OzSTOC
OzSTOC Ride Reports, Pictures & Videos => RIDE REPORTS => Topic started by: Kev Murphy on March 13, 2019, 09:03:44 PM
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This Spot link will be active sometime in the morning, I will post updates as Pete travels.
https://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0qDgXQYACM1Niq6Lv0UrbR6NtxisuFFRM
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8.45 am Adelaide time, link not yet active
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10.00 am local time for departure from Blackwood, where I am meeting Fish, Marcelo and also Deb & Dave who are accompanying us for a while today as we ride to Bordertown. Our first week is made up of very short days as one of our usual company has a crook back, but he's not not coming for various reasons, so we've kept the bookings. See ya on the road.... :hatwave
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The tour begins. Safe travels.
(https://i.ibb.co/J7jhZhc/Capture.jpg)
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:runyay :runyay :runyay
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Have fun mate, enjoy the adventure :hatwave :runyay
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(https://i.ibb.co/MVVcsCp/Capture.jpg)
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Now on the downhill run towards Murray Bridge. Click on the pic for enlarged view.
(https://i.ibb.co/bsv4R0f/Capture.jpg)
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Which do you prefer, Map view or Satellite view?
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Which do you prefer, Map view or Satellite view?
Daily updates, map view.
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Which do you prefer, Map view or Satellite view?
Daily updates, map view.
Same here. I don't need it every hundred metres the way it began! :||||
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ok! :thumb
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Finished lunch break in Tailem Bend. Todays target is Bordertown, about 170km ahead.
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That'll be me on saturday.
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Well, that'll be half my day.
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Pete and friends are now passing through Keith.
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Day 1 travel complete, Pete and friends have arrived at Bordertown. Rest well, my friends.
(https://i.ibb.co/5XQ5qnt/Capture.jpg)
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Which do you prefer, Map view or Satellite view?
Nothing like adding a little colour - Satellite but not really fussed either way.
Doesn't "OzLap" imply a coastal route rather than an inland route?
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Petes choice, Alan. There is a lot of ziggety zaggety involved. Way more than the strict coastline route distance.
See here. http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=13107.0 (http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=13107.0)
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On the move, left Bordertown around an hour ago, now in Frances (SA/Vic border)on the way to Hamilton today.
(https://i.ibb.co/x3BNPM7/Capture.jpg)
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He's going to Edenhope to get a picture of that big fish I posted in my Harrow RTE ride report.
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Has reached Harrow around 12.30. My guess is lunch break
(https://i.ibb.co/mHmMmgN/Capture.jpg)
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Pete and friends arrived in Hamilton around 2.30pm. Day 2 complete. Overnight stay at Caravan park?
(https://i.ibb.co/dfbDFC7/Capture.jpg)
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Pete and crew now arriving at Mortlake on the way to Apollo Bay.
(https://i.ibb.co/JBY8X1V/Capture.jpg)
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Currently taking a break in Camperdown
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Pete and Co now approaching Lavers Hill
(https://i.ibb.co/kQ8m1n4/Capture.jpg)
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Travelling well.
(https://i.ibb.co/XWdVgJR/Capture.jpg)
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Crew have arrived safely at Apollo Bay and are settling in.
Day three complete. See you all at Lorne tomorrow.
(https://i.ibb.co/5vscYhv/Capture.jpg)
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Thanks for keeping everyone up to date Kev. The trip is going well with no significant dramas. The pace is slow, which is nice, and the weather is clear skies and mid 20's. I look forward to catching up at Lorne tomorrow.
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Not a problem, Pete... and I have a tasty surprise for all at Lorne tomorrow... :whistle
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Pete, Fish, and Marcello have settled for the night at Torquay.
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:fp
Not a problem, Pete... and I have a tasty surprise for all at Lorne tomorrow... :whistle
Which was?
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Strawberries and cream, without the cream.
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:crackup
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Day 4 complete, I think todays target is via the ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento, and on to Phillip Island for a rest day there tomorrow.
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Up and at 'em!. The boys are on the move.
(https://i.ibb.co/sR0fZSw/Capture.jpg)
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Midday in Sorrento.
Last time I used the ferry, I had to sit on the bike and support it all the way because of rough weather.
(https://i.ibb.co/4mYQZMF/Capture.jpg)
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Ten minutes ago...
(https://i.ibb.co/QK5yqHd/Capture.jpg)
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(https://i.ibb.co/2STymRy/Capture.jpg)
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Day 5 travels complete. Enjoy the rest day tomorrow.
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I am unable to post any pictures at present, because the site I use for storage ( imgbb.com ) is currently offline, and has been so for several hours.
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Site is finally back online, will wait for the boys to get mobile tomorrow.
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Some activity in the past half hour.
(https://i.ibb.co/0yChT1Z/Capture.jpg)
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(https://i.ibb.co/7b8skGt/Capture.jpg)
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Onwards from Inverloch towards Wilsons Prom. Life goes on... it's been 17 years since I last rode through this area.
Any comments about passing through the town named after you, Fish? :p
(https://i.ibb.co/41wfd0v/Capture.jpg)
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The boys arrived at Wilsons Prom around 1pm or so, overnight stay for day 7 of trip. On to Lakes Entrance tomorrow.
(https://i.ibb.co/JQVfkyk/Capture.jpg)
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Hi all, Well the three travelers on there way yesterday from the ISLAND rode to Fish Creek with them. Thanks for the great time catching up guys and safe travels. We were so pleased to be able to have such a trio of easy going blokes. Denis Diane.
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On the move again around an hour ago, currently in Foster.
(https://i.ibb.co/809LXfB/Capture.jpg)
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Passing through Longford, approaching Sale. Unsure where they are taking a lunch break.
(https://i.ibb.co/pPdVZJb/Capture.jpg)
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Moving right along, now passed Stratford on the Princes highway, and heading towards Bairnsdale.
(https://i.ibb.co/1LkQZZT/Capture.jpg)
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3 Muskateers
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Almost at Lakes Entrance.
(https://i.ibb.co/p2Hx2yQ/Capture.jpg)
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3 Muskateers
Triple trouble :p :thumb
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Awful one and one for all.
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:rofl
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Looks like they have pulled into the Big 4 Holiday Village in Lakes Entrance for the night.
Day 8 complete.
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Progress report.
Rest day at Lakes Entrance today.
(https://i.ibb.co/4S6xrJ4/Capture.jpg)
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Marcelo and Fish split today to return home to Adelaide. They do not have spot so I cannot follow.
I am unsure of their course but I am sure that they will post when they reach home.
Pete surges onwards with Mallacoota being the target for today.
Travel safe, my friends.
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Kev the plans changed and the boys are all going to Mallacoota then Marcelo and Fish are heading back via Bright.
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OK, thanks Garry
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2/3rds of the way to Mallacoota. Arrived Cann River 2 hours ago.
(https://i.ibb.co/VjLLpGB/4.jpg)
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Arrived Mallacoota around 11.15am, Tour Day 11 complete.
(https://i.ibb.co/dffdWwR/Capture.jpg)
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Pete is on the move again as of about 8am, an hour ago. Good morning NSW!
Todays target is Canberra, with a rest day there tomorrow.
(https://i.ibb.co/MPHtwCd/Capture.jpg)
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Is Stroppy in town or is he still 4WDing?
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Unknown at present, Bodø
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Now at Eden
(https://i.ibb.co/vJKBBK9/Capture.jpg)
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I cruised this road in Dec 2011, but to Cooma/Canberra from Bega. Some great windy stuff through the Snowies.
(https://i.ibb.co/MZZpBjR/Capture.jpg)
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Midday report. Monaro Hwy.
(https://i.ibb.co/NpCfg93/Capture.jpg)
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Pete arrived Canberra around 1pm today. Rest day there tomorrow before heading to Dubbo Tuesday.
(https://i.ibb.co/27nnf7Z/Capture.jpg)
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Theres movement in the camp, waiting for spot to update.
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On the run through the mountains, approaching Bathurst from Canberra.
(https://i.ibb.co/k1StvsH/Capture.jpg)
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Pete left Bathurst about an hour ago, passed through Orange ten minutes ago.
(https://i.ibb.co/jWbgXx9/Capture.jpg)
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Arrived in Dubbo a few minutes ago. 13 days, Leg one of tour completed.
(https://i.ibb.co/HxvfVs3/Capture.jpg)
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Hi all. I have limited internet communications, so excuse the sparse posts. Trip is going very well and I had a great time while staying with Denis and Di on PI, and with Lionel and Alice in Canberra. A cold ride today from Canberra to Dubbo and tonight is my first night in the tent. 30mm of rain here last night, which I don't want tonight. :thumb Thanks to Kevin for keeping you informed of my progress.
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A cool start to the day at Dubbo, currently 12 degrees, but little rain reported and weather is clearing. Expected to reach 29 today
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Pete left Dubbo around 2 hours ago, heading towards ... mmm ... who knows where? Bit of a ziggety zaggety course for today but maybe heading towards Bathurst again? via a different set of roads.
(https://i.ibb.co/Mk8WGHM/Capture.jpg)
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Possibly heading for a run down Putty Road?
(https://i.ibb.co/XjbNzJn/Capture.jpg)
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Bathurst tonight and map shows next few days. He is not wasting many good roads.
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Aha! Putty Road tomorrow! Thanks, Garry.
(https://i.ibb.co/HBc0Lhn/Capture.jpg)
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Pete arrived back in Bathurst around 3 pm this afternoon. Rest well mate.
(https://i.ibb.co/ftpnnN1/Capture.jpg)
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Kev, having trouble viewing your (at least) previous four attachments / images.
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Just for a change I am not having any trouble seeing them
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Must be a problem your end Michael, they are standard .jpg images?
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... or maybe I used the wrong embed code.. (Glitch in the matrix)
Will fix shortly.
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A glorious ride today on the Bylong Valley Way. Weather remains great, and Bells Line and Putty Road tomorrow, heading for Singleton. Bring it on... :thumbs
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:thumbsup. Have a great trip. Watching with envy
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Looks like great weather for riding today. Todays target is Singleton via Putty Road.
Pete left Bathurst around 15 minutes ago.
Bathurst Forecast
Today 24°C
Now
11.1°C rising
Updated at 07:50 EDT
Central Tablelands for Thursday Partly cloudy. Patchy fog early this morning in the east. Light winds.
Daytime maximum temperatures 22 to 27.
CURRENTLY AT BATHURST AP
Temperature 11.1°C rising
Dew Point 11.1°C rising
Feels Like 10.0°C
Relative Humidity 100%
Wind
S 7km/h falling
Wind Gusts 9km/h
Singleton Forecast
This morning 15°C
Today 28°C
Now
15.5°C rising
Updated at 08:00 EDT
Hunter for Thursday Partly cloudy. Patchy fog early this morning. Light winds.
Daytime maximum temperatures in the mid to high 20s.
(https://i.ibb.co/sRPNRJG/Capture.jpg)
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At Lithgow. Day 15 of travel.
(https://i.ibb.co/ssjZFvs/Capture.jpg)
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11 am location. A couple of things I vividly remember about the Singleton/Muswellbrook area, was the stench of coal mining as I rode through, and the Blue Heeler monument in the main street of Muswellbrook.
Pete will miss that tomorrow as he is travelling a different route to Walcha.
(https://i.ibb.co/cLyhmWj/Capture.jpg)
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The Cafe that pete is currently paused at on Putty Road didnt exist when I passed through that area.
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:blk13 :dred11
LQQks like Pete has stopped at the Caravan park over the north side of the river in Singleton.
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Arrived Singleton a short while ago. Rest well, mate.
(https://i.ibb.co/S6724St/Capture.jpg)
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It was a GREAT ride today. The road from Bathurst to Lithgow via Tarana was very rough in places, with the occasional rim smashing pothole, and was a challenging ride with the sun in my eyes. The rest of the day on Bells Line and Putty was fantastic and gave me a chance to work on my chicken strips. I stopped for a coffee and a chat with other riders at Grey Gums Cafe and was saddened to hear of the death of a rider a couple of days ago. I am in a budget cabin and have a chance to catch up on laundry, dry the tent, and get all my stuff charged. Looking forward to catching up with some of you tomorrow. :thumbs
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Good stuff. I didn't go that way on my big trip a couple of years ago. Did you get photos of the Big Panner at Kelso and the Big Miner's Lamp at Bowenfels? I didn't stop at either but the camera on the back of the bike snapped both as I rode past.
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Good stuff. I didn't go that way on my big trip a couple of years ago. Did you get photos of the Big Panner at Kelso and the Big Miner's Lamp at Bowenfels? I didn't stop at either but the camera on the back of the bike snapped both as I rode past.
I did get the big panner with me in an OzSTOC hat, but not with the bike, as I would have needed an off road bike, or stopped in a bad spot on the highway.
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It was a GREAT ride today. The road from Bathurst to Lithgow via Tarana was very rough in places, with the occasional rim smashing pothole, and was a challenging ride with the sun in my eyes. The rest of the day on Bells Line and Putty was fantastic and gave me a chance to work on my chicken strips. I stopped for a coffee and a chat with other riders at Grey Gums Cafe and was saddened to hear of the death of a rider a couple of days ago. I am in a budget cabin and have a chance to catch up on laundry, dry the tent, and get all my stuff charged. Looking forward to catching up with some of you tomorrow. :thumbs
Pete - there has been 4 riders down in the Hunter Valley in the last week. Not sure of your route tomorrow but if your coming thru Dungog watch for massive potholes either side of Dungog, and rough roads with pothole patching on top of pothole patching >:() :fp :OldMan
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Day 16. Walcha beckons...
We have activity.
(https://i.ibb.co/jGqBVJh/Capture.jpg)
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Breaky at Maccas, been there for about an hour.
(https://i.ibb.co/ry5gKRy/Capture.jpg)
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Singleton Forecast
Today 31°C
Tonight 19°C
Now
19.6°C rising
Updated at 10:00 EDT
Hunter for Friday Mostly sunny morning. Medium chance of showers and the chance of a thunderstorm, most likely later tonight. Winds N/NE 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the middle of the day then becoming NE 15 to 20 km/h in the late afternoon. Daytime maximum temperatures around 30.
CURRENTLY AT SINGLETON
Temperature 19.6°C rising
Dew Point 15.0°C falling
Feels Like 20.2°C
Relative Humidity 75%
WNW 5km/h falling
Wind Gusts 7km/h
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Ever onward! Pete left Singleton around an hour ago.
(https://i.ibb.co/dmCZXvv/Capture.jpg)
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(https://i.ibb.co/dJ99Bfq/Capture.jpg)
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In Gloucester, paused for a couple hours.
(https://i.ibb.co/YLMc6n3/Capture.jpg)
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Moving along towards Walcha via Thunderbolts Way. One minute ago.
