Leave Albany at 7.00am and head for Jerramungup for fuel and breakfast, then onto Ravensthorpe for another stop and stretch before arriving at Esperance at 1.30pm.
The country side today went from low scrub as far as you could see to Clear fields of lush deep green hay, the road was not especially good in patches and I was surprised at the size of the township of Esperance.
We stayed at the Comfort In Bay of Isles, the name is obviously taken from the bay opposite which is littered with islands. The predominant sight here is the port and wharf which we have been told is used to fill ship with Nickel from surrounding mines.
The township is clean, and again the lack of graffiti is standing out, whatever the Western Australian Government does to Graffiti artist it certainly works to deffer them.
We ate at the restaurant in the motel and are preparing to head for Balladonia in the morning, these short days seem to be easy and we believe from here the rest of the trip is all reasonably short days of only 500 klms each.
Total Klm's todate 10,456
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Day24 - Monday 25/10/10 - Weather, Overcast and clearing to 23 deg
Leave Margaret River at 7.00am and head for Albany first stop Pemberton for breakfast and fuel, looked at the Gloucester Tree which has spikes driven into it which are used to climb it to a platform where people used to spot bush fires.
The country side was heavily wooded with huge Karri trees, these are extremely straight and very tall and close to the road. The area is old country style and the soil has changed from red to dark brown.
We got to Albany at 1.30pm and found the Emu Point Motel and Apartments which were old but clean and neat, they were situated a long way from the city centre and there were no shops open for dinner so the group got maxi taxis to a local restaurant.
After checking in we decided to see the sights such as the Whale Station and went on the tour, then wound our way back around the bay into town.
Total Klm's 9,976
The country side was heavily wooded with huge Karri trees, these are extremely straight and very tall and close to the road. The area is old country style and the soil has changed from red to dark brown.
We got to Albany at 1.30pm and found the Emu Point Motel and Apartments which were old but clean and neat, they were situated a long way from the city centre and there were no shops open for dinner so the group got maxi taxis to a local restaurant.
After checking in we decided to see the sights such as the Whale Station and went on the tour, then wound our way back around the bay into town.
Total Klm's 9,976
Day23 - Sunday 24/10/10 - Weather, Clear sky warm sunny 25 Deg
Lay day and Winery tour, the wines were mostly dry and not to my liking but the chocolate factory was interesting and the country side was good to see with somebody else driving, at the brewery at the end of the day we had trouble finding a beer to as the beers on offer were not to our liking.
we ate at the restaurant in the motel both nights and generally got everything ready to continue to Albany the next day.
Total Klm's 9,507
we ate at the restaurant in the motel both nights and generally got everything ready to continue to Albany the next day.
Total Klm's 9,507
Day22 - Saturday 23/10/10 - Weather Clear Sky with Breeze 15-25 Deg
Leave Scarborough at 7.00am and head for Margaret River skirting the coast all the way South saw some stunning beachside areas with ideal lifestyles to go with it.
Beautiful homes and shopping precincts with good coffee shops with a real European feel, this theme flowed through most of the towns we went into on the way to Margaret River and left us thinking they needed further investigation with more time to spend.
Arrived at Margaret River at approx 1.30 pm and found the Australis Margaret River Accommodation, went into town and looked around, the village itself was nice and reminded us of the Hunter region years ago without the commercialisation.
Total Klm's to date 9,440
Beautiful homes and shopping precincts with good coffee shops with a real European feel, this theme flowed through most of the towns we went into on the way to Margaret River and left us thinking they needed further investigation with more time to spend.
Arrived at Margaret River at approx 1.30 pm and found the Australis Margaret River Accommodation, went into town and looked around, the village itself was nice and reminded us of the Hunter region years ago without the commercialisation.
Total Klm's to date 9,440
Friday, October 22, 2010
Day21 - Friday 22/10/10 - Weather, Clear sky cool and around 25 degrees
Today was a rest day and bike service day, so we have both had the tyres changed on our bikes and oil and filter change done ready for the run home.
