Author Archives: Cliff

For this ride I will ride from Cobar and Start my nominated minimum of 1,200km for the 24hr from Walgett, I will then head up through St George, Roma and overnight in Emerald. I will then head off to the finish location, Eungella. I had prepped My Vstrom for the ride over the previous 2 months. Unfortunately while transporting my bike from Goolwa to Cobar I had broken the screen mounts and lost the windscreen, along with it was my SPOT2 unit. So i purchased a Madstad bracket and Givi screen. Installed them and am very pleased with the results. Not only have I got more wind protection but improved fuel economy. I also replaced the tracking unit with another SPOT2. I gave the drive chain a fair amount of attention also. It is starting to show signs of wear, but should be good for this ride. Bike was good to go.

Woke at about 4am on Friday morning Sept 30th. I had just finished night shift the previous morning and the body clock is still out of wack. Anyway had plenty of time to get ready for the ride. Malcolm had sent me a link to his Spot tracker and I checked this. I knew he had stayed in Cobar overnight by his Spot. He was on the road early and was 2 hours ahead of me. I had no idea of his planned route and assumed he was planning a big day.

Taken about 7am prior to the ride.

Bike packed and ready to go before the scheduled 8am. Odometer reading 83,262km. Needed fuel before I left town so headed off to the local BP station. Fuel receipt said 07:48. Looked like I would have time for a luxurious lunch with a Cappuccino and all.

Off to Bourke. Seen a few goats and Roo’s along the table drains, but no real problems to mention.

Departure side of Bourke heading to Brewarrina.

Refuelled at Bourke and headed for my start location Walgett.

Had some time up my sleeve so had nice lunch with that Cappuccino that I mentioned earlier. Finished lunch and checked the time. Still before 12.00 noon so rode to the servo and was about to fuel up and who turned up behind me? Malcolm. Seems he woke early got bored as you do and took on the goats and Roo’s before sunrise for entertainment. We both refuelled and proceeded to get our start dockets. Seems I timed it just right tax invoice docket read 12:00. Mind you the card receipt read 12:04. Malcolm paid and got his start docket and we proceeded to leave. I was just moving out when I seen a familiar bike parked at the exit to the servo. Seems Gags had the same plan as Malcolm and I. So it seems we had company for the ride. A bit unusual for me as I sure it is for them. So off to St George. Our next planned stop.

A couple of likely suspects at St George.

Refuelled at St George and off we went. Next stop Injune. The road and weather has been good. Dry roads and a good temperature for riding. A bit of wildlife on the road in this section. I was following Malcolm and noticed as we were taking a left sweeper that a snake (a 4’ Eastern Brown I think) just managed to slither from the oncoming tyres of Malcolm’s bike and into the grassy edge. A few lizards also scampered off the road as we approached. Sun was setting as we rode through Roma and pushed onto Injune. Stopped for fuel at Injune.

Refuelling at Injune

We all made our obligatory phone call after refuelling. Prior to leaving a group of young people arrived from the North and gave us warning of Cattle on the road ahead. And right they were. Quite a few cattle. I was in the lead and had my HID’s beaming down the road and managed to spot the groups of cattle in plenty of time. Had to put the lights down due to oncoming traffic. Perfect timing for a mad cow to become skittish and bolt out in front me. Fist full of brakes and the cow had almost past my path so started to ease of the brakes and it decided to do an about turn. Brakes fully applied again. And past it at walking pace. Gags told me later that it changed again and the oncoming truck struck the cow in the head, but did not kill it and it trotted off. Up the road a little further and there were what i thought was several more cattle having a snooze on the roadside, wrong it was cattle carnage. I guess a truck must have cleaned up half a dozen or more at speed. On we pushed to Emerald. Gags had accommodation booked there and I also found accommodation there. Malcolm had accommodation booked further up the road about 60km.

Emerald accommodation prior to departure.

After a good night sleep it was time to hit the road again. so fuelled up an d on my way. Had a great run and stopped for fuel at  …… Nebo I think. To be honest, I’m not truly sure. Just need to ask the other dozen FarRiders that pulled up to refuel .