Should arrive in about 40 mins.
(https://i.ibb.co/Fxfy174/Capture.jpg)
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End of tour day 16. Settled in Walcha for tonight.
(https://i.ibb.co/GC69VHv/Capture.jpg)
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Good to see Pete doing it easy on his big trip, hope it all goes well.
You weren't kidding about the road in Dungog. Avoiding all the holes was impossible, but I found my share. :cuss
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Pete on the move early, left Walcha about an hour ago.
Theres some low speed twisties ahead. Last time I travelled this road was at night during a thunderstorm, and I experienced a lightning strike just across the valley from me. Needed a change of underwear when I arrived in Port Mac :o
(https://i.ibb.co/C5CqjKr/Capture.jpg)
Walcha Forecast
This morning 13°C
Today 21°C
Now
18.5°C rising
Updated at 08:20 EDT
Northern Tablelands for Saturday Cloudy. Very high chance of rain during the morning and afternoon, possibly heavy.
The chance of a thunderstorm during the morning and afternoon.
Winds N/NE 25 to 35 km/h shifting W 25 to 40 km/h in the late morning.
Daytime maximum temperatures 21 to 28.
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Currently just approaching Nambucca. Pete will be turning to the west before reaching Coffs Harbour.
Coffs Harbour Forecast
Today 28°C
Tonight 14°C
Now
22.5°C falling
Updated at 11:20 EDT
Mid North Coast for Saturday Cloudy. Very high chance of rain, possibly heavy, becoming less likely this afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm during the morning and afternoon. Winds NW/NE 15 to 25 km/h tending W/NW in the middle of the day then tending W/SW 20 to 30 km/h in the evening. Daytime maximum temperatures 23 to 30.
(https://i.ibb.co/vzn51GN/Capture.jpg)
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Now left the Pacific Hwy and heading west on Waterfall Way towards Dorrigo.
(https://i.ibb.co/Zm83Mt0/Capture.jpg)
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Arrived in Guyra around an hour ago. Day 17 complete. Rest well, Pete.
(https://i.ibb.co/0Yss68P/Capture.jpg)
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I am officially greeen. Some good roads covered in past couple of days. I have driven some of them but would love to do that area on the bike.
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I am officially greeen. Some good roads covered in past couple of days. I have driven some of them but would love to do that area on the bike.
I was green when he announced his trip. I did a bit of that area on the bike, but there's a lot more then In would like to do.
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Glen Innes Forecast
This morning 4°C
Today 19°C
Now
4.7°C falling
Updated at 04:50 EDT
Northern Tablelands for Sunday Sunny. Winds W/SW 20 to 30 km/h tending S/SW 15 to 25 km/h in the middle of the day
then becoming light in the late afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to between 3 and 11 with daytime temperatures reaching between 17 and 26.
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After Gloucester, PC and STevo rode with me. STevo peeled off and Pete and I went on via Thunderbolts to Watch for the night. In the mornings rain threatened, but we had a dry ride down the Oxley and North on the Pacific to Bellingen. While having lunch at the OldButter Factory Cafe is started raining in ernest (find it on the map 😁) We had a very wet ride up the mountain and the first part of the Waterfall Way. We refueled at Armidale and both the ST1300 and the RT took exactly the same amount of fuel. We spent abeaut night with Chris and Jean. My plan has changed for the next couple of days so watch Kevs updates of my Spot for my route.
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Pete left Gyra sometime after 8am this morning, heading east. Unknown which course he is taking, so I will have to watch his spot.
(https://i.ibb.co/Js8FXK1/Capture.jpg)
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My guess is a north east turn shortly, towards Grafton.
WEATHER CURRENTLY AT GRAFTON
Temperature 17.3°C rising
Dew Point 4.3°C rising
Feels Like 11.7°C
Relative Humidity 42%
WSW 22km/h falling
Wind Gusts 33km/h
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Fire Danger 8.8
Rain since 9am/last hr 19.8mm / -
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Just about to move back onto Waterfall Way again. Still a bit chilly, invigorating.
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The weather here at Guyra was our chilliest so far this year....2 degrees at 0730 and a considerable, so below zero.
Pete is continuing with his New England / Pacific Hwy zig zag.
cheers
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Appears to have paused for a couple minutes, just a wee break in travel plan .... ?
(https://i.ibb.co/XWyP78t/Capture.jpg)
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Taking photos and using the facilities no doubt.
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Maybe a coffee break as well.
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Moving right along ... on Armidale Road towards Grafton
(https://i.ibb.co/wcg4Vzd/Capture.jpg)
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If it's like what I use device may store points and send them when back in range of a ignal. Mine did that between Cunnamulla and Ballon a couple of ears ago.
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Could be so. :thumb
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Currently 19 degrees at 11am in Grafton, good travel weather
(https://i.ibb.co/F34f3kf/Capture.jpg)
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Location 20 minutes ago at around 1.15pm.
(https://i.ibb.co/VTxh4fm/Capture.jpg)
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Arrived Glen Innes around 2.30pm
(https://i.ibb.co/TbstKdM/Capture.jpg)
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An interesting diversion ... on how to convert a 60km trip into a 365 km journey of adventure.
I guess the 'rest day' at Byron Bay tomorrow is now off the agenda? :grin
Day 18 complete.
3 degrees forcast for tonight at Glen Innes, with a top of 20 tomorrow
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An interesting diversion ... on how to convert a 60km trip into a 365 km journey of adventure.
With all due repect I do that quite a lot. (http://www.footballnews.com.au/forum/images/smilies/icon_razz.gif)
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Another great day done! PC and I left Chris and Jeans at a civilised hour, with Pete heading for home, and I went elsewhere. Today it was Guyra to Nymboida for a cuppa, Grafton, and then up the fantastic Gwydir Highway to Glen Innes. The road and scenery were stunning, and getting stuck behind a horse transporter going up the Gibraltar Range was probably a blessing as it gave me the opportunity to watch and enjoy the vistas, rather than just concentrating on the road. I am not camping (again) as 4 degrees is forecast overnight with showers tomorrow. My plan for tomorrow is Tenterfield, and then down the Bruxner to the coast, explore a bit, and then back to Casino for the night. All is well....
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:thumb
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Another great day done! PC and I left Chris and Jeans at a civilised hour, with Pete heading for home, and I went elsewhere. Today it was Guyra to Nymboida for a cuppa, Grafton, and then up the fantastic Gwydir Highway to Glen Innes. The road and scenery were stunning, and getting stuck behind a horse transporter going up the Gibraltar Range was probably a blessing as it gave me the opportunity to watch and enjoy the vistas, rather than just concentrating on the road. I am not camping (again) as 4 degrees is forecast overnight with showers tomorrow. My plan for tomorrow is Tenterfield, and then down the Bruxner to the coast, explore a bit, and then back to Casino for the night. All is well....
I am enjoying reading your reports.
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Pete started todays run around 3 hours ago, 7am. Passed through Tenterfield at 9am and is now eastbound on the Bruxner heading for a camera jaunt on the coast.
(https://i.ibb.co/0fhL6pH/Capture.jpg)
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Casino weather
Today 26°C
Tonight 15°C
Now
19.3°C rising
Updated at 10:00 EDT
Northern Rivers for Monday Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower in the south this evening.
Light winds becoming S/SE 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening.
Daytime maximum temperatures in the mid to high 20s
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Location 12.15pm
(https://i.ibb.co/1rmSB6N/Capture.jpg)
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1.45 pm
(https://i.ibb.co/crh2ZrY/Capture.jpg)
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That would be here.
(http://www.imghostr.net/images/2019/04/01/2cd56269c1222694faa58ef3b6326a9a.jpg)
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Returned to Casino an hour ago for overnight stay. Tour day 19 completed.
(https://i.ibb.co/88dfDzY/Capture.jpg)
Casino Forecast
Today 26°C
Tonight 11°C
Now
23.7°C rising
Updated at 15:50 EDT
Northern Rivers for Tuesday
Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower in the south this evening.
Light winds becoming S/SE 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening.
Daytime maximum temperatures in the mid to high 20s.
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Today was a cold start from Glen Innes at just 2.5 degrees, but I was quite comfy riding. From Tenterfield I headed east on the Bruxner and once I crossed The Great Divide the landscape greened up and everything looked like it has been getting some decent rain. I stopped at Casino Maccas for a muffin and a free Seniors Coffee. On to Byron Bay, Ballina and Evans Head, where it was a constant battle with heavy traffic, no parking, mobs of pedestrians and kilometers of roadworks. At least I snagged the iconic Big Prawn at Ballina, but other than that it was a disappointing afternoon ride. Back at Casino and in a cabin for the night as showers are forecast for early tomorrow morning.
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8.25am
Todays weather in the area.
Darling Downs for Tuesday Mostly sunny. Medium chance of showers over the Granite Belt, most likely in the late morning and afternoon. Near zero chance of rain elsewhere. Winds E/SE 25 to 35 km/h decreasing to 15 to 20 km/h in the evening.
Daytime maximum temperatures in the mid to high 20s.
Theres movement in the camp, looks like reasonable weather conditions for a good ride.
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8.30 am, yep! Pete is on the move.
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Heading towards Gadget's old stomping ground perhaps.
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Heading up Summerland Way towards the windys near Mount Lindesay, which is about halfway to Beaudesert.
I had a great ride through here a few years back. Mt Lindesay road has many, many, 35k bends
(https://i.ibb.co/DbMD5R5/Capture.jpg)
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9.45 am location
(https://i.ibb.co/vPgFfhJ/Capture.jpg)
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Beaudesert was a wrong guess by me, Warwick is the destination for today.
(https://i.ibb.co/wcZpDTZ/Capture.jpg)
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No further updates yet... remote area with limited connection?
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Just a little worried about no further update? Theres a gully to the side of his last reported spot.
Does someone have his number and can call him to ensure that all is well?
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All is well, spot just updated and Pete is now in Killarney, Qld.
Must have just been lack of phone connection.
(https://i.ibb.co/h1J3svH/Capture.jpg)
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Warwick is only a half hour away from Killarney, Pete will probably wait til then for lunch.
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Arrived in Warwick around 10 mins ago. Thats a helluva lot of mountain hopping in the past two days.
(https://i.ibb.co/GM9B8nz/Capture.jpg)
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Some scenic roads there. Will be interested to hear Pete's report on road surface quality on the road to Woodenbong.
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Casino to Warwick today, and had showers for most of the journey. In parts it was a lovely ride, but most of the trip was over a narrow "road" consisting of potholes, repairs, loose rough surface, mixed with fast moving trucks and in wet conditions. In places I was nearly thrown out of the saddle and while the scenery may have been good I was hanging on too tight to see any of it. It will not be on my list of best rides, but could easily make my list of worst roads in Oz. I stopped at a Killlarney for a much needed coffee and rest. From there it was a good surface all the way to Warwick where I am staying with PC and Navgirl for a couple of days, and getting some new tyres fitted to "GhoST".
Overcast skies, rain and terrain may have made it difficult for my SPOT to see the sattelites.
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Rest well Pete.
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Woodenbong to Legume can be best described as Harsh, Horrible, Horrendous, Heart stopping and even Heart breaking for some on bikes.
:beer
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Hey Pete... You'll be glad to know that our renovations are winding down... and as of today we now have a fully functioning bathroom and kitchen (https://talltalesfromchiconia.wordpress.com/category/renovation/)... although decorating will have to wait a little longer... So, Bed (tick) you've already seen that... Shed (tick) got a good one... and Fed (tick) we now have a working kitchen, or Wests League Club just around the corner... looking forward to catching up with you on Sunday... Cheers, John&Kate
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Casino to Warwick today, and had showers for most of the journey. In parts it was a lovely ride, but most of the trip was over a narrow "road" consisting of potholes, repairs, loose rough surface, mixed with fast moving trucks and in wet conditions. In places I was nearly thrown out of the saddle and while the scenery may have been good I was hanging on too tight to see any of it. It will not be on my list of best rides, but could easily make my list of worst roads in Oz. I stopped at a Killlarney for a much needed coffee and rest. From there it was a good surface all the way to Warwick where I am staying with PC and Navgirl for a couple of days, and getting some new tyres fitted to "GhoST".
Overcast skies, rain and terrain may have made it difficult for my SPOT to see the sattelites.
You got the worst possible deal there- the road surface is notorious as ST2UP indicated, but to have to put up with it in rain is "above and beyond"!
The SPOT isn't affected by overcast or rain and the terrain you were in wouldn't block the satellites. The only time I've seen my SPOT lose the satellites due to "terrain" is in cities with tall buildings and narrow streets- the same thing that annoys GPS. Sometimes SPOT just doesn't work.
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Hey Pete... You'll be glad to know that our renovations are winding down... and as of today we now have a fully functioning bathroom and kitchen (https://talltalesfromchiconia.wordpress.com/category/renovation/)... although decorating will have to wait a little longer... So, Bed (tick) you've already seen that... Shed (tick) got a good one... and Fed (tick) we now have a working kitchen, or Wests League Club just around the corner... looking forward to catching up with you on Sunday... Cheers, John&Kate
One of the things I love about ozstoc is the network of friends that it has created all across Australia, which is illustrated by the way I have been greeted and offered hospitality while on this adventure. A big thankyou to all who have turned up to the RTEs to say hi and wish me well, and to those who have offered their homes. Kate and John, I really look forward to catching up again.
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Glad to hear the ride is going (generally) well.
A few bad roads make the good rides more memorable :thumb
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Just a little worried about no further update? Theres a gully to the side of his last reported spot.
Does someone have his number and can call him to ensure that all is well?
Thanks for keeping an eye on me Kev. ++
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Casino to Warwick today, and had showers for most of the journey. In parts it was a lovely ride, but most of the trip was over a narrow "road" consisting of potholes, repairs, loose rough surface, mixed with fast moving trucks and in wet conditions. In places I was nearly thrown out of the saddle and while the scenery may have been good I was hanging on too tight to see any of it. It will not be on my list of best rides, but could easily make my list of worst roads in Oz. I stopped at a Killlarney for a much needed coffee and rest. From there it was a good surface all the way to Warwick where I am staying with PC and Navgirl for a couple of days, and getting some new tyres fitted to "GhoST".
Overcast skies, rain and terrain may have made it difficult for my SPOT to see the sattelites.
Wow. Horrendous. The reason for my earlier remark/question, was that a few years back I rode Woodenbong, Urbenville, Bonalbo, Casino, and that was the worst road I have ever uncounted. Sounds like the 'alternative route' is in identical condition. :cuss
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A new set of PR4's went on today. Hmmmmmm..... nice new rubber and sharp handling. The old ones had developed an alarming flat spot on the rear, so I had dropped the pressure by around 2psi , which minimised further wear in the centre, at the expense of some scalloping of the edges.
