Good to know Alf. Thanks. I‘m heading up this arvo after lunch for a little fun before the wet weather comes. Looks like a run up and back with a stop at Colo River this time.Hi Guys,
I was fortunate enough yesterday to have a great run down the Putty Road from Mount Thorley to Windsor with my wife in our 4C Spider.
I am pleased to report that the resurfacing work is complete, the white lines have been painted back on and most of the loose stones have been swept up.
I have to give credit to the guys and gals that have done the resurfacing - instead of using those coarse loose stones that's dual purpose in life is to chip paint (and windscreens) plus upending motorbikes mid-corner, they have gone for the very smooth, very grippy, sprayed-on dark level surface. This surface is adored by the 4C and where they have sprayed it, you are able to push the 4C around the corners really well and feel exactly how much grip is available.
A word of caution for anyone heading that way if it is raining. That same fresh surface will be a touch slippery for a little while 'til the road "beds-in" fully.
The only moving road-block was an L plater in a ute - we all have to learn some-time, so they didn't get any hassle from the 4C sitting behind them. I followed patiently through the northern twisty section with the double-white solid centre-lines for over 5km, and had a chance to take in the view for a change - it's quite pretty through there. I also got to see what it is like to go around every corner at the recommended speed posted on the yellow signs - it's a very over-rated pastime & I can thoroughly recommend that you don't try it in a 4C if you have the option.
Following the learner (at 50-70 in the 80 zone) for so long meant that when I did get to the over-taking lane that the road ahead was clear for the rest of the run to Windsor. A full throttle upshift whilst passing the ute, signalled my admiration (for the "driver" in the passenger seat doing the instructing) for not using one of the ten opportunities to pull over that we had passed with me stuck behind them was really appreciated. How hard would it have been to pull-off to the side of the road out of the way for three seconds to let me by? Nah - why bother when you can hold someone up for an extra 10 minutes?
Lots of fun was had on the rest of the road and no more moving road-blocks came into view until Ebenezer
A couple of Goanna's sunning themselves on the hot tarmac got a bit of a surprise when the pops and bangs of a downshifting Alfa came into earshot and a Competizione Rosso 4C came flying around the corner, shooting past them and off into the distance.
One other thing to note, the Grey Gums Cafe was closed - I don't think there is enough mid-week traffic to make it worth their while opening.
Cheers,
Alf.
Putty Road Surface Condition Report
Hi Guys,
I was fortunate enough yesterday to have a great run down the Putty Road from Mount Thorley to Windsor with my wife in our 4C Spider.
I am pleased to report that the resurfacing work is complete, the white lines have been painted back on and most of the loose stones have been swept up.
I have to give credit to the guys and gals that have done the resurfacing - instead of using those coarse loose stones that's dual purpose in life is to chip paint (and windscreens) plus upending motorbikes mid-corner, they have gone for the very smooth, very grippy, sprayed-on dark level surface. This surface is adored by the 4C and where they have sprayed it, you are able to push the 4C around the corners really well and feel exactly how much grip is available.
A word of caution for anyone heading that way if it is raining. That same fresh surface will be a touch slippery for a little while 'til the road "beds-in" fully.
The only moving road-block was an L plater in a ute - we all have to learn some-time, so they didn't get any hassle from the 4C sitting behind them. I followed patiently through the northern twisty section with the double-white solid centre-lines for over 5km, and had a chance to take in the view for a change - it's quite pretty through there. I also got to see what it is like to go around every corner at the recommended speed posted on the yellow signs - it's a very over-rated pastime & I can thoroughly recommend that you don't try it in a 4C if you have the option.
Following the learner (at 50-70 in the 80 zone) for so long meant that when I did get to the over-taking lane that the road ahead was clear for the rest of the run to Windsor. A full throttle upshift whilst passing the ute, signalled my admiration (for the "driver" in the passenger seat doing the instructing) for not using one of the ten opportunities to pull over that we had passed with me stuck behind them was really appreciated. How hard would it have been to pull-off to the side of the road out of the way for three seconds to let me by? Nah - why bother when you can hold someone up for an extra 10 minutes?
