Day 1: Brisbane to Wauchope
5 August 2024
I rode to Wauchope to meet Pterodactyl. Why? Because it's near enough to halfway between Sydney and Brisbane; sits near the eastern end of the Oxley Highway, reckoned by some to be the best motorcycle road in Australia; and hosts the Wauchope Motel, a friendly and pleasant place to stay. My route took me along many a road oft travelled, so I won't repeat myself describing them.
The one exception — early in the day, on the Lions Road — was to set a precedent for other days on this ride. Signs warned the road was closed to heavy vehicles due to a bridge repair, but I thought little of it as it was clear that the CB was included in the class of vehicle that could pass. As I approached Simes Rd, I was warned of the detour which took me east on an OK gravel road. It climbed a bit and then descended again and, after a while, I began to wonder not only where I'd return to the highway, but also whether the gravel would ever end.
In the end, near the junction with Collins Creek Road, the road was again covered in glorious bitumen and I enjoyed a fast and pleasant run on a largely deserted country road to Wiangaree.
There I rejoined the Summerland Way and made my way along back roads to Coffs Harbour via Grafton. At that point I joined the freeway for the final run to Wauchope.
Forty five kilometres north of Wauchope, the CB1100 passed another milestone.
I was unpacking the bike when I heard the growl of the Pterodactyl's Staintune.
