In case it has gone un-noticed
, I have not been on the forum much lately. Ros and I have been touring around our wonderful country again and, as commanded by he who must be obeyed
(sorry Chris), here is our ride report. Apologies to anyone who has been in to our Blog lately as most of it comes from there!
Ros and Dicks Red Centre Ride 31 days including 9 off bike days and 8,771 K's giving our riding average of a very modest 400k's per day. Any more and I might lose my pillion
Click here
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-26.52142,142.044065,5z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!6m1!1szbwgo9AFRVFw.kBmq8jVN2A4I to see where we went and where we stayed.
Day 1 Sydney to Wootton NSW - 250KmsWe took a short 250km run up the M1 to our 2nd home at Wootton. Fine weather and a perfect riding day. Pity we had to waste it just cruising up the M1 but a nice start to the trip just the same. Of course, you wouldn’t read about it but I left the ignition on after checking the Ks after arriving flattening the battery.
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP4603.jpgOur fantastic little Micro-start emergency battery saved the day however getting us going again in no time.
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP4604.jpgDay 2 Wootton NSW to Coffs Harbour NSW - 269KmsDay 3 Coffs Harbour NSWAfter arriving in Coffs we spent time with our family including a visit to the Coffs Harbour Annual Show.
(Budding Pillions!)
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP4605.jpg
Day 4 Coffs Harbour NSW to Coonabarabran NSW - 480KmsWe headed out for the run up Waterfall Way through Bellingen, Dorigo, Ebor and on into Armidale. The weather was a coolish 13c but was otherwise fine lending itself to a wonderful ride through green an picturesque country along fantastic undulating and winding roads that many of us know well.
Here is a short Helmet Cam Youtube video we shot climbing up Waterfall Way from Bellingen to Dorrigo
(Comfort break at Ebor)
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP4642.jpgWe then took a short blast down the New England Highway to Tamworth lunching at Maccas before joining the Oxley Highway for a great 180km run through Gunedah arriving at our overnight stop at Coonabarabran around 4.20pm. The last 50k or so were a little worrying as we were getting in to the dusk period that our Skippy mates love so much. As luck would have it, we saw none. We covered 480Km for the day. We have decided to take an easy day tomorrow and head for Cobar (circa 360km) as Willcania was another 200km further on. We had also been given some not very flattering reports of the available accommodation.
Day 5 Coonabarabran NSW to Cobar NSW - 401KmsWe checked out of our Coonabarabran motel at 9.00am heading off down the Newell/Oxley (the highway carries both names for the 95km section through to Gilgandra). The day was overcast but fine starting at a brisk 11c climbing up to 22c in the afternoon. The country seems to be in good shape with wheat and cotton crops in various stages of harvesting. The road was, predictably, fairly straight. We headed out of Gilgandra back onto the Oxley passing through Warren and hitting the Mitchell Highway at the cotton growing centre of Nevertire. We saw harvesting in progress and saw the hundreds of huge circular bales of cotton lined awaiting their visit to the local Gin. After turning onto the Mitchell Highway we took the 60km run into Nyngan without a single bend. After lunching at Nyngan we headed out along the Barrier Highway to our next overnight stop 130km away at the mining town of Cobar. We saw lots of feral goats along the side of the road on the run in to Cobar and we were told there are heaps more along the road to Wilcannia tomorrow. There is not much between Cobar and Wilcannia!.
(Hmmm! which way do we go?)
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP46681.jpgCobar at sunset
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP4686.jpgNot much after Cobar either but no problems for the might ST!
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/P5200018.jpgDay 6 Cobar NSW to Broken Hill NSW 470KmsDay 7 Broken Hill NSW local 100KmsWe left Cobar at our usual time of 9am (we are not big on early starts!) for the long 264km haul to Wilcannia. The day was fine and started a little warmer at 15c rising to a warm 27c during the day. The run from Cobar was uneventful albeit devoid of any sign of civilisation for the entire trip. The country was bushy and low scrub and was fairly green showing evidence of rain over previous months. As we had been forewarned, we saw hundreds of feral goats along this stretch. The mind boggles at how many there are away from the roads. We also saw sheep from time to time, sometimes grazing in close proximity. One of our fellow travellers claimed the locals periodically rounded up the goats for some lucrative export market. We are not sure how you would round them up though!. We finally reached Wilcannia around midday to find the only servo in town had only standard unleaded (I normally run on 95 but the old girl doesn't mind a bit of 91 now and then) and had no Eftpos (lucky we had enough cash). The previous recommendation we had received to give Wilcannia a miss as an overnight stopover was well founded. We grabbed a bit of lunch before heading off on the next 200km stretch to Broken Hill.