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Pete do you know how many k's the old ones have done?
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Pete do you know how many k's the old ones have done?
On the ST I was getting 18 to 20k from a set of PR4s. This is the second set of PR4s for the Beemer and each set has given me 14k. I expected more from a lighter bike and am a little disappointed with the mileage. :think1
Today PC and Navgirl took me on a fantastic tour of the Condamine Gorge, with morning tea at the Spring Creek Cafe with its stunning views down the valley. To finish a great day, Wild Rose is coming for tea. :runyay
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Hey Pete,
I got 20k out of my rear Pirelli Angel GT. Pirelli have a new version out which I will be making use of next time.
https://www.pirelli.com/tyres/en-ww/motorcycle/all-tyres/sheet/angel-gt-ii (https://www.pirelli.com/tyres/en-ww/motorcycle/all-tyres/sheet/angel-gt-ii)
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190404/02e522a39fc6950f8261fd5ef3d96180.jpg)
Lovely night, plenty of yarns and laughs over a drink or two tonight.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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:thumb
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Hey Pete,
I got 20k out of my rear Pirelli Angel GT. Pirelli have a new version out which I will be making use of next time.
https://www.pirelli.com/tyres/en-ww/motorcycle/all-tyres/sheet/angel-gt-ii (https://www.pirelli.com/tyres/en-ww/motorcycle/all-tyres/sheet/angel-gt-ii)
Thanks. There's a chance that I will need another set becfore I get home, so I might give the Pirellis a try.
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It was good to catch up Pete last time I seen you was when you took me to the airport in Adelaide after my "Off"
Safe travels :like
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Great to see so much support from so many members. Not sure how far Pete is travelling today, but will pick up when spot becomes active.
Safe travels, mate.
Darling Downs for Friday
Mostly sunny. Winds E 15 to 25 km/h becoming light in the middle of the day then becoming E/SE 15 to 20 km/h in the late afternoon. Daytime maximum temperatures in the mid to high 20s.
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Mobile once again, position as of about 30 minutes ago.
(https://i.ibb.co/995DYcB/Capture.jpg)
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Such a good looking bunch.
Rgds
GB
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9.45am
(https://i.ibb.co/HdkGyhQ/Capture.jpg)
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Pete reached Toowoomba about 10.15 am
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Pete had a stop for some Asian tucker, is back on the road again heading towards Yarraman?
(https://i.ibb.co/VC5vg3h/Capture.jpg)
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Its around 4 hours ride from Toowoomba to Hervey Bay, plus extra time for stops.
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About 20 minutes to Yarraman from present position at 12.45
Spot is 15 minutes old.
(https://i.ibb.co/L1VGKHV/Capture.jpg)
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Making good time. Location at 1.30pm. Around 2 hours travel to Hervey Bay from here.
(https://i.ibb.co/qgVKfLZ/Capture.jpg)
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Currently taking a break at Goomeri.
Hervey Bay Forecast
Today 28°C
Tonight 19°C
Now
25.4°C rising
Updated at 13:10 EST
Wide Bay & Burnett for Friday Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower during the morning and afternoon. Winds SE 15 to 25 km/h becoming light in the late evening. Daytime maximum temperatures in the mid to high 20s.
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3.15 pm location
(https://i.ibb.co/MPNrbmk/Capture.jpg)
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(https://i.ibb.co/ZYsZPnT/Capture.jpg)
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Tour day 23 complete.
(https://i.ibb.co/r41tznc/Capture.jpg)
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Is that where Kangaroo Island is? (http://www.footballnews.com.au/forum/images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
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The Queensland version, yes. (They are jealous) :grin
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Gladstone has a suburb called New Auckland as well.
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PC has been on the road with me today. We left Warwick at 8am bound for Hervey Bay. We stopped at Hip Pocket Toowoomba to see Streak and Teela and their new baby. There were plenty of coppers, idiot drivers, and a stray cow on the road today. A decent walk, a couple of beers at a nice bar by the beach, and pizza for tea completed a good day. PC heads south to Daybro for the RTE tomorrow, and my destination is Emu Park or Yepoon.
The adventure continues........ :wht13
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Get pics of The Singing Ship at Emu Park, Pete. Wind chime/organ, qualifies for 'big things'
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On the move today at a bit after 8am.
(https://i.ibb.co/chjM3z2/Capture.jpg)
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Rockhampton Forecast
This morning 20°C
Today 31°C
Now
23.7°C rising
Updated at 08:20 EST
Capricornia for Saturday
Partly cloudy. Winds E/SE 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the evening. Daytime maximum temperatures around 30.
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(https://i.ibb.co/tmJ8N2g/Capture.jpg)
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I spent almost two years of my life in this area in the early 70's, Moura, Kianga, Peak Downs, Blackwater and Saraji coal mines as a maintenance electrician. Then went back to the area for Exercise Kangaroo III with the army 3 years later, based halfway between Rocky and Emu park for a couple months.
Memories ... Visited the area again in 1983 & 2013
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(https://i.ibb.co/k6CrPHC/Capture.jpg)
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(https://i.ibb.co/CB7pQzd/Capture.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/r5Tknph/Capture.jpg)
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It was a simple run up the Bruce Slab today and I feel that my endless days of Mountain riding have come to an end. Emu Park is a beautiful little town on the coast, inland from Rocky, and home to the famous Singing Ship. Clear skies, a bit of humidity, and mid 20's have been the order of the day.
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++. Looking good. Enjoying the posts
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Tour day 23 complete, new day today. Target Mackay?
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Tour day 23 complete, new day today. Target Mackay?
Aiming for our Bed, Shed, Fed... 20 Margaret St, Walkerston 4751... Cheers, John&Kate
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Ok, Thanks John. Lemmee see now, thats around four hours travel, plus time out for rest stops.
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Pete was on the move at around 7.20 am, and was passing Marlborough a couple of minutes ago...
and that reminds me, I have to reset my clocks.
(https://i.ibb.co/q7j58yG/Capture.jpg)
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He just passed Tooloomba Creek roadhouse on the left side of the Bruce Hwy, I have stopped there several times.
(https://i.ibb.co/dkN5Pt7/Capture.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/6sSZVc6/Capture.jpg)
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Possibly taking a break at Waverly Creek rest area on the right of the highway?
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This is at about the halfway point of todays travel.
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You know you're getting close when you hit the start of the sugarcane growing area, just north of Clairview...
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Unfortunately, I have bad memories of the Sarina area, as two of my very close friends were murdered near there in March 1975.
I was enroute to Emu Park at the time to meet up with them again.
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Petes location 15 mins ago. Should arrive Mackay in around an hour or so.
(https://i.ibb.co/RbBhbGf/Capture.jpg)
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Mackay Forecast
Today 28°C
Tonight 21°C
Now
25.2°C rising
Updated at 10:50 EST
Central Coast for Sunday Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower near the coast this morning. Near zero chance of rain elsewhere. Winds SE 15 to 20 km/h tending E 15 to 25 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the evening. Daytime maximum temperatures in the mid to high 20s.
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Time to put the kettle on/open a cold beer, John :grin
(https://i.ibb.co/jWwcjnM/Capture.jpg)
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I guess he has arrived?
(https://i.ibb.co/HVbzpf2/Capture.jpg)
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Rest well Pete... long day tomorow, 6 hours to Cardwell.
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Last night at Emu Park I had heavy rain for a short time, so I woke to a wet tent inhabited by some very fat and happy mozzies. On my way to MacKay there was one short heavy shower near Sarina, and that was it. The afternoon was spent with Kate and John, touring the city, followed by a glorious meal at a local Indian restaurant. My plans for the next couple of days will deviate from the posted itinerary, and I expect to overnight at Ayr on Monday night.
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That halves the distance for tomorrow, flexibility is a key point to an enjoyable tour.
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Pete has just left... far too soon as far as we're concerned... it's been an absolute pleasure... a lap of Mackay, followed by a great evening of conversation, curry and bikes.... and look out NQ, the Ghostmeister is coming... cheers, John&Kate
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Mackay Forecast
Today 29°C
Tonight 21°C
Now
25.9°C falling
Updated at 09:20 EST
Central Coast for Monday Mostly sunny. Slight chance of a shower along the coastal fringe this evening. Near zero chance of rain elsewhere. Winds SE 15 to 20 km/h tending E in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening. Daytime maximum temperatures around 30.
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Diddly bopping right along ... an hour after leaving Mackay.
(https://i.ibb.co/37M2NhJ/Capture.jpg)
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Midday, now in Bowen
(https://i.ibb.co/7rYqKQj/Capture.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/2tfGbqL/Capture.jpg)
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Moving along, now halfway between Bowen and Ayr. Should arrive Ayr in about 40 mins
(https://i.ibb.co/zHMMKK9/Capture.jpg)
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Ayr Forecast
Today 30°C
Tonight 20°C
Now
28.9°C falling
Updated at 13:00 EST
Lower Burdekin for Monday Mostly sunny. Slight chance of a shower along the coastal fringe, near zero chance elsewhere.
Winds E 20 to 30 km/h becoming light in the evening. Daytime maximum temperatures around 30.
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In Ayr and settled for today.
(https://i.ibb.co/YDRjZhY/Capture.jpg)
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It was sad to leave the hospitality of the Thunderbolts, but the journey continues and I am tenting in a lovely spot at Ayr. It hit 30 degrees with some humidity today, which this southerner finds uncomfortable.
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Townsville Forecast
This morning 22°C
Today 30°C
Now
23.0°C rising
Updated at 05:30 EST
Lower Burdekin for Tuesday Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming E/SE 15 to 25 km/h in the morning then tending E/NE 15 to 20 km/h in the late afternoon. Daytime maximum temperatures around 30.
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Kicked on early today, my guess is to move before the sticky heat makes it too uncomfortable. Left Ayr around 2 hours ago.
Now north of Townsville, about level with Saunders Beach and approaching Rollingsrone. About halfway to Cardwell from Ayr.
(https://i.ibb.co/cJBQRvB/Capture.jpg)
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Cardwell Forecast
Today 28°C
Tonight 23°C
Now
23.9°C falling
Updated at 09:20 EST
Nth Cst & Tableland for Tuesday Partly cloudy. Winds E/SE 20 to 30 km/h.
Daytime maximum temperatures 23 to 29.
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Arrived Ingham
(https://i.ibb.co/5BKnLpf/Capture.jpg)
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Midday, about 20 Km south of Innisfail. Unsure of todays target.
(https://i.ibb.co/GcWnSSZ/b.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/SVRvfJ8/a.jpg)
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Pete reached Cairns around an hour ago.
(https://i.ibb.co/HpZFVZk/Capture.jpg)
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The weather for today's ride went like this... Wet - Dry - Wet - Dry...... and all at around 30 degrees. I stopped at Cardwełl to bag the bike with Big Mud Crab and to eat a crab burger, which was a bit forgettable. No tent tonight due to the rain, and I am here in Cairns for a couple of days to restock and gird my loins, rather than riding up to Cooktown. All is well with bike and self. :thumbs
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Rest easy Pete.
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Kev's post of you passing through Tully reminded me of this sign I passed on a daily basis. Just what you need... a sign telling you where you're not going.
(http://www.imghostr.net/images/2019/04/09/b73767cbbd665ca4512c456a779cc0b3.jpg)
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Must have been a lot of people got lost if they had to erect that sign?
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Sunlands was a great place to stay, enjoyed my stay there last visit, and theres a great Chinese just around the corner...
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I spent the day scratching about with a few jobs, and then went for a ride north on the stunning Captain Cook Highway, and stopped at Ellis Beach Bar & Cafe for a cold drink. Sorry but I forgot to take the Spot. On the way back I went to the supermarket to get a frozen pie to have with some veges for tea. Back home and I find that they are vegan pies, and that no animals were harmed in their production. Bugger!! I had hoped that a nice fat cow had given up it's life for me. When I opened the packet I find that the bloody things are uncooked and I don't have an oven. Tea tonight will be interesting. :fp
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Bummer!
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One thing about vegans - first thing they do is they tell you all about their vegan diet. Just like Pete has :Stirpot
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:rofl
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One thing about vegans - first thing they do is they tell you all about their vegan diet. Just like Pete has :Stirpot
:crackup
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Movement this morning, Pete heading further north.
(https://i.ibb.co/wgn35Sc/Capture2.jpg)
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I used to live in Mooroobool.
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11.30 am location.
(https://i.ibb.co/3hd82rH/Capture.jpg)
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12.30pm update. Coastal run
(https://i.ibb.co/yVvNCZQ/Capture.jpg)
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Just a casual run for the morning, now back at the Sunland park.
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Went for a beaut ride, as you can see. It was as "enthusiastic " ride up the mountain to Kuranda, where most of the market stalls were closed, so perhaps I was too early. Coffee and a look around at Mareeba, and then down the mountain towards Mossman and back home on the twisting and scenic Captain Cook Highway. This great "fang" was curtailed by a long line of traffic behind a slow car that failed to use any of the many slow vehicle turnouts.
Some car owners could save a lot of money by purchasing vehicles without the optional rear vision mirrors, cause they NEVER BLOODY USE THEM... :angry-old-man-smiley-emoticon.
Rant over and I feel better. o:) Off to Charters Towers with an early start tomorrow.
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Last time I stopped at Charters Towers, I stayed in a unit at the Country Road motel.
They supplied great home cooked meals, (room delivered) was a pleasure to stay there.
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Cairns Forecast for Friday
Partly cloudy. High chance of showers near the coast, medium chance elsewhere.
Winds SE 25 to 35 km/h. Overnight temperature tonight falling to between 16 and 22 with daytime temperatures reaching 23 to 30.
Charters Towers Friday
Mostly sunny.
Winds E/SE 20 to 30 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 15 and 19 with daytime temperatures reaching 28 to 33.
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Currently only 7 degrees in Portland at 1.30am .... I'm jealous....
I should ring Rentacat and see if I can hire a couple of extras.
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Tour Day 29. Cairns to Charters Towers.
Pete is on the move, as of a few minutes ago.
Currently heading back towards Townsville.
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Passed through Innisfail a few minutes ago. Should arrive Tully in about 30 minutes.
(https://i.ibb.co/vZBffqT/Capture.jpg)
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Passed through Cardwell around 15 minutes ago.
(https://i.ibb.co/VtXbPGf/Capture.jpg)
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9.45 am location, Ingham.
(https://i.ibb.co/YTjBrqX/Capture.jpg)
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11.20am, now on the Flinders Hwy, just leaving Townsville.
