An overnighter

[Biggles]

It was the first FarRide of the year, the renowned Nambucca V-Wall Tavern run.

Docket with 11:11 (real time) in wallet and on the road.  There's something about the Ipswich Motorway, because I always seem to do my mental checklist there.  This time I remembered the two beautiful Ice Coffees I'd made and put in the freezer.  Guess I'll have them one hot afternoon next week.
The roadworks between Warwick and Goondiwindi are heart-breakers.  It was 35o and the three flagmen stops totalled 30 minutes.
Who says speed radars are for safety?  The first two roadworks had lots of workmen and machinery.  A risky workplace deserving careful driving.  The third roadworks 80 kph zone had no men, no equipment, no detours, gravel, cone markers or barriers- just signs.  Over the first rise, Johnny Hopper was gleefully writing tickets for the sinners who exceeded 80 because there were signs.  If it was for safety he should have been back there among the roadworks. 
Moving along (this is getting boring) corner docket in Goondi and short butt rest and rehydrate in Narrabri where it was 38oand pretty torrid.
I was on an FR1200G so a refuel and back-up docket in Quirindi (didn't know then that Willow Tree Mobil Truck Stop is 24 hour) and over the range for a motel bed in Murrurundi. 

The Valley View is biker friendly- $85 for a single in a well appointed room.  Never encountered gravel in a motel driveway- really loose and worrisome on the ST13.
On the road at 4:00.  I love the road at that time of day.  Saw one small Skippy which the Shoo-Roos sent hopping.
  to the unbelievers.     



A testimony to man's ability to put lights on sticks, and the lovely Morning "Star".



My fave on-road breakfast.  Scoff ye purists- but that's joy food for this long distance rider.
Down the Oxley to The V-Wall.  I was among the earlier arrivals at 10:30.  Intended 11:00 but couldn't sleep.


Checked out the bikes.  Loved Lionel's Christmas trees RAM mounts and spaghetti wiring.  He says it's a work in progress.



Had-a-chat with a few troops, but had to hit the slab- duty calls. 



Butt break at a rest stop and said g'day to an Ozzie.



From there, sent Missus Biggles an ETA SMS and arrived home 5:30.  1289 ODO, 1278 GPS for the FR12Gold, 1765 for the trip.

Another enjoyable outing.

[tj189]

Thanks for sharing Biggles, nice to catch up down there

[Pocket STocker]

Thanks for your report on a fantabulous weekend, thought the pic of the tower was a classic FarRider moment 


Pockey 

[StinkyPete]

A great report thanks Biggles.

[Wild Rose]

Great Photo's and write up Biggles and glad you got another one in 

[Shiney]

Thanks for sharing

[Cerebral Knievel]

Great report Biggles.Short & sweet with great pictures.
The elegant madness of Lionel's set up has it's own peculiar beauty.
I can't stop looking at it 
Can't say i have the slightest inclination to do a far ride apart from the destination & the people.
Maybe it's the whole official time thing takes the fun out it for me 

[Diesel]

Well done mate - another perfectly executed ride.           Great to be loaded up with a bucket full of contingencies I see.     


I'm certain roadworks have been constantly around for over 35 years! (It seems so, anyways).     


Great to see you, and great read Biggles.


Thanks for sharing.


Cheers, Diesel

[Couch]

I agree, I love the long rides and meeting up with others etc, but don't like watching the clock, I spent far too many years in the work force being tied down to appointments, meeting times, deadlines, etc. always with my eyes and mind on the clock to be bothered doing it now when I don't need to............but, for those who do..........go to it!!

Can't say i have the slightest inclination to do a far ride apart from the destination & the people.
Maybe it's the whole official time thing takes the fun out it for me 

[Biggles]

I agree, I love the long rides and meeting up with others etc, but don't like watching the clock, I spent far too many years in the work force being tied down to appointments, meeting times, deadlines, etc. always with my eyes and mind on the clock to be bothered doing it now when I don't need to............but, for those who do..........go to it!!

For me it's a discipline, a target.  I'm wired that way; it's part of being OCD.  I love the numbers.
But I'm not a complete philistine- I have a deep appreciation for what I see around me in nature and man's handiwork.

There are those who thrive on the track.  I tried that (admittedly on the wrong type of bike) and I couldn't wait for the end of the day's sessions.  Some crave tearing up steep mountains on loose gravel, and I'm happy to let them.  Some like parading through Surfers Paradise on a rumbling Harley transmitting "Look At Me".  I can get by without that sort of recognition.

So we all do our thing, and appreciate what others do (mostly).
This weekend I'm off leading a group ride, responsibly sitting on the speed limit and spending 50% of my scan time on my mirrors.  I do it once a month.  That's enough.