After we picked up the bikes we went sightseeing around Perth starting at Kings Park for the view back to Perth City then Down to the coast at Fremantle for lunch and a walk around the Maritime Museum and Marina.
This gave us a chance to check the bikes and prepare for the next couple of days, we leave for Margaret River in the morning for a wine tasting tour and stop overnight.
Total Klm's 9,150
After we picked up the bikes we went sightseeing around Perth starting at Kings Park for the view back to Perth City then Down to the coast at Fremantle for lunch and a walk around the Maritime Museum and Marina.
This gave us a chance to check the bikes and prepare for the next couple of days, we leave for Margaret River in the morning for a wine tasting tour and stop overnight.
Total Klm's 9,150
Day20 - Thursday 21/10/10 - Weather, Overcast 14 to start climbing to 18
We left Geraldton at 7.00am and headed for the first fuel stop being Dongarra, and then left the main Highway and headed for the coast running through leeman and onto Jurien Bay for good sightseeing and coastal views. At Jurien bay the turn off to the pinnacles was showing another 37 Klms each way and we did not know if the road was dirt or tar so we left for Perth and settled into the Sunmoon Resort and Observation Resort for the next couple of nights.
Dinner was not booked and we ended up in a Thai place with the rest of the group for this meal.
Total Klm's 9,090.
Dinner was not booked and we ended up in a Thai place with the rest of the group for this meal.
Total Klm's 9,090.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Day19 - Wednesday 20/10/10 - Weather, Clear becoming overcast
Leave Carnarvon for the first fuel Wooramel Roadhouse then onto Billabong Roadhouse where the walls were covered in pictures of many tattoos, we did not actually know the significance of the photos and did not ask, but the owner of the Roadhouse gave $200 to the Foundation.
They actually had a full size eagle in a glass enclosure, I am keen to get a photo of the ones on the road that actually stare you down as you pass, they do not fly off they watch as you have to go onto the wrong side of the road to get away from them , they are very big and we have only seen one so far but we have both agreed that when we see the next one that refuses to budge we will stop and photograph it.
Arrived at Geraldton about 12.30 and had lunch with the local Police who put on a BBQ which seems a contrast to the Police in Rockhampton and Mt Isa who went out of there way to book everyone they could.
We had a few sausages on bread and soft drinks, local TV Stations came and interviewed a few key members and while writing this we saw ourselves on the local news.
We then left for the accommodation at the African Reef Resort, we are looking for the African part and also the Resort side of things, the only wildlife so far is an insect crawling up the wall behind the TV.
All in all the day was an easy ride and most felt happy to be moving down the west coast closer to Perth.
Total Klm's 8,576
They actually had a full size eagle in a glass enclosure, I am keen to get a photo of the ones on the road that actually stare you down as you pass, they do not fly off they watch as you have to go onto the wrong side of the road to get away from them , they are very big and we have only seen one so far but we have both agreed that when we see the next one that refuses to budge we will stop and photograph it.
Arrived at Geraldton about 12.30 and had lunch with the local Police who put on a BBQ which seems a contrast to the Police in Rockhampton and Mt Isa who went out of there way to book everyone they could.
We had a few sausages on bread and soft drinks, local TV Stations came and interviewed a few key members and while writing this we saw ourselves on the local news.
We then left for the accommodation at the African Reef Resort, we are looking for the African part and also the Resort side of things, the only wildlife so far is an insect crawling up the wall behind the TV.
All in all the day was an easy ride and most felt happy to be moving down the west coast closer to Perth.
Total Klm's 8,576
Day18 - Tuesday 19/10/10 - Weather, Clear dry and Hot.
Leave Port Headland at 5.00am after breakfast in the dining room and the temp is 16 degrees head for Roebourne Roadhouse for the first fuel stop, Steve has been road testing a new Goldwing for this distance and was uncatchable until we met at the first stop just over 200 Klm's.
