Motorcycles In The Mist. Long Service Leave Big Trip DAY 16. Honda CB500X.Taree to Armidale. Aust

Day 16 :- of “The Big Long Service Leave Trip” on “Hogan” my Honda CB500X. Taree to Armidale Friday 13/03/26. Distance 400 km “Approx.” After a good solid 8 hours night's sleep, at the dirt cheap $72.25 per night, "Riverside Vintage Home" in Taree ( Very comfortable and quite) I was awake at 5.30 AM and on the road at 7.30 AM. First stop was Wingham, for some strong coffee. After coffee and looking at the weather forecast, I decided to for-go my original route, which had included a 30 Km stretch gravel road riding. It was too likely to be slippery and riding solo, just a bit to risky … So once again it was back to the well trodden Highways and then on the way, to my next overnight stop in Armidale. Leaving Armidale, I then rode “Buckets Way” highway to the “Mogarani Lookout” to take in the mornings stunning landscape views. Then I rode North along “Thunderbolts Highway” up into the high country. It was literally riding through clouds. I then stoped at “PioneerLockout” (9236 Mts above sea level) to change into my wet weather gear. When I first pulled up, there was just me and some camper vans. 10 minutes later, in the distance, I could hear a distant motor cycle approaching and roaring down through road. The mad rider pulled up and soon about a dozen of his “lunatic” mates pulled in close behind! The lead “mad man”, was a crazy middle aged Irish Man, on his Suzuki 1500 CC sports bike. He was not in the least concerned about the shocking visibility and slick wet roads, he was just little peeved off, that his music kept cutting in and out!!! Totally mad, and F’n crazy! Fun bloke to though to chat with! After the “Mad Irish Man” and his mates pulled up, about 5 minutes latter, a pack of Harley riders also pulled in at the lookout. We were then all busy, changing into our wet weather gear, before heading back on the road, out of the clouds, into the lower valleys. I bided my time, and let all the “Crazy” riders head off! For the next half hour or more, I was flat out seeing the rode more then 20 meters in front, and instead kept a close eye on the Goggle Maps route, displayed on my phone, so I had at least some idea of what the road was ahead! Crazy “Fun”! It was then more ridding along Thunderbolts Highway, through some awesome scenery. I eventually got stuck behind a moderately sized council road works truck. The road got so steep and twisty, that the council truck was only capable of getting up the hills, at near stalling speed. I was constantly having to drop between 1st and 2nd gear just to keep momentum behind him. I eventually decide to take the first place I could find to pull over and let truck time to get well ahead of me. I pulled over on “Giro Rd” and enjoyed some snacks, whilst listening to the truck chugging and grinding its way up the mountain. Eventually made it into Armidale around 3.30 PM and had a quiet night at the “All Seasons Motel Armidale” A very comfortable place to stay. Not supper cheap, but not supper expensive either. Total distance travelled so far, = 4,890 Kms