Docket with 11:11 (real time) in wallet and on the road. There's something about the Ipswich Motorway, because I always seem to do my mental checklist there. This time I remembered the two beautiful Ice Coffees I'd made and put in the freezer. Guess I'll have them one hot afternoon next week.
The roadworks between Warwick and Goondiwindi are heart-breakers. It was 35o and the three flagmen stops totalled 30 minutes.
Who says speed radars are for safety? The first two roadworks had lots of workmen and machinery. A risky workplace deserving careful driving. The third roadworks 80 kph zone had no men, no equipment, no detours, gravel, cone markers or barriers- just signs. Over the first rise, Johnny Hopper was gleefully writing tickets for the sinners who exceeded 80 because there were signs. If it was for safety he should have been back there among the roadworks.
Moving along (this is getting boring) corner docket in Goondi and short butt rest and rehydrate in Narrabri where it was 38oand pretty torrid.
I was on an FR1200G so a refuel and back-up docket in Quirindi (didn't know then that Willow Tree Mobil Truck Stop is 24 hour) and over the range for a motel bed in Murrurundi. The Valley View is biker friendly- $85 for a single in a well appointed room. Never encountered gravel in a motel driveway- really loose and worrisome on the ST13.
On the road at 4:00. I love the road at that time of day. Saw one small Skippy which the Shoo-Roos sent hopping.
to the unbelievers.
A testimony to man's ability to put lights on sticks, and the lovely Morning "Star".
My fave on-road breakfast. Scoff ye purists- but that's joy food for this long distance rider.
Down the Oxley to The V-Wall. I was among the earlier arrivals at 10:30. Intended 11:00 but couldn't sleep.
Checked out the bikes. Loved Lionel's Christmas trees RAM mounts and spaghetti wiring. He says it's a work in progress.
Had-a-chat with a few troops, but had to hit the slab- duty calls.
Butt break at a rest stop and said g'day to an Ozzie.
From there, sent Missus Biggles an ETA SMS and arrived home 5:30. 1289 ODO, 1278 GPS for the FR12Gold, 1765 for the trip.
Another enjoyable outing.