Honda allocated this bike for anybody to test while on the ride most comments say great bike but not quite what they were looking for yet we have quite a few on the ride?
The next stop was Fortescue River where we got more fuel and had a good stretch, then back on the bikes and onto Nanutarra Roadhouse for the next fuel stop and lunch.
The last fuel stop for the day is Minilya Roadhouse and then into Carnarvon for the night.
The main differences here in Landscape is that in the Northern Territory they actually burn back about 30 metres off the road so you can see whats likely to jump in front of you but here we find the bush encroaching very close to the road.
I had an interesting stare down with an Emu today his mates had run off but this one in particular was happy to stay on the road and check me right out, not sure which way he was likely to run I slowed to just about walking pace to pass while he seemed intent to look at the bike up and down then front to back.
This is the biggest kilometer day on the whole trip and now completed the rest seem like normal day rides.
Total klm's 8,084
Honda allocated this bike for anybody to test while on the ride most comments say great bike but not quite what they were looking for yet we have quite a few on the ride?
The next stop was Fortescue River where we got more fuel and had a good stretch, then back on the bikes and onto Nanutarra Roadhouse for the next fuel stop and lunch.
The last fuel stop for the day is Minilya Roadhouse and then into Carnarvon for the night.
The main differences here in Landscape is that in the Northern Territory they actually burn back about 30 metres off the road so you can see whats likely to jump in front of you but here we find the bush encroaching very close to the road.
I had an interesting stare down with an Emu today his mates had run off but this one in particular was happy to stay on the road and check me right out, not sure which way he was likely to run I slowed to just about walking pace to pass while he seemed intent to look at the bike up and down then front to back.
This is the biggest kilometer day on the whole trip and now completed the rest seem like normal day rides.
Total klm's 8,084
Monday, October 18, 2010
Day17 - Monday 18/10/10- Weather, Clear sky no clouds and 36 degrees
Leave Broome at 6.30am head for the first stop which is a roadside stop organised by the support crew for those that need fuel, I have decided to carry 4 litres so we don't have to wait for the support crew if we are in front of them which has happened a few times.
It's hard to believe that after so much straight road across the top of Australia we have encountered unbelievably long and straight stretches down the west coast but here the temp varies so much one minute you can feel the heat coming up under the helmet from the road the next you can smell the salt of the sea which is close by and the temp drops, the variance's are huge.
The straights are incredible we set the throttle locks and the speed drops off because there is a slight incline in the road then when you finish that straight and top the crest there is another 20 or 30 klm's of straight road waiting for you on the other side, very boring and hard to deal with, a lot of bikes have had the rear tyres changed and the ones that haven't are waiting to get to Perth to do so, the flat spots on most rear tyres are incredible.
The most significant change in the landscape is that there are no hills or mountains in this section just huge parcels of open grazing land that goes on to the horizon on each side of the road.
We stopped at Sandfire roadhouse for breakfast and fuel, interesting breakfast, a huge home made sausage roll and a water to keep the hydration up.
Then onto Pardoo Roadhouse for another fuel stop and more water then into Port Headland for the overnight accommodation at the Hamilton Motel which is owned and run by one of the mining companies, its easy to tell as there are mining vehicles everywhere but the accommodation is good and the rooms are fully equipped with washing machines and dryers in each, the dinner was great and the kitchen will be open for us at 4.30 in the morning which is good as we have 870 klm's to do tomorrow.
Total Klms todate 7,214 klm's
It's hard to believe that after so much straight road across the top of Australia we have encountered unbelievably long and straight stretches down the west coast but here the temp varies so much one minute you can feel the heat coming up under the helmet from the road the next you can smell the salt of the sea which is close by and the temp drops, the variance's are huge.
