Beffy's Zig Zag Adventures on Igor
/Our loose “Plan A” was to leave Tasmania to participate in the Ural Rally at Bathurst, then take a slow path towards Cape York encountering as many dirt roads as possible, then head home via the Great Central Road through WA and SA.
A visit with Uralee and Princess, who gave us a place to park, enjoy refreshments, laughter and a walking tour of the area, came to our rescue providing us with a highly decorated silver teaspoon as we failed to pack this essential item.
Jake and Simone assisted in teaching us the fine art of traversing land slips and bog holes. A most memorable adventure that has raised my Ural handling to a high regard amongst motor bikers that we have met (when they see the video). I have also learnt how to do oil changes after being stuck in a water hole for some time.
The Bathurst Rally was a truly memorable event with great rides, rekindling of old acquaintances and meeting of the newbies. Tackling the Bridle Track was a huge achievement for all. With the forecast of heavy rain and flooding, our adventure north required a more urgent departure, but not before we were blessed with special gifts from Bob and Sue, a handmade pen and a small wooden bowl.
Rain and floods forced the change to “Plan B”, which had not been formulated, it just grew from suggestions and necessity. The journey far north was now not an option.
A side trip to Ural HQ for supplies and a visit to the legendary Jon and Vicki Taylor, who regaled us with the history of their journey of importing Urals which was a treat. We then planned an impromptu visit to a couple, Bobsie and Wheels, in Yamba.
What a blast this visit ended up being. I was issued with my “L’s” from Bobsie, learner, lunatic or loser? You can make up your own minds there! They gave us tips and tricks for maintenance, camping with a sidecar, weekly food prep and general good laughter. We explored the area on bikes, fought off water beasts at flooded crossings, and made good use of the sidecar’s ability to carry supplies home from the beverage store.
Wheels and Bobsie provided us with a 7 day motorbike adventure in the Victorian High Country that we took on with great enthusiasm. Dirt roads, corrugations as deep as a newly furrowed pasture, potholes that nearly reached China and all of this, predominately to ourselves. Jindabyne to Delegate, Delegate to Buchan, Buchan to Omeo, Omeo to Jindabyne. Oh how glorious these roads were to explore some beautiful country. We then moved camp to Omeo where we explored dirt roads to Dargo and return. The next day Omeo, Mitta Mitta, Mount Beauty, Omeo. The autumn colours were a sheer delight along with the alpine vegetation and views. Victorians, you have a wonderful area as your backyard.
Along this journey we have had some great advice on road conditions from Forestry, locals and other Ural riders especially Pokey..thanks mate. Oh yeah, loads of UDF moments everywhere. Today I was hiking a hill and a fellow hiker, passing in the opposite direction mentioned she has seen another sidecar in WA with ‘New Zealand’ on their luggage..Andi and Ellen from NZ. Take home message..we are seen by many that we don’t even know.
In three and a half months Igor has run beautifully , except when submerged, has clocked over 8 thousand kilometres, and is now due for some new tread.
Words by Beffy (Beth) Cooke. Photos by Beffy and husband Phil (riding two wheels).
Many thanks for sharing some of your adventures with us!
