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 Dick B "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!