The straights are incredible we set the throttle locks and the speed drops off because there is a slight incline in the road then when you finish that straight and top the crest there is another 20 or 30 klm's of straight road waiting for you on the other side, very boring and hard to deal with, a lot of bikes have had the rear tyres changed and the ones that haven't are waiting to get to Perth to do so, the flat spots on most rear tyres are incredible.
The most significant change in the landscape is that there are no hills or mountains in this section just huge parcels of open grazing land that goes on to the horizon on each side of the road.
We stopped at Sandfire roadhouse for breakfast and fuel, interesting breakfast, a huge home made sausage roll and a water to keep the hydration up.
Then onto Pardoo Roadhouse for another fuel stop and more water then into Port Headland for the overnight accommodation at the Hamilton Motel which is owned and run by one of the mining companies, its easy to tell as there are mining vehicles everywhere but the accommodation is good and the rooms are fully equipped with washing machines and dryers in each, the dinner was great and the kitchen will be open for us at 4.30 in the morning which is good as we have 870 klm's to do tomorrow.
Total Klms todate 7,214 klm's
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Day16 - Sunday 17/10/10 - Weather, Clear Windy about 31
Another lay day in Broome the Metropolis without the people as Steve calls it.
Going to watch the Moto Gp With Wes and a few of the others over a couple of beers
which seems to be the norm for this group, as most afternoons we meet and wash the road dust out of our throats with a couple of beers.
Going to watch the Moto Gp With Wes and a few of the others over a couple of beers
which seems to be the norm for this group, as most afternoons we meet and wash the road dust out of our throats with a couple of beers.
Day15 - Saturday - 16/10/10 - Weather Clear Dry Windy 33
Broome lay day, sight see the Port and Wharf then out to Cable Beach check tyres make a few adjustments and shop walk around town have dinner at the Roey Pub. Easy day and recovery time.
Day14- Friday- 15/10/10 - Weather, Hot and Dry 37 Deg.
Leave Fitzroy Crossing 6.30am and avoided another mass ride which we feel are dangerous as most riders are not comfortable riding close together.
Head to Willare Bridge Roadhouse for fuel and Breakfast, interesting stop off the road as the entrance was chopped up and wet I went carefully through it but thought it could be fun, only to see Toasty run through at full throttle making all the noise with straight through pipes and his back wheel spraying mud everywhere.
Good look and riding on a 1700 Yamaha Cruiser, not made for these conditions.
Arrive at Bromme at about 11.30 and booked in to the 2 bedroom apartment next to the beach, what a hard life after a short run.
Total Klm's 6,499 to date.
Head to Willare Bridge Roadhouse for fuel and Breakfast, interesting stop off the road as the entrance was chopped up and wet I went carefully through it but thought it could be fun, only to see Toasty run through at full throttle making all the noise with straight through pipes and his back wheel spraying mud everywhere.
Good look and riding on a 1700 Yamaha Cruiser, not made for these conditions.
Arrive at Bromme at about 11.30 and booked in to the 2 bedroom apartment next to the beach, what a hard life after a short run.
Total Klm's 6,499 to date.
Day13 - Thursday 14/10/10 - Weather, Overcast with rain.
Left Kununurra at 6.30am and headed for Doon Doon roadhouse but we decided not to stop and went on to Turkey creek for Fuel and breakfast then Halls Creek for more fuel. I had to top right up here as the next stretch was 290 klms between Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing, there was a roadside stop organised but again we were in front of the support vehicle that was going to set it up, so we pushed through to Fitzroy Crossing and got 17.5 litres into a 17 litre fuel tank, basically I was running on fumes but got there.
At this point we were told about Tony who stopped to stretch and remove his wet weather gear on the side of the road, his bike fell on him breaking both bones in the lower part of his leg. When the support vehicle got to him, Jack the paramedic on board went to work putting a splint on the leg and contacting the ambulance who took him to Fitzroy Crossing then moved him onto Darwin. What we think will happen from here is he will be flown to Perth for a specialist to set the leg and he might pick us up and complete the ride in a support van, all yet to be decided. His bike and gear is on the trailer behind one of the four support vehicles.
