NATIONAL OZSTOC RALLY 2013 15-17th of MARCH

[Brock]

SAR Watch updates..

Ray is still galloping backwards towards home. He had a Nap stop at Norseman, and is now rattling along towards Southern Cross..

Diesel was at Parkes a couple of min ago, He may be having a look at the radio telescopes, or even playing cricket in the Dish

[Sicman]

G'day STormtroopers,

Unfortunately I didn't last the distance to get to Middleton, but I did give it a decent crack. If u are in the mood for a long story of woe betidings read this:

Wed Mar13:

Met up with BillSteff at Yass (about 2.5 hrs from Wollongong). Was already beset by cramps with a beauty in the left hip which made me pull up short of turning into the parking bay where Bill was watching and wondering what kind of nut this stranger on a red dragon STeed was. My visor was up so I yelled out "cramp!". Gave it a rub and stretch and parked next to Bill. We set off for Wagga Wagga. Cramps were now attacking my hammies and calves. I brought plenty of water along and drank heaps however I cannot take Potassium or Magnesium which are really effective because they are strictly forbidden as being incompatible with the heart attack medicines that I have been taking since September.

The Hume hwy was good fun and the cramps were manageable. After a break and talk at Wagga (where Bill told me an army a***hole dickhead speed maniac was up my a***hole trying to get past because I was a bit slow getting over to the left lane. My luggage (poor packing) prevented me seeing him in the mirrors). Just as I was changing to the left lane he tried to pass me on the inside (so Bill told me later). He swerved to the right and made angry gestures as he sped away. Very dangerous situation.

Next stop was Hay (I said to myself "We should make Hay while the sun shines" and chuckled to myself).  Meant to tell Bill that one at Hay but forgot, probably just as well. At the servo I had to get off the bike on the wrong side because I couldn't get my right leg over the luggage without a cramp.

From Hay we ploughed on fairly fast to Balranald near the SA border trying to beat the setting sun which was already serious sunglasses material. Set up tents at Balranald Caravan Park. Highly recommend this place. Friendly, very neat, set on the Murrumbidgee River. Had a vey nice Barramundi at the RSL and a cupla lovely beers and the cramps were temporarily gone. Ya gotta luv the grog. Gr8 chat with Bill who has owned his 95 Burgandy Red ST1100 since new. Thought he heard a bad clunk in the crankcase but it turned out to be nothing. Reminisced about classic bikes (especially the Honda 4 that he once owned) and everything else.

Wednesday night was a literal nightmare with cramps in the superior and inferior muscles of my feet which meant that stretching one way to ease one muscle started a cramp in the opposite muscle. Cramps in the calves, thigh and hammies continued for the next two hours, topped off by a cramp in the throttle hand that I have never had before.

Thurs Mar14:

Told Bill I was not going to last the distance as I was sure the cramps would continue and probably worsen. I didn't feel I could do another 2000km. Couldn't have a shower for fear of a cramp on a slippery floor and the possible consequences.

Packed up and headed back to Wagga. Saw some ST's heading towards Middleton and gave them a wave. Turned out to be Dave "Yewie" from Castle Hill. 

Ran out of petrol with 490 kms on the clock 30 km out from Wagga after having a wrong turn just earlier despite having a GPS (starting to lose the plot). Usually get more than 500 from a tank. Stuck the hitch hikers thumb out to passing traffic and was ignored by a Harley rider. Old bloke stopped in a diesel ute but had no petrol. Bloke in a work ute stopped, said I could have a cupla litres from his air compressor's tank. Top bloke by the name of Gavin (one of Mother Hubbard's boys) said he once owned a turbo-charged Honda 500 tourer and thought it was a great bike. He didn't say he had ever ridden an ST but liked the look of it. Gavin wouldn't take payment for the petrol.
Old Honda riders never die, they just save the day! 

Gassed up at Wagga and rode on to Gunning (Bills home village) and had a nice meal at the pub. Very tidy place with lots of lovely Federation homes and older. New homes as well (Bill has one).

2 more hours to the Gong with the sun setting. Very sore. Cramps in Hammies and hip. Eager to get home. Evening traffic crowded. Finally got to Picton Road for final run home. Traffic full of nuts wanting to do 110 in a 90 zone all the way back to Mount Ousley Road where the STeed seemed to develop a severe case of the wobbles. I thought I might have a deflating front tyre and was fighting to control the wobbles. Slowed right down and limped onto the turnoff to home. The bike was weaving all over the road on my own street and I didn't feel confident of turning into my own driveway without falling over. A car was in there and I don't think I could have got past it anyway. Our driveway is on a steep road and entering from that direction takes real precision. So I parked, went in and said I couldn't make it to Adelaide and had a rest and drink. Terese was so happy that I came back. Turned out the wobbles were my exhaustion    as later I went out to get the STeed from the road and went round the block to get into the driveway at a sensible angle and the wobbles were gone.

In conclusion, if I don't find a way to stave off the cramps that doesn't involve Potassium or Magnesium I will not attempt rides of more than 3 or 4 hours at a time and a good break in between.

Long story with happy ending but I wish I was healthy enough to get to amazing Adelaide and join you fine, fit and tough people there for your well-deserved holiday. Have a GR8 time!

I passed you on the Hay plains. I wondered why an ST would be heading away from Middleton, but that explains it. Hope you find a way of managing the cramps :)

Cheers
 

[temala]

Really bad luck Tony - but at least a good ending. Discretion is often the better part of valour - you made the right decision. Hope you find a way of managing those cramps.
Terry

[Brock]

Diesel is nearing Dunneedoo, Ray is about to enter Merredin, still riding backwards

[growly]

Diesel is thru Mildura and seems to be continuing on.

