'Straya Day run, 2020
I packed my gear on Saturday evening, to ensure I would have a fast start in the morning.
When I woke, it was a beautiful clear day, around 16 degrees, and a bit of gusty wind about.
Last minute change of mind as to what clothing, decided to wear lightweight jacket instead of leather, as it promised to be a warm day.
Didn't realise until an hour later that my phone, ciggies and camera were in the other jacket.
At least my wallet was in my jeans.
MEH! Can do without face filters for the day, and I'm not addicted to the phone.
Bit of a bummer not having the camera, tho.
No real route planned, just a day out on the bike. Out the door at 10 past 7 in the morning.
Headed for Warrnambool first, and then on a whim, took a backroad to Cressy through Cobden.
I avoided Ballarat centre by skipping to the east of it, and headed towards Bendigo, arriving at midday.
Just a 10 minute rest break and an iced coffee before moving on again.
Spot decision to head for Swan Hill through Kerang because, why not? Light traffic, beautiful weather, still a bit windy but just the freedom of being out on the road again, with no timetable other than being home before it gets dark.
I had to put a splash into the tank from my reserve can as I arrived at Swan Hill at 2.20pm, where I refuelled.
625 Km covered from Portland, and was just 200 metres short of the servo when the bike coughed and missed.
Was around 30 degrees at Swan Hill today. 5 minute break for re hydration via another iced coffee.
On checking the time, I thought I had better start moving back towards home again, so pointed the bike through Donald to Horsham.
Arrived at Horsham just after 5.10 pm, was only light traffic, and warm weather still, and I thought, well, there's a few hours before dark, so I aimed through Edenhope towards Mt Gambier, just for the hell of it, and arrived back home in Portland at 9.15 pm with just a smidgen of daylight left....
Didn't see any live animals on the road for the whole trip. Passed a few spots recently burned by fires.
1198 Km on the speedo for the day, 14 hours in the saddle. Thoroughly enjoyed the day, had an absolute ball!