For years I've looked at the big green road sign not far from where I live telling me it's well over 1600 km to Cairns and therefore a perfect IBA SS1600. I mentioned this to an ex-ST owner who showed keen interest. Our plan gradually developed, and in getting the wives onside, we found them interested in flying to Cairns and riding back in short stages. That sealed the deal, and I proposed a midnight start to get the possible kangaroo country done in daylight. My start docket showed 00:01 and we were on our way with Regan leading to Gympie and me taking the lead from there with my extra lights.
We had planned the Maryborough interchange for first refuel, but we both have over 500 km range and were feeling good, so pushed on to Childers. I expected there would be a 24 hour servo open at the northern end and passed the dimly lit Caltex at the southern end. We ended up at Apple Tree Creek about 5 kilometres north.
The dockets there were problematic as evidence, since they showed no town, only "29444 Bruce Highway". Interestingly, if you put that in Google maps it comes up showing that very servo in Streetview!
Our next stop was in Rockhampton where I corrupted the poor youth with my degenerate Maccas McMuffin and coffee for breakfast. Fuel topped up, we headed for Mackay for the next leg stretch and fuel. We were carrying sandwiches and so pressed on until the butts needed a break and pulled over at what appeared to be a rest stop north of Proserpine.
The broken tree is one of thousands in the area felled by Cyclone Debbie. A short walk revealed a cafe in need of a complete rebuild. For about 50 km in this area there were advertising signs, road signs and trees flattened by the wind.
The lack of facilities there meant the next roadside loo invited inspection. I'm impressed with the quality of public infrastructure in North Queensland. Someone thought up this distinctly European scene to improve a plain brick building. I'm deducing the large number of Italians who live in these sugar cane producing areas influence the art.
Cardwell is probably the closest the Bruce Highway gets to the coast, and warranted a brief stop for a look since we were about an hour ahead of our conservative plan.
Another example of top quality public space is evident in this meticulously laid pathway.
We were heading towards evening, which was hastened by the apparently permanent dark rainclouds over Tully. From there on up through Innisfail and on to Cairns we were in light to moderate rain. I was in the lead and tucked in behind a fourby which was making good progress. I find it difficult to see the line markings in the rain at night, compounded by the lights of on-coming vehicles. So having a good pair of tail lights to follow takes all the stress out of the riding.
Our finish dockets showed 19:21 and we were happy with our achievement having ridden consistently but casually. Happy wives made a nice welcoming party and I'm pleased to have initiated Regan into the next phase of our insanity.
His BMW R1200GS needs Premium fuel and ironically burns more than my ST. While I used 82.53 litres of ULP, his bike used over 90 litres each of which cost at least 10 cents more. Adding to the oddity, his bike weighs about 70 kg less than mine. His trip computer was telling him 4.5 l/100km while I was averaging 4.82 l/100km actual.
The moral of the fuel comparison- you can pay a lot more for your high-tech bike requiring top-grade fuel, or you can have a nice capable Honda ST running 91 RON for a lot less money and spend your savings on a cruise control to match his factory fitted one.
