Snowys

I would like to ride to Jindabyne next week, then have a look around
the snowy for a few days. BOM seems to think there will be a bit of a
window of fine but cool weather then, although I know the weather gods
are a bit fickle this time of year. Anyway the question is, are there
any 'must do' things that I ought to know about. Things like good
rides (R1200RT - not a trail bike), natural wonders, art galleries,
good motels, etc?
I'll be traveling alone, so should I report my whereabouts to someone
there? Who? I will of course be in touch with home.
Any tips about coping with the cold?
Any info appreciated.

 

Yer timing's close to shite! <grin> I've heard that the Cooma-Jindabyne
ride is lovely, but haven't tried it myself. If there's no snow, you could
go from Jindabyne to Tom Groggin (according to my maps), up through
Khancoban and onto the roads to either Cabramurra, Kiandra, Adaminaby, Cooma
(oops, that's heading back towards CBR there!) or up through Khancoban, left
towards Corryong and then up through Tooma, Tumbarumba, Batlow etc.

You didn't say where your endpoint is supposed to be.... is this a ride
through, around or what???

Not sure about the sights to see - I reckon if you're in the Snowy you ought
to go to the big Tumut power station. Apart from that, the roads and views
are so spectacular I reckon a Jetboil, some water and some coffee by the
side of the road would be more than enough to feed the soul...

Hope the weather holds for you. Yep, you should probably have a phone
contact in the area if you are turned back by weather and need alternate
accommodation. Dunno about in the Snowy Region, but if you need a place to
thaw (ha ha bloody HA!) in Canberra you can call me (email my gmail for
mobile number). Not a good idea if you're allergic to cats, btw <grin>

As for coping with the cold - heated grips? Layers (lots of, that can be
added/removed when necessary). Stay hydrated - when you're rugged up you
tend to lose more fluid than you think. Warm socks. Lots of ppl think about
all the other bits, but forget that feetses get cold too! I find the neck is
the most vital bit for me - if my throat is cold, the rest of me is cold -
and cold that seeps between the shoulder blades stiffens my shoulders and
makes the bike hard to handle. I guess regular stops are also good - my
desperate marathon run home on the weekend made me stiff and sore
everywhere, not just on the bits that were already injured.

You'll have a ball, mrH - just take heed of weather warnings and err on the
side of caution!

betty

 

Yeah, dont drop ya bloody phone in the river taking snap shots :|

Shadow
<to its credit, the sumbish still works>

 

Keep an eye out for an old fart on a blue R100RS. I plan on staying in
Tintaldra Friday night, and heading for the Unaugural on Saturday either
via Cabramurra/Kiandra or via Thredbo/Jindabyne depending on my whim at
the time.

If the power station near Cabramurra is till doing underground tours,
they're well worth the time. Also the steep, twisty climb back up is
one of my favourite bits of road (so long as there is no bus coming
down). If you are staying at Jindy, the run up to Charlottes pass is
kinda nice, as is the loop mentioned by Betty. (I'm assuming you like
tight, winding roads).
Moike

 

Well same goes for you - old fart on a red R1200RT in my case. I
suspect I'll be there after you leave though.
I don't break records, but apart from oncoming buses of which you
speak I'm not afraid of the twisties. I plan to do the underground
tour if I can. I'll also take up your (and Betty's) suggested loop.
Thanks for the response

 

The last time I was in the Snowy it wasn't snowing, but there was
plenty of it on the ground under my skis.


BTH

 

[...]
Firstly, sorry to hear about your accident - unfortunate that it only
involved a wheelchair though, doncha think?(as compared to, say, an
Abrams tank or somesuch)

I came up to Jindabine from Kiama via Bega - long day and arrived late
at the digs. Next day Charlotte Pass then down to Dalgety. Nice easy
day, beautiful weather, very scenic.
The following day was that circle via Tom Groggin then Tumbarumba,
back to Cabramurra then through Adaminaby and back to digs at
Jindabine. This was a biggy and the hot shower after had a feeling
similar to what I expect of Heaven when I get there.
The following day was back toward home via Cann River, overnighting at
Bega.
Superb weather, enough snow to be scenic without it being a problem.
The only problem was that there was insufficient time to do everything
I wanted to do.Those twisties before Kancoban and then up to
Cabramurra were as tight, long and demanding as I remember them in a
car many years ago.
Thanks to all for the advice - it all helped to make a very enjoyable
week.

As I said - a ball was had. And yes, caution was the word of the week.

In my research for this trip, I came across a report on survey of
motorcycle accidents in the Snowys. It seems that a big number of
crashes occur when stragglers try to catch up with the group. I
thought about this whilst preparing for each day's ride, especially
whilst double checking tie-downs, false starting having forgotten to
put the gloves on, and again after forgetting to tie on the helmet,
finish zipping the jacket, etc etc.
I think I'll stay away from group rides for a bit longer...