Last refuel before Eungella

Left here following Malcolm again. Thought I could do some sightseeing and let Malcolm do the navigating. Noticed an increase in temperature after refuelling also. Took a left hand turn and….. found the stuff “Dusty Butts” are made of. Good road though and still made good time to the check-in.

Included a little dirt on the ride. Shaved a few K’s off I guess though.

Arrived at Eungella in plenty of time. What a great spot. But I must say thanks for the warning about the road in.

Thanks Clint, Carlene and Steve for a great location.

I checked in and had a nice lunch. I had itchy feet and wanted to get moving again. I had a quick talk with Clint about wings (sorry to disturb your lunch Clint). On my way again. I planned to get south of rocky and only just achieved it. Ox34 kept me company for about 100 – 150km south of Eungella. Fires on the highway slowed the advance. I met some other FarRiders and we were all held up by the fires. But only for about 30 minutes. Stayed at the Kabra Motel for the night. Booked in and unloaded to the room. Made the usual call to the wife. Noticed that I was sharing the room.

One of the 2 frogs in the room.

Also whle talking to the wife I watched a mouse run from under the bed to the bathroom and make a hasty retreat out the opened window. Window promptly shut. Time for a shower and a feed. Seem someone wanted to share the shower with me aswell.

Peeping frog at the shower window.

Shower window promptly shut. Didnt fancy bending over to wash my feet and have the frog use my bum as a landing pad. Had a great Steak and a few cleansing ales and of to bed. After a good night sleep i was on my way to the second purpose of my ride. Papaya seed dressing from the tropical fruit farm near Murwillumbah.

Sunrise south of Rocky.

Achieved mission B and headed further south to Lismore. Was caught by a little rain but not a lot. What can I say about the ride from Lismore to Tenterfield. Great road. Managed a stop on the way though. Checked out the riders rest. Keep this in the diary for a stopover. Love the antitheft parking.

Headed south at Tenterfield to glen Innes, Coldest part of the trip. Then took a right to Moree.  Past through Warialda on the way. Seen some interesting things made from tin.

More cows

All made by a lady for the honey festival.

Rest of the ride home was uneventful. Home at 6pm on day 4. Completed 4,072km for the trip. Oh and #1 rule obeyed. Home safe.

Not one for writing reports so I just put some pic’s in.

Departed Goolwa about 8am for an easy ride to Port melbourne.

on the pier at Port Melbourne. There was a few HD riders on the pier. there was a rally on the East coast they were heading to. 750km for day one.

Started my FarRide at Elizabeth town at 12:38. started heading towards Devonport and within 10 minutes I stopped to put the wets on. yep heavy rain until I was south of Burnie. Fined up after that for some great riding.

Head west just before Tullah for the Reece dam. some great riding there  . The roads track around the hills all the way.

Reece Dam.

Looks like a few of the HD riders had found there way here as well.

Headed out of Queenstown. 

Just west of Derwent Bridge. It was good to see and ride familiar territory  

that was the last of the pic’s for the day. I just wanted do do some riding.

Not a lot of photo’s the next morning either. stayed at Oatlands overnight at the Kentish Hotel. to late to get a feed so had a packet of chips with a cleansing ale.  . very nice spot for the price.

Rode to Fingal and then to Perth for a rest stop. Then headed south again for Derwent bridge. Done 1,230km for the FarRide.

Yep found them.

A few of the usual suspects.

MildThing said a few word.

As Fattymick said you picked a good spot.

Well i had a burger for lunch that could feed 2 and headed for Ulverstone to spent the night with My Sister and her husband. struck the usual west coast rain on the way.

Spent the next morning at Mum and Dads doing a few odd jobs, had dinner at the inlaws and then on the boat again.

On my way to Geelong.

First thing I had to do after getting off the boat the next morning was replace the rear tyre that I had to much fun on in Tassie.  

After 2.3 hours waiting for a new tyre to be fitted I headed for the great ocean road.

Seen a cute little fury fella on the Great ocean road.

Great scenery along the way.

Sunset over Strathalbyn.

Home

Just over 3,500km for the trip.

Many thanks to all involved for organising it.

