What a grand couple of days it’s been, even if I say so myself! You see, unfortunately due to prior commitments I missed last year’s adventure ride. So, when Clare, from Ural Australia, asked if I’d like to plan the route for this year’s adventure, I jumped at it.
Every year Ural Australia put this event on for their “customers”. Entry fee is $25, you turn up with your Ural and have a ball.
The event kicked off with the release of the all new 2WD Ural Gear Up. The US, Canada and Europe have had this machine for a good few years and we’ve missed out, until now. Ural especially air freighted out a machine to coincide with the adventure ride. From all accounts it’s a go anywhere machine, ideally suited for anything this country can throw at it and I’m sure it will be a real success.
This year’s ride included 17 bikes, all from New South Wales. Our comrades in Brisbane are waiting for the border to re-open and they’ll be coming down to ride the route at a later date.
Day 1 started at Ural HQ in Uralla, then on to Walcha, Nowendoc and overnighted in Wingham. The day was spent meandering through some of the most beautiful countryside in New South Wales on awesome roads. The weather gods treated us well, dumping rain on the dusty roads the evening before departure and despite the dire weather forecast, held off pretty much all day. Everyone arrived safely, no breakdowns, no missing rigs and everyone in high spirits.
Next day saw the group heading from Wingham back to Ural HQ. Our route took us along forest roads up the hill to Elands, on to Ellenborough Falls, then Gingers Creek, Walcha and back to Uralla. The heavens opened just before midday and we were presented with a few challenges in the form of greasy, mushy clay surfaced roads. Not a problem on three wheels, keep up the momentum and hold your nerve. At the end of the stretch there was much excited chatter, and everyone got through without any issues.
We arrived back in Uralla by 3pm. Shower and off to the Top Pub for a farewell dinner and a couple of celebratory ales. I must confess I really did enjoy myself and I feel privileged to have led such a great bunch of people on this ride. Next year we’re going to do a 2 nighter, the planning has already begun.
Hazzah, until next year!!!