Ask anyone who rides a motorcycle why they do, and chances are they'll tell you the same thing. They ride for pleasure. It's the simple wind-in-your-face elixir that brings stress relief and sheer fun.
While daily commuting may not have the same benefits, a day or weekend ride either alone or with pals is a cherished tonic to break the workday blues.
Around the state of NSW, we have roads seemingly made for motorcycles. Away from the mind-numbing motorways, they twist and turn through delightful countryside, often ending in a rewarding destination for an overnight stop or maybe just to visit a favourite bakery, cafe or pub.
Here are five popular and well-tested routes every motorcycle enthusiast should know.
Southern 'Pie-lands'
An easy day or overnight trip from Sydney, the glorious Southern Highlands offers plenty of variety – and great bakeries – for riders of all motorcycle types. And there are several ways to get there and back without getting snarled in weekend traffic.
Many riders will choose a route that begins with a leisurely ride through the Royal National Park, along the beaches north of Wollongong, then a satisfying run up Macquarie Pass where the Robertson Pie Shop quells the hunger of scores of riders every day.
Clover Hill Trail, Macquarie Pass National Park (Photo credit: Destination NSW)
Get your fill of great gourmet feasting anywhere in Bowral, Moss Vale, Mittagong or Berrima (Schmokin' right on the old highway is a popular haunt for classy bikers) and head home via the Old Hume Highway or Wilson Drive. Tip: June is 'Pie Time' in the Highlands
Old Hume Highway
If you've got a few extra days, head on from the Southern Highlands towards Albury taking as much of the nostalgic Old Hume Highway as you can. If you're a certain age, chances are you'll have fond memories of family road trips in the old Falcon or Kingswood down the narrow tarmac through towns like Goulburn, Yass, Gunning and Gundagai – all now bypassed by the wide and quiet dual carriageway.
Countryside, Gundagai (Photo credit: Destination NSW)
There are even some sections around Bookham that haven't seen a semi-trailer – or much else – in more than 30 years and make for a fascinating exploration.
You'll be surprised at the attraction these quiet towns now have with slow travellers. Thumb any of the thousands of secondhand books at the Argyle Emporium in Goulburn, drop in on TV star Max Cullen at The Picture House Gallery and Bookshop or shop the gourmet strip in old Jugiong. There are plenty of return-trip options anywhere along the route too.
Go For Broke
The Putty Road north out of Windsor is a great way to get to the Hunter Valley from Sydney by motorcycle. It's a challenging route for keen riders and one to be respected, so go easy please.
That said, it is an enormously rewarding ride and one best done with company, or you can catch up with riding buddies, old and new, at the Grey Gum Cafe around the halfway mark.
Day trippers will choose to return via Broke and Wollombi on the equally exhilarating Paynes Crossing Road. Again, easy does it. Or, if you're up for a weekend, keep going via Jerrys Plains and Wollar to Mudgee and Rylstone where you can knock yourself out with great food and wine, as well as stay at any number of quaint country pubs. Tip: Wings, Wheels & Wine festival is on in April.
Township, Rylstone (Photo credit: Destination NSW)
Old Pacific Highway
Again, there are all-day or multi-day options for this northern route.
Peel off the motorway at Berowra and head towards Brooklyn on the twisty B83 where you’ll discover plenty of riders to keep you company. The Pie in the Sky is a great spot to stretch your legs, grab a coffee and pie and swap yarns with fellow riders.
Day riders can hook back for a scenic ride along the Hawkesbury River to either Wisemans Ferry or Sackville. In fact the 'Five Ferries' is a popular club run that takes in the five crossings along the river with lots of places to stop and relax like the old Ebenezer Church, now a cute coffee stop.
Photo credit: @pieintheskycowan on Instagram
Still have plenty of juice? Then keep heading north via Gloucester to Walcha on one of the country's great riding roads, Thunderbolts Way.
The Oxley Rocks
Between Wauchope and Walcha is the deceptively signposted B56. Well known among seasoned riders, the Oxley Highway is a testing 160 kilometres of corkscrews and doglegs to give any biker a thrill.
Again, go easy, but you'll come to the end feeling like you've really arrived. Charming Walcha is a great spot to rest your head, especially at the bike-friendly Royal, an old country pub turned cafe and accommodation. And, yeah, it's haunted. Tip: Walcha Motorcycle Rally is held here in November.
Langford at Walcha, Walcha (Photo credit: Destination NSW)
It makes sense to carry on to Tamworth even if you're not such a fan of country music. Visit the sparkling Powerhouse Hotel and see the dozens of collectable motorcycles on show, or any of the other attractions in town, like the Big Golden Guitar or Oxley Scenic Lookout.
Safety First
Be sure your ride is as enjoyable and safe as possible by riding with buddies when you can, making sure to keep a safe distance between riders. Pay attention to all-important factors such as tyre wear and pressure, and make sure your machine is in tip-top condition well before you set out.
Riding attire is critical, so always wear your full kit (helmet, protective jacket and trousers, boots and gloves) at all times. Ride to the conditions, take frequent breaks and don't take safety for granted.