I planned to ride to Darwin to take part in the Long Ride 2010. Why not start the ride with a SS1600. Wifey signed off as a start witness and waved farewell at 04:50 May 5th. Then off to the hole in the wall. My ride start docket had a start time of 04:56:04 and my bike ODO reading was 54,343.

I headed off towards Port Augusta. Need to remember to take a right turn there. The morning was fine and I had summer gloves on when I left home. I kept a vigilant eye out for Roo’s and other animals that seem to throw themselves in front of vehicles. I was lucky to only see 2 Roo’s and they were both at a distance. Otherwise just a few Rabbits and a Fox At around 6am I could see the first hints of morning light starting to appear in the mirrors. I stopped for a quick snap at about 6.30am. Stopped at Wilcannia to take a photo of the Darling which has risen more since I drove through in March. Filled up and off to Broken Hill.

Stopped in Broken Hill at about 08:45 (SA Time). Grabbed a bite to eat and waited for Bazz’s shop to open. I hadn’t finished my sandwich when one of Bazz’s assistants opened the front door of his shop and wandered over and chatted for a moment and then I said I was here to pick up my beloved FarRiders Cap that I had left at Lightning Ridge the week before. Thanks Ian and Bazz. Filled up and off to Port Augusta. Started to get quite windy around Broken Hill and was threatening rain at Peterborough. A few spots but managed to dodge the worst. I know I have stopped to take a picture of the Banner shot before, but what the hell I done it again.

Litter bugs

Fuel stop at Peterborough and Port Augusta and remembered to take the right turn at Port Augusta so things are looking good. More fuel at Glendambo. Stopped on the way to Coober Pedy for a sunset shot.

Into Cobber Pedy And fuelled up. I was feeling great. Asked the attendant what the road was like through to Marla. “No go Mate. She’s still blocked”. Why the hell is it blocked I asked. “because of the Accident mate, 3 fatalities and 2 critically injured”. Bugger. My issue of not being able to get to Marla suddenly seemed very small. I seen the flashing police lights up the road as I turned into Coober Pedy and went to talk to them. Seems likely the road would be closed into the next day. The SS1600 attempt now history, I booked into the caravan park. 1450 km for the day.

Up and on the road again by about 5am. Another sunrise.

Stopped at Marla for breakfast. Did not see any sign of an accident on the way, but most of the road was ridden in the dark. After starting again from Marla I heard a few Truckies on the UHF say they did not see anything on the road either. I still don’t know what exactly happened to the poor buggers. Just enjoying the ride now. Into Erldunda for fuel then onto Alice Springs.

Isn’t the 130km/h a great speed to cruise at. I started to do some calc’s in my head and thought I could still get a 2,500 in 36hrs with this speed limit. Pushed on further to Tennant Creek. Tenant creek was 100 km further then for the 2,500km I needed but the fuel stop prior was 30 km short of it. Pulled into Tennant Creek refuelled and into the shop to pay. Waited patiently for 2 young local girls to get their bags of lollies. You know the story, one of these and one of these etc. Paid and checked the time stamp. 16:27:49. Add the 30 minutes from EST to CST = 36hours 1 minute and 45 seconds. Thought for a second or 2 that I had done the 2603km and surely the IBA would understand. No, rules are rules. I was late. I rode out of Tennant Creek smiling because I was not really that worried about the IBA rides as I was simply enjoying the ride in the country. I had thought that the centre would be worse then the roads out in western NSW. Not so. The scenery changed often and while you would not say the road up the centre is twisty it does have some nice sweeping bends and dips to keep your interest. Up until Ti Tree I had not seen any wild life on the roads. In fact I had seen no real problems with Roo’s, Pigs, Emu’s etc. However the cattle wondering around on the road are something to keep in mind. Several cows laying dead on the side of the road. A sobering thought for riders travelling at night if they dare to do 130kph. I continued on to Dunmurra. It had been dark for some time and it appeared to be good Roo country so I decided to camp there the night at the Pub. Had a great feed of Thia red chicken curry. Washed down with an ale or 2.

Had a bit of a sleep in, but still managed a sunrise shot. On the road by 6am.

The ride to Darwin was uneventful but you would never guess who happened to be in the neighbourhood when I got there.

