Adventure With A Capital A. But. I Handled It!

27 Feb Adventure With A Capital A. But. I Handled It!

As I got ready to leave Comboyne, three local gentlemen informed me the road to Wingham had 17 km’s of dirt! Dirt! Really! 

I could back track they way I had ridden –  the long way, they said. After a discussion about road conditions, terrain, steepness, towing and my left leg they assured me the road was good, the views beautiful and,  I’d handle it. 

With a great sense of adventure I rode off. True to their word the first 10 km’s were good. The dirt road was mostly compact, patches of stone and gravel, nothing to worry about. The scenery was beautiful- lush bushland and patches of rain forest.

I felt relaxed in the seat, empowered, adventurous and blessed. 

A kilometre or so into the descent it became a white knuckle ride. I found religion. Unsure which God could save me, I prayed to them all!

Then, the rear brake failed. SHIT! Yep, that’s what I said too!

I managed to stabilise Fat Bob on the side stand before getting off. I found and placed a couple of rocks under Fat Bob and Mr T’s wheels. I pumped the rear brake pedal a few times-nothing. 

Right! Guess I’ll just wait here awhile. Rain started to fall! 

Miraculously I had phone coverage. I rang Mr Pete to tell him of my predicament (a kind of honey I’m going to be late for dinner) before calling Mr Dave at Skids Mobile Mechanical and Dyno Services. Mr Dave laughed when I said “hello, I’m in a spot of bother”.

“I think you’ve been stitched up” he remarked as he listened to the story unfold. 

He talked me through a contingency plan. The brakes came good and I was ready to go again. 

Mr Bob and Miss Glenys

A red dual cab approached from the opposite direction. I apologised to Mr Bob for blocking the way as I explained to him what had happened. He looked concerned. I reassured him I’d be ok.

His lovely wife Miss Glenys was having none of it. “I think we’ll turn around and escort you down, it’s very steep. Especially in the wet” she said. 

I have to say it was kinda reassuring seeing their red ute out in front. It was a slow trek. The brakes failed a twice more.

We would just pull over, best we could, and wait for them to cool down. I learnt through our road side chats they were farmers from Camboyne. To me, they were saints. 

It is amazing when you are at your most vulnerable how the right people with hearts of gold turn up to help. 

Safe and sound at the bottom I thanked them profusely for their help. A firm handshake for Mr Bob and a great big hug for Miss Glenys. 

I was happy to see bitumen again.  It was short lived though. Jeeez, the roads throughout this region are bad. Real bad! The scenery make up for it. I think green is my new favourite colour. 

I was exhausted on arrival into Dungog. So was my body. I parked up in the main street, crossed the road and entered the Coffee Bean Cafe  and ordered a latte from the very welcoming Miss Lorraine and Miss Amanda. 

Outside I discovered a message regarding changes to my Newcastle accommodation. I made the call then and there to have a rest day in Dungog. I needed to! I cancelled a couple of ‘meet and greets’ planned in Newcastle for the following day. Everyone was very understanding towards my need for self care. Something I was grateful for. 

I sat back and enjoyed a great latte before setting up camp at the local Bowling Club.

Stretches, a wonderful hot shower and delicious Chinese for dinner-too tired to cook lol 

It had been a very adventurous day. But. I handled it 🙂 x