(The Darling River at Willcania)
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP4706.jpg Not so many goats on this stretch but the pillion spotted quite a few emus off to the side of the road. We reached Broken Hill about 3.30pm finding our digs for the next 2 nights easily after refering to Mr Google Maps. Ros had found us a self contained townhouse at a reasonable cost so we bought supplies to cook for ourselves for the next 2 nights and plan to make use of their laundry. Another great days riding.
Today we took a tourist day in Broken Hill visiting the old mining town of Silverton, the Pro Hart Gallery and the Living Desert sculptures. The weather was sunny and warm giving us a very nice day except for the flies which were in plague proportions at Silverton and the Living Desert Sculptures.
(The famous Silverton Pub)
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP4741.jpgDay 8 Broken Hill NSW to Port Augusta NSW - 423KmsAnother fine day greeted us as we set off from Broken Hill with the Temperature 16c at 9am rising to 24c during the day. We entered South Australia not long after leaving Broken Hill. The road was undulating and fairly straight again except for where we went through the Flinders Ranges and Horrocks Pass just outside Port Augusta which is our next overnight stopover. Here is a little Youtube clip of our run over Horrocks Pass
The country is still generally healthy and downright green in some isolated patches (probably irrigated). We followed the Trans-Continental railway line for much of the day.
(Olary Station on the Transcontinental Railway)
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP4785.jpgWe stopped for lunch at Peterborough which was apparently a major rail hub during the steam era with the railway providing most of the towns employment during this period spanning about 100 years. During this time it is said over 10,000 workers were employed by the railroad. This is where we were "accosted" by Alan (Alans1100) and Heather who has spotted our ST in the main street and were hell bent on giving us an OZSTOC card. Good on you guys it was great to meet you both and we hope to catch up with you at a National Rally some time. They recommended we visit a 500 year old Red Gum just down the road so thanks Alan and Heather
(Dah! Dah!....)
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP4796.jpgThe road up through Horrocks Pass and the views of the Spencer Gulf as we came down the other side were fantastic.
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/P5230020.jpgRos was a little off colour this morning so our early 3pm arrival at Port Augusta and a Nanna nap once we had checked into our digs was greatly appreciated.
Day 9 Port Augusta, Woomerah, Glendambo SA (304kms)We fuelled up in Port Augusta after some initial trouble with the bike (would not idle) which made for some interesting riding around town. The bike speedo clicked over to exactly 70,000 Ks while we were at the servo so maybe it was just the old girl (the bike that is) letting us know we had reached a special milestone. The problem seemed to sort itself out once we got underway. Lets see what happens tomorrow morning. It became obvious we will need to secure a new battery sooner rather than later however. The weather was again clear and a mild 18c warming up to 27c during the day. The first leg of our day took us to the rocket test site town of Woomera 173 k away from Port Augusta. The first 100 k’s was dead straight (again) with flat low scrubby country either side. On several occasions large inland lakes came into view (complete with water).
(Lake Gairdner on the Stuart Highway north of Woomera)
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP4812.jpgWe spent a couple of hours at Woomera inspecting the various interesting exhibits inside and outside their museum.
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP4809.jpgOn going into their visitors centre for lunch we were surprised to see a full size bowling alley with about 6 lanes inside. Obviously a remnant of the American presence during the 60′s and 70′s. We set off from Woomera after lunch for a 130k leg to our overnight stop over at the Glendambo Road House where we secured an excellent motel room for $99.
(Glendambo Roadhouse in the late afternoon)
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP4820.jpgDay 10 Glendambo SA to Coober Pedy SA - 260KmsWe had a leisurely start (even more than normal
) from Glendambo for the relatively short 260 Km run to the opal mining town of Coober Pedy. The day was fine again although it is definitely warming up as we head toward the centre. The temperature was 27c by about 10am although it did not get any hotter during the day. There is absolutely nothing between Glendambo and Cooper Pedy with low scrubby country (no shade) for the whole trip. There was just two opportunities to stop (Rest areas) but the lack of shade and toilets together with the millions of flies discouraged us from stopping until we reached Coober Pedy at around 12.00pm. We were able to check into our underground Hotel.