Yep. Ghostrider and Mosey Angel. Paul and Alison.

Camped at the Niece and Nephews on the Friday and Saturday nights.  Rode out to Adelaide River With Nephew and joined the mob to ride back into Darwin. Went out to the charity diner on the Saturday night and caught up with Paul and Alison again and also watchdog. Must admit he (watchdog) has a nice rig (and spoilt dogs back home). Received the best outfit award. Well done mate.

Sunset at Darwin

On the road again Sunday Morning. Had a start witness form signed off by Chris (My niece’s husband) just in case I feel like doing an IBA ride. Another sunrise around Adelaide River.

Crossed into QLD at sunset. Pulled up at Mount Isa. Camped the night.

Smelter stack at the Isa.

Another Sunrise Ya gotta love the name of this Motel! Into Townsville and took a left turn ended up at Ingham. Checked end docket. Yep under 36 hours. Gentleman at the Roadhouse signed off on the finishing witness form. Have yet to check the paperwork, receipt etc. But think I have nailed it.

Stayed in Townsville the night and on the road at 5.30am.

Was about 40km south of Aye and got a call on the Mobile. I had left my credit card at the motel. Bugger. Turned around to retrieve it. Silly thing to do but I was over it before I I even turned back. I was on Holidays and in no hurry. After this it was a cruisie ride down the coast taking a few IBEM pictures. Camped at a park just south of Rockhampton. Top spot if you need to stay somewhere there. Webs heavy with dew south of Rocky. Picture really doesn’t do them justice.

Caught up with my Sister in Brisvagas. A few more IBEM pic’s and stopped the night at Casino. My, it was a bit fresh the next morning. Off at 6am. Pulled up at Drake for a coffee and breakfast. Also to give the roads some time to defrost.

Heated Grips are a blessing. should have put them on years ago. Foggy valleys on the way from Drake to Tenterfield.

Rode up to Tenterfield and then down the New England. The amount of roadwork being conducted on the roads at the moment is frustrating. But I guess its for the better.

I called my Manager from Nyngan to meet me at Hermidale. I resigned from my job there. Start the new job mid next month. Not sure why I put this photo in  Back in home territory.

Home at 6.15pm. ODO meter reading = 64,772. Total off ODO = 10,429km. GPS = 10,114km.

I could have included much more like the rain at Mackay and the mad teenagers who’s cars suddenly develop 500+ HP. Or the Croc in Darwin that’s looking for a set of headphones to go with my Ipod. But I will save those stories for some other time. Best fun I’ve had for years. Wifey asked if I would do it again? I said yep, but next time I turn left at Katherine.

Foot note:

I have since had a BB2500 ride certified by the IBA. 2,626km completed

This would be my first ride report. I’m not that big on writing them and find it hard to pull up to take Photo’s but made that attempt also. So here’s my attempt.
Learned a few valuable things out of this ride which I will discuss.  
This was more or less going to be a training exersize as I am doing the Long ride in May and thought I would have a go at an IB ride or 2. I had thought about a CC50 but it is very unlikely now as I will not have the bike set up ready. I will sus it out this year and maybe try a CC50 next year.
I started getting things ready on Friday night after work. Packing a change of cloths and other things for the ride, Camera, Map, etc. Laid it all out on the lounge floor. Removed a heap of stuff I use when swagging it, as I was planning on a room at the Marla Hilton in S.A.  
Saturday started at about 2am. Woke with out an alarm. Showered, dressed asked Angela next door to sign the witness form (pre-arranged and still up partying :). Loaded the bike and down to the Servo for a start docket.
My bike was just about full so just a top up. It only took about a litre (thank God) and then filled 2 x 5 litre fuel cans for emergency use. There is just the one 24 hour servo in Cobar and is not the one I normally use. (this is mistake #1.   saved for later).
Start docket 02:54am. On the road heading west. Made good time for the first 100km with very little wildlife just 2 foxes and a few rabbits. Was sitting on around 90 – 100kph and started to see a few Roo’s. After that it became Roo central  . Never seen so many and they were thick all the way to Wilcannia. (I’m thinking Bazz sent them all over from BH) Speed reduced to 70kph average, then to zip when they got to interested in the headlight. I had planned on a slow trip in the first leg to Wilcannia.
I knew that the servo in Wilcannia would be closed so pushed on for Little Topar. As I passed through Wilcannia I was able to see the first traces of daylight in the rear veiw mirrors.

