Mrs MM and junior had been detailed to move the topsoil pile while we were out.

After a refreshing hot brew we mounted up and headed for Berowra Waters and our first ferry. To get there we rode down a tight winding road that looked barely wide enough for 2 bikes let alone a car traveling in each direction. We time our arrival impecably and almost don't have to wait, onto the ferry and across. forgot to take a photo!

Off the ferry, one down 3 to go, on to Wiseman's. Errol is on a mission, what learner speed limit Icedog? Along the way we lost MM who was riding drag. We found a place to turn around and headed back looking for him only to have him pass us going the other way. We found another place to turn around and go back to where we were originally going, MM is pulled over waiting for us, seems he stopped to collect my yellow "mudflap" which had fallen off. I jambed it back under the numberplate frame and said, "If it falls off again don't worry". MM replied "I wouldn't want you getting booked", "Mate" I said, "the pace Errol's setting the L-plate's going to be the least of my worries" . Off we set again for Wiseman's - the last little bit of the ride is a tight winding decent from the ridge to the river and here we are at Webb's Creek ferry (which happens to be at township of Wiseman's Ferry - never fear, there is also a Wiseman's ferry on the other bend of the river across town). While waiting for the ferry we check the map . This time I remember the camera.





2 ferrys down 2 to go, we turn left and follow the river, I start to get worried when we pass through a gate and start crossing speed bumps. Eventually we find the end of the road, guess we missed the turn, nice looking resort though.







We again consult the map. Ah ha, should have turned right onto Bicentennial Rd. "Did anyone see a Bicentennial Rd?" "Um, yes I did, thought the name sounded familiar but... it was a gravel road headed up the hill - it doesn't show gravel road on the map " "Oh well it can't be too far and its a long way back, lets go"

We backtrack to where we should have turned.





Icedog takes the lead, the low profile Battlax skips and scrabbles for grip at 25kph, this is "interesting", I keep hunting between 1st and 2nd gear trying to minimise wheel slip while trying to reduce the effect of the corregations. We spread out further to avoid each other's dust. After 8 km of thrilling gravel road we come to an intersection - sign post tells us Bicentennial Rd is back the way we came but doesn't tell us what road we are on - handy! Time to consult the map again.



MM says "Mate, you've lost the mudflap again". "Good" says I, "it can stay lost"

Errol can't get a lock on his phone GPS but since we can hear ski boats down at the river and since none of us saw any road turning off labelled either Greens or Bicentennial we deduce we must still be on the right path and once again saddle up.

Another 4 km of gravel (trailbikes these ain't!!!) and we finally find bitumen and another 3 km and there's No 3 - the Lower Portland ferry. And surprise there is quite a queue - the Rebels MC has beaten us to the punt and no, they didn't get there via the gravel road, the Hogs are all sparkly clean.



Its hot and everyone is trying to stay parked in shade while we wait.



Q: How many H-D riders does it take to fill a punt ? A: 1 - the rest are there to make sure he doesn't wear effective protective gear



And if the Rebels were not enough another MC arrived while we were waiting our turn



After about 3 ferry loads of Rebels and a quick check of our map for the other side we finally get on the punt.



3 down 1 more to go. We turn right on River Rd and follow the river again for a way down past flood-plain farm land - ahhh smell those cows. Right onto Sackville Ferry Rd and at last come to ferry 4, the Sackville ferry. After our last ferry its wonderful to be almost at the head of the queue, especially since there is no shade here.





4 down, time to head for lunch. We zoom off through Ebanezer, Wilberforce, and cross the river again (by bridge) at Windsor. A short cruise through the cafe racer hangout that Windsor seems to have become and after a brief consult we decide that a pit stop for pies at our Pitt Town pie shop is the way to go. A short ride takes us to Pitt Town where we dine.


(stock photo)

Refreshed its off again to the treacherous Galston Gorge (heavy vehilcles prohibited) - for those that don't know the Galston Gorge Rd has a number of 5 kph hairpin bends each with a significant rise (or fall) through the fold of the bend. Even keeping as wide as I could on the left handers ( this is OZ, the lefthanders are the really tight ones) the GV650 was not really able to navigate these without running a wee bit wide and crossing the lines (yeah yeah, crap rider) but these are really nasty turns with plenty of gravel on the inside so with that combined with the steep rise it is impossible to cut in close which makes the good line very hard to find - why didn't I bring the sportbike instead of the long cruiser???!!! No chance of any pics here, sorry. We finally climb out of the gorge and run back along the ridge to Hornsby where we say our farewells and each head for home.

Riding back across town it seems uncomfortably hot and steamy. Looking to the west I see dark clouds forming into masses, don't tell me I'm going to have to run for home again! :RAIN: Fortunately its not building as quickly this time and I'm not riding into it so no mad dash needed. I beat the weather home with about 5 minutes to spare.



Now to find a nice soft cushion, those corregations did nothing for my tailbone. Must find out how Errol fared with his wizz-bang Airhawk butt pad.

...hmmm, wonder if Mrs MM finished spreading that topsoil?