(https://i.ibb.co/wSN326B/Capture.jpg)
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11.30am - Minor pause at the Wulguru BP on Stuart Drive, just before the Flinders Hwy entrance.
Maybe an early lunch break?
(https://i.ibb.co/QCfxBj2/Capture.jpg)
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About roughly an hour run from here to Charters Towers.
(https://i.ibb.co/5kDhTjw/Capture.jpg)
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12.10pm
(https://i.ibb.co/sCW5Fzn/Capture.jpg)
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Reached todays destination around 1pm. Tour day 29 complete.
(https://i.ibb.co/6ySmyjs/Capture.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/DbWVSV8/Capture.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/BVCZjz1/Capture.jpg)
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Kevin has kept you up to date, so no need to restate my days journey. I feel that my trip has entered a new phase as I retrace some kilometers and strike out west, on roads with 110km/h speed limits and road trains. The country is very green and lush after the floods, and I am told that further west it is infested with bugs and flies. :eek
The event of the day was my $2 hot cross buns and coffee at Maccas. The idiot squished the bun in one of those sandwich makers until it about 5mm thick. I was more amused than cross, and other customers were having a great chuckle.
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You could have been hot and cross.
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What is the reasoning behind squishing the bun?
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What is the reasoning behind squishing the bun?
To warm it up. :rofl
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Nice try, but FAIL! :grin
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Rest well Pete... 250km run tomorrow to Hughenden?
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Rest well Pete... 250km run tomorrow to Hughenden?
No. Plans have changed so its Ricnhmond tomorrow to visit the fossil centre. It's the heart of Queenslands dinosaur region.
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OK! :thumb
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360+ km planned for tour day 30 tomorrow.
Theres a big lake alongside the caravan park in Richmond.
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Rest well Pete... 250km run tomorrow to Hughenden?
No. Plans have changed so its Ricnhmond tomorrow to visit the fossil centre. It's the heart of Queenslands dinosaur region.
A must for old bikers and old bikes to visit? ;-*
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More than once I have been called a fossil or a dinosaur.
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Charters Towers Forecast
This morning 17°C
Today 30°C
Now 15.6°C steady
Updated at 04:00 EST
Nth Goldfields for Saturday Sunny. Winds E/SE 15 to 25 km/h increasing to 25 to 35 km/h in the morning then decreasing to 15 to 20 km/h in the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 17 and 20 with daytime temperatures reaching 27 to 32.
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Pete left Charters around 7.15 am. Is now roughly half way to todays destination.
Hot travel, already 25 degrees, with 32 expected later today.
(https://i.ibb.co/RgF87nk/44.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/zfx6P6S/Capture.jpg)
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Kev 25 is only hot if you live in Portland
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Thats true, Garry.. but it usually rains here at that temp as well. :grin
10 am, Pete reached Hughenden. Only another hours ride to Richmond, plus time out for a break.
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Location 10 mins ago at 10.45am
(https://i.ibb.co/7VqD479/Capture.jpg)
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Almost there..
(https://i.ibb.co/t3d3HhF/Capture.jpg)
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Update... arrived 5 mins ago.
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Continuing right along... Heading towards Julia Creek.
(https://i.ibb.co/pyPtk1F/Capture.jpg)
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Good run today, around 500 km covered so far.
(https://i.ibb.co/nk9DFGG/Capture.jpg)
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1.45 pm location. Pete has now passed Julia Creek, and is approaching Cloncurry.
(https://i.ibb.co/WFwLLVs/Capture.jpg)
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Pete is now just past Cloncurry, and on the run towards Mt Isa, 120km ahead..
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This is a marathon run, the furthest daily distance that Pete has travelled so far.
Current spot is from around 3.15pm, with around 30 minutes or less to Mt Isa.
(https://i.ibb.co/zXzgh2W/Capture.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/RHVq03R/Capture.jpg)
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only 5 minutes to the Isa
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Dusted and dried for the day, well done Pete.
(https://i.ibb.co/q9xKzwW/Capture.jpg)
Mount Isa Forecast
Today 32°C
Tonight 18°C
Now
29.9°C rising
Updated at 17:10 EST
Northwest for Saturday Sunny. Winds E 20 to 30 km/h turning SE in the early afternoon then decreasing to 15 to 20 km/h in the evening.
Daytime maximum temperatures in the low 30s. Similar for tomorrow.
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I've had a great day.
The cars coming from the west into Charters Towers this morning looked like they had been sprayed with grasshopper mince, and I feared I would be stopping every 10km to clear the radiators. Today I was more "in the groove" than I have been for ages on the bike, and quickly knew that I would not be stopping at Richmond, but Mt Isa was going to be my destination. It was fantastic to be charging across the landscape with Wagner at full volume from the speakers. I have suffered from some mid back pain as collateral damage from radiotherapy, but that was not there today, making it a comfortable day. The kilometers dissolved under the tyres, the big Beemer answered the call when needed, and road trains quickly disappeared in my mirrors. I even had a strong tail wind to add to the joyous ride. Grasshoppers?? There was a googleplex of them on the road, and they did not take flight until a vehicle went over or past them so I have a good many low on the bike, but nothing in the radiators.
I've had a great day. :thumbsup
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Every state must have a Richmond. I know that QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS and SA does.
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NT doesn't Bodo.
Every state must have a Richmond. I know that QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS and SA does.
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It's not a state. (http://www.footballnews.com.au/forum/images/smilies/icon_razz.gif)
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That said, I don't think WA has.
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Good to hear it's going well Pete.
STevie (the name I've given to a certain ST1300) is probably a bit jealous that she's not doing the ride with you, but think she's quite happy with the rides she's getting with me.
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Thanks Shillas. The big red ST has been very much on my mind as I ride these outback roads that she has done several times with me. I visited Cairns Honda where I bought her ten years ago, where the idiot mechanic who did the pre delivery handed it over with 25 psi in the tyres. The handling was really off until I worked it out. I also recall the terrible noise from the OEM screen at sustained highway speeds, and my sore arse from the OEM seat. What you have now is a very different bike from how it was when originally purchased, and much much better. Its good to read that she now has a name, and nearly finished up with Red Runner, a play on Road Runner, and I had designed a red version of the cartoon Road Runner I was going to have made as some stickers.
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The Barkly Hwy again beckons, and Pete has risen to the Sunday morning challenge. Day 31 of the tour, and 1 day ahead of listed agenda.
Pete exited Mt Isa around 7am or so and is now heading towards the Territory border which is remarkably unimpressive, consisting of nothing more than a sandy crossroad following a low fence, a car rest stop area, and a State/Territory identity sign on each side of the fence with speed advisory signs.
(https://i.ibb.co/sQd3QnN/Capture.jpg)
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Welcome to the NT. 10.30am report.
(https://i.ibb.co/NZtyT1t/border.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/1z6jkv8/Capture.jpg)
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Todays plan.
(https://i.ibb.co/YNQkHvf/Capture.jpg)
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11.30am Should arrive Tablelands shortly for meal/fuel break.
Its around 200Km from there to Tennant Creek.
(https://i.ibb.co/hYKy96k/Capture.jpg)
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Location as at 1pm
(https://i.ibb.co/xmd6D89/Capture.jpg)
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Arrived Tennant Creek about ten minutes ago, and settling in. Another good days ride.
(https://i.ibb.co/D8jxJkg/Capture.jpg)
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I don't know about you, but I find this area of Tennant Creek to be quite confusing?
(Click on map to enlarge) All roads have the same name, there are no street numbers.....
(https://i.ibb.co/zRNBNRQ/Capture.jpg)
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It's been another glorious ride today, again with a strong tail wind, and it was a pleasure to stretch GhoST's legs once we reached the 130km/h in NT. The landscape is looking very green and lush after the flooding rain earlier this year, and today I saw a murmuration of budgies, a sight which gladdens my heart, and which is iconic to outback Oz. I am loving this journey, and right now am particularly savouring the beautiful wide open outback spaces.
I was chatting with a BMW adventure chook chaser rider at Barkly Homestead where we were refueling. He come solo across the WA outback Great Central Road, and was heading up the Cape. There are lots of travellers on the road, all living their different dreams, including me. The caravan park here has a little outdoor bar for guests, so I will be heading there later for drinks, nibbles and stories.
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:thumbsup sounds like another great day on the road
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A lonely intersection, the Threeways, (Darwin,Mt Isa, Tennant Creek)
Many years ago, before the servo was built just north of the intersection, Jeff and I rested there. It was a coin toss if we should travel to Darwin, or head south to home.
We decided to have a cuppa, so got out the gas bottle and put the billy on. We were amused that there was a bus stop sign at the intersection, thinking that it was a joke.
Soon a bus pulled up, and we were abused for parking on the bus stop!
Apparently a northbound bus from Tennant creek heading for Darwin meets with the westbound bus from Mt Isa which is heading to Tennant creek, and passengers for Darwin changed bus here.
Nowadays the bus pulls into the servo just up the road, next to the John Flynn Memorial..
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Soon a bus pulled up, and we were abused for parking on the bus stop!
Too bloody right. :cuss :crackup
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As this was early Nov 1974, and the sign was pretty battered and bent, (and shot up!) we thought that some f-wit had planted it there as a joke. :grin
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Currently 32 in Tennant Creek, 16 here in Portland (and it has been raining here) clock is wrong.
(https://i.ibb.co/p3xXxzD/DSCN0042.jpg)
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So is the date syntax. (http://www.footballnews.com.au/forum/images/smilies/icon_razz.gif)
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haven't figured out how to fix it yet. :p
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So is the date syntax. ([url]http://www.footballnews.com.au/forum/images/smilies/icon_razz.gif[/url])
You will just have to get used to the logical way Australians present the date- "smallest to largest". Other countries are gradually catching up. :p
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So is the date syntax. ([url]http://www.footballnews.com.au/forum/images/smilies/icon_razz.gif[/url])
You will just have to get used to the logical way Australians present the date- "smallest to largest". Other countries are gradually catching up. :p
Starting with seconds, minutes and then hours??? I must admit, the Australian way makes more sense than the american way, but I prefer starting big and refining it down.
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31 days of trip completed. Another longish ride tomorrow, around 680km run to Katherine.
Daylight starts are great with the warm weather in the north.
Light enough to see to avoid wildlife.
Tonight Tennant Creek, currently 26 dropping to 21 overnight.
Larrimah Forecast (Daly Waters / Katherine area)
Tomorrow 35°C
(https://i.ibb.co/GThCBQD/Capture.jpg)
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Pete started on todays journey around 7.30am, and is making good progress.
Has ridden more than a third of the way to todays target of Katherine.
(https://i.ibb.co/r387mrV/Capture.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/Ph44Lyv/Capture.jpg)
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Should reach Newcastle Waters rest area a little after 10am, and its a further 1 and a half hours to Daly Waters, plus rest breaks.
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My Daughter Shelly is in Katherine at the moment
She lives in Humpty Doo just south of Darwin
Her partner works on Coolibah station about 2hrs away from Katherine
They have just been for a weekend visit
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11.25am location. Time out for some lunch.
(https://i.ibb.co/bLGyL3G/Capture.jpg)
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Pretty good run so far for today. Just over 400km completed.
(https://i.ibb.co/NT3cxLj/Capture.jpg)
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Midday update. Pete moving again, just leaving Daly Waters now.
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1.15pm update. Almost at Mataranka, only about an hour ride from there to Katherine
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Almost there! Only 10 minutes or so from arrival at Katherine.
(https://i.ibb.co/7p5Ndt3/Capture.jpg)
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A good days ride. Arrived a few minutes ago, and heading for the caravan park. Currently 33 degrees in Katherine.
Rest well, only a morning ride (well, with a diversion through Kakadu, which will multiply the hours and distance x 2 times) to reach Darwin tomorrow, and a couple of well earned rest days.
Pete has now covered around 10,000 km in the past month since leaving home.
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Today's run was from Tennant Creek to Katherine. I left at 7.00am on a beautiful cool morning, with long shadows across the road, and the landscape illuminated in bright colours from the early morning sun. My shadow beside me was my evocative and welcome companion again, and see my Ride Report for last year's FarRide to Glendambo for my thoughts on Shadow Riders, because I can't work out how to do the URL cut and paste on this device.
It got hot quickly, and was a somewhat uncomfortable ride. I sat on 130 km/h but with no strong tail wind that has been my friend since Charters Towers, fuel consumption took a hit, and my range from full went from 550km to 400km :well
At Katherine I had a long soak in the hot springs, chatting with other travellers, and that has restored my body and soul.
Tomorrow I head for Darwin via Kakadu, and will be staying with my niece and her family for a couple of days.
I will also be catching up with Wendy with her new ST1300, and we are cooking up an Easter Ride. :popcorn
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Heres your link, Pete. :thumb
http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=12722.msg1236832#msg1236832 (http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=12722.msg1236832#msg1236832)
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Great report Pete.
Sounds like a rare NT RTE coming up with Wendy
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NEXT 12 HOURS IN KATHERINE
6am
Mostly clear 21°C
9am
Mostly clear 27°C
12pm
Mostly clear 34°C
3pm
Mostly clear 36°C
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Unlike Pete, I had the luxury of a sleep-in this morning. Its now just after 10am.
Looks as tho Pete started travelling after 7am local time, and is now well on the way towards Jabiru.
(https://i.ibb.co/DwScyy3/Capture.jpg) (https://i.ibb.co/FWKwVj4/Capture.jpg)
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10.45am
(https://i.ibb.co/gz0wfW7/2.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/8M4gFRR/1.jpg)
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11.30 pm, just passing Jabiru and around 250km from Darwin (plus time out for rest stop/lunch)
(https://i.ibb.co/d77hgRw/Capture.jpg)
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Midday update. Current local temp is around 33deg.
I hope Pete is carrying extra fuel, as its a bit sparse around this area.
(https://i.ibb.co/Ybqw0RK/Capture.jpg)
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1pm location.
(https://i.ibb.co/27dy2s3/Capture.jpg)
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1.20pm report.
Currently at Wak Wak, about 1 hour ride (70km) from Darwin.
(https://i.ibb.co/jrxqmKv/Capture.jpg)
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2.05pm spot. Should be in the dooor by now.
(https://i.ibb.co/4NHXfrc/111.jpg)
Good run for today Pete, about 560km. Enjoy the couple of days Easter break with family and friends before the Hwy again beckons.
(https://i.ibb.co/p0WMPFV/44.jpg)
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I had an early start and an uneventful ride from Katherine to Darwin via Kakadu. A brief stop at Pine Creek had me laughing at the NT News headline for today on the shop billboard. "Dildo found on route to Fanny Bay" The front page of the paper had a half page photo of the found item. Fair Dinkum, they are different up here. :rofl While the range of the Bremer is impressive, I did need to get fuel on the way. Mary River Roadhouse pumps were out of action, so I had a cup of tea instead. I did get a tank full at Cooinda, which saw me and through to Darwin with loads to spare.
