I BUNGLED BIG TIME

…AND ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF IT WORDS/PHOTOS DON LEYS

“I NEVER MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE TWICE. I MAKE IT FIVE OR SIX TIMES, JUST TO BE SURE.” ANONYMOUS (OBVIOUSLY)

They say that when you really bungle, you should do it in style.

Well, I bungled big time, my accomplice being my stylish (most would disagree) Yamaha XJ900 Diversion. She’s a grand old friend, 20 years young this year, but never misses a beat, and she just loves the open road… all the way to the Warrum-bungles!!

Having ridden from Sydney to Wodonga (just in Vic) on the uneventful Hume Highway to visit my parents on the farm, I spent several days assisting with crutching of sheep and feeding of livestock in the chilly winter weather. From here, for this country boy who now lives in the city, it was off to the north-west of N.S.W. to ride the western plains (like Clancy of the Overfl ow*), enjoying the freedom of the ride on uncluttered roads and the smoothness of the XJ900 as it purred along the delightfully well formed and maintained Newell and Oxley Highways, with their ever changing landscapes.

Yes! The Bungle (Big Time!) was yet to come. Of course, I mean the Warrumbungles.

Forbes has a number of great cafes (there’s good tucker in Forbes), and a central park that hosts a number of activities. While I tried to resolve whether the town was setting up towelcome me, or some (other?) celebrity, the XJ “hob-nobbed” with a Trumpie nearby.

It turned out to be some other celebrity, but I didn’t mind.

Finally, in a northerly direction, the Warrumbungles appeared, an ancient series of volcanic spires and plugs. Meanwhile in the west, a glorious western plains sunset was the crowning glory to a wonderful day.

Tooraweenah, on the western fringe of the Warrumbungle National Park, has a beaut caravan park with the outstanding virtue of country hospitality. Sarah serves scones, jam, and cream to guests on their arrival! This was my base for the next several days, where by day the XJ900 and I explored the Warrumbungle Ranges, the nearby regional roads, and friendly country towns (with bonus coffee shops).

By night, it was time for the exchange of information around the campfi re, sniffi ng the eucalyptus-laden air, and marveling at night at the wondrous glory of the everlasting stars of the Creation above (another Clancy moment**). The caravan park at Tooraweenah has some self contained cabins that are ideal for the solitary (or small group) rider with a love for the great outdoors (or indoors, as the case may be in a cabin).

If you are into views from mountain tops, then the 16km round trip walk to Mount Exmouth (1206 metres A.S.L ) in the National Park is just right for you.

“There are much shorter walks for the more normal among us”. I first coined this expression as I hobbled around the next day, nursing several blisters!

There are many fascinating destinations just a short ride from base, such as the Siding Springs Observatory in the National Park, Tooraweenah Airstrip and historic village, Gilgandra (home to both the famous WW1 Cooee March, and the Rock Cake Bakery), Pilliga National Park, Sandstone Caves, and even Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo.

Turning the XJ900 in a south easterly direction, I finally set sail for a comfortable day trip home to Sydney, taking in Mendooran, Dunedoo, Gulgong and Mudgee, all nicely spaced along the very ride able Castlereagh Highway. There’s a wise and very old saying: “Never make the same mistake twice!”. It’s a proper bit of wisdom, but I suspect that before too long I will Bungle again.

*We thought Clancy had gone to Queensland droving, and we don’t know where he are? Bungled again, Don… **Yes, this one is right, Don.

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