82 | AUSTRALIAN ROAD RIDERhotel room, washed the road grime off
our leathered hides and supped on the
fi rst of many coldies from Liquorland,
it’s ge ing dark and our thoughts turn
to big-arsed rumps — steaks, that is, not
the gingham-clad cowgirls — and some
bench racing.
Consequently, we only get to see the
inside of a pub, restaurant and our motel
room. Next morning, we are slow to li
our heavy heads off the motel pillows
and by the time we’ve repacked and
refuelled the bike, there’s only time for
a quick brekky in Peel St before blowing
out of town again.
It’s a shame, because there is a lot of
good riding around the surrounding
semi-circle of hills, some interesting
country towns and pubs to visit, plus
museums, wax works and other tourist
a ractions. Best idea is to stay at least
two nights so you can squeeze in a day ofsight-seeing and regional riding. Harley
riders did just that when they converged
on the central NSW city at the end
of February for the 24th annual HOG
Rally, nicknamed the Iron Horse Muster,
because it featured a rodeo and had a
cowboy theme. (See sidebar, opposite.)
Probably the most identifi able tourist
landmark in Tamworth is the Big Golden
Guitar which sits right on the southern
highway approach to the city. It was built
in 1988 and has been in millions of tourist
photos. The short time I was there, about
a dozen motorists, including riders,
stopped to take photos, posing with their
families or bikes. One C&W fan even
whipped out his guitar for an impromptu
rendition of “Pub With No Beer”.
It’s a great place to start your tour of
the Tamworth region as it now also hosts
the Tourist Information Centre, where
you can get all the advice you need.“The biggest attraction in town for riders is undoubtedly
the Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum right next door to the
Powerhouse Quality Hotel, where many a weary rider has
dusted off his boots”►■ It’s not a trip to Tamworth without
stopping at the Big Golden Guitar!ARR112_080-087_Tamworth.indd 82ARR112_080-087_Tamworth.indd 82 2/3/2015 9:47:25 AM2/3/2015 9:47:25 AM