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Enjoy the ride. Great reading
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https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/northern-territory/the-nt-news-most-talked-about-front-pages/image-gallery/14c34390b2dd6b44f3998a7ccd289f03&ved=2ahUKEwj5greruNXhAhWXXCsKHWXCCXAQFjAAegQIBRAC&usg=AOvVaw3dlql1Oqnen6sMOPvAdukw (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/northern-territory/the-nt-news-most-talked-about-front-pages/image-gallery/14c34390b2dd6b44f3998a7ccd289f03&ved=2ahUKEwj5greruNXhAhWXXCsKHWXCCXAQFjAAegQIBRAC&usg=AOvVaw3dlql1Oqnen6sMOPvAdukw)
Here are some of their headlines. :rofl
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https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/northern-territory/the-nt-news-most-talked-about-front-pages/image-gallery/14c34390b2dd6b44f3998a7ccd289f03&ved=2ahUKEwj5greruNXhAhWXXCsKHWXCCXAQFjAAegQIBRAC&usg=AOvVaw3dlql1Oqnen6sMOPvAdukw (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/northern-territory/the-nt-news-most-talked-about-front-pages/image-gallery/14c34390b2dd6b44f3998a7ccd289f03&ved=2ahUKEwj5greruNXhAhWXXCsKHWXCCXAQFjAAegQIBRAC&usg=AOvVaw3dlql1Oqnen6sMOPvAdukw)
Here are some of their headlines. :rofl
:Like:
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:rofl :rofl
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Local area cruise/visiting today.
(https://i.ibb.co/25ZqtL4/Capture.jpg)
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Darwin is about half way through my trip distance, and has been a lovely opportunity to spend some time with family here. The bike was serviced today, and is ready for the second half of the trip. Tonight we had dinner on the wharf with Wendy and Blueowl, and hatched the plan. Wendy and I will leave Darwin on Saturday morning and ride to Kununurra in WA. Up until now the pace has been pretty cruise, and I am anxious to be on the move again, and the company will be welcome.
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Tour Day 38. Wendy and Pete will be travelling to Katherine today.
A moderate run of a little over 300 Km, hopefully with minimal holiday traffic.
Darwin Forecast for today, sunny 34°C. Katherine, similar.
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Well, Pete and Wendy hit the road this morning sometime around 7am, and are now well past Pine Creek, about 250 Km already today, and roughly just 60km from Katherine.
(https://i.ibb.co/qCKZxG5/30.jpg)
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Looks like I miscalculated todays run. they are well on the way towards Kununarra from Katherine?
(https://i.ibb.co/Gnm6CzL/Capture.jpg)
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Location 15 mins ago.
(https://i.ibb.co/m8Wx6Xd/Capture.jpg)
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Westward - Ho! ... Another hour of travel. Refuelling at present.
(https://i.ibb.co/nL47bpd/Capture.jpg)
Terrific effort for today, lotsa distance covered so far ... 600km from Darwin.
(https://i.ibb.co/3f8BhYJ/Capture.jpg)
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On the move again, only a short 10 minute pause.
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(A sense of deja vu here, as when I last travelled The Big River area, it was not a sealed road all the way.)
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3.30pm. By my estimate, they are now about 65 Km from Kununurra, and just 20 km from Checkpoint Charlie W.A. border crossing.
(https://i.ibb.co/Z1Rq9Zw/Capture.jpg)
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3.55 pm update. Welcome to Western Australia!
(https://i.ibb.co/phrd7NJ/bc.jpg)
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Currently 36 degrees in Kununurra... been a hot days travelling.
Spotlink has not updated for past 15 mins.
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4.05 pm
(https://i.ibb.co/b7N97Wr/Capture.jpg)
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Arrival and book in within the next couple minutes. Magnificent ride for today.
Time for a cold shower and a cool drop to drink :thumbsup Rest well, you have both earned it.
(https://i.ibb.co/6FfFCRN/Capture.jpg)
Well done!
(https://i.ibb.co/vPtpbF7/dk.jpg)
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... and still one full day ahead of schedule ...
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Wendy and I had a good days ride today, one of those days where the travel is easy and mind and body are "in the groove". This mindset was disturbed by a moron who was cruising up the Stuart Highway near Pine Creek (130 zone) on the wrong side of the road :eek. and who took some convincing that he was on my bit of the road. Coffee at Katherine, and short breaks at Victoria River and Timber Creek made up our day. After riding at 130km/h since Camoweal on the QLD border, getting back into the 110km/h zone in WA feels a bit slow.
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Hidden Valley Caravan Park.
(https://i.ibb.co/MhC3mbS/Capture.jpg)
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Kununurra Forecast Tour day 39
Today 37°C
Kimberley for Sunday Mostly sunny morning. The chance of a thunderstorm in the northwest in the early afternoon.
Winds SE/SW 20 to 30 km/h tending E/SE 25 to 35 km/h in the morning then tending S/SE 15 to 25 km/h in the early afternoon. Daytime temperatures reaching the mid to high 30s.
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There's movement in the camping ground, (7.40 am local time there)
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The ride from Kununurra to Halls Creek, is stunning in the early morning.
On both times I rode through, I left Kununurra just on Sunrise.
This trip is really inspiring me to do it again.
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8am Roadrunner activity.
(https://i.ibb.co/h9bYLbG/Capture.jpg)
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Just a 'slight' diversion to Wyndham ....
(https://i.ibb.co/F36brx3/Capture.jpg)
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Careful in Wyndham, theres a 'Murphy Street' there.
(Karma - many years ago, I had a puncture there, dammit! ...- Murphys Law!) :rofl
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(https://i.ibb.co/ZgNcZqn/Capture.jpg)
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Pete may be on a 'Boab' hunt... theres a so-called 'Prison tree' near Wyndham, and another near Derby.
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Pete may be on a 'Boab' hunt... theres a so-called 'Prison tree' near Wyndam, and another near Derby.
Probably gone to the Five Ruvers Lookout.
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Probably.
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(https://i.ibb.co/cFZ8VD9/Capture.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/LNN7mJT/Capture.jpg)
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Here's the real truth behind his current stoppage location :grin
(https://i.ibb.co/K6W6xvT/Capture.jpg)
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Probably peed off at early morning peak hour traffic on the Wyndham road, there were TWO cars in the past hour or so...
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Bodø, pick any prize from the top shelf.
(https://i.ibb.co/cJS27hX/Capture.jpg)
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https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Five+Rivers+Lookout/@-15.450648,128.1190396,3a,75y,304.63h,82.06t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sAF1QipPgcFYpVWdnH42Y8kLeP2VvK7MGkCAi6d5c2BWW!2e10!3e11!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipPgcFYpVWdnH42Y8kLeP2VvK7MGkCAi6d5c2BWW%3Dw211-h120-k-no-pi0-ya346-ro-0-fo100!7i11264!8i3670!4m5!3m4!1s0x2c908f96fbeffe9f:0x1fb8ed0f6ea32670!8m2!3d-15.4506606!4d128.1192112 (https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Five+Rivers+Lookout/@-15.450648,128.1190396,3a,75y,304.63h,82.06t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sAF1QipPgcFYpVWdnH42Y8kLeP2VvK7MGkCAi6d5c2BWW!2e10!3e11!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipPgcFYpVWdnH42Y8kLeP2VvK7MGkCAi6d5c2BWW%3Dw211-h120-k-no-pi0-ya346-ro-0-fo100!7i11264!8i3670!4m5!3m4!1s0x2c908f96fbeffe9f:0x1fb8ed0f6ea32670!8m2!3d-15.4506606!4d128.1192112)
It really is worth a look!
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Thanks for that link Lindsay. :thumb
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Enough of the photos for awhile, time to get back to serious business... where to have lunch?
Heading back towards Kununurra.
(https://i.ibb.co/YfNxJF2/Capture.jpg)
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Returned to the Caravan Park about an hour ago.
Kununura is currently at 37 degrees.
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Returned to the Caravan Park about an hour ago.
Wendy has posted photos on the facebook page.
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When Pete gets home, oboy, is he ever going to have some entries for 'Where's This?' :thumb
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Wendy and I spent the day doing some local exploring, with a ride to Wyndham where we visited the port, the spectacular Five Rivers Lookout, and the Big Croc. No much was open, being Easter Sunday. It was a pretty hot and uncomfortable day for riding, and a slack afternoon back at camp. I have really enjoyed Wendy's company over these lastly couple of days, and tomorrow she heads home to Darwin and I head for Fitzroy Crossing. We are both leaving early due to the heat. Johnny has left on his adventure and there is a chance our paths might cross.
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Have a safe trip home Wendy, well done.
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Day 40, and back on schedule.
Around 650km run to Fitzroy crossing for Pete, and 930km for Wendy to return home.
Travel safe my friends.
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Movement in the camp, Pete left the caravan park just a few minutes ago. Local time 5.30am.
(https://i.ibb.co/CQzSDYQ/Capture.jpg)
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Currently 20 degrees at 6am in Kununurra, rising to 37 today.
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6.30 am location
(https://i.ibb.co/RbB4WZF/Capture.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/Y83n7zH/Capture.jpg)
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8am, W.A. local time. Now past Warmun, 200km south west from Kununurra.
(https://i.ibb.co/q9VmBHq/Capture.jpg)
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Its an isolated fuel station at Warmun.
(https://i.ibb.co/C96CMYN/Capture.jpg)
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8.30 am, crossing the Ord River. Halls creek is about 100 km from here.
(https://i.ibb.co/93J0PVZ/Capture.jpg)
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10 am update .. Short pause at Halls Creek, with temp at 32 degrees. 360 km completed, now moving on with about 300km to Fitzroy crossing.
(https://i.ibb.co/HnG0945/Capture.jpg)
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Fitzroy Crossing temp is expected to reach 40 today. Not the greatest weather for travel comfort.
At a guess, Wendy should be more than halfway to Katherine at this point in time, plus time out for refreshments.
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2.30pm (12.30 local time) Pete now just a few minutes from Fitzroy Crossing.
(https://i.ibb.co/1K75qF6/Capture.jpg)
Another great days travel completed.
(https://i.ibb.co/ZhS1DCr/Capture.jpg)
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Day 40 of ride complete.
(https://i.ibb.co/9hpRjCf/Capture.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/FhGQBBY/Capture.jpg)
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A hot but beautiful day on the road. I left just before sunrise, and at one point when looking in the mirrors I could see boab trees sillouetted against the sunrise, with the ancient landscape in front of me lit up by the orange dawn sky. It's a privilege to be here and see such things. The "wet" has been very dry, and creeks and rivers that should be full of water are bone dry. I am in the tent tonight as a basic room and bed was going to cost $220. :eek
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Forecast tomorrow,
Fitzroy Crossing -38 degrees
Derby - 38 degrees
23 tonight
Long straight Hwy stretches tomorrow on the way to Derby
(https://i.ibb.co/r0TkcJh/Capture.jpg)
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Up n attem around 6.30 am, moving out by 6.45, and now almost halfway to Derby at 8am.
Already reached 31 degrees.
(https://i.ibb.co/XCcs3vw/Animation2.gif)
(https://i.ibb.co/w0prMqg/Capture.jpg)
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Photo opportunity just ahead... right about... now! (Its in the rest area)
(https://i.ibb.co/Lzd9w6x/Image1.jpg)
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Yep!, he got it!
(https://i.ibb.co/6JKn2QF/Capture.jpg)
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Now roughly an hour to Derby, about 85km away
Current temp is 32 degrees, rising.
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(https://i.ibb.co/Nx73SNv/Capture.jpg)
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Doing the 'touristy/camera' thing is my guess?
(https://i.ibb.co/ZLX8FNz/Capture.jpg)
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Time to settle in for the day/night. Theres that Giant hollow 'prison' Boab tree just south of town....? :grin
(https://i.ibb.co/b5C9w18/Capture.jpg)
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Nope!.. he is on the move again.
(https://i.ibb.co/GQHpTms/Image1.jpg)
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35 degrees at present, rising to 38. Stinky weather? :p
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Looks like the run to Broome is on. Its only 2 hours, 180 km away.
Choice of several caravan parks there, Broome/Cable Beach area.
(https://i.ibb.co/FWnG0dr/Img2.jpg)
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Ten minutes ago...
(https://i.ibb.co/j8GkC0S/Capture.jpg)
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(https://i.ibb.co/6WhCQWx/Capture.jpg)
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Pete arrived in Broome about 5 minutes ago, 12.45 local time.
(https://i.ibb.co/XW3wpcz/Image1.jpg)
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Booking in... ten minutes ago.
(https://i.ibb.co/Wp5HckL/Capture.jpg)
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It was another pretty hot day to be on the bike. 33 by eight oclock and then 38 is from late morning. However, drinking lots of water and keeping my shirt wet made the travelling more comfortable. I got a good deal on the extra night at Broome, so only stopped at Derby for fuel and a cuppa at the wharf Cafe, and am now in Broome for a few days. Today I spotted another lovely flock of budgies and lots of red tailed black cockatoos. Chris flies in tomorrow. :runyay
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:hatwave. Enjoy the break.
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Hey Pete,
I'm just wondering how the RDL seat is going?
Thanks,
Lindsay
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Day 41 completed. Enjoy the break.
Good days ride Pete, am looking fwd to many photos when you return home. And a hi to Chris from me when she arrives.
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Hey Pete,
I'm just wondering how the RDL seat is going?
Thanks,
Lindsay
When I first got it, it was not much better than the OEM, with sore bum bones after just 100km. I contacted Russel Cycle Products and sent them more photos and a description of the problem. They agreed that was too wide. The seat went back for adjustment under warranty and it is now vastly superior to the OEM, and I am happy with the product. It is my knees and back that now make me stop for a break. Note that the RDL seat is around 25mm taller than the OEM seat, so shorties might struggle with the increased height from the ground.
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Pete, will Chris be with you for the rest of the tour, or will she fly home?
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Well, we have had a lovely few days here in Broome, and have explored Chinatown, Cable Beach, the high end pearl shops, and been on a tour. Tomorrow Chris flies out for home, and my journey continues to Pt Hedland. I have booked the bike in for new tyres in Perth, as I don't reckon I will get home on the current PR4s which have given disappointing mileage on the Beemer. I am having a set of Pirelli Angel GT A Specs fitted. From here, my planned itinerary has somewhat gone out the window, so watch this space for my progress.
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Glad to hear you've had some time with Chris. Look forward to seeing the new pearls on the next RTE you both make. :grin
Tyres seem to remain a big puzzle, no matter what bike.
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Safe trip Pete.
