2026-03-20 President Ride to Merimbula Ride Report
AWMEC Two-Night Overnighter to Merimbula – What a Cracker of a Ride!
The throttle twisted, the engines roared, and another unforgettable AWMEC adventure was underway. This time we pointed our bikes south-east for a two-night escape to the oyster capital of Australia – Merimbula on the stunning Sapphire Coast.
Day 1 – The Epic Run South We kicked things off with the scenic Murray River Road to Jingellic, then swung onto Mannus and climbed up to Tumbarumba. From there, the real fun began as we carved through the beautiful curves of Elliott Way. The road twisted and turned like it was built just for us, while we rode past the massive high-voltage powerline construction for the Snowy 2.0 Hydro Scheme – an impressive reminder of the engineering happening in these mountains.
A right turn onto the Snowy Highway delivered us to Adaminaby for a well-earned lunch stop. The Big Trout made for some classic group photos before we cranked up the pace toward Cooma. Mother Nature decided to test us with a bit of rain, but we outran the worst of it and hit the legendary Brown Mountain descent. Low cloud turned the world into a 20-metre visibility tunnel – visors constantly wiped, hazards flashing, and hearts pumping through those tight hairpin turns. What a way to earn your dinner!
We rolled into Merimbula just in time for an outstanding feed at the Merimbula RSL Club. Despite the staff shortages the host mentioned, the meals flew out hot and delicious. Being in the oyster capital, there was only one sensible choice – fresh, briny Sydney Rock oysters straight from the lake. Absolute perfection.
To top off the night, we ran a fun round of motorcycle knowledge trivia. John Mc and Charles F smashed it, taking out the top points and scoring themselves the well-earned fuel vouchers on offer for this ride.
Friday night proved that Max, Will, and John K have the stamina of lions – they partied on like true enthusiasts until the early hours, finally hitting the pillows around 1am. Legends!
Day 2 – Free Range on the Sapphire Coast Saturday was a proper free-for-all, just how we like it at AWMEC. Members split off to chase whatever took their fancy – some headed north, others south, exploring the best the coast has to offer.
Merimbula is famous for its incredible choice of beaches, with options stretching both north and south for fishing, surfing, swimming, and pure relaxation. Mike Y was the only member brave enough to locate the nudist beach section for a bit of skinny dipping – legend status achieved!
The day started right with a cracking breakfast at Crankies Cafe right by the beach – great coffee, even better vibes. Later, the homemade scones with wild berry jam at Oaklands Cafe had everyone declaring them “to die for.”
Special mention goes to our newly appointed Roadworthiness Safety Officer, Max B. Max was very obliging and made sure one particular motorcycle received a thorough roadworthiness check – because at AWMEC, safety is always paramount.
We regrouped that night at Club Sapphire for a fantastic meal together. John Mc was particularly impressed – not just with the food, but with the championship lawn bowling greens. He was so taken he suggested next year’s crew should ditch the bikes for an afternoon of barefoot bowls. Watch this space… the challenge is officially on!
Day 3 – The Scenic Route Home Sunday kicked off with another early brekkie at Crankies, followed by a quick marshalling and riders’ briefing (standard AWMEC procedure – safety first, fun always).
We took a completely different route home for fresh scenery and plenty more curves. South through Pambula toward Wyndham, then a smart detour at Cathcart (big thanks to Chris J and John K for the local knowledge that kept us off the dirt). We rolled through Bombala and Bibbenluke, stopped for lunch in Jindabyne, then powered up and over Perisher before refuelling at Khancoban.
From there it was a spirited dash back to Tallangatta, where we pulled up, shared a few laughs, and farewelled each other with big grins and the promise: “Same time next year – but we’re adding an extra night!” There’s simply too much to see and do around Merimbula to squeeze it all into two nights.
John K got to experience the thrill of a ride on Phil’s Moto Guzzi Le Mans, and the grin on his face said it all – he’s now seriously considering a new purchase. Nothing like a test ride to spark the next chapter!
Special mention to Chris B, who earned the unofficial title of “Sleeping Beauty” after a very relaxed start – though credit where it’s due, he still made the briefing on time, just fashionably last!
This ride had it all – sweeping riverside roads, mountain twisties, dramatic weather, world-class seafood, stunning beaches, a bit of friendly competition with the trivia, and most importantly, the unbeatable company of fellow AWMEC members. Huge thanks to everyone who came along and helped make it another ripper weekend.
Can’t wait for the next one. Ride safe, ride often.
Michael Sarroff
President
AWMEC
