REPORT – 2020 Destination Yamaha NSW South Coast ride
Words & Photos: Yamaha Motor Australia
If COVID’s getting you down, you need to get on your bike. And that’s exactly what a bunch of NSW adventure seekers did this past October on a Destination Yamaha ride through the NSW South Coast hinterland.
Following a successful one-day ride in Gulgong in July, the second Destination Yamaha adventure ride for 2020 upped the ante with a two-day ride taking in Batemans Bay, Braidwood, Narooma and Moruya.
Adventure Weekend
The ride, tailored to owners of Yamaha’s new XTZ690 Ténéré, was conducted by Lyndon Heffernan of the Yamaha-backed Academy of Off-Road Riding. Heffernan set out a route that mixed water crossings with rough tracks, dirt and freshly-graded gravel trails. And with nary a stretch of bitumen to be seen, it was ideal for Ténéré riders!
Starting from Batemans Bay, the small group of 11 adventure riders, all mounted on Ténéré 700s (except one on a Ténéré 1200 and another in a WR250R) headed north west, on trails splitting the Bimbermala and Monga National Parks to reach the small Southern Tablelands town of Braidwood - the midpoint between Canberra and Batemans Bay.
From Braidwood, the small clutch of riders headed south to hit Narooma on the coast for the overnight stop.
Heffernan is based on the NSW South Coast, so he knows the region like the back of his hand, picking out trails to suit both beginners and more experienced riders looking to push themselves.
Of course, the NSW South Coast was hit hard by last summer’s bushfires and while the scars were still visible, riders got to experience just how fast nature can recover.
Narooma and the Run Back
From the overnight stop at Narooma, the Destination Yamaha ride headed north, taking an inland route and sticking to the gravel, with some challenging sections thrown in amongst fire trails through the Deua National Park that made up a big chunk of the run home.
A lunch stop at Moruya gave riders a chance to recharge and soak in the sun in what was near-perfect spring weather before the final stretch to Batemans Bay.
Upon their return, riders had covered 525kms of prime adventure trails, all personally selected by Heffernan, with optional ‘challenge’ sections thrown in for those that wanted to unleash their inner Toby Price!
Like any good trail ride, there were occasions where handlebars kissed the earth but a helping hand or four was never far away.
A Great Weekend
“I had so much fun riding with a great bunch of guys on some of the most amazing trails. I reckon there were many occasions when the Ténéré outperformed my ability, but we still came through unscathed,” said Destination Yamaha participant Peter Smart.
“I covered 600kms there and back plus over 525kms of dirt, rocks and trees. The Ténéré did not miss a beat the whole time. Thank you, Destination Yamaha for putting together such a well-run event – I loved it. I’ll be back for more.”
Following this Destination Yamaha ride through the NSW South Coast hinterland, more are planned, with future treks including one-day rides in NSW’s Kangaroo Valley and Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands, a week-long Cape York Adventure Ride, Safari New Zealand and more.
If water’s more your style, there are Destination Yamaha cruises, too, taking in Wine Glass Bay and Bruny Island in Tasmania and Victoria’s Wilsons Promontory, to name a few. Fishing adventures are also available.
For upcoming events, go to: destination-yamaha.com.au
Smart Start
If you’re new to adventure riding and want to explore your Yamaha’s abilities – as well as your own - Destination Yamaha Motor experiences are a great place to start.
Single day and two-day overnighters can help you acclimatize to the demands of adventure riding, so when you feel your skills are up to it, you can take on longer adventures.
The Shoalhaven Adventure Ride is typical of the “starter” rides available with Destination Yamaha.
Led by Lyndon Heffernan, who brings years of experience to the role, the Shoalhaven Adventure Ride is a one-day tour that starts and finishes in Nowra. “Heffo” takes you through some of the most picturesque riding trails in a region that’s surrounded by national parks, nature reserves and conservation areas, so it’s rich with scenery and picturesque landmarks.
An experienced sweeper ensures no rider gets left behind, while a support vehicle is also on hand to carry extra gear.
Being a day trip, all you need for the Shoalhaven Adventure Ride is your adventure-ready Yamaha motorcycle (new or old), full riding gear and lunch – Heffo and his team provide morning tea, snacks and water, plus the sort of expertise and tips that are invaluable.
Priced at just $95.00 per rider, the Shoalhaven Adventure Ride also includes an exclusive Destination Yamaha Motor gift pack.
To find out more about these and other Destination Yamaha Motor adventure rides, go to: destination-yamaha-motor.com.au