Broome Forecast
Tonight 22°C
Tomorrow 35°C
Port Hedland Forecast
Tomorrow 35°C
(https://i.ibb.co/gTDVt3y/Capture.jpg)
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The asphalt attraction seems to be intensifying, should be some movement shortly.
(https://i.ibb.co/wrh9WJm/Capture.jpg)
A very wise person once said "The shortest distance between two points ..." etc. (Obviously, that person never met Pete.)
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Making good time, now more than halfway to Port Hedland before midday, and I guess that Chris is well on the way home.
Currently 19 in Hedland with a top of 35 degrees later.
(https://i.ibb.co/Cv6v4hP/Capture.jpg)
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1.30 pm WA time
(https://i.ibb.co/RCWpRqQ/Capture.jpg)
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Pete passed Pardoo around 10 minutes ago, its now roughly 150 km to Hedland
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Current temp at Hedland is 33 degrees, Pete should arrive in around 30 minutes or less.
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Settling in at the park, 20 minutes ago @ 3.55 WA time.
(https://i.ibb.co/vHr8MJQ/Capture.jpg)
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At Port Hedland after another hot days ride. on what must be some of the most isolated highways in Australia. Between Broome and here thereare just two dusty roadhouses. I am not a happy camper and am alarmed at how quickly my PR4s are wearing out. They have less tha10,000km on them and the rear will not make Perth. :eek The only bike dealer within range is in Karratha, which of course is not open until Monday. It may be that I do a short run to Karratha tomorrow and see what I can sort out first thing on Monday.
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How strange, I replaced a PR4 today, with over 20000Ks. What pressure were you running??
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I am wondering if the heat has affected them? My last set of PR4's lasted 22K km before I changed them.
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I use 38psi front and 42psi rear, which is the recommended pressures for the Beemer. The last two sets on the Beemer gave me 14,000 which is still not brilliant..
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Use Malcolm’s trick - wrap a few layers of duct tape around the tyre to get you out of trouble.
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While at Karratha, it might be well worthwhile to ride 20km to Dampier for photos of the Red Dog Memorial. :thumb
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7.45am WA time. Spot is activated, but not moving yet.
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That 'short run to Karratha' is a 230km ride.
(https://i.ibb.co/7nTR0Sk/Capture.jpg)
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Pete arrived in Karratha an hour or so ago, currently moving around in the area.
(https://i.ibb.co/dgTP8Jn/Capture.jpg)
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Current location :thumb
Karratha Forecast
Today 34°C
Tonight 23°C
Now
32.5°C falling
Updated at 12:20 WST
(https://i.ibb.co/pyPXjT6/Capture.jpg)
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Many years ago when working in that area, we referred to the islands near Dampier as 'those f-n islands' :rofl
(https://i.ibb.co/crJfv2F/Capture.jpg)
Pete is now heading back towards Karratha.
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Now paused by Maccas at Karratha. (1.30 local time)
(https://i.ibb.co/FDvrcjG/Capture.jpg)
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1.30 pm. Time out to do the touristy thing with the camera again... Searipple lookout.
(https://i.ibb.co/7YkHyZ0/Capture.jpg)
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Booked in 4 hours ago for overnight at Karratha.
(https://i.ibb.co/W2vXyff/Capture.jpg)
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Tour day 47. Good morning, Pete... I see that you are waiting to get those new 'O'rings fitted?
(https://i.ibb.co/mqsjKtg/Capture.jpg)
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Karratha Forecast
Today 33°C
Now 27.3°C rising
(https://i.ibb.co/2N65y7X/Capture.jpg)
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Ho ho ho, and away we go... new rubber fitted and pressurised. Now to see which compass direction Pete decides on...
(https://i.ibb.co/Bn5P79P/Capture.jpg)
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I am afraid not Kev. Best case scenario is that I get new rubber tomorrow arvo. Oh Well! That gives me a good chance to explore Karratha and Dampier.
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Bugga! This blows your itinery.
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Never mind mate, gives you a couple extra days to scout the area, hey! who knows what you will find?
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10pm in Karratha, and its 27 degrees dropping to 22 overnight, while here in Portland at midnight, its currently only 5 degrees.
I envy you.
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Really? Temperature is the bit you envy?
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More so the lack of.
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OK. Finally got a new rear tyre fitted at 4.30 thisarvo so I am off again early tomorrow, headed for Wooramel Roadhouse, which is south of Carnarvon. I expect to arrive in Perth on Thursday afternoon. That tyre must be made of gold, as it cost $465 for the tyre, shipping from Perth, and labour for fitting. :eek
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That tyre must be made of gold, as it cost $465 for the tyre, shipping from Perth, and labour for fitting. :eek
OUCH :cuss
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OK. Finally got a new rear tyre fitted at 4.30 thisarvo so I am off again early tomorrow, headed for Wooramel Roadhouse, which is south of Carnarvon. I expect to arrive in Perth on Thursday afternoon. That tyre must be made of gold, as it cost $465 for the tyre, shipping from Perth, and labour for fitting. :eek
Hopefully Wombat will be able to join us at Alfreds and you can share stories of buying tyres in out of the way places.
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That tyre must be made of gold, as it cost $465 for the tyre, shipping from Perth, and labour for fitting. :eek
OUCH :cuss
:cuss for sure
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It was either pay that, or risk riding into Perth on canvas. I am looking forward to being on the move again. :thumbsup
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Didn't want to try a car tyre out? :rofl
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Almost 800km run tomorrow, rest well Pete.
(https://i.ibb.co/Rg1Bc9p/Capture.jpg)
Fuel available about 280 km at Nanutarra roadhouse, straight down the hwy, and just past the Nanutarrra Road junction turnoff.
(https://i.ibb.co/FxhzMG9/Capture.jpg)
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Karratha dropping to 23 tonight, with 33 tomorrow.
Wooramel around 30 tomorrow.
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Didn't want to try a car tyre out? :rofl
At those prices, I thought about it, and was going to ring The Thunderbolts to see what they plan on running "Darkside"
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:rofl
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Tour Day 49. Currently 22 degrees at 6am WA time, rising to 33 today.
Carnarvon slightly cooler with a top of 28 expected, currently 13.
Petes spot is now active, and shows him moving about in the caravan park.
Could be heading for the HWY.
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I was talking to a mate yesterday, updating details of your trip, and he asked me if you had seen any camels?
I replied "Unsure, probably plenty of butts around, but very hard to distinguish what brand?" :grin
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Pete left the caravan park around 6.15am WST and is now heading southwest from Karratha. Time to take the creases out of the trousers after sitting around for the past few days.
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Two hours+ down the road, and travelling well. Temp is around 26 degrees.
Now about 200 km from Karratha. this spot was around 30 minutes ago.
(https://i.ibb.co/CsKV3J0/Capture.jpg)
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Roadhouse is about 15 minutes ahead now.
(https://i.ibb.co/Yt6Z9nF/Capture.jpg)
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Back on the road after a short fuel/refreshment stop at the roadhouse. Has now covered more than 350 Km today.
Spot timed at 10.15 WST
Carnarvon is about 275 km ahead
(https://i.ibb.co/72H4QHc/Capture.jpg)
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Temp as Pete approaches Lyndon is around 24 degrees
current temp at Carnarvon is 13.7 with an expected top of 28
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midday WA location.
(https://i.ibb.co/8btR5zx/Capture.jpg)
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Pete should arrive at Carnarvon in about 30 minutes.
Has just crossed the Gascoyne river.
(https://i.ibb.co/5FV4h6x/Capture.jpg)
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Now past Carnarvon, and about halfway on the two hour run to Wooramel where he is staying overnight.
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Hey Pete,
Did your tyres wear on the centre of the tread or on the sides?
If on the sides, I reckon you need to increase the pressure you are running at.
I’m running mine at 43psi.
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As I listen to the rain thundering down outside., it appears that Pete reached todays target around 20 minutes ago.
A good days ride, around 800 Km.
(https://i.ibb.co/85HFt0b/Capture.jpg)
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Hey Pete,
Did your tyres wear on the centre of the tread or on the sides?
If on the sides, I reckon you need to increase the pressure you are running at.
I’m running mine at 43psi.
They wore badly in the centre on 42psi. The previous set that I replaced in Warwick QLD were doing that same and I dropped the pressure to 39, which took some of the load and off the middle, at the expense of some scalloping in the sides. However it did slow the wear in the middle.
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I left Karratha at first light, and it was good to get on the road to put some decent miles behind me again after twiddling my thumbs for a couple of days. It has been a beaut day for travelling, but there have been plenty of cattle on the roadsides all day. I only stopped for fuel and a couple of photos today, and tonight am in a clean and cheap donga with a comfy bed and nothing else. The place has masses of very friendly flies, and the roadhouse closes at 5.30, so it will be an early night tonight, and a chance to do some reading. I will be in Perth tomorrow night, staying with WAG, and am working on my itinerary for my last few days. My brother is going to drive over to Streaky Bay to meet me and escort me home, and another friend plans on meeting me at Port Augusta. These are lovely expressions of support, and I am deeply touched by this and the other friendship, support and hospitality that has been offered to me on this adventure. :clap
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Rest well mate, its a long day tomorrow. :thumb
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See you Friday for dinner
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:blk13 :dred11
I'm headed north out of Sydney , I don't think I'll catch up to you though.. :fp
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Tour day 50
Today is a goodly run, stay safe on the roads, Pete.
(https://i.ibb.co/GCVnXWs/Capture.jpg)
Geraldton is around the halfway point for todays travel.
Geraldton Forecast
This morning 10°C
Today 26°C and sunny
Updated at 00:00 WST
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:blk13 :dred11
I'm headed north out of Sydney , I don't think I'll catch up to you though.. :fp
North is a good idea. As I am thinkimg about getting up, it is my first cold morning in ages. I will be rugging up for a while. Ride safe Johnny.
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Its cold in Perth this morning.
What time do you anticipate getting here.
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On the move around an hour ago, heading for WA Glens home, just south of the river in Perth.
8 hours riding time from current location, plus time out for fuel/refreshment/meal breaks.
(https://i.ibb.co/Mc6YmpJ/Capture.jpg)
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Brock, ETA is approx 5pm+, WST (allowing for refueling bike and body) from current location
(https://i.ibb.co/R97TDNT/Capture.jpg)
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No spot update for past hour, is this a poor communication area?
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spot has just updated. he is now less than 40 km short of Northampton
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If I knew which track he was taking, I could maybe catch up on the North side of Perth. Is he on UHF perchance??
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Unsure, Brock
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Petes location around 10 minutes ago. Spots are about 10 minutes apart, so he should have arrived at Geraldton.
(https://i.ibb.co/98tCsbj/Capture.jpg)
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Still about 4 and a half hours road time from Geraldton to Perth.
Probably taking a lunch break at the moment.
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We shall see his route south soon enough. If he takes Indian Ocean drive then I can try intercept, if he uses the Gt Northern then not so much as I'm not going back to Bullsbrook (I am here at work at teh RAAF Base at the moment)
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Im watching to see which route he adopts, Brock
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Pete is on the move again, just leaving Geraldton now.
(https://i.ibb.co/8rxYcKC/Capture.jpg)
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Fairly sure he will take the inland route.
Interestingly Google Maps says only 1 minute difference
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We will know his choice in around 10 minutes...
(https://i.ibb.co/smzdvQf/Capture.jpg)
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Interestingly Google Maps says only 1 minute difference
Google is prone to error... A trip of mine a few years ago, they claimed would take an hour and 5 minutes for a 94km run.
(I was home and in the door in 38 minutes) :whistle (little used back road, not a Hwy)
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Hmmm... the top of my stove is now red... too busy watching spot, and my tomato soup boiled over...
(https://i.ibb.co/BC6v6gy/Capture.jpg)
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Interestingly Google Maps says only 1 minute difference
Google is prone to error... A trip of mine a few years ago, they claimed would take an hour and 5 minutes for a 94km run.
(I was home and in the door in 38 minutes) :whistle (little used back road, not a Hwy)
I usually find google reasonable. So was the Google distance wrong or did you average 148.4 kph?
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wellll? ... according to my GPS, I was pushing 240+ for quite awhile... ? :grin
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Decision has been made, is running inland. Approx 3 and a half hours to todays destination.
(https://i.ibb.co/JKcLVFN/Capture.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/NmMnrZf/Capture.jpg)
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Off to Xantippe so he has an X for the make a word thread???
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I will keep an Eye on his spot, its going to be pretty close to my knock off when he is in the area.
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2pm WST location, about 140km from destination
(https://i.ibb.co/R0H6rVq/Capture.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/d7N2QkT/Capture.jpg)
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He is still too far away for me to wait around, I need to go home and dont have the fuel to run around.
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Off to Xantippe so he has an X for the make a word thread???
Not even close, he is well past there.
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120km until putting the side stand down for the day.
Making far better time than I anticipated earlier.
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Now near Bullsbrook, with just a 50 km ride to WAG household.
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(https://i.ibb.co/vcx4BzC/Capture.jpg)
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He went through Bullsbrook 25 minutes after I left. I am home now.
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End of todays run, well done Pete. Enjoy the break.
(https://i.ibb.co/YhZXwHC/Capture.jpg)
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It's a cold Friday morning here at the WAG house, where I arrived before 4.00 yesterday. I left just before sunrise, had a good run for the day, with a decent stop at Geraldton. There I spent some time chatting with a young bloke from Melbourne on Bandit, who is doing a lap, and we swapped stories. I had a "moment" while passing a slow car and caravan, which was following a slow 4WD. I pinned the throttle hard to pass before an oncoming car and got to Warp 4+ before pulling back in. The on coming car was a Highway Patrol :eek and I was watching my mirrors for the next half hour, expecting to see a Christmas tree behind me, coming to enact some hoon legislation or remove my licence from my wallet. After a lot of straight roads, it was nice to find the sweeping bends between Geraldton and Northampton. Mitch and Margret came over for tea last night, Therese excelled with a lovely home cooked meal, and we had a lovely evening.
I now have a plan for the last week of my trip, and it goes like this, unless it changes.... :grin
Friday. Perth. New tyre for the front, washing, shopping etc, and Alfreds RTE for tea.
Saturday. Perth and a Spare day for whatever needs doing, and explore Perth
Sunday. Albany via Augusta
Monday. Day off in Albany, where I need to catch up with a doctor for a routine injection that will be due
Tuesday. Norseman via Esperence
Wednesday. Eucla
Thursday. Streaky Bay where I will meet my brother who is driving from Adelaide to meet me.
Friday. Tummy Bay via Port Lincoln
Saturday. Home, with a stop at Port Augusta east side OTR at 12.00 midday to meet a friend who is riding up from Adelaide to escort me home.