I had a huge moment myself when venturing onto the side of the road there was enough signage to say the sides were slippery but I thought the bike wasn't heavy enough to worry, wrong the bike sunk to the rim and slipped everywhere for about 10 meters then back on the road and never to venture there again.
Accommodation at Fitzroy Crossing is good at the Fitzroy River Lodge, interesting here they don't serve full strenght beer until after 4.00pm and then after 6.00pm thongs are not suitable in the bar???
Total Klm's 6,099
At this point we were told about Tony who stopped to stretch and remove his wet weather gear on the side of the road, his bike fell on him breaking both bones in the lower part of his leg. When the support vehicle got to him, Jack the paramedic on board went to work putting a splint on the leg and contacting the ambulance who took him to Fitzroy Crossing then moved him onto Darwin. What we think will happen from here is he will be flown to Perth for a specialist to set the leg and he might pick us up and complete the ride in a support van, all yet to be decided. His bike and gear is on the trailer behind one of the four support vehicles.
I had a huge moment myself when venturing onto the side of the road there was enough signage to say the sides were slippery but I thought the bike wasn't heavy enough to worry, wrong the bike sunk to the rim and slipped everywhere for about 10 meters then back on the road and never to venture there again.
Accommodation at Fitzroy Crossing is good at the Fitzroy River Lodge, interesting here they don't serve full strenght beer until after 4.00pm and then after 6.00pm thongs are not suitable in the bar???
Total Klm's 6,099
Day12 - Wednesday - 13/10/10 - Weather, Rain all day.
Left Katherine at 6.30am the rain was heavy, eventually found the road out of the place, first fuel and breakfast stop was at Victoria River then onto Timber Creek where we met a couple of Road Train drivers who warned us of deep water laying across the road in the causeways between here and Kununurra.
This proved to be good information and the roadside signage was a bit concerning as it showed the depth could get to 1.5 metres, when you look around and think for the water to get to that level it would have to cover a huge amount of ground because it is so flat around this area.
There was supposed to be a roadside stop manned by the support crew but everything was good at this point so we continued into Kununurra, arriving at about 1.00pm.
We found the room and sorted the wet gear out and had lunch, when we went back to the room to we found there were motorbikes in corridors alleyways and just about anywhere you could fit a bike so long as it was out of the rain. Management seemed very tolerant to us as a group and nothing fazed them, we walked around the town and that took about 1/2 and hour then back to the pub for dinner and the usual drinks with tales of the many kilometers travelled.
Total Klm's 5,435
This proved to be good information and the roadside signage was a bit concerning as it showed the depth could get to 1.5 metres, when you look around and think for the water to get to that level it would have to cover a huge amount of ground because it is so flat around this area.
There was supposed to be a roadside stop manned by the support crew but everything was good at this point so we continued into Kununurra, arriving at about 1.00pm.
We found the room and sorted the wet gear out and had lunch, when we went back to the room to we found there were motorbikes in corridors alleyways and just about anywhere you could fit a bike so long as it was out of the rain. Management seemed very tolerant to us as a group and nothing fazed them, we walked around the town and that took about 1/2 and hour then back to the pub for dinner and the usual drinks with tales of the many kilometers travelled.
Total Klm's 5,435
Day 11- Tuesday 12/10/10- Weather Clear and hot mid 30's
Left Mataranka and went on to Katherine where we met the riders interested in going to the Gorge, at Katherine we set up a group ride along the Gorge road for the camera crew who were following us in a helicopter, we still have not seen this footage but hope it will be on the final DVD.
When we asked about a boat ride into the Gorge at the visitors centre around 10.30am we were told the next one went at 1.30pm, so we opted for a helicopter ride over the first 3 Gorges at 12.00.
