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A few weeks ago I offloaded my Yamaha WR250F, in search of a more road orientated bike that I could jump on and ride without the trailer saga I faced with the trail bike. I tracked down a nice 2008 DL650 VStrom with about 32,500km on it for a very reasonable price and started planning a few trips.
There are some cracking roads around my area, and being a surveyor I’m often driving them and finding new tracks to explore. Today’s warm-up run was one of my favourites, The Twelve Mile.
Heading East from Wellington, the Twelve Mile Road has about 25km of winding bitumen before it turns into some lovely twisty dirt roads through the Wuuluman area (pronounced Wool-oo-man) through the hills along the Cudgegong River, meeting Yarrabin Road which then heads south and onwards to Mudgee – if you choose! That was Plan A – ride the Twelve Mile to Mudgee, have a look around and head back, possibly on some other roads I’d seen lately.
Headed off from Wello at about half-past 8 in the morning, planning to be home by 11. Possibly cutting things a little bit fine, but there’s always other options – including extending the trip! Cruising the bitumen part of Twelve Mile into a three-quarter headwind over my right mirror was annoying, but it was an awesome day, so I kept my mind on the goal of the dirt roads and kept the grin on my dial!
As soon as I hit the dirt I pulled up and snapped a couple of pics, just to get the creative juices flowing! The roads were in great condition, slightly rutted in places and the expected rocky sections, but all quite easy, and doable in a 2-wheel drive car – albeit slowly! Starting off as a fairly open flowing track, the Twelve Mile winds into the hills where you come across all sorts of beautiful scenery.
For years I’ve driven past this section of old hand-built road and promised myself I’d stop there one day and have a look – well today was the day! Great spot, and a piece of forgotten history. I was pretty chuffed to be out today but rather than subject you to a pic of my mug in Movember mode, I present the censored version!
Although I didn’t drop in at Hidden Valley, I had to snap a pic of the sign, before cruising on to the Cudgegong River crossing.
I took Yarrabin Road next, where you can see what’s coming for alternately miles, or bugger-all, depending on which side of the crest you are on! The road is pretty narrow in this section and in places the physical road is not in the legal road reserve – past experience with surveys in this area have told me that! Most of this road is unfenced so I was slowing for the stock – sheep, cattle, goats… the odd roo and wallaby.
Finally I reached the intersection where it is left and bitumen to Mudgee… or right and dirt to the Cudgegong Caravan Park. After a short moment, I decided that I didn’t really want to see another town, this was too much fun! So, it was a right turn & heading towards the Cudgegong Caravan Park.
Funny side story attached to this place: When Burrendong Dam was constructed, most of the area flooded was within Wellington Shire. As the surveys for flooding were undertaken it became apparent that a small section of Wellington Shire would be cut off by the dam, accessible only from roads through Mudgee (now Midwestern Regional) Shire or by boat from the Wellington side! The Cudgegong Caravan Park takes up most of the Wellington Shire land on the eastern side of the Cudgegong. And yes, some Council staff DO use a boat to get there!
About 10 years back I was involved with some survey work to change the boundaries of the caravan park. Many of the van sites were located below the theoretical top water level of the dam – which had all been surveyed in the 1950’s. My task was to create a new lot inside this top water level survey for the caravan park to own. Interesting survey! Kinda hope for the van owners sake that the dam doesn’t ever get over the theoretical top water level though!!
Back then, the dam was as close to empty as makes no difference. Today, however, the dam is nearly full (85%?) and I was pleasantly surprised to find water views at the end of the road! At $8 for entry to the park, I didn’t even stop, just turned around and headed off. If you’re thinking of riding out there, just beware of big f’n 4WD’s towing big f’n boats… that and P-platers! Encountered both, in the worst traffic of the day (3 cars!).
By now I was starting to get the feel for the bike and I was starting to make a list of things I would change if I could and things that I wouldn’t change! It was starting to become a more interesting and fun ride!
As I went past Worlds End Road I had a bit of a chuckle – love the road names out there! Shame it isn’t a public road!
It was warming up, and the wildlife changed accordingly. The roos and wallabies were camped in the shade, and the reptiles were showing up. I had to swerve around a 4-foot Red-belly Black snake – don’t worry, these are not instantly deadly. I narrowly missed a goanna at one stage – still, I prefer this problem to the sheep and roos of this morning!
The bike performed beautifully and I discovered the most amazing sound at between 6500 and 7500 rpm – awesome! I started riding higher in the rev range – just because I liked the sound! This meant my speeds crept up, and at times I glanced at the speedo with surprise! Of course, I would never speed, so I must have reached at least 99.5km/h now and then!
I stopped for a photo here – notice the track disappearing and reappearing beyond the stock grid? Yeah.. well, if you ever see this sign, take notice!
Anyway, I had a great ride, only about 150km but it was awesome! I have grand plans for other trips around the district (and beyond) in future… So… who’s up for a ride!?!?
Top ride report their and some great scenery too
Way to go Ecks ,,,
Looks like a good run that one.
Thanx for the report mate,,, great to see you back out there amongst it tooCheers
That was a good read Ecks man, I have been reading all about the V stroms lately and pick mine up in two weeks from QLD
. My first ride will be 1200 k’s home . SteveWhatcha ridin that street bike on the dirt roads for Ecks??
axel wrote:Whatcha ridin that street bike on the dirt roads for Ecks??Makes life interesting mate! Same reason I take my 4WD ute on GOAT TRACKS! :laugh:
Hey Bones! Yep, somc top roads in this area for road bikes (good onya Axel!) like mine! Planning a good ride at the moment… it MUST be good, there is Gelato involved!
Great pics and report.
Molong gelato …very nice!
GaleyKTM300 wrote:Great pics and report.Molong gelato …very nice!
Shhhhh!!
Its a secret!!
ECKS-Man wrote:GaleyKTM300 wrote:Great pics and report.Molong gelato …very nice!
Shhhhh!!
Its a secret!!
Doh! :whistle:
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