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Day 51/52 - rest days, ... time to catch up with friends before the south western coastal run beginning Sunday.
Today will be a tyreing day? :whistle
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Or Retiring🤓
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Saturday. Home, with a stop at Port Augusta east side OTR at 12.00 midday to meet a friend who is riding up from Adelaide to escort me home.
I have that day off and could quite easily ride up to Port Augusta to join your entourage home if you want more company.
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Tyres for bikes in Vic Park do good prices and excellent service. They carry a wide range of tyres, and certainly can advise whats best for your needs.
(They even know about greasing the ST splines with the right stuff)
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Tyres for bikes in Vic Park do good prices and excellent service. They carry a wide range of tyres, and certainly can advise whats best for your needs.
(They even know about greasing the ST splines with the right stuff)
Pete is on his way there.
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Tyres for bikes in Vic Park do good prices and excellent service. They carry a wide range of tyres, and certainly can advise whats best for your needs.
(They even know about greasing the ST splines with the right stuff)
That's where she is right now getting a new Pirelli Angel A spec on the front. I will now have good tyres for the wet weather that is forecast. :well
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I have that day off and could quite easily ride up to Port Augusta to join your entourage home if you want more company.
Bodo, you will be most welcome to join with me on the last 300km of my great adventure. ++
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11am WST. On tourist tour today, currently just north of Bullsbrook.
Nice weather for a ride.
Perth Forecast
Today 24°C
Now
22.0°C
(https://i.ibb.co/GMb3t7q/Capture.jpg)
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Midday, WST. Pete is now about 70 km north of Bullsbrook.
Just a cruisy day, no idea where he is headed.
(https://i.ibb.co/71H1458/Capture.jpg)
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https://www.newnorcia.wa.edu.au/visit/visit-new-norcia (https://www.newnorcia.wa.edu.au/visit/visit-new-norcia)
New Norcia. One of Westies RTE destinations.
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Should be there now. :thumb
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Over halfway back to WAG base now.
Hope it was a good meet!
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He was probably going to the Bindoon Bakery.
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It's a spot that I have been keen to visit, ever since the Perth NatRally, so Glen fired up the Wing, and we rode to New Norcia for lunch at the iconic hotel. We struck a bit of rain and traffic on the way there, but the ride home was clear. Thanks to LindsayGT for posting the link to info about this historic and very interesting place.
Tomorrow morning I head from Perth to Albany via the Margaret River, leaving behind some wonderful hospitality with Therese and Glen. Thank you for opening your home to me. :Blow
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Perth to Albany
Thats Al bany, not Allbany :law
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Perth to Albany
Thats Al bany, not Allbany :law
He says he doesn't know. (https://www.instagram.com/p/BxDQdAmHIqn/)
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Tour Day 53. Unsure of exact route, but basically as below. Maybe along the coastline?
(https://i.ibb.co/h1ZkMwD/Capture.jpg)
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Departed 7:29 and will stop here:-
https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/BP/@-32.3088801,115.8306104,583m/data= (https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/BP/@-32.3088801,115.8306104,583m/data=)!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x2a328599a12d713f:0x1ecf7237e03adf78!8m2!3d-32.3088801!4d115.8327991
after about 30kms for fuel.
It was great to catch up.
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Coastline via Walpole is definitely worth it.
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Half an hour down the Hwy... should be at fuel stop by now.
(https://i.ibb.co/7CVdQ46/Capture.jpg)
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10 am WST progress report.
(https://i.ibb.co/G3HFvZD/Capture.jpg)
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Have to feel on top of the world in this area... every second location name ends in 'up'
Something I first noted many years ago in this area, way way before Google.
(https://i.ibb.co/x7TbbK2/Capture.jpg)
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I think it means water and the native language.
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11am WST - 1 hour rest break at Margaret River. (the pause that refreshes)
11.20am Now almost at Augusta.
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(https://i.ibb.co/Mh2cZbs/Capture.jpg)
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Petes spot as of around 1.30 WST.
(https://i.ibb.co/vm1zK70/Capture.jpg)
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https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/-up (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/-up)
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Wouldn't be the first misconception I've had.
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Just a minor slip 'up', Bodo. I thought that it was something to do with water also?
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Local knowledge is an advantage!🤣
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Moving right along, 3pm WST. Less than an hours drive to Albany.
(https://i.ibb.co/tpWMtBk/Capture.jpg)
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A good run today, around 650Km +.
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arrived at Albany just a few minutes ago. :thumb Rest day/ Doc visit tomorrow
(https://i.ibb.co/kSgDbc9/Capture.jpg)
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Love Middleton Beach. :thumbs
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Another good run today after leaving the WAG home around 7.30am. After topping up soon after leaving, I had my first stop at Margaret River for a coffee and snack. The place was packed and I have never seen so many cafes all in one place, and they were all chockers. A photo stop at Cape Leewun, and another short break at Walpole, and I rolled up at Albany around 4.00. Did get one heavy shower near Bunbury but that was it. My biggest hazard was the many sticks and branches on the road through the forested areas. There is another South Aussie here in the park, doing a "lap" on CanAm, but going in the opposite direction. He has just started, while I am now in my final week. All is well. :thumbs
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Enjoy the break Pete.
Albany Forecast
Tonight 12°C
Tomorrow 17°C
Now 18.5°C rising
Updated at 19:44 WST
Monday.
Partly cloudy. Very high (near 100%) chance of showers, most likely in the morning. Winds NW/SW 25 to 35 km/h becoming SW 20 to 30 km/h in the late afternoon then becoming light in the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to around 11 with daytime temperatures reaching between 15 and 19.
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It's been a cold, windy and showery day here in Albany. After getting sorted by the doctor with a routine treatment that fell due, I did some exploring on the peninsula out to the old whaling station. The Gap and Natural Bridge were spectacular with the windy weather driving some big swell. I had a light lunch at the whaling station Cafe, have filled the bike, ready for tomorrow's run to Norseman. My brother rang and we have set some plans in place for the last couple of days of the trip, as he is driving out to meet me.
Whenever I have these days off, I find that I am champing at the bit, anxious to get moving again. From here I have no more days off, and five days travel left of my OzLap. :thumbsup
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I have been watching your trip with great interest. I hope you really enjoy the few days. Safe travels.
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I had morning tea at Maccas today, and ordered a Raisin Toast, and a coffee. The kid taking the order actually asked if I wanted my Raisin Toast toasted. My well developed sarcasm gene went into overdrive, but I resisted and simply said "Yes please" :crackup
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I had morning tea at Maccas today, and ordered a Raisin Toast, and a coffee. The kid taking the order actually asked if I wanted my Raisin Toast toasted. My well developed sarcasm gene went into overdrive, but I resisted and simply said "Yes please" :crackup
I believe that you get free coffee at Maccas if you order any food and show your Seniors Card.
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Todays planned ride.
(scuse the pun) ... 55 Days of Peeking ... at the road ahead ... through a visor ... for thousands of kilometres in wind, rain, heat and dust, sometimes cold, and with the buffeting slipstreams from the odd occasional passing trucks on
the lonely roads.
Uphill, downhill, through wiggly roads, multi lanes packed with City traffic, freeways, and long straight stretches of boring flat so-so quality roads.
Sometimes accompanied, and other times just alone with your own thoughts.
Way to go! :thumb
Today is another moderately long distance run, but now getting closer to home, friends and family once again.
(https://i.ibb.co/Jytr7mc/Capture.jpg)
Norseman forecast.
Goldfields for Tuesday Sunny. Areas of light frost in the southwest in the early morning. Winds S/SW 15 to 20 km/h becoming light before dawn then becoming SE/SW 15 to 20 km/h in the morning. Overnight temperatures falling to between 4 and 10 with daytime temperatures reaching the low 20s.
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Pete is on the road, left shortly after 6.30 WST
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Up, up, and away!
2 hours of travel up the road so far, almost halfway to Esperance.
(https://i.ibb.co/yk4PXCj/Capture.jpg)
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10amWST
Pete has reached Ravensthorpe, is at the BP for refuelling the bike, body and soul. About 300 Km completed so far today.
Some wet weather forecast later.
Ravensthorpe Forecast
Today 21°C
Tonight 10°C
Now
16.7°C rising
Updated at 10:00 WST
Southern Coastal for Tuesday Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the west late this afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming SW 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the late afternoon. Daytime maximum temperatures around 20.
(https://i.ibb.co/DKLm229/Capture.jpg)
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Pete should reach Esperance within 30 minutes for lunch.
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OK, lunch break is over and Pete is moving on... light showers in the area, maybe he is trying to outrun them?
Its around 200km from Esperance to Norseman, so he should arrive there around 2.30pm WST
(https://i.ibb.co/ZScHYVK/Capture.jpg)
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Pete reached Norseman around a half hour ago, about 2.20pm WST
Rest well mate.
(https://i.ibb.co/56sCndc/Capture.jpg)
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I had a cold and foggy start to the day, which turned out to be mostly clear and in the high teens and have dodged the rain again. At Raventhorp I refueled tank and body and spent time chatting with an Irish couple who were travlling Oz on working visas. They were loving the open spaces of the west in preference to the East Coast. Tomorrow's forecast is for a cold start, but mostly fine as I head for Eucla, and I look forward to visiting Davo Jones FarRiders memorial at Madura Pass and leaving a token of my visit. Just four more days travel to home. Thanks again to Kev for keeping you informed of my progress.
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Weather looks ok for the next couple of days travel.
Norseman Forecast
This morning 5°C
Today 20°C
Goldfields for Wednesday Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming SE/SW 15 to 25 km/h in the middle of the day. Overnight temperatures falling to around 6 with daytime temperatures reaching the low to mid 20s.
Eucla for Thursday Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower near the coast, near zero chance elsewhere. Winds SW 25 to 35 km/h turning S in the morning then decreasing to 15 to 25 km/h in the late afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to around 10 with daytime temperatures reaching around 18.
(https://i.ibb.co/31hv5qW/Capture.jpg)
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Pete is on the move ... hit the road around 7am, WST.
Spot indicators are roughly 10 minutes apart.
(https://i.ibb.co/SyTKk0C/Capture.jpg)
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Currently a bit chilly at Fraser Range that Pete just passed through 30 mins ago, 8.4 degrees, rising to low 20s later today.
(https://i.ibb.co/9Zgfhmj/Capture.jpg)
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A short stop at BP Balladonia servo, now mobile again.
Beginning of the 90 Mile Straight is around 10 minutes ahead.
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Lets see now, how to put this... last chance to lean into a corner, apart from a couple of minor squiggles in the next few minutes ...
(https://i.ibb.co/7Wbmw8y/Capture.jpg)
and then ...
(https://i.ibb.co/jWSp2N4/90-ms.jpg)
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It'll flatten your tyres.
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Now at Madura Rest area, Photos.
(https://i.ibb.co/GfDJ9MT/Capture.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/WWsm0Xs/Capture.jpg)
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Looks like Pete is right on target for Davo Jones FarRiders memorial at Madura!
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Yep!
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Moving right along, a bit over an hour from Eucla.
(https://i.ibb.co/Wv1J6bP/Capture.jpg)
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Arrived Eucla around 3pm WST
(https://i.ibb.co/z78Lpw9/Capture.jpg)
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Army convoy pulled in here for an overnight stop in mid to late 70's, and us diggers made the mistake of using soap in the showers.
The water was extremely hard, soap didnt lather, and most guys ended up with a coating of waxy, soapy goo in their hair. :o
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At Eucla after a very cold start to the day of just three degrees. I stopped Madura Pass where I placed a metal disk with my FR and IBA number on Davo's memorial. I might get wet tomorrow on my run to Streaky Bay. At Baladonia I was chatting to Harley rider who was too tough to ride with warm clothing. He was dressed in a leather jacket and jeans and was shivering very badly. His mate on an ST1100 was OK and well rugged up. I gave some OzSTOC details to the smart one.
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Eucla forecast Thursday.
Thursday Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower near the coast, near zero chance elsewhere. Winds SW 25 to 35 km/h turning S in the morning then decreasing to 15 to 25 km/h in the late afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to around 10 with daytime temperatures reaching around 18.
Streaky Bay.
Thursday Partly cloudy. Very high chance of showers east of Ceduna, medium chance elsewhere. The chance of a thunderstorm in the morning and afternoon. Possible hail in the afternoon and evening. Winds W/NW 25 to 35 km/h turning SW 30 to 45 km/h early in the morning then tending S/SW 20 to 30 km/h in the late evening.
Daytime temperatures reaching between 14 and 17.
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A shorter run planned for Thursday, Streaky Bay. (not much shorter)
(https://i.ibb.co/KyL4Qmt/Capture.jpg)
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Many years ago I was part of a parachuting demo team at Minnipa, (annual Adelaide to Minnipa Air race venue) east of Streaky Bay.
At the end of the day we flew to Streaky and bought crayfish direct from the boats, and cooked them in drums of water on a bonfire. In the morning, we flew back home to Whyalla, munching on crayfish and tossing the empty shells out the window.
I sometimes wonder what the farmers in the area thought, if they found the discarded shells, as to how the hell they found their way into their paddocks, more than a hundred Km from the ocean? :grin
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Pete left Eucla after 7am SA standard time, has been on the road now for almost 2 hours and has covered around 180Km today.
Some rain ahead from around Yalata onwards.
(https://i.ibb.co/VLd5rPM/Capture.jpg)
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Pete has passed Yalata, and is now about 2 and a half hours, plus breaks, from Streaky Bay.
About halfway for todays travel.
(https://i.ibb.co/4TsQsxZ/Capture.jpg)
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Pete arrived at Streaky Bay about 2 hours ago.
(https://i.ibb.co/wLwQQmt/Capture.jpg)
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I spent the day timing my riding and stops to avoid the storm cells that were rolling through all day, and in the main was quite successful. While there were decent photo oportunities at the head of the bight and various lookouts, soft ground after heavy rain kept me on the highway. I made good time as I raced the storms and rolled into Streaky earlier than I expected, and met my brother who drove out from Adelaide to meet me. :beer
Tomorrow isTumby Bay via Port Lincoln, and Saturday I plan on being at Port Augusta OTR EastSide at midday, before the final run to home.
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Tomorrows planned travel, Tour Day 58.
Streaky forecast for tomorrow.
Friday Cloudy. Slight chance of a shower, with possible small hail south of Streaky Bay in the early morning.
Winds S 20 to 30 km/h becoming light in the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 6 and 10 with daytime temperatures reaching around 17.
Port Lincoln
Friday Cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the early morning with possible small hail. Winds S/SW 25 to 35 km/h tending W/SW 15 to 20 km/h in the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 6 and 9 with daytime temperatures reaching around 16.
