96 | AUSTRALIAN ROAD RIDERfi red from the backs of those knobby-
equipped torque monsters!
The pack is mainly comprised of various
big-bore GS models, but there is also a
Suzuki DR650 and a DL650. I’m aboard
a very handsome and capable Suzuki
V-Strom with a GT accessories pack that
includes hard luggage, protection and
creature comforts. I’ve le the panniers
at home as it’s only an overnight trip and
I’ve just packed PJs, toothbrush and a
puncture repair kit in the top box.
There is testosterone and horsepower
to burn in this pack and my steed is
showing its nose out the front with the
best of them. The lithe Strom feels light
and fl ighty and I’m wiggling her tail in andout of corners on the dirt-compromised
Michelin Anakee rubber.
At the highway, we turn right and
bounce and bop over the appallingly pock-
marked tarmac that is fi nally ge ing some
roadworks a ention. A short way along,
we spear le on the Tooloom Rd toward
Urbenville, another road in need of new tar.
I stop to take an important phone call,
which just holds us up a li le bit more
and there is a gaggle of riders waiting at
the turn toward Paddy’s Flat on Upper
Tooloom Rd. We meet up with the rest of
the riders where the tarmac fi nally runs
out and the dirty fun of Paddy’s Flat Rd
fi nally begins.
It’s time for the fi rst of many photo
stops and a bit of a briefi ng of the troops
about le ing me out front to scout for
photo locations and the procedure for
ge ing shot. As soon as my goggles go
on and I lead off , I can sense they’ve
forgo en instructions already and the
pace soon heats up.
I’m already impressed by the big Strom’s
power, but I’m also a li le coy on the
thro le. The Strom’s big heart doesn’t have
a lot of low-end torque, but it does have
a lively mid-range bump that has the tail■ Another crossing that
slices over the river“This is simply the best
biker hotel in NSW with
its bunker-style dongers,
motel rooms, hearty meals,
bike videos on the TV,
small collection of bikes
in the bar and motorsport
paraphernalia”ARR112_094-100_Sydney Off Road.indd 96ARR112_094-100_Sydney Off Road.indd 96 2/3/2015 9:52:01 AM2/3/2015 9:52:01 AM