Goldwing Australia Trip

It all started out on Friday 14th July with a change of flight details brought on by Singapore airlines overbooking the flights. They asked would we mind Business class all the way there and back….that will do sir, it the only way to fly. My good wife and I arrived in Australia on the Saturday evening and meet by Globetrotter (Norman) and my sister Elizabeth, although they were late and our flight had a tail wind so landed 30 minutes early, but I will not tell them that, nod nod, wink wink.

It was back to their place at the base of the blue mountains in their new Citroen Estate. A cuppa and chat and the medicinal drink for the weary travelers and then to meeting my niece Kirsten, who like her Mum and Dad, and carrying on the tradition in the family, is a Motorcross rider, currently riding a Suzuki RMZ250 and a Husqvarna 250 - Anniversary Edition.

Sunday morning and it was up and on with the overalls to do some repair work on Globetrotter’s Goldwing. Nothing serious only some damage to the Goldwing fairing where the driving lights go, seemly it arrived in its box this way and Honda sent a replacement. So while Norman removed the damaged part, I was instructed to cut out the area for the driving lights with the following comment…be careful now or else…(He’s a big Guy). Well all went ok and as the Ladies were gone of shopping, we kitted out and went off for a spin around the Hawkesbury river crossing back and forth by river ferry, actually we crossed it five times by ferry or bridge as we followed the river up one side and back down the other.

Monday we were off on a trip, and as we were not picking up my bike for a few days we set off to Coffs Harbor, which is about eight hours drive up the east coast, heading north. Beautiful place to be in the sunshine, Mutton bird Island, a bird sanctuary, with stunning views and winds that can reach 100k an hour at any time, simply sweeping you off your feet as you can see. This is also were the Big Banana is, a well known tourist spot. In fact, there was a big wipe out of banana plantations this year which has had an effect on the economy, well this is the excuse used by their government. Stayed at the Paradise resort, self catering units with swimming pool, sauna, tennis court etc. During our stay we visited Byron Bay, about three hours further north, now this is the place for back packers, loads of bars, shops and restaurants and the air is simply potty if you get my meaning.

Heading west for the day we came to the town of Bellingen, steeped in history with mountains, valleys and beautiful landscapes stretching out to the Pacific Ocean.

Dorrigo town is where we met Juan and his (HOG) Army bike which he keeps on view in his restaurant. This bike was bought by his friend for $50 and brought back to Australia from Guam and restored but sadly his friend passed away and the bike was left with him. In Dorrigo national park we visited the rain forest where they have built a look-out point at the top of the trees, where you can see right across the plateau. Another beautiful area is the Dangar Falls, that’s pronounced “dan gar”.

Back from our adventures in the Dorrigo plateau, the following few days were spent relaxing and taking in the township of Coffs Harbor. Lots of shopping areas and eating places, and a beautiful coastline where in true Aussie style we had a barbeque with the head chef at the helm Mr. Globetrotter himself, not a bad cook although a tad heavy at over doing the onions.

With the area covered it was time to move on and head back to Sydney and make arrangements to collect the Wing. Before doing this, it is a requirement to have an Aussie license to obtain insurance in your own name and as the bike was being loaned to me, this is what I needed. You can hire cars without any of this requirement where insurance is included.

As explained to me by Globetrotter, we go to the RTA and if we get a bloke at the counter we’ve had it, now if we get a Sheila that’s good. Now the following took place. Ah..gooday to ye….Tracey is it, nice name. I’m looking for a license for my Irish friend who is buying a bike and traveling around Australia. Yes he has a full Irish license; He doesn’t need one she says, Globetrotter in his masterful and diplomatic way explained the rules and regulations to her. You’ll take my number and give us a call, that’s very kind of you, its nice to deal with professional people, thank you Tracey my dear. In the meantime we e-mailed Ireland for confirmation of my Irish licence, Globetrotter reckoned anyone with an ounce of knowledge could produce one. Two hours later, whilst having lunch, the phone rang, it was Tracey indicating that if we would come down to the office everything was approved. So it was a quick finish of lunch and down to the RTA only to be confronted with a minor delay, my Irish licence is supposed to glow when subjected to certain light conditions. With that discussed and supported by her manager, I had a three year car and bike license. Now I have to ask myself why it takes so long to get a license in Ireland. Was it really Globetrotter’s banter…?

Greeted by Big Steve R, Ray, Steve D, and Marie and the rest of the staff, we were treated to morning coffee before we sat down to business. Steve R and Ray are ex bike racers and good buddies of Globetrotter and as a favor to Globetrotter, they were hiring Globetrotters old Wing to me for the Holidays. In-fact I would be riding the first registered 01 1800 Goldwing in Australia.