(https://i.ibb.co/vYPGWPd/Capture.jpg)
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Pete is mobile , moved out about an hour ago heading towards Port Lincoln.
Should arrive around 11.45, SA time, depending on weather and or refreshment stop.
(https://i.ibb.co/2gFxmVQ/Capture.jpg)
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Pete is now roughly 45 minutes ride from Port Lincoln after a 30 minute break at Elliston.
(https://i.ibb.co/kybFL39/Capture.jpg)
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Pete had a break in Port Lincoln about an hour ago, and is now only a short ride from Tumby Bay.
(https://i.ibb.co/Jn9LHMk/Capture.jpg)
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Settled in about 2pm SA time for tonights rest.
(https://i.ibb.co/3CfcjHn/Capture.jpg)
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Pete will be on the road tomorrow on the last stretch of his epic run.
Morning run to Port Augusta.
(https://i.ibb.co/4gt89NS/Capture.jpg)
Meanwhile, Bodø will be heading to 'Portagutta' early morning, to meet with Pete and ride back home with him in the afternoon.
Will track when his spot becomes active.
(Having been born and raised at Whyalla, 'Portagutta' is a slang term that we used as I grew up, referring to the number of Indigenous people who lived there.)
(https://i.ibb.co/p020s3c/b.jpg)
Refreshment/fuel break/meet up at OTR Port Augusta east,
(https://i.ibb.co/pdwh24t/rr.jpg)
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Cowell Forecast Saturday. Similar for final leg to Adelaide
Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. The chance of morning fog. Light winds becoming W/SW 15 to 20 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the late afternoon. Daytime temperatures reaching around 17.
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I had a short run today in good riding conditions. We stopped at my fishing haunt at Elliston for morning tea and at Port Lincoln for lunch. The caravan park at Tummy Bay is very nice, and the local pizza is so good, it may be worth An overnight RTE. I am not sure of the servo that Kev has nominated but I will be at the Port Augusta East Side OTR/Maccas on the corner of the highway and Northern Power Station Road at around midday. Seeya there Bodo.
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Yep, Pete... the one I put the picture of is on the north side of the highway, just 500 metres west of there.
Google street view show the one next to Hungry Jacks (not Maccas) as still under construction two years ago in 2017.
(https://i.ibb.co/s9WQ99w/a.jpg)
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3am, and more rain falling here ... not much volume, been off and on since yesterday morning.
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I had a short run today in good riding conditions. We stopped at my fishing haunt at Elliston for morning tea and at Port Lincoln for lunch. The caravan park at Tummy Bay is very nice, and the local pizza is so good, it may be worth An overnight RTE. I am not sure of the servo that Kev has nominated but I will be at the Port Augusta East Side OTR/Maccas on the corner of the highway and Northern Power Station Road at around midday. Seeya there Bodo.
I know the OTR. I shall be there. Spot will be running.
https://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=1dcce5cd5356f5800a&hoursPast=0&showAll=yes
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They are both OTR, one on each side of the highway, about 500 metres apart.
Bodø left home about an hour ago. Night Rider. :grin
(https://i.ibb.co/B6RnS0Y/Capture.jpg)
Port Pirie Forecast
This morning 6°C
Today 18°C
Now
8.5°C falling
Updated at 05:20 CST
Mid North for Saturday Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog in the west. Slight chance of a shower in the morning and afternoon. Light winds becoming W/SW 15 to 25 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the evening.
Daytime temperatures reaching between 13 and 18.
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5.50am SA time.
(https://i.ibb.co/vmNRHvy/Capture.jpg)
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Petes spot has just become active so he should be heading out very shortly as Bodø heads up the eastern side of the ranges.
(https://i.ibb.co/CWT9xVc/Capture.jpg)
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Pete is now 45 minutes north of Tumby, approaching Arno Bay. Approx 3+ hours ride to Port Augusta.
(https://i.ibb.co/TtsRC1n/Capture.jpg)
Bodø is at Melrose, about an hours ride from Port Augusta.
(https://i.ibb.co/G7Qwgz0/Capture.jpg)
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Bodøs road plan is via Quorn, which will now take about 45 minutes or so.
(https://i.ibb.co/VvTX5pW/Capture.jpg)
Pete is taking a break in Cowell, leaving around 2 hours travel to Port Augusta.
(https://i.ibb.co/sCMttSK/Capture.jpg)
Local weather for both riders, around 13 degrees, rising to 17
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Bodø waiting ...
(https://i.ibb.co/Dpbk7Gb/Capture.jpg)
Petes location 10 minutes ago.
(https://i.ibb.co/7Vk9yKf/Capture.jpg)
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Just chilling. :hatwave
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Pete should arrive within 30 minutes. :thumb
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Pete is now at the approximate location where many years ago I tested rapid ejection from my Royal Enfield, by having my parachute accidentally open at highway speeds. :rockon
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Now only about 5 minutes away, Bodø.
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Pete has arrived for lunch break, all good.
Pete, you have shaved 3 days of travelling time from your original trip agenda.
Be nice that you both will be home to celebrate Mothers Day. :hatwave
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On the road again, last lap.
Left PA around 15 minutes ago, with 300km ride to Adelaide. Have already passed Nectar Brook.
(https://i.ibb.co/Bq1N2Hx/Capture.jpg)
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Now on the Port Pirie by-pass road.
(https://i.ibb.co/XpJyRYr/Capture.jpg)
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200 km to reach home!
(https://i.ibb.co/ygRTZ52/Capture.jpg)
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(https://i.ibb.co/sJ5CgYk/Capture.jpg)
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Now past Snowtown, where it's 14 degrees, with a slight chance of showers this afternoon.
(https://i.ibb.co/YXhjtN3/Capture.jpg)
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Travelling well, only around 45 minutes to the City.
(https://i.ibb.co/2s9sbx3/Capture.jpg)
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Pete is now within 15 minutes of home, at 4pm SA timezone.
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Now past Snowtown, where it's 14 degrees, with a slight chance of showers this afternoon.
We had a bit, but managed to avoid the heavy stuff.
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Pete is now at the approximate location where many years ago I tested rapid ejection from my Royal Enfield, by having my parachute accidentally open at highway speeds. :rockon
Any pics of the old Enfield?
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Home safe and my journey is complete. Thanks to all, and my priority for the time being is to recconect with family. Summary and photos will follow in a few days. ++
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++. Welcome home. I read your posts with interest. Well done
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Fan-bloody-tastic, Pete. Well done!
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Pete is now at the approximate location where many years ago I tested rapid ejection from my Royal Enfield, by having my parachute accidentally open at highway speeds. :rockon
Any pics of the old Enfield?
Sorry, Jd - ex-wife took all my albums with her when she shot through in early 1970's
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:'(,
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Well done Pete, great effort. Time to relax. :beer
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Well done PETE. Followed your travels with great interest. Great your home safe. Denis Diane.
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Well done StinkyPete.
Awesome following it all.
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
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Good one Pete. I look forward to the photos and summary.
Cheers
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Great job Kev and thanks for keeping us in touch. Denis Diane.
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:thumb My pleasure!
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Awesome work keeping us all updated over the entire journey Kev, thank you :clap :clap :clap
And thank you for sharing the adventure with us all StinkyPete, it was great to be along for the ride (via the computer ;-*) :thumbsup
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Home
Well it's great to be home again, and some of the great things about being home include sleeping in my own bed, wearing different clothes, sitting in my own lounge chair, using my own shower and reconnecting with friends and family. This adventure was a bucket list item and I can recommend to to anyone. It's a big country, full of wonderful places and people and it was a wonderful experience. The body held up OK, but I have a few new aches and pains, which I am sure will subside as I get back into my walking and gym routines.
Trip Statistics
Time Away 59 Days
Travelling Days 44 Days
Distance Travelled 19,500km
Fuel used 958 litres
Average fuel cost $1.62
Most Expensive fuel $2.15 at Balladonia
Maintenance consisted of two sets of replacement tyres and one bike service
Scenery Highlight
Kimberley Victoria River Region and Gregory National Park
Riding Highlight
All of the great riding roads that criss-cross the great divide through NSW, and I reckon I managed to ride most of them.
Social Highlights
Thanks to the OzSTOC members who offered hospitality in their homes, rode with me, met with me at RTE's at Lorne, Gloucester, Darwin and Perth, or followed my journey. I had a ball and it was sooo good to meet up with old friends along the way. Thanks to Fish and Marcleo who joined me for the first ten days or so. It was great to have Chris fly to Broome where spent some lovely days. I don't want to thank individuals as I am sure to miss someone, but I do want to thank Kev who kept everyone up to date with my progress and kept a remote eye on me all along the way.
Where's the Photos?
I will post a few photo highlights as a sort through what I have, and will add them to this thread over the days. I did not want to become a slave to a diary, or to photographing town signs, letterboxes or even big things, as I wanted to just “be” in the journey. However, I did bag a few.
The attached map gives a nice overview of my entire journey.
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Great response Pete, a pleasure to be able to follow and report on your journey. Looking fwd to photos.
Cheers mate.
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I have had a request from ScarlettThunderbolts to describe what I look with me and how I packed, and this info might be of interest to others who may be thinking of doing some long distance, long time touring. Over the years I have learned to back fairly light, and despite that experience, there was still stuff that I took on this trip that I did not use. ScarlettThunderbolts took a series of photos of how I packed on the bike.
Here's my packing information....
Left Pannier (This was the dirty or wet compartment)
Blackwolf Gobi dome tent, stored in a pannier liner
Tent Poles
Pegs and hammer
Waterproof outer jacket and pants
Jacket liner
Seat cover, waterproof
Spare gloves
Right Pannier (Bed, Bedding and other stuff)
Blue poly tarp to go under my air bed inside the tent
Down sleeping bag
Exped air mattress
Cotton sleeping bag liner
Air Bed Pump
Inflatable Pillow (It was awful to sleep on)
First Aid Kit
Top Box (Divided into three compartments to keep stuff accessible and organized)
Food etc (Canned tuna, Gingernut biscuits, mueslei, dried fruit and nut mix, tea and coffee, long life milk, several freeze dried meals for emergencies, cutlery, crockery, tea towel, pepper and salt, vegemite)
Two one litre containers of drinking water
JetBoil stove and gas bottle
Hema Motorcycle Atlas
Folder with all my necessary documents
I also had a green supermarket bag in which I stored and carry stuff that would come out every night, such as camera, phone, wallet, tablet, notebook & pen, chargers, shopping bag, GPS, Spot Gen3, CB Radio.
Back Seat
Shadecloth groundsheet for under the tent (not used on this trip)
Kermit Chair (not used on this trip)
50 lt waterproof bag for clothing, shoes, thongs, toiletries bag, meds, “electrical” bag, tools and tyre pump, nd whatever I could not fit anywhere else
Glove Boxes (These are tiny on the Beemer)
Spare ear plugs
Cleaning cloth
Puncture repair kit
Sidestand plate
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Good skills Pete, thanks for posting both lists.
Re. BM v ST panniers and top box. How do they compare capacity and "useable" capacity or ease of packing wise?
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Re. BM v ST panniers and top box. How do they compare capacity and "useable" capacity or ease of packing wise?
Tha panniers are about the same capacity, but a slightly different shape, and the Beemer top box is a 49 litre, so it's also the same size. The top box looks bigger because it's a double skin design. In my opinion the locking mechanisms on the Beemer panniers and top box are much sturdier, and they each lock in four points. How they come on and off the bike is irrelevant, and they are not something that I remove on a regular basis. Overall from a practical perspective, there's little difference.
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Re. BM v ST panniers and top box. How do they compare capacity and "useable" capacity or ease of packing wise?
Tha panniers are about the same capacity, but a slightly different shape, and the Beemer top box is a 49 litre, so it's also the same size. The top box looks bigger because it's a double skin design. In my opinion the locking mechanisms on the Beemer panniers and top box are much sturdier, and they each lock in four points. How they come on and off the bike is irrelevant, and they are not something that I remove on a regular basis. Overall from a practical perspective, there's little difference.
:thumbs
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Thanks Pete. I'd pay good money for a comfortable inflatable pillow - I've had two, the first developed a leak soon after purchase, the second is more sturdy (Black Wolf) but like yours, just uncomfortable.
Regards your CB - I take it you have it linked in to your comms gear and are able to operate it on the road?
Cheers ... Mark
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Regards your CB - I take it you have it linked in to your comms gear and are able to operate it on the road?
Cheers ... Mark
Rgr. I have a Starcom1 Digital as my communication hub, which was the same unit I had on the ST. This takes bluetooth from the bike, wired pillion/rider coms, and my handlebar mounted handheld Uniden CB is also hard connected to the Starcom with a PTT button on the left handgrip. The voices go straight to my helmet via a hard connection, so I have no bluetooth stuff to charge each day. This works nicely for me.
Is the Border Run on your radar this year?
Cheers
Pete
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It is .... but .... the Echuca-Moama Winter Blues Festival is on the weekend before and I suspect the brownie points bank isn't sufficiently flush with points to do both. However, hope springs eternal in the human breast and if the planets align in my favour ....
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..... I suspect the brownie points bank isn't sufficiently flush with points to do both....
Brownie points ........ pffft ....... grow a couple Mark. Geez, I hope Helen doesn't read this, and ssshhhh, nobody say a word.
...... This adventure was a bucket list item and I can recommend to to anyone. It's a big country, full of wonderful places and people and it was a wonderful experience..... All of the great riding roads that criss-cross the great divide through NSW, and I reckon I managed to ride most of them......
Thanks for posting Pete, it's got my juices flowing and me thinking about planning my lap.
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..... I suspect the brownie points bank isn't sufficiently flush with points to do both....
Brownie points ........ pffft ....... grow a couple Mark. Geez, I hope Helen doesn't read this, and ssshhhh, nobody say a word.
Hmmm, a Roger Waters song from the 1992 album "Amused To Death" springs to mind - what was it now, oh, that's right "The bravery of being out of range"
But yes Michael, I must be assertive in these matters - I'm going to put my foot down with a firm hand - if that's ok with Julie. :chocolate-box-smiley-emoticon
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Thanks for the update Pete.
We have our own lap in the early planning stage but a couple of years away from actually doing it; retirement age (67) for me is two and a half years away.
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Hi Peter
What a fabulous ride, looking forward to the pictures. Did you plan the whole trip or have a flexible itinerary?
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Hi Peter
What a fabulous ride, looking forward to the pictures. Did you plan the whole trip or have a flexible itinerary?
Since there were a few points on the tip that were "locked in", such as the bike service in Darwin, I planned the whole trip, but deviated a little from the planned itinerary. You can see my itinerary at the top of this thread. Thanks for the reminder, as I do need to pull my finger out and post some pictures of the trip highlights.