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP4846.jpgand enjoyed our previously purchased sandwiches sitting in the shade on their veranda. We booked up a couple of tours for tomorrow, purchased some supplies at the local IGA and spent a pleasant couple of hours on the hotel veranda enjoying a few drinks with a few other fellow travellers.
(Some of the underground homes in Coober Pedy SA)
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP4857.jpgDay 11 Coober Pedy - Off-bike day We spent the day taking in the sights of Coober Pedy and surrounds. We visited several underground mines, saw the opal fields and travelled out to the spectacular Breakaway Mountains. It drizzled rain for most of the day and was quite cool with a max of about 19c
(Underground at Coober Pedy)
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP4868.jpg(Part of the spectacular Breakaways mountains near Coober Pedy)
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP4921.jpgDay 12 – Coober Pedy SA to Erldunda NT – 495Kms The day fined up again but was a little cooler and windy with the maximim 19c. The 490km trip from Coober Pedy was fairly flat and uneventful with the flies making rest stops a bit uncomfortable. They were so bad even the road workers were wearing hat nets. Erldunda is claimed to be within 12 km of the official geographic centre of Australia so we are now well and truly in Central Australia. We left South Australia and entered the Northern Territory today and are heading for Uluru tomorrow.
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP4960.jpgDay 13 – Erldunda to Uluru – 299Kms Day 14 - Ularu Off-bike dayWe had a fine and sunny but cold 10c start to our 250km run into Uluru from the Sturt Highway although it warmed to 22c through the day. The trip was fairly straight and flat but some spectacular views of Mt Conner, Uluru and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) on the run in more than made up for the lack riding highlights.
(Mount Conner NT often mistaken by foreign tourists for Uluru)
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP4962.jpg(A serious picture of Uluru. Love the way the clouds lead the eye to the Rock.)
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP5001.jpg(Kata Tjuta -formerly known as the Olgas)
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP5065.jpgWe arrived at Yatala and went straight on to Uluru 20km away. Hopefully the photos will tell the story but suffice to say, even though the image is very familiar to us, Neither Ros or I had seen it “in the flesh” ,so to speak, and there is nothing like actually seeing it. We checked into our resort (our big splurge for the whole trip) then headed off about 5.30pm to watch the sun set over Uluru and enjoy our “Sounds of Silence” dinner under the stars in view of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. (Also part of our big splurge). Definitely a highlight of the trip.
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP5052.jpgDay 15 – Uluru to Alice Springs NT -451kmsWe left Uluru at around 9am and spent the day travelling the 450k to Alice Springs. We backtracked 250km to the Erldunda Road House before turning north on the Sturt Highway for the 200km run into Alice Springs. The temperature warmed up to 29c. We found ourselves being passed a number of times (most unusual!) with many local drivers taking a very liberal view of the 130km speed limit. We planned a major pit stop in Alice Springs and will be there for four nights.
Day 16 – Alice SpringsWe spent the morning catching up on our washing before taking the ” Town like Alice” tour in the afternoon visiting the School of the Air, The old Telegraph Station, The Flyng Doctors, The reptile park and Anzac Hill. A very enjoyable afternoon.
(The old Telegraph Station just outside Alice Springs)
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP5113.jpgDay 17 – Alice Springs to Glen Helen and return (304KmsWe went for a ride out along the Larapinta and Namajira Highways following the West MacDonnell Ranges visiting Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen Resort and views of the spectacular Mount Sonder. The scenery and colours were wonderful. A very pleasant ride.
(Mount Sonder near Glen Helen NT)
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP5162.jpg(Standley Chasm)
http://www.bushellsbikebashes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP5144.jpgHere is a little Helmetcam video we took as we rode in to Standley Chasm which is in the West MacDonnell Ranges near Alice Springs.
Day 18 – Alice SpringsWe spent the day walking around the Desert Park on the outskirts of Alice Springs waiting for our bike to be serviced so we can continue our journey tomorrow.