Lots of fun was had on the rest of the road and no more moving road-blocks came into view until Ebenezer
A couple of Goanna's sunning themselves on the hot tarmac got a bit of a surprise when the pops and bangs of a downshifting Alfa came into earshot and a Competizione Rosso 4C came flying around the corner, shooting past them and off into the distance.
One other thing to note, the Grey Gums Cafe was closed - I don't think there is enough mid-week traffic to make it worth their while opening.
Cheers,
Alf.
I was fortunate enough yesterday to have a great run down the Putty Road from Mount Thorley to Windsor with my wife in our 4C Spider.
I am pleased to report that the resurfacing work is complete, the white lines have been painted back on and most of the loose stones have been swept up.
I have to give credit to the guys and gals that have done the resurfacing - instead of using those coarse loose stones that's dual purpose in life is to chip paint (and windscreens) plus upending motorbikes mid-corner, they have gone for the very smooth, very grippy, sprayed-on dark level surface. This surface is adored by the 4C and where they have sprayed it, you are able to push the 4C around the corners really well and feel exactly how much grip is available.
A word of caution for anyone heading that way if it is raining. That same fresh surface will be a touch slippery for a little while 'til the road "beds-in" fully.
The only moving road-block was an L plater in a ute - we all have to learn some-time, so they didn't get any hassle from the 4C sitting behind them. I followed patiently through the northern twisty section with the double-white solid centre-lines for over 5km, and had a chance to take in the view for a change - it's quite pretty through there. I also got to see what it is like to go around every corner at the recommended speed posted on the yellow signs - it's a very over-rated pastime & I can thoroughly recommend that you don't try it in a 4C if you have the option.
Following the learner (at 50-70 in the 80 zone) for so long meant that when I did get to the over-taking lane that the road ahead was clear for the rest of the run to Windsor. A full throttle upshift whilst passing the ute, signalled my admiration (for the "driver" in the passenger seat doing the instructing) for not using one of the ten opportunities to pull over that we had passed with me stuck behind them was really appreciated. How hard would it have been to pull-off to the side of the road out of the way for three seconds to let me by? Nah - why bother when you can hold someone up for an extra 10 minutes?
Lots of fun was had on the rest of the road and no more moving road-blocks came into view until Ebenezer
A couple of Goanna's sunning themselves on the hot tarmac got a bit of a surprise when the pops and bangs of a downshifting Alfa came into earshot and a Competizione Rosso 4C came flying around the corner, shooting past them and off into the distance.
One other thing to note, the Grey Gums Cafe was closed - I don't think there is enough mid-week traffic to make it worth their while opening.
Cheers,
Alf.
1 - 20 of 49 Posts
Come a couple of months time and you need a fix you know who to ask.. 😁
Haven’t thought about it for a while. A large tree branch fell the weekend before last and partly demolished our clothes line, so I’m having the tree removed as it’s dying off anyway. The lopper was supposed to come tomorrow but is delayed. Then there’s the third bathroom reno happening. Got the tiles and fittings, just waiting until after the tree goes. Then there’s the big service. Once all that is over I’ll know where I stand. The other Martin from Canberra lives under a lucky star and I wouldn’t mind following him around (or using him as a mine sweeper) again. He’s organising another tour later on in the year. I’m seeing him, as well as Alf on my AROCA Bathurst run on Sunday week so we’re bound to chat about it then. Excuses, I’m full of ‘em.
Attachments
Just back from a 320km ride. Had a delayed start due to air in the front brake system and had to spend a little time bleeding the brakes.
As for the condition of the Putty Road…..
Starting at McGraths Hill to Wilberforce the road has been washed clean of debris but is still dusty. There is the stench of swamp too. From Wilberforce to Colo River there are several potholes but most are on the left-hand edge of the road and I had no trouble spotting them. The most concerning issue are numerous instances where silt and gravel have been washed onto the road and have become a potential paint-chip and windscreen cracking problem. There are defined tracks through them but if someone coming the other way wants to be a dick…
Just starting up the hill from Colo River heading north there are two instances of silt and gravel mid-way around blind corners and couple of small potholes further along.
