Last weekend Paul and I decided to do something a little different. We decided to go and explore some of the Hunter Valley. So, you might be entitled to ask, what’s different about that, you seem to do that just about every weekend. Well, yes, that is true. But the difference was that we went by CAR and we took our respective wives with us. We travelled in the one car and we followed pretty much the same route as we normally do. And we hit some of our favourite eateries along the way. Not being drinkers, the attraction wasn’t the wineries (though there are hundreds of them from which to choose) but the scenic spots and the places where good coffee could be found (and there are hundreds of THEM too)
It was slated to be a cold weekend so we didn’t head off too early on Friday (Helena had an early doctor’s appointment anyway) so that meant that we hit Peppercorn at Mulgoa right on morning tea time.
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A drink and some raisin toast and we were on our way. Next stop was Western Motorcycles at Penrith where I checked out the CanAm Spyders. You will recall that I tested one a few years ago and , while I liked it, I found that the effort required to steer it really played havoc with my injured shoulder so I decided to pass. Well, it now seems that the 2015 models have power steering so I dropped in, picked up a brochure and arranged to go back for another test drive (ride?).
Lunch was at the Grey Gum Cafe, bathed in beautiful winter sunshine. I was a little disappointed as this was the first time I have ever been to John and Kim’s place where there hasn’t been ONE VFR in the vicinity. Sydney and Newcastle VFR owners, take note, you are letting the side down.
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The Putty was almost deserted and we had a great run through the Ten Mile and arrived at our overnight stay destination much too early so we went on the Pokolbin for a cuppa and afternoon tea and some retail therapy for the girls at the numerous shops in the village. As usual, the Buon Cibo Restaurant was the venue for the coffee, our usual breakfast stop when we ride the area.
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Heading back down the road towards Milbrodale, we pulled in to Lenny and Pauline’s place to be greeted by their demented dog, Pollie and we settled in for the night. Hours shooting the breeze with our old high school mate and his lovely wife gave way to a good sleep despite what turned out to be a VERY cold night. -1 in the morning and shrouded with fog, we awoke to the sight of another hot air balloon taking advantage of the still, winter air.
Lenny and Pauline have swapped the hustle and bustle of the city for rural tranquility and 40 acres of peace and quiet. As well as it being closer to where they both work, it is a great place to raise their two boys. I am insanely jealous.
After a hearty home-cooked breakfast we headed off down the Wollombi Road, noting but not stopping at the famous pub, aiming for morning tea at Jerry’s at Kulnura. Like the Robertson Pie Shop in my back yard, Jerry’s is THE destination for motorcyclists trying to escape the rat race of Sydney’s northern suburbs. The car park was filled with bikes of all descriptions including a brand new Yamaha R1, the first one I have seen in the flesh. VERY trick.
While we ogled the bikes, the girls spent time in the big shed behind Jerry’s that has been turned into a craft and nick nack shop. Some of you will remember that it used to be a workshop for the Metal Man and his famous statue (he has shifted camp to Garland Valley on the Putty Road now, working out of the burnt out remains of the (in) famous Halfway House)
The road down to Wiseman’s Ferry is a little more comfortable in a car than it is on our our old bikes, and, still replete from the cheesecake and other indulgences at Jerry’s, we decided to bypass Windsor and aim for Peppercorn and a late afternoon tea.
That done we meandered down the Oaks Road, Picton Road, Mount Keira and arrived home just as the sun was setting, having put about 800kms on the speedo in very enjoyable style indeed.
It doesn’t really matter how you do it, our Hunter loop is vastly enjoyable and highly recommended.