Adventure Rider Training tour to Phillip Island

If you're coming from the Sunshine State for the Australian MotoGP this October, check this out. We've reproduced Todd's detailed account of the first two days of this four-day tour here. For the full route, log on to www.adventurerider.com.au where you'll also find other travel routes, riding tips and information on the dual sport and adventure rider training and organised tours offered by A-R-T.

Now we all like different things, so I'll suggest those things that you might want to see/do on the way. You won't have the time or inclination for them all, but I'll mention them all the same, particularly the early sights on day one since most people coming from the Sunny Coast live there and will have probably done /seen it all. Then again, sometimes you just put things off that are local for another day and if you're like me, you've left regions that you've lived in with more than a little disappointment at the number of things you "didn't get around to doing". Just sayin'...!

Day 1: From the Sunshine Coast, head out to Kilcoy via Beerwah (Australia Zoo) and Peachester (Glasshouse Mtns and Peachester Range). Hook a left a few km's out of Kilcoy across the Somerset Dam Rd and just out of Somerset, left through Splityard Creek. This takes you through the very rarely used section of the Brisbane Valley Parkway right past the bottom of Mt Glorious.

Back on to the Hwy just north of Fernvale, head down to the Cunningham and hook a U turn immediately to head toward Toowoomba, but in about 8kms take the Amberly/Walloon exit. Hit the Cunningham and go east toward Ipswich and take the first exit on the Ipswich Boona Rd. Follow that down to Boona and on to Rathdowney. From there, you're on the tail end of the Mt Lindsey Hwy and the best bit. It's all been fixed up over the southern side through the twisties, but watch the odd damp corner. Just before Woodenbong, take the left onto the Summerland Way to Kyogle. I'd advise you to get fuel here at the Caltex on the corner and maybe grab a centre park (you know you're in the good country when you can park in the centre of the street!) up at the Exchange Hotel for a counter lunch. After refreshments, the run through Casino to Grafton is excellent and you can make good time through there. If you've taken advantage of the view and stopped to soak in the atmosphere (remember, you should be ENJOYING the ride - save the racing for the track!) and take a few happy snaps, you should be looking for a place to stay and Grafton is a great choice. No shortage of choices, from pub room to 5 star motel.

Wherever you stay, there is no better way to see that day out than to polish of a kilo of prawns on the verandah of the Crown Hotel looking over the Clarence River!

Day 2: If day 1 was to your liking, you'll love day 2! Head out of Grafton over the crazy bent bridge that used to have a centre section which was raised to allow the large river boats through. After the river industry died off and they routed the town water over it, that stopped. Head down the hill off the eastern end and go straight through the roundabout and head for Nymboida. Just out of the town limits there is a turn to go across to Coffs Harbour via Glenreigh and Nana Glen - a good shortcut if you have the need for it one day. You might even run into Russell Crowe at the Golden Dog in Glenreigh! The first half of the road to Ebor winds its way across some grazing land in a succession of sweeping corners and short straights. There are some farm houses close to the road in sections, so keep an eye out for kids on pushies and the family dog. The second half of the road climbs its way up onto the New England tablelands through a huge tract of national parkland from Clouds Ck to Dundurrabin. This is absolutely awesome country and the road is every bit its match - one to really enjoy. As you get up onto the tablelands, the country opens up into classic granite countryside and you can notice the coolness in the air.

Eventually, you'll find yourself in Ebor and its little hotel always has a fire going and a yarn as well. Stop in for a squash and - if you're feeling frisky - have a dash of bitters in it!

The run over to Armidale is nice, but keep an eye on the kanga/walla/foxes and the plod. It's easy to get distracted with the endless rollercoaster ride through the manicured grasslands courtesy of the sheep and cattle grazing in the area. You'll probably need to grab fuel in Armidale. If you're a fan of architecture, you'll appreciate the beautiful churches in town, most of which you can see from the road as you make your way across to Tamworth. If you're an Australian history buff, you'll know about the bushranger connection this area of New England has. About 6 kms past Urala, you can stop off and see 'Thunderbolts Rock' - a large granite formation used by Captain Thunderbolt to evade the local constabulary. Take note as you pass through Bendemeer, as it marks the northern end of the infamous 'Oxley Hwy'.

Make some time to come back here an explore the road from Walcha down to Long flat via Ginger Creek one day - it's a blast (but of course, you knew that). Make some time in your day to stop off in Tamworth. There is the Golden Guitar Wax Museum, a tribute the the country music family and the festival held there every year. On a more motorcycle specific note, the PowerHouse Motorcycle Museum on you way in is well worth a look. There is a very eclectic assortment of hardware from all eras and some very tasty morsels indeed. The guy who runs the tours is a real card and full of info, too. Tamworth is also a good place to grab some fuel as the run down through Werri's Creek and Spring Ridge may not have premium fuel for those beasts that need it.

This little short cut is a good opportunity to make up time and is lightly trafficked. Some sections are a good single lane of bitumen with an unsealed shoulder and no centre marking. It's usually kept in good condition, but take it as it comes when you first hit it. This section ends just past a little town called Coolah, which is famous as the home of the real "Black Stump". You'll go past the rest area about 10Kms before Coolah and need to keep an eye out for it. There is a burnt out 'stump' there to have your photo taken next to, but the signs indicate that the original location lays some metres away by the creek. Follow the signs to Dunedoo and on to Dubbo, where you'll be back in reality - and traffic - again. Adjust your riding style accordingly. If you can fit it in, I would suggest at least half a day at the Western Plains Zoo. It's not only a great destination in its own right, but an opportunity to rest up at the "midway" point of the ride.

Day 3: Obley, Yeoval, Cumnock, Molong, Cudal, Canowindra, Cowra, Young, Harden, Jugiong, Gundagai, Tumut, Cooma,

Day 4: Bombala, Cann River, Bairnsdale, Phillip Island
See a detailed description of Days 3 and 4 of the A-R-T ride to the Island at www.adventurerider.com.au