The Cormanus Chronicles: 2018 January-February Ride

Bright to Bruthen to Mitta Mitta

2 February 2018

Let's start with AussieFlyer's take on the day ...

Day 2 - Going around the bend

The AM
Well, if I enjoyed the roads on day 1 then the only way for me to describe day 2 is "bloody brilliant".

I had no idea where we were going and just didn't care, it was 'follow the leader' where the aim was to keep Ptero and Cormanus in sight. NoRoToMo was the responsible one keeping an eye on us all from the tail of the group — thanks mate. We rolled around a few hills going through Harrietville then over Mount Hotham on the highest coach road in Australia.

NoRoToMo was cruising up behind us taking in the magnificent scenery.

We're on top of Australia!

The road opens up into some big fast sweepers as we head down the mountain into Dinner Plain and onwards to Omeo. Stopping for a look at the ancient valley, this is where Ptero took that photo of the four helmeted amigos. A quick reconfirmation of where we're going but I didn't care as I'm doing my best impersonation of a dog being offered a joy ride — anywhere will do, let's go!

So how was this place formed?

Aha, that's how

Condition of the roads was really good, in particular the section from Ensay through Tambo Crossing on to Bruthen was just magnificent, great surface and easy to manage corners with no nasty surprises. It was just awesome to be cruising along with the boys soaking up the scenery of this beautiful valley and getting into the rhythm of seemingly endless corners. From time to time when the boys knew I couldn't stuff up any of the route, i.e. no intersections to make a wrong turn at, they'd let me have a run in the front seat where the view is even better. It's about now that I kick myself for waiting 17 years to do this again, made a promise to self to do it again next summer.

The PM
Lunch at Bruthen, bid farewell to NoRoToMo then head back up the same road but this time we turn right at Omeo and head to Mitta Mitta. More absolutely stunning scenery and roads that must have been crafted by a crew of hardcore motorcyclists, the road into Mitta Mitta is black top heaven just ask InHouseBob. We're talkin' head turnin', body leanin', peg scrapin', fun roads.

A great meal at the Mitta Mitta pub and some very entertaining conversation at the dinner table. Ptero and Cormanus have been touring together for years and it shows when you get them talking over a wine or two. They're a bit like two radio show DJs, they'll keep you entertained the whole night with banter and tales of previous trips.

Now let's turn to Pterodactyl's recollection of events ...

With the aroma of the Garlic Prawn Supreme and good Aussie beer, no, great Aussie beer, filling my Shoei we set sail from Bright. A good ride over the Great Alpine Road to Bruthen, on the east coast.

What good looking roosters are these?

At Bruthen we said “hooray” to NoRoomToMove and the three remaining CBers headed back across the Omeo Valley Highway to Mitta Mitta. What a ride, what a great ride. I led the way but became conscious of the howl of Aussieflyer’s PipeMasters beginning to intrude on my peace and quiet. Let him go I thought. Well he did go. Great lines and body movement through 100kms of very twisty road. I had to push it to keep him in sight; Cormanus said, “I’ve never ridden so fast”. With my camping gear on board I trashed another set of feeler pegs to keep up the pace. Good stuff. Thanks Aussieflyer, we loved it and want more. Much more mate, much more.