With the bike collected we took of for the long route back to Globetrotter’s home which took us around the base of the Blue Mountains, stopping off to take in the stunning views and a picture of the bikes. That’s Globetrotter in the picture with his new Silver Wing. His first being Yellow which is truly a magnificent colour and it reminded me of Waxman’s bike without some of silver ware.

Getting back to home base, my wife was making some inroads in contacting some of her family living in Australia, making arrangements to meet and confirming directions, it was time to plan a few ride outs around the Blue mountains etc. Setting off for a spin we headed around the base of the blue mountains through some wooded areas with stunning views, stopped off at a small town called Kurrajong and had a bite to eat. With lunch over, we headed off to Wollongong to meet with the relatives. Wollongong is at sea level, and its approach is over a mountain range with the best views of the sea and the town nested in a beautiful valley. After been feed and watered we headed back home for a relaxing evening by the fire.

The next evening with went out for a Pizzas evening with friends of Globetrotters, this was different because these guys cooked there own Pizzas and bread in a kiln built at the rear of their shed, carrying on the family tradition. The pictures tell the story of these lovely people Nino and Connie who opened there home to us.

The plan is mixing the dough and when the yeast is added its time to light the oven with twigs and small pieces of fire wood. When the bricks turn a grey colour the right temperature has been achieved, Nino then cleans out the burning firewood into a bin, and washes clean the floor area of the kiln, while Connie prepares the pizzas and bread which are then put into the prepared kiln for cooking. This is all been carried out while the guests are consuming copious amounts of drinks and nibbles. This was an amazing evening and one which we will remember for a long time.

Saturday morning had a late start, headed off about 12 bells to a place called Wiseman’s ferry. The route took us through some mountains and wooded places coming down into a valley with some testing “S” bends which ‘aren’t for the faint hearted, but I have to say it was no problem on the Wing flowing as she does. Stopping off for sandwiches and coffee, we took in the beautiful scenery. After that it was a Saturday night out at the RSL club in Rooty Hill, meal and show to the sounds of Denim and Lace, Sunday was time for packing the bikes and preparing for a trip to Hunters Valley, leaving on the Monday morning.

Monday morning with clear skies we headed of on the first leg of our journey, reaching our first pit stop at about 110 km, stopping at a place called “The Halfway” road house. This place sold anything that you needed for the road from motoring lubricants to human lubricants. Walls of pictures of bikes, and some fast looking cars, and famous people. Talking Parrots were in an aviary and my sister spent some time in trying to get the Big Bird to speak some Irish language, happy to say it didn’t work. After a viewing of the area and a chat with some fellow bikers we headed on our way. Arriving in the Hunter Valley after about a 3.5 hrs trip, we parked up and had a walk about this lovely village. Dinner that evening was at Harrington’s bar where we ate well and enjoyed a promotional evening for charity, where the winning of T shirts was the aim of the evening. You got points for different drinks that you purchased, sure was good fun, we managed two T shirts and two scarves.

The following morning it was off to visit the wineries in the area, needed to check the suitability level of the “vines”. Transport was by means of a horse and cart, just for the four of us plus a guide. We headed for the first winery. Our Guide told us that the horse known as Clyde (a Clydesdale) knew his way to all the wineries and there was no need to direct him. A very interesting young lady, full of information about the area and their wines.

After sampling some wines and ports and having a picnic lunch at one of the wineries, it’s hard to remember all Winery names never mind our own, and it was back to the digs for a short rest, it was off to Harrington’s again for food and another relaxing evening watching the sun go down, where Globetrotter scored two more scarves by chatting to the bar girl, something about leaving them there last night, yeh…..

After a wonderful few days in the Hunter Valley it was time to head back to our base in Sydney where we had some more rides to Mount White, crossing at Wiseman’s ferry along another part of the Hawkesbury river , touring through some of the best winding roads, stopping of at the Road Warrior Café for some refreshments. Had a chat with a couple of bikers who were impressed that we rode our Wings through such demanding and fast pace roads where the Ducati riders test their skills along a stretch called the Ducati Mile some get there and some do not. Names are list on a board in memory of those that came to grief.

We continued our journey on down through the mountain pass to the small harbor village

of Beroura Waters. This road was barely the width of a car and had many hairpins, twists and turns back on yourself until arriving at another ferry to cross the river

The following day we visited the Olympic white water stadium where the locals were doing some practice

The following few days nearing the end of our holiday, where spent wining and dining with friends such as the Post office gang, Shane and his wife and children, and other friends of Globetrotter and my sister, hence to many to mention, but all of who made our Holiday a beautiful memory.

This was our third trip to Australia and yet we have only covered a small area of such a vast country. To end, all one can say is thanks to Norman and Elizabeth alias Globetrotter and Greenfrog for a brilliant holiday.