Today was perfect riding weather, so Rick and I took a trip up into the Brindabella Ranges. We started out from the Ampol station in Weston and headed toward Two Sticks Road. The track began with a gentle climb past a few isolated houses at the base of the Brindabellas, then grew steeper as we entered Brindabella National Park. Following Two Sticks Road, we reached the turnoff to the Powerline Trail, where I did a quick loop to show Rick the trail as it dipped into the valley and back out again. We saved the full exploration of Powerline Trail for another day and returned to our main route.
Not long after, we took the turnoff to start our climb up Mt. Coree. After a quick rest at the campsite at the base, we were on our way. The climb had some serious water diversion bars, a few switchbacks, and loose rock surfaces as we neared the summit. The final stretch was rocky, but the 360-degree views from the top made it all worth it.
Descending Mt. Coree felt easier than the climb, and we soon rejoined Two Sticks Road, heading south toward Bulls Head Picnic Hut. Crossing onto Mount Franklin Road, we noticed roadside poles marking the edges—a guide for winter tourists navigating snowy conditions.
After a short break, we continued along Mount Franklin Road, bypassing the turnoff to Bendora Hut and Arboretum (a future exploration). Our ride then took us past Mt. Aggie and the Mt. Franklin Visitor Centre, which brought back memories of my snowy 2014 visit on a fat bike! The views along the ridge between mountains were fantastic as we rode toward Mt. Ginini.
We reached a locked gate about 5-6 kilometres before Mt. Ginini's summit, at the car park. Originally, we planned to walk the trail connecting to Ginini Summit Road, but luck was on our side—the summit gate was unlocked! After a quick photo by the Bimberi Wilderness Zone sign, we rode up to Mt. Ginini. This was my first time reaching the summit by bike, and the views were well worth it. We found an Air Services Australia navigation facility there, fenced off for aircraft guidance and control. Just past the facility, we took in the spectacular view towards the Tantangara Reservoir, about 30 kilometres south.
After soaking in the sights, we started our journey back along Mount Franklin Road. We stopped at a scenic spot overlooking the Bimberi Nature Reserve—it was a stunning view. Back at Bulls Head Picnic Area, we turned onto Bendora Road, following it down to Warks Road, then exited the Brindabellas via Blundells Creek Road and Brindabella Road.
Out of the mountains, we made a quick detour through Uriarra Village, then turned right to explore Cotter Dam and Sugarloaf Hill, hoping to access Vanitys Crossing. Unfortunately, the gate was locked. Shortly afterward, I hit reserve fuel but had a 5-litre fuel bladder strapped to the bike, so we paused while I refueled.
Finally, we took the road back to Weston, where we ended the ride with lunch at Oporto, chatting about the fantastic day we’d had.

​Ride Map

Today, I decided it was time for another regional exploration on my motorbike, this time with a northern loop in mind. As usual, my goal was to cover as much dirt as possible. The route would take me through Gunning, Collector, and Bungendore before heading back home.
I started by riding along Tallagandra Lane, Boutchers Lane, Elms Road, Hillgrove Road, and Veterans Road, which took me into Gunning for a quick break and fuel stop. From Gunning, I continued on Collector Road to the small town of Collector. I paused here briefly to capture a photo of the historic Bushranger Hotel (established in 1860) and the memorial to Constable Samuel Nelson, who was tragically shot by the outlaw John Dunn on January 26, 1865.
After leaving Collector, I crossed the Federal Highway and continued along Collector Road, eventually turning off onto Lucky Pass Road toward Currawang. Here, I stopped to check out St. Matthias’ Church, an old gem that first opened on April 14, 1875. From there, I took the blacktop to Taylors Creek Road, where I was back on dirt again.
A turn onto Western Leg Road led me to a gate marking private property, where I took the opportunity to snap a few photos of the wind turbines in the Grosses Hill area before returning to Taylors Creek Road. Back on track, I soon came across a Military Settlers Memorial, commemorating the returned servicemen and their families who settled in the Currandooley and Willeroo area after World War II.
With Bungendore in sight, I took Tarago Road into town and made a quick stop. Heading back west towards home, I took a scenic detour through Wamboin before joining Sutton Road for the final leg back. It was another great day exploring the region, filled with history, scenic views, and plenty of dirt roads.

Ride Map