The Cormanus Chronicles: 2018 January-February Ride

Khancoban to Bright

1 February 2018

Master Map

Pterodactyl:

The Day After
NoRoomToMove briefs Cormanus on the perfect plan for the day ahead

And then bathes. For those of you who have heard bad things about the land of Oz, there are no crocodiles in these waters.

The Summit
Well, someone said the Moon’s a Balloon. But that balloon had burst and we were heading for the “Roof of Australia”. When I write that, and I have done so previously on the Forum, I have a feeling that you blokes who have taken your CBs, or other, over the Rockies, the Swiss, German or Austrian Alps, the Himalayas, the Carpathians or almost anywhere, will crow that yours is bigger than ours. Well it is all we have got and we are proud of it, so go ahead, have your fun.

Above the snow line

Me, Last Blast and the Australian Alps

It’s not Marquez, it’s Cormanus getting it on

Last Blast, locked and loaded, checking the alpine scenery

On we went, twist and shout, through the Alps and on to the town of Bright where, waiting at the Alpine Hotel, was Aussieflyer and his immaculate caféd CB.

After a refreshment at the Alpine we enquired about accommodation. Camping was out of the question as a caféd CB is not the best for carrying all required. All booked out, something to do with bicycles. Cormanus finally found us lodging at a place on the outskirts of Bright. Off we wobbled to the Bright Cabin and Accommodation Park. A bit beaten up, about one star. First impression, not good. But the owners and staff were totally obliging and friendly. The majority of stayers seemed to be itinerant fruit pickers, mainly Asian, or European backpackers looking for an extended visa for rural work (don’t ask me to explain). The owners provided us with refreshments, but the kitchen was closed. Cormanus to the rescue, as usual. The CB1100 has many fine attributes but I feel it is a little over capacity and over-torqued for a pizza delivery bike. But not so. Versatile, I would say.

We slept well.

AussieFlyer tells his story ...

Seventeen years, or is it eighteen, I've lost count ... it's been such a very long time since touring on a motorcycle that I was almost as nervous as I was excited to be joining Cormanus, Ptero and NoRoomToMove for a roll around the Victorian high country. Any pre-ride anxiety was quickly forgotten as the weather turned out perfect and so was the company of these fine gents. Being the novice tourer, that I am, the guys went all out to accommodate me given my limited experience and touring capabilities. My CB has lost a lot of its luggage carrying capacity so carrying enough gear to go camping was not an option, cabins or motels my only options. Many thanks boys for your flexibility, I owe you one. Ptero's post and pics tell the story beautifully, I don't have much to add. If you've got time and don't mind seeing a few maps of the route then keep reading for some stuff as seen from the inside of my visor ...

Day 1 - North Bound
Beautiful day, sunny, low 30sC and just a light breeze, perfect for taking the windiest roads on the map that would land me somewhere near the town of Bright in Victoria's alpine region.

My buddy, Mick with the Barry Sheene tribute Suzuki, joined me for the first hour as we headed over the Kinglake Ranges into the quiet township of Yea. A coffee and toasted sandwich with a side order of tall stories about days gone by then it was time for Mick to turn around and I to continue north.

Brunch at Yea

Next stop is Mansfield where there isn't much going on, a sleepy town in the foothills of the Victorian alps with a population of around 4000. Was a thriving city back in its hey day on the major stock route and serving the local gold mining industry. For me it was just a fuel and refreshment stop after a brisk ride on the boring straight roads from Yea.

Onwards to Whitfield. Now the roads start to get a little more exciting as it passes over the top of a smaller mountain, I can't recall its name. Plenty of curves and pretty scenery to keep up the interest level whilst making my way closer to meeting up with the guys. A quick stop at the Whitfield cafe for a coffee, home made muesli slice and chat with a table of locals having afternoon tea.

Whitfield to Bright through the King Valley famous for its wines, produce and fine foods also meant it had a bit of traffic, it was a slow pace. End of Day 1 marked by a visit to the Alpine Hotel Bright where there was a very cold beer and a comfortable seat to wait for the boys to arrive ... on reflection I had time for two beers thanks to the fast run from Yea to Mansfield.

A refreshing ale at Bright

Was a great catch up with the guys, we talked until the early hours of the morning.