the coast and more warm sunny weather.

Some wineries were on the way and plenty of coffee and good food was to be found.  Loris managed to find (bribe) someone to drive her to Myola where the ferry was waiting to take us across the water to Huskisson. I think Gordon might have helped Peter K with his navigations in the truck too (DNF)! It took 2 trips on the ferry to take us across and we paid the ferry man his fee.  Dinner tonight was 'each to their own' so we went down the street and found some great eateries. Huskisson - Bendalong Point

51kms today inland through some Conjola National Park and some lovely bushland. After a couple of coffee stops we arrived at Bendalong Point; a scenic spot right on the coast.

 

Bendalong - Batemans Bay

We did almost 90kms today.  Kristina met up with her Aunt who lives in Mollymook, to spend the day with her. Unfortunately she got news that her mother was not well so had to leave very early the next morning. Had a very nice coffee stop at a cafe/nursery just before Milton. A couple of people go the 'heebie jeebies' about a narrow road without a shoulder, so go a lift in the truck.  Wasn't that bad though, even though there wasn't too much room between me & 

the traffic. We meant for everyone to stop at the historic bakery at the end of town but they pulled into the first one they saw.  They had good coffee so that was fine.  A few stopped at Cuppit's Winery which had a fabulous view (with wines to match)....... we did partake in a bit of a tasting.  Some more than others :) Tonight's accommodation was at a Big4 caravan park right near the water which was great.  We stayed for 2 nights.

 

 Batemans Bay - Barlings Beach via Mogo Zoo

Not far to ride today, but we stopped at Mogo Zoo for a few hours.  Great little zoo inland halfway to Barlings Beach.  We fed the giraffe and had some lunch there and met some of the locals.  Was a great day. Tonights bed was in the Caravan Park, right on the sand near the beach. Great cabins here, really top condition and big.  

Barlings Beach - Narooma

And it was about 75kms on the bike today. Riding not too far from the coast, we came into Moruya where we checked out the local bike shop.  Picked up some water bottle for everyone here then it was on to the coffee shop 100mts around the corner.  Sat there for a while then it was time to go again.  Had a short section of gravel but not too bad.  Got to Coila & tried to find (or at lease Julie tried to find) "Dave's Sexual Service For Ladies" which used to be behind the pink aeroplane...... not much luck there so we had to leave!  Not to worry, we had lunch at the bakery in Bodalla which had to do. And on to Narooma it is for the next 2 nights in another Big4 caravan park near the water. Rest day we went for a cruise on the Wagonga Inlet in a 100 year old electric huon pine ferry.  Was great and only $20 each.

 

Narooma - Bermagui

Another short day of 43kms to ride.  But it rained all night and we weren't excited about starting riding in the rain or being wet all day on the bike, so we tried to find a 12 seater bus to hire instead of riding.  We ended up using the Tarago van from the pub that they use to take drunks home.  The publican was fantastic and let us use it all day without any cost.  "Just fill it up with petrol" he said, "that will do". I offered him some $$ but he refused.  The window did leak, but we didn't get as wet as we would have if we rode.  We all stopped at Central Tilba for some lunch but it was too wet to look around much. Would have been a really scenic ride. Stayed at a caravan park at the end of town on the hill.  Great spot  and fantastic big cabins.

 

Bermagui - Merimbula

Our last day riding.  Was about 70kms.  Wanted to stop at Mimosa Winery but it was closed.  The last of the hills today and we're all much stronger for these undulations.  Just getting started and it's time to stop. Staying at the Pelican Motel for the next 2 nights.  I got a phone call half way through the day saying 'we're looking forward to seeing you TOMORROW night! I got really worried thinking I'd brooked the wrong dates, but it was them who mucked up.  So we were in the motel down the road for 1 night and back to Pelican for the second night.  Meant we had to pack/unpack twice! We didn't get any sort of discount for their mistake either.  Maybe I should have insisted.....  

 

Merimbula - Melbourne

Today is bus & train day.  We walked around the corner to the bus stop for a 7.45 departure.  Had the pick of seats seeing we were the first to board.  Bus driver was good, kept chatting all the way.  Seems he used to drive semi trailers interstate for many years but chucked it in so now he's been on the buses for the last 18 years or so.  Some had to sit near a nagging woman who talked a whinged all the way.  Had a couple of stops on the way including 30 minutes at Cann River.  I walked to the bridge and took a few photos.  There was a high wire fence stopping anyone getting near the water so just had to look down  instead.  Then it was a swap of transport, on to the train at Bairnsdale for our home run.  At least we could spread our legs out & walk around. There was a cafe carriage so Peter G got a coffee.

 

 

 

So it was a fantastic trip going along the South Coast, I've never done that before. And the weather was perfect except for that 1 day.  

And on the beach at Merimbula were millions of these funny blue crabs running round all over the sand.  Tiny little things they were.  They'd run run run then all of a sudden stop and bury themselves.

Anyway I think everyone had a great time.  No one whinged (too much) and there were no major incidents (all limbs stayed in tact), so I expect that all will be looking forward to our SOUTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND  trip next November.......... watch this space for more info.

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