David Cooke decided to come with us on the flight even though he told us he wasn't a good flyer, Steve as usual did his best to give Dave cheery thoughts about the flight, as it turned out the helicopter was not much bigger than an egg cup and the pilot was still at school I thought. All in all we survived and decided this probably was the best way to see the Gorges.
The new accommodation at Katherine that we arranged was a 2 bedroom apartment really nicely setup and maintained, because we had moved to Katherine it took about 100 klm's off the next days ride.
Total Klm's 4,891 Klm's
When we asked about a boat ride into the Gorge at the visitors centre around 10.30am we were told the next one went at 1.30pm, so we opted for a helicopter ride over the first 3 Gorges at 12.00.
David Cooke decided to come with us on the flight even though he told us he wasn't a good flyer, Steve as usual did his best to give Dave cheery thoughts about the flight, as it turned out the helicopter was not much bigger than an egg cup and the pilot was still at school I thought. All in all we survived and decided this probably was the best way to see the Gorges.
The new accommodation at Katherine that we arranged was a 2 bedroom apartment really nicely setup and maintained, because we had moved to Katherine it took about 100 klm's off the next days ride.
Total Klm's 4,891 Klm's
Day10 - Monday 11/10/10 - Weather, Clear hot 34 degrees.
Left Tennant Creek at 5.30am because I did not set my clock to the new time zone, stopped for fuel and breakfast at Renner Springs.The outside of this stop looked like a lot of other roadhouses along the way but the inside showed it must come alive during the wet season when people get stuck at the stop. The bar was probably the most interesting I have seen in a long time and was certainly the focus point of the whole roadhouse, the rest of the decor could have come out of the 70's except for the demountable shower and toilet facilities.
Then onto Daly Waters which is just off the highway but well worth the stop as the photo's show, the service station was serving fuel which is run by the hotel and both look like the could fall down at any stage, the bar here is interesting as they have a big display of Bra's and Jock over the top of the main bar and currency from all around the world stuck to the walls, at least the drinks were cold and refreshing.
We looked at one of the WW2 air fields that are still usable if an emergency required it to be used, there are quite a few of these around this area.
Arrive into Mataranka Homestead at about 1.30pm, we had a good look at our accommodation and the bathroom facilities which was 1 shower and 1 toilet for more than 15 people, the room didn't have a window to the outside just onto the hall way and smelt the bed was just a dirty mattress on a wire frame and the aircon was non existant. We decided to look at the Territory Manner Caravan Park and Motel which a fellow had told us about at Daly Waters the day before, when we got there we asked to look at the room before taking it and was asked where we had been booked into before arriving at their door they just smiled and did not comment.
This new accommodation was excellent and the staff could not do more to help we left very happy with our stop.
Total distance travelled 4,731 Klm's
Then onto Daly Waters which is just off the highway but well worth the stop as the photo's show, the service station was serving fuel which is run by the hotel and both look like the could fall down at any stage, the bar here is interesting as they have a big display of Bra's and Jock over the top of the main bar and currency from all around the world stuck to the walls, at least the drinks were cold and refreshing.
We looked at one of the WW2 air fields that are still usable if an emergency required it to be used, there are quite a few of these around this area.
Arrive into Mataranka Homestead at about 1.30pm, we had a good look at our accommodation and the bathroom facilities which was 1 shower and 1 toilet for more than 15 people, the room didn't have a window to the outside just onto the hall way and smelt the bed was just a dirty mattress on a wire frame and the aircon was non existant. We decided to look at the Territory Manner Caravan Park and Motel which a fellow had told us about at Daly Waters the day before, when we got there we asked to look at the room before taking it and was asked where we had been booked into before arriving at their door they just smiled and did not comment.
This new accommodation was excellent and the staff could not do more to help we left very happy with our stop.
Total distance travelled 4,731 Klm's
Day 9- Sunday 10/10/10 - Weather, Rain then showers clearing to very hot.