Colo Heights to Grey Gums there a few potholes and more instances of gravel washed onto the road. Easily seen.
From Grey Gums to Boggy Swamp Creek there are three sets of roadworks with road crews closing one lane, cleaning up rock and mud-falls ( near the Putty turn-off) and patching the road.
Following that the Putty continues at its brilliant best. Maybe one or two small potholes but again, easily seen.
Considering the rain it’s in pretty good condition. The driveway into Grey Gums is in a precarious state. The owners won’t want any more heavy rain.
The first photo is at Boggy Swamp Creek…stopped for a bite to eat and a cuppa. The others are at Grey Gums.
It was a superb day. Minimal traffic and the air temp refreshingly cool. A magic run up and back for most of its length.
In summary, the road condition beyond Boggy Swamp Creek is still excellent. Before that you need to drive with your eyes open and keep a healthy distance from the car in front for the sake of good vision and to avoid stone damage thrown from the car in front. There are also numerous instances of small dead trees having fallen and partially encroaching on the left-hand side of the road. Cheers.
As for the condition of the Putty Road…..
Starting at McGraths Hill to Wilberforce the road has been washed clean of debris but is still dusty. There is the stench of swamp too. From Wilberforce to Colo River there are several potholes but most are on the left-hand edge of the road and I had no trouble spotting them. The most concerning issue are numerous instances where silt and gravel have been washed onto the road and have become a potential paint-chip and windscreen cracking problem. There are defined tracks through them but if someone coming the other way wants to be a dick…
Just starting up the hill from Colo River heading north there are two instances of silt and gravel mid-way around blind corners and couple of small potholes further along.
Colo Heights to Grey Gums there a few potholes and more instances of gravel washed onto the road. Easily seen.
From Grey Gums to Boggy Swamp Creek there are three sets of roadworks with road crews closing one lane, cleaning up rock and mud-falls ( near the Putty turn-off) and patching the road.
Following that the Putty continues at its brilliant best. Maybe one or two small potholes but again, easily seen.
Considering the rain it’s in pretty good condition. The driveway into Grey Gums is in a precarious state. The owners won’t want any more heavy rain.
The first photo is at Boggy Swamp Creek…stopped for a bite to eat and a cuppa. The others are at Grey Gums.
It was a superb day. Minimal traffic and the air temp refreshingly cool. A magic run up and back for most of its length.
In summary, the road condition beyond Boggy Swamp Creek is still excellent. Before that you need to drive with your eyes open and keep a healthy distance from the car in front for the sake of good vision and to avoid stone damage thrown from the car in front. There are also numerous instances of small dead trees having fallen and partially encroaching on the left-hand side of the road. Cheers.
Attachments
Many of the potholes have been filled since last Monday although there are still a few to dodge. Did another Putty run today with the AROCA group but this time in the ‘Sud. It is possible to have fun with 60bhp and 850kg, though it’s fun of a different kind to the 4C…An even rawer, more basic experience still. Lowact was again in attendance to wave the 4C flag.
Attachments
Thanks, Joe….They let me lead the pack for a while. A Giulia Quad got to the front after Colo Heights (I stopped to let the others catch 😂 ) It was fun keeping the Quad. in sight. She still sings in her sweet spot between 4,250 and 4,500rpm in top. It’s so light and nimble you rest the balls of your thumbs on the wheel, grasp the rim lightly by your finger-tips… then don’t slow for the corners. Steep hills on the other hand…great on the down-slope but a bit of a struggle going up. Yesterdays drive was as much fun as I’ve had in the Sud for years. Went home via Sackville Ferry and Glenorie to avoid the traffic jams around Rouse Hill and Marsden Park. You can notice the front negative in the photo below. Still handles like a dream.
The brown on the shrubbery indicates the recent flood level.
Attachments
Hence the thrill-seeker label..😁. My ride down to the gorge on Abercrombie Road last weekend was also during a double demerit period. THAT was worth the risk. What a 30km slice of riding/driving heaven that is. A Guzzistas’/Alfistas’ dream. Next weekend guys…On a double demerit's weekend ... As if
1 - 20 of 49 Posts
