Heartbreak Ridge on two CT110 Postie’s

[wayne the one]

Heartbreak ridge is a trail situated between the Colo River and Wheeny creeks near Upper Colo about 50km north west

of Blacktown NSW Australia.
Named Heartbreak ridge by some of the locals as any group that attempts the trail is often confronted with bad luck.
Previous attempts for me to get to the end in 4WD’s have seen vehicles roll, broken tail shafts, electronic 4WD

locking systems fail and snapped winch cables on winchbreak hill.
Only twice in the last 20 years have I reached then end.
Problems with bike rides in the past have seen numerous broken bikes. Simple things like dropping the bike on a

rock that strategically hits and snaps off the fuel tap, chain coming off and cracking the case, bent discs and

footpegs. Unusual occurrences such as a rider on a relatively new Husaberg that backfired on a starting attempt and

split the boot between the carb and head. A rider that went over a snake accidently. The snake wasn’t too happy and

displayed its aggression. The list of dramas goes on.



This attempt was to be made on Honda CT110 Posties. The go anywhere machine, due to the lightweight so they can be

lifted up rock ledges. It would not be possible on a heavy XR600 to get to the end. Not for me anyway.
After fueling up at North Richmond Craig and myself headed out towards our destination up the mountains.



Some rain made the sealed road quite slippery, not helped by the razor edge sized 2.75inch tyres



Over the shoulder shot of Craig following.



The top of the mountains were in the clouds




Wheeny creek camping area



I was told this causeway had a meter of water over it not long ago.







Tracks were quite slippery. I am sure road tyres didn’t help



Heartbreak ridge trail starts of in good condition.



Then the technical parts start.



Only 7 or 8 cm of suspension travel keeps the speeds down, to ar walking pace.







Pushing time



The first problem. Craigs bike stopped. Got fuel, yes. Got spark, yes. He muttered something like, he wants to burn

it, should sell all his mechanical stuff, going to push the bike over the cliff, leave it behind S##T S##T F#K.

After numerous kicks, shoves, prods and the midas touch it started. And we were off again.
But then it wouldn’t idle correctly, either too high or two low. Then it would stall for no apparent reason. This

increased Craigs temperature to boiling point.



A few seconds ago Craigs bike was having a little sleep on its side. Never seen a bike get picked up so quick when the camera comes out.



Bike problems again



The pictures dont show justice to the degree of difficulty.



Well after many hours and starting to get exhausted, shouders that were in pain a bike that keeped playing up and a

bad back that was not getting any better we decided to call it a day and let the track have its way with another

defected attempt.



It wasn't any easier on the return.










Too slippery for decent traction with the wet rocks and clay between.



Back out to the main trail. And guess what, Craigs bike was running like a dream. No more heartbreak ridge curse.


The colo river was close to the bottom of the bridge with all the rain we have had over the last weeks.



Some aboriginal engravings along the way





Big rock!



This place would have come in handy with the earlier showers of rain.




Lower Portland Ferry.



The cruise on the way home was relaxing. Both posties have intake and exhause modifications done so cruise easily at

80kmph. Top speed in just over 90 unless downhill.
Left at 7.30am got home at 4.30pm and covered around 200km
Now where is that needed Beer.

[Forde]

i cant believe you went through that water like that with open filters on! maybe thats what caused problems with your friends bike

the later part of that trail is pretty bad lol looks like youd nearly be safer walking it and leaving the bikes behind, if you try to take the bike you're still walking but have to carry a bike haha

[Not for Highway Use]

Go the posties. Good report. Thanks.

[hook0924]

Love those toilet seats, we cant get them in the US anymore

[peteandheidi]

looks like a tough ride on the ct110's.

track looks familiar though. Does it come off comleroy rd not far from the mountain lagoon rd turnoff heading towards colo on your right?? Comes to a dead end eventually??

If so i used to ride it often back when i had my wr250f and 200exc as it was close to home.Was a fun track on a light enduro bike

I tried it once on my dr650 by myself one day and turned around halfway...to much hardwork on a big bike for me:)

[heirhead]

Hello,

Greetings from SoCal, USA

Wow!!! Looks like so much fun!! Wish I was with you, not with the guy with the shitty running bike, just you!! Ha Ha!! I too love the trail bikes and have had many. My 2 CT110s were 1980 models, the only year imported here that did not have the switch over trans, did yours? Hope so as that was very, very steep, rocky and wet, all the things you want for a good CT ride.
My first bike was a yellow 1964 Trail 90, you know, the one where you put the big rear sprocket over the small sprocket and added links of chain. Why don't they still make them like that? In 1971 I rode a 1965 trail 90 from SoCal to Yellowstone Park and Bozeman Montana. Took 5 days, 1100 miles and $3.08 in gas. Glad to see the bikes are being used as they were intended.
Now gentlemen, get back up there and make it this time, as I know you and the bikes can!!! I love all the stories about huge, loaded down super duper bikes and there riders, but this story and pics was very special to me.

Thanks men,

Heirhead

[wayne the one]

Originally Posted by peteandheidi

looks like a tough ride on the ct110's.

track looks familiar though. Does it come off comleroy rd not far from the mountain lagoon rd turnoff heading towards colo on your right?? Comes to a dead end eventually??

If so i used to ride it often back when i had my wr250f and 200exc as it was close to home.Was a fun track on a light enduro bike

I tried it once on my dr650 by myself one day and turned around halfway...to much hardwork on a big bike for me:)

Thats the trail. Last bike I got to the end on was a XL250. To hard for a 650/600

[wayne the one]

Originally Posted by hook0924

Love those toilet seats, we cant get them in the US anymore

Australia Post use them for postal deliveries in Australia and auction them off after around 25000 to 30000 Km
Many 1000's are available from auctions every year across the country averaging $1000 to $1400 au

[PapaYolk]

Hello from Idaho.
Great little bikes. It's to bad posties don't have the 8-speed. My 90cc will drive up a tree.

[RedRockRider]

Great little adventure bikes. Thanks for the story and pics!

[Doctor]

just goes to show ya just cant have to much fire power, try that in Australia

[Gadget678]

Originally Posted by Doctor

just goes to show ya just cant have to much fire power, try that in Australia

Trying it's easy..... It's getting away with it that would be the problem.

Let us know how your next attempt (in the dry) goes Wayne.