No worries, I am guessing that the deep gravel section is the first layer of roadbase that will soon be rolled and crushed flatter, so I hope its all good for you by then. The climb up the mountain had a lots of thin mud across the road from smaller landslides, the roadcrews did an excellent job of keeping the way clear of obstacles (such as entire trees !) Two of our group hit small birds, one bird broke off a rear view mirror and the other filled a grill and probably his air filter with feathers. I beeped my horn at any birds on the road and didnt hit anything, although one disgruntled wedgtail eagle did protest at moving off his carcass.Thanks Mountain Lagoon ... planning a trip up Thunderbolts on 19th of next month ... may be little more repaired by then.
Agree, the Port Stevens cutting is a good bit of road. A few years back just after a few of us had ridden down the cutting we stopped at the Dungowan pub for a meal and a beer and the publican was telling us of the visits they have from one local resident who occasionally rides the cutting at a very fast pace!!. Last time he was on a red Ducati. I think next time he will be on a Honda!!!This loop you did was a favourite of mine some years ago, when the bit in the middle was first sealed. We mostly for reasons I don't know, seemed to do it on the long weekend in June. I recall one Saturday night, a local in the pub told how his thermometer at home read -9C the previous night. I was no warmer the 2 days we were there!
This is still a popular destination with riders to-day, especially with Ulyssians. A different route home I suggest to try is????? can't think of the name now but will describe enough for those interested. Head back along Thunderbolt Way about 15-30 kms and you will find a a road to the right which eventually heads South and joins the Dungowan Road. There are not too many roads that do this. Aaaah memory returns, the road is called Post Office road and the great windy bit is Port Stephens Cutting. It's a real hoot flying down the cutting as you can see if there is oncoming traffic. The cutting drops maybe 200 meters and if time permits maybe a return up and down again will be memorable. The views are worth a pic stop both from the top, looking down or from the bottom looking up. The Dungowan road is very picturesque along the creek and you can travel to Tamworth or via Nundle and the several roads from there. Take a camera if you go and post a pic or three.
Cheers Satrurn5,This loop you did was a favourite of mine some years ago, when the bit in the middle was first sealed. We mostly for reasons I don't know, seemed to do it on the long weekend in June. I recall one Saturday night, a local in the pub told how his thermometer at home read -9C the previous night. I was no warmer the 2 days we were there!
This is still a popular destination with riders to-day, especially with Ulyssians. A different route home I suggest to try is????? can't think of the name now but will describe enough for those interested. Head back along Thunderbolt Way about 15-30 kms and you will find a a road to the right which eventually heads South and joins the Dungowan Road. There are not too many roads that do this. Aaaah memory returns, the road is called Post Office road and the great windy bit is Port Stephens Cutting. It's a real hoot flying down the cutting as you can see if there is oncoming traffic. The cutting drops maybe 200 meters and if time permits maybe a return up and down again will be memorable. The views are worth a pic stop both from the top, looking down or from the bottom looking up. The Dungowan road is very picturesque along the creek and you can travel to Tamworth or via Nundle and the several roads from there. Take a camera if you go and post a pic or three.
+1 on the cutting. From Walcha TBW take the first turn on the RHS about 1km. Follow this road through Niangala, meets up with the Prt Stevens cutting road. Excellent ride.Agree, the Port Stevens cutting is a good bit of road. A few years back just after a few of us had ridden down the cutting we stopped at the Dungowan pub for a meal and a beer and the publican was telling us of the visits they have from one local resident who occasionally rides the cutting at a very fast pace!!. Last time he was on a red Ducati. I think next time he will be on a Honda!!!