As we were leaving Mt Isa at 6.30am we turned onto the highway and stopped to adjust the radios when we heard a loud bang followed by 2 more bangs, when we looked back we saw a road train had smashed the traffic lights we had just been parked at waiting for them to change.
We stopped at Camooweal for fuel and breakfast then onto an organised road side stop where we met the support crew for a fuel top up and stretch.
The next stop is Barkly Roadhouse where we had lunch and were told the road ahead was blocked by water in some causeways, form this point on the weather had cleared and was really hot for the rest of the day.
We arrived into Tennant Creek at about 3.00pm and noticed the bottle shop had bars over the windows and doors and were served out of a hole in the bars.
The accommodation for the night at the Bluestone Motor Inn was reasonable but old at least the air conditioning worked.
Total combined Klm's 4,129
We stopped at Camooweal for fuel and breakfast then onto an organised road side stop where we met the support crew for a fuel top up and stretch.
The next stop is Barkly Roadhouse where we had lunch and were told the road ahead was blocked by water in some causeways, form this point on the weather had cleared and was really hot for the rest of the day.
We arrived into Tennant Creek at about 3.00pm and noticed the bottle shop had bars over the windows and doors and were served out of a hole in the bars.
The accommodation for the night at the Bluestone Motor Inn was reasonable but old at least the air conditioning worked.
Total combined Klm's 4,129
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Day 8 - Saturday 9/10/10- Weather Overcast and about 26 degrees
Leave Richmond at about 8.00am after the group photo's and ride by session, this time we have had breakfast before we leave. First stop Julia Creek then onto Cloncurry and MT Isa stop for the day arriving at about 1.30pm, short easy day ready for the ride to Tennant Creek tomorrow.
During the afternoon we have been told that another 7 riders have been booked today and this is becominga problem that we will discuss tonight.
The Burke and Wills Motel is good and we are booked to have dinner and breakfast here but we all want an early start so we will have to discuss this as well.
Combined distance 3,454 Klm's
During the afternoon we have been told that another 7 riders have been booked today and this is becominga problem that we will discuss tonight.
The Burke and Wills Motel is good and we are booked to have dinner and breakfast here but we all want an early start so we will have to discuss this as well.
Combined distance 3,454 Klm's
Day 7 - Friday 8/10/10- Weather Overcast but hot and still about 31 deg
Leave Townsville at 6.30 am and ride to Charters Towers arrive there at 8.30am and stop for Fuel and breakfast, ride on through Pentland and Hughenden onto Richmond at 2.00pm where we are booked to stay the night.
Order of events was a swim then to the pub for a beer with the whole group, they are very social group who seem to love a beer at the end of a hard days riding,then back to the Ammonite Inn Motel for dinner and bed.
Combined Distance 3,037 Klm's
Order of events was a swim then to the pub for a beer with the whole group, they are very social group who seem to love a beer at the end of a hard days riding,then back to the Ammonite Inn Motel for dinner and bed.
Combined Distance 3,037 Klm's
Day 5 & 6 - Wednesday/ Thursday - 6/10/10- Weather, Sunny hot 30deg
Leave Mackay at 6.30am stop for breakfast at Bowen and lunch at Ayr then arrive at Townsville at 1.30pm.
Nice to have a two night stop and the Aquarius on the Beach was really nice my room was on the 12 floor directly overlooking the beach and supplying a nice sea breeze.
Thursday was a wash and recoup day we walked the 3 kilometers to town centre and back then got onto the bikes and went to a bike shop so I could buy a light weight coat as the one I had was far too heavy even with the lining out.
We went up to the top of Castle hill and took some photo's and had a swim basically relaxing, I did a repair job on my bike's fuel cap, it was not breathing so the bike was starving for fuel at crucial times not a good thing but easily repaired.
Combined travel distance 2479 klm's
Nice to have a two night stop and the Aquarius on the Beach was really nice my room was on the 12 floor directly overlooking the beach and supplying a nice sea breeze.
