Sydney – Richmond – Lithgow – Ilford – Mudgee – Hill End – Bathurst – Sydney
Few times back in time I was suggested to go for a motorbike ride but I emphatically rejected it because I was extremely scared as so many accidents occur involving them. However when my friend suggested to go for a motorbike ride here in Sydney, I was considering it only for few minutes before I accepted it – I moved to Australia to experience new things and that was one of it. I am so happy for my decision made and opportunity to explore beautiful places and get to know them from the different perspective. That feeling and vibe – wow, it's difficult to explain in words; you have to feel it yourself.
I was looking forward to 2-days getaway from Sydney to explore new areas and experience a longer motorbike ride. At the same time I was scared how I am gonna manage sitting and not moving for a while and of my hurting butt but desire for travelling led me all the way.
The ride started on one of the hottest days in Sydney for me so far – 38 degrees and clear sky. Even though the wind was blowing, it was burning our skin and not refreshing us at all.
The road went through Richmond in which streets were colored in pink by blooming trees, Blue Mountains with breathtaking and ever changing views. I was gazing and sighing all the time.
After 1,5 hours ride fuel light came on and while being in the middle of the mountains my friend got stressed a bit, I was smiling and just enjoying the feeling the ride and nature were giving me.
The road was almost empty so no outsiders were interfering in nature sounds and its beauty.
We reached our destination Mudgee at 3:30 and the only thing we could think of at that time was cold beer – such a retreat in such a heat! Our further plans for the evening were easily set up according to the rain and thunder forecast – let’s chill and relax in Mudgee, a country town full of fine old buildings, and get familiar with its lifestyle.
The nice Mudgee Brewing Co. was offering many draught beers and it seemed to be quite a popular spot- all tables were fully booked probably because of Australian Day and life music. We were lucky to find the spot at the bar where I enjoyed banana and raspberry flavoured beers. Local elders kept a company for us talking about the world issues, Estonian girlfriend, etc. It was a fun and cozy place to visit.
After few beers the walk around the town sounded like a brilliant idea. The sunset was coming soon but unfortunately it was hidden by the mountains. However due to the expected weather changes, the panorama was amazing: red sky, purple clouds – views like from a fairy tale. Later on, lighting was all around but didn’t come to Mudgee while the scenes from Clint Eastwood movies did. Now I regret not recording them.
Few more beers at the bar and Australian Open final (N.Djokovic vs R.Nadal) made a great end to the memorable day.
Delicious breakfast and awakening coffee at the ‘Outside the Square Café’ – the great way to start the second day.
The lady we met at the bar was riding the motorbike for 25 years and suggested us going to Hill End – a former gold mining town in NSW.
The ride till there was impressive and suitable for photo shoot in the middle of the road – it seemed that we are the only ones in the area.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to explore walking tracks but instead we stopped at History Hill museum to explore over 10000 gold rush artefacts, steam engines and adventurous 175m of underground mine. It was a great experience.
After a short stop and lunch at Bathurst, dark and scary clouds started following us. Going towards Jenolan caves wind increased and we felt very chilled and at that moment I was glad to have taken my jumper and jacket which I regret yesterday at 38 degrees. Even though the last part of the ride was on the same road, different weather conditions made views unique which gave no time to get bored or feel tired.
1000 km on the road, 2 days of ever changing breathtaking views, new surroundings and adventures, great company and all the time smiling me!
Comments