I thought the windmill in the back ground would make a good shot of the sunrise. A little early I know but wasn’t hanging about for better light.
Just put $10 of fuel in at Little Topar as I would need a full tank from Broken Hill to get to Peterborough.
Rode past the servo at Peterborough and thought there would be another. Nope turn around and go back. (Mistake #2 ).
Rode up and down through Horrock’s pass. No wonder Davo liked this place. Pleasant after 750km of mostly straight road. Who would suggest that I would go past a chance of getting a Banner picture attempt.  

Not sure if its in te right spot. Gave Davo a few moments of my thoughts, but am sure he would understand me pushing on.
Started to get a bit of a breeze from the south at this stage.
Refuelled and ate at Port Augusta. I can only guess what the smell in that place is. Perhaps some sulphureous discharge from smelting operations.
Departed Port Augusta and the wind was really starting to pick up. At about 50km short of Pimba I decided it would be my turn around point. I had no doubts that I could make Marla but it would have been real hard work in the heat and the wind now felt like it was threatening to blow the Vstrom out from under me. Guess I whimped out on doing a Back to back SS1600 but I still believe it was the right thing to do. I recall reading Jeff’s ride report of the heat. I also had Work on Monday. The challenge remains there for us both.

Salt lake just south of Pimba.
The ride to Pimba was well worth it. Free coffee on arrival. Refuelled and headed back to Port Augusta. There I done some quick maths and punched a few destinations into the GPS. (Mistake #3 ). Decided on Renmark. Trusted the GPS and it took me down through Clare and Kapunda.  Great ride through there. Shortest route though is 1625km via Burra. enough but I thought I had heaps of K’s up my sleave (1,675) and I should have refuelled at Kapunda as a corner marker. Having enough km was blind luck.

By Port Pirie I was starting to get sick of being battered by the wind and after refuelling I was glad to start to head inland again.

Just south of Clare.
Pulled into a motel at Renmark at around 20:50 and asked Manager if he would be a witness which he gladly did (although he thought I was mental for riding that far). Finishing docket time 20:57
After unloading my gear to the room I walked up town for something to eat and had a cleansing ale and returned to the motel and hit the sack by 10.30pm. Best sleep I have had in ages. Up at 6am showered and on the bike by 7am thought I would continue getting a tax receipts for practice and logging times. Got about half way to Mildura and realised I had missed the chance at a SS2500. (Mistake #4 )
So Charlie you got it right. I did the tourist thing on the way home. At Hay I filled up and thought I would see just how far I can get on a tank of fuel. Run out 22km short of Cobar. 402km for the tank, not bad. Put a 5 litre container in and started for home. Bike started running like a dog. Blocked fuel filter and injector it turns out, and have had nothing but problems since.

Dust devil north of Hillston. Photo does not do it justice. Having ridden through 1 or 2 of these I keep an eye out for them. I waited till this one crossed the road in front of me.
As I said at the start it was really a training exercise but after I get my paperwork together and I am satisfied I may submit it to the IBA. But best of all is the learning curve. Anyone can ride 1600+ km in a day, I’ve done a few just following my nose, but to document it and deal with altering destinations/planning is something I can improve on.

Lessons,

1.   Get Fuel from a reliable source where possible
2.   Never pass a fuel stop in an unfamiliar area.
3.   Never trust a GPS.
4.   Never drop the ball if the first plan comes undone. Always look for alternatives.

I hope this is a good read and if any of the lessons I’ve shared help someone, then I’m glad

2453km off the GPS for the weekend run. (Odometer 2531)

Oh, By the way, I had a Ball. That’s what it all about.   Where to Next  

Bugger! I think I just found an issue with the KM. Mmmm lesson # 3  . I have sent an email to Mr Kneebone for a quick judgement. 

I have since had this ride Certified by the IBA. 1,674km completed.