Thursday was a wash and recoup day we walked the 3 kilometers to town centre and back then got onto the bikes and went to a bike shop so I could buy a light weight coat as the one I had was far too heavy even with the lining out.
We went up to the top of Castle hill and took some photo's and had a swim basically relaxing, I did a repair job on my bike's fuel cap, it was not breathing so the bike was starving for fuel at crucial times not a good thing but easily repaired.
Combined travel distance 2479 klm's
Day 4 - Tuesday 5/10/10 - Weather, Mist to Fog then clearing to really hot
Leave Bundaberg at 6.30am ride to Miriamvale for Breakfast and then onto Rockhampton at about 10.45am stop for lunch at Marlborough and finish day at Mackay at 3.30pm.
Accommodation at the Central Tourist Park was very ordinary and the cabins were rough, Dave Cook suggested Glenn Martin and myself join him for a couple of beers at the Oemio pub as he was there about twenty years earlier and thought it was a great place, great views out to sea and nice spot.
We dined at the RSL club and drowned a few sorrows as 11 of the group got booked on the way into Marlborough.
Combined distance travelled 2,089 Klm's.
Accommodation at the Central Tourist Park was very ordinary and the cabins were rough, Dave Cook suggested Glenn Martin and myself join him for a couple of beers at the Oemio pub as he was there about twenty years earlier and thought it was a great place, great views out to sea and nice spot.
We dined at the RSL club and drowned a few sorrows as 11 of the group got booked on the way into Marlborough.
Combined distance travelled 2,089 Klm's.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Day 3 - Monday 4/10/10 - Weather, Overcast but Mostly Dry
Official start of the ride.
Leave Tenterfield at 8.30am after having group photo's for the press releases at the Tenterfield Rail Museum.
Head onto Bundaberg through Warwick, Toowoomba & Goomeri, arriving at Bundaberg at about 4.00pm.
Stay at the Bert Hinkler Motel, good accommodation and big rooms, dinner at the motel and breakfast booked for 7.30am but we are leaving early to beat the heat so we will have breakfast on the road.
Combined distance for 1,383 Klms.
Leave Tenterfield at 8.30am after having group photo's for the press releases at the Tenterfield Rail Museum.
Head onto Bundaberg through Warwick, Toowoomba & Goomeri, arriving at Bundaberg at about 4.00pm.
Stay at the Bert Hinkler Motel, good accommodation and big rooms, dinner at the motel and breakfast booked for 7.30am but we are leaving early to beat the heat so we will have breakfast on the road.
Combined distance for 1,383 Klms.
Day 2 - 3/10/10 Weather, Overcast patchy Drizzle
Leave Tamworth at 9.30am and head to Armidale for breakfast, stop of at Guyra looking for Tracey's old house which we could not even find the street let alone the house, we think that all the indicators I was given to check have changed or looked different in the rain. Moved on through Glenn Innes and stopped at Tenterfield at 2.30pm.
Book in and meet the group over dinner, many different bike and personalities but all in all they seem to be a good group, time will tell.
Combined Distance is now 762 Klm's.
Book in and meet the group over dinner, many different bike and personalities but all in all they seem to be a good group, time will tell.
Combined Distance is now 762 Klm's.
Day1- 2/10/10 Weather, Overcast Patchy Drizzle then Rain
Leave Sydney at 6.15am for Tamworth travelling through Scone at 12.00 lunch time where we were pulled over and breathalysed it appears the Police are actually getting the same bike as Steve's so they wanted to talk to him about his bike and the test was just a ploy. Then we got into Tamworth at about 2.00pm with a heap of time to spend we decided to do the Tourist thing and look at the Golden Guitar and shop.
The City Sider Motel was good and we then had dinner at the local RSL Club.
Travelled 452 Klm's.
The City Sider Motel was good and we then had dinner at the local RSL Club.
Travelled 452 Klm's.
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