SAR watch going to bed

since i am lord and account holder  of the spot Diesels is carrying, i have decided to have some fun with him  .
thought i would start changing the shared page name to stir him since there is nothing he can do about it hehehe.
he can pay me back next time we have bacon and eggs together

Careful sunshine as I am lord and holder of your FORUM MEMBERSHIP!          

no... sorry... cant help my self... just have to do it 

[sargent]

Thank you again to all those involved or who attended.
Ride home was far from smooth but I've arrived in Canberra.
Exactly 25 hours after leaving Middleton.
For those travelling thru Canberra on there way home before Friday
And you would like to catch up for a coffee break just call 0429687674.

[Diesel]

Well. I am here in Gilgandra in the seediest room that good money can't buy, absolutely flogged.

Left Adelaide nearly 1500 kms ago with two attempts at resting. Cannot go an inch further! Have done 5817 kms so far with 840 to go and a 9 hour ride.

Rode the Hay Plains at night. Now there's a challenge! Played a fair bit of roo dodge!

Anyways - now for some sleep. Cheers

[Tipsy]

  py
hey all I actually made it to Holbrook tonight so might make it home by Sunday or Monday
Tipsy

[Brock]

 

[STRay (Roo Killer)]

SAR Watch updates..

Ray is still galloping backwards towards home. He had a Nap stop at Norseman, and is now rattling along towards Southern Cross..

  That was actually a very nice breakfast and refuelling stop, The guys at Balladonia were still in bed when I left.

I have a very good story about my return trip which I will post tomorrow, way too tired to think straight at the moment   

Good to be home again at last tho.

[Cerebral Knievel]

Left mt gambier this morning - all good.
Got a bit snoozy on the G.O.R & missed a turn.
ST1300 has a little side trip through the otway national park & out the other side.
      

[sargent]

Hopefully just to admire the scenery and not swapping paint with the greenery.

[Streak]

Shiney and I have had our last meal in Middleton, and we are packed and ready to head to Bendigo toomorrow, it has been one heck of trip so far

[Marcus]

Left mt gambier this morning - all good.
Got a bit snoozy on the G.O.R & missed a turn.
ST1300 has a little side trip through the otway national park & out the other side.
      

Hope you're ok?

[Sabie]

Rode the GOR with Mr and Mrs ST2UP .... WOW absolutely beautiful scenery

Great company, great new friends great ride.

Sabie is now in Seymour Vic in the old motel, parted company with ST2UP in Geelong. Making my way to somewhere mid NSW tomorrow. Looks like new tyres in Brisbane.

Gotta say it was fantastic to ride with ST2UP the last few days, I'll miss their company on the long haul to Yamba, Noosa, Gladstone and onto Townsville and all points in between.

Mrs Sabie is driving down to Noosa on Friday & Saturday and will meet up with me on Sunday. Booked a unit at Perigean Beach for a couple of days. Mrs Sabie will then follow me home.

Cheers S

[Biggles]

Left mt gambier this morning - all good.
Got a bit snoozy on the G.O.R & missed a turn.
ST1300 has a little side trip through the otway national park & out the other side.
      

I'm guessing it wasn't too serious and you weren't hurt.  The lineup of four unhappy guys suggests the bike is a bit the worse for wear.
Let us know when you're able to "talk" again.  Trust it turns out well in the end.

[Cerebral Knievel]

Ended well, nearly running out of fuel while playing hit & miss trying to contact Abe to let him know of my whereabouts. Potentially very bad situation only resulting in a public admission of stupidity.
All good- cop it sweet & move on.
I now know how well the bike turns.

[Biggles]

The ST13 will turn and lean faster and further than you or I dare to push it.  I keep wondering just how well the rubber will hold on when I really get into the groove- and unfortunately the limiting factor is the road surface which we have no say in.
Glad it was only an embarrassment rather than a prang.  We seem to have seen a bit of that lately!

[Marcus]

The Great Ocean Road is a harsh mistress.

[alans1100]

The Great Ocean Road is a harsh mistress.

It used be.

I haven't been there for nearly 30 years which was when we did the coastal route to Sydney by bike.........wasn't so touristy back then (mainly local traffic), some sections you weren't allowed  to take a caravan and 100 kph limits for most of the route.

[ST2UP]

Rode the GOR today with Sabie and was told of the many horror stories of the road surface......found them to be exaggerated, rode through in tourist mode without issue.....rode the Laveres Hill section with a little more spirt......was getting a new rear tyre in Geelong, so wanted my monies worth out of my old one.....

Cheers

Chris

[Streak]

Shiney Teela and myself are in Coonalpyn SA, having breakfast, awesome bacon and eggs here at the BP 

[Turtle]

Well home at last

Left Ceduna with John to stop in Balladonia the night but change of plans I was home at 3am in Perth  1930kms and John stayed overnight in Kalgoorlie I pushed on my biggest ever one day ride 

[STRay (Roo Killer)]

Well home at last

Left Ceduna with John to stop in Balladonia the night but change of plans I was home at 3am in Perth  1930kms and John stayed overnight in Kalgoorlie I pushed on my biggest ever one day ride 

  Did you get your documents to get your IBA ride? ( SS1600k ). Now get some much needed sleep!

[Biggles]

Well home at last

Left Ceduna with John to stop in Balladonia the night but change of plans I was home at 3am in Perth  1930kms and John stayed overnight in Kalgoorlie I pushed on my biggest ever one day ride 

Well done.  A pity you didn't see it coming and get the documentation for a SS1600K.  Or you could have done another 70 kays easily after that to register your SS2000K! 

(or was the 1600 planned?)