Not Yet – Jimmy

November, the quietest month on the calendar for Thredbo, was anything but this weekend. The weather on Friday and Saturday was simply superb – clear blue skies and a cooling wind when 2000 bikers came to town on a varied assortment of two wheeled machines for the Snowy Ride – a charity fundraiser for the Children’s Cancer Institute of Australia.

This special occasion brought the village alive and we were treated to some great entertainment. Jimmy Barnes and Diesel put on an acoustic concert in the square and the Brewster Brothers and Mark Travis filled the other venues with their great sounds.

Did the bikers like it? There was not a sign of discontent. And as one biker said after being asked if he was enjoying himself – “I’ve just spent the day riding God’s corners”.

An added bonus, the Kosciuszko Express quad chair that has been undergoing maintenance was re-opened for the weekend. Not to miss the opportunity, several enthusiastic mountain goers headed off onto the main range with skis, boards and snowshoes in hand.

Although the snow pack is rapidly disappearing, what remained presented the best spring snow conditions I have encountered this year. The red-brown surface was soft for the first 5-8cms and then firm underneath. Unlike last weekend, the snow was consistent and not too slow. We hiked out along the metal track towards Kosi and turned left once we reached the Kosi lookout. We were not alone. There were others out and about on the slopes and even some camping overnight beside the snow.

A great day was dished up - no flies, no clouds, a very pleasant 14C temp with a slightly cooling wind that meant we did not perspire even during our steepest climbs – not that we were dressed heavily – shorts, light cotton tops, sun hats.
After a couple of lovely runs – each well worth the climb – we indulged in a picnic lunch on the top of one of the peaks out of the wind.

Snow pack disappearing on the main range

The steep hike up from the walking track below

Ray dropping back down towards the walking track

Lynne with her wayward sun hat tucked under her belt

Picnic lunch on the peaks

Jackie finds a faster means of descent than snowshoes

Ray on a worked-over Signature Hill

We just can’t get enough Signature Hill

Jimmy Barnes and Diesel in concert in the Square

Part of the loyal, if not fanatical crowd on Saturday night

Today the weather, as forecast, turned cooler and overcast. Probably best for those sore heads after last night’s big party in the village. The bureau said a shower or two and most of the bikes got away early in the morning. The organisers, the participants and Thredbo staff who worked overtime to produce such a great weekend can all be very proud of themselves for putting on a great weekend and raising a motza for the children.

Not yet Jimmy - it ain’t over till the fat lady sings. Looks like there may still be another skiing opportunity left. As of 4:30 this afternoon you could see fresh snow accumulating on the upper Supertrail once more.