Saying hoo roo to Karl and the furbabies is always hard and the look on Howie’s face breaks my heart so it’s extra cuddles all round. Off to the local BP for fuel and on my way before 8am. Down the B400 on a reasonable clear morning until a bit of fog rolled into before and through Shelley.  Few spots of rain from Tallangatta but cleared by Howlong before heading onto Corowa for a coffee and comfort stop.

Feeling good, comfortable (for how long who knows) and just tootling along on a beautiful morning. Into Deniliquin for fuel then turn onto Pretty Pine Rd and head for Moulamein. The sky really put on a show today. I just had to stop and take some pics of the clouds, they looked like giant floating meringues.

Moulamein for lunch at the Wattle Café. Now my friend Macca says you HAVE TO stop here when you come to town, so I did.

A little silo art since it’s there.

The road condition through here has improved immensely since I was last through here. However, there were lots of dead bore/pig on this stretch of road. No live wildlife sighted at all, all day 😊.

Turn Right Clyde and head north to Balranald. It’s been winding today mostly side winds but I did hit some head winds heading north. Decided not to fill in Balranald and push through to Mildura based on my calculations, I should make it no problem. Well, you know that saying….the best laid plans and all, well with some “spirited” overtaking of several road trains, the extra width and weight Fergus is carrying, my so called “she’ll be right range” soon diminished.

70km from my destination, the low fuel light comes on, advising me in it’s infinite wisdom that I would be pushing Fergus the last 2km….yikes. Now Karl always tells me that even when the gauge goes to zero you still have some fuel but I decided to eyre on the side of caution and backed off the speed to conserve and not push Fergus.

At Trentham there is a new Service Centre and with the gauge telling me I had 16km to go, I filled up confidently knowing that I would reach my digs for tonight safely. Filled 18.29lt of a 20lt tank…..oops.

Checked in to the Mildura Motor Inn, unpack, and off to the local pub for a killer dinner of Crumbed Lamb Cutlets and a refreshing bevvie.

After a nice lunch at Uralla, it was time to head off and make my way to Mum and Dad’s, otherwise known as the Crusty’s.

Back down the hill on the New England Highway through the roads works and the increasing amount of traffic. Feeling good and enjoying being out on Fergus. Into Tamworth for fuel again, check in with The Crusty’s to give them a rough eta of 6pm ish and it’s off again.  Approaching Willow Tree I was surprised to see that the servo in the wedge is now closed – guess the economy took its toll.

Roll through and head towards Murrurundi (full of tourists), then I thought into Scone but there’s now a new bypass road and you miss Scone altogether….shook my head. Before long and increasing traffic and I’m into Muswellbrook and it’s chaotic. Road works, crazy unpredictable drivers, traffic lights…wtf (don’t have those at home) and there isn’t a lot of places to overtake. Frustrating as we continue through the towns and the forever increasing traffic. Singleton a nightmare, more road works, more idiots – deep breath Kimmie.

Finally we make the freeway and the traffic has thinned out, cruise control is set and Fergus and I are motoring along at a steady pace now, looking forward to getting to The Crusty’s. Now onto the M1 and take the Morisset exit and stop dead in my tracks…traffic, bumper to bumper traffic in the dark. It took forever to reach the Wyee roundabout and I hear this massive clunk come from Fergus around the chain area take is easy and head towards Mum and Dad’s. Pulled into the drive right on 6pm to very happy & excited parents to see me.

A good nights sleep and a sleep in….ahhh!! How good was it to be with them on Mothers Day. Not being able to carry flowers for mum but I did get her a lovely card, some not so winning scratchies and a massive hug. Treated them to Chinese for dinner and they fussed like parents do.

Check Fergus’ chain and it’s flogged…crap. Dad’s not as agile as he used to be but it didn’t stop him from giving me a hand and searching through his shed for the tools required to adjust the chain. After a few words on how the job should be done and what is required for Fergus’s chain we completed the job….phew (no blood was shed and we were still talking to one another…lol). Dad hung up his riding boots a couple of years ago, but the urge to get on a bike even if he couldn’t ride it is still there. How to make an old crusty happy.

It was so good to see mum and dad!! 🥰 Love them so much!!

Worried about making it home with the chain in a shocking state, I’d made a contingency plan to check just before Sydney and if I had to go get a new one then I could make that detour. Luckily the chain was good and I continued on. A lovely day to be riding even if it is all freeway. No traffic on the motorways through Sydney and it’s an easy run into Goulburn. Thought I’d stop at the Paragon Café, but how rude it was closed on Mondays so had to settle for the bakery next door. Checked the chain again and had another plan that if I needed to could stop in Canberra, not required and continued on.

Off the freeway at Sth Gundegai and through Tumut, Batlow, Tumbarumba and Tooma watching for wildlife but in a comfortable place doing it – kinda refreshing better than being tense. Over the bridge at Towong cross the border and now it’s 12kms to home…..the last stretch.

In the drive at 3:50pm and a total of 2096.9km for my total time away.

So good to be home to Karl, Howie & Lucy…love you all 🥰🥰

Think Fergus is broken in now…LOL

Thanks for reading.

Friday 8^th May26

Ride day and it’s a start docket from the local Corryong BP servo at 12:02pm and a full belly for Fergus and off we go. It’s a bit chilly 5 degrees so the heated suit is on and an easy ride out through Jingellic, through the first of the roadworks, nice and slippery too, could feel all the yuk sticking to Fergus then Holbrook across the freeway and a steady ride into Wagga. Just before Wagga though I had this new warning light come on and this one made me panic. Pulled over took a pic and rang Karl to see what’s going on and did I need to stop. OCABS Disabled flashing, not going to affect my brakes and has something to do with a cornering sensor (at home in the manual it says it’s disabled when in off-road mode but I don’t remember EVER making that change). Anyways, with the heart rate back to normal, I continue on.

Now, I put a new taller & wider screen on Fergus to help with the wind buffeting and it’s a great improvement. Only thing is the low position has the top of screen through my line of sight so moved it up 2 possies and much better. Also trying to get comfortable in the saddle so thought I’d try turning the airhawk around and what a difference the change made. Made the long day a lot more comfortable and enabled me to focus on the actual riding….who’d have thunk it 😝

Temora came along and not long out of there a huge grey roo decided to make an appearance, thankfully I had time to downshift and slow down in case there were more on their way. Into West Wyalong for fuel and a short comfort break then headed towards Parkes as the sun dipped his head and decided to go to sleep. It was proper dark when I reached the BP Gateway Parkes before continuing onto Dubbo. 

I was feeling good, comfortable, not sore and fidgety like I have been on previous rides. The new bar risers I think making a big difference also. Karl & I installed a Spot & Flood lights on Fergus a while ago but haven’t had the opportunity to test them out until now. Well, I can say they are a success and lit up the road and verge perfectly, still on alert but relaxed riding through the night. Into Dubbo for fuel and dinner, a servo sambo, a quick call to Karl and make sure my Spotwalla link was working now before heading off for the final stretch for the day in Wellington.

Pulled into the Crown Motel Wellington at 8pm – shower, check in at home then into bed. Most comfortable ride I’ve had on Fergus.

Saturday 9^th May26

On the road at 6am, it’s cold and foggy. I had to stop before leaving town to put the screen down so I could look over it instead of through it cos it was all fogged up. The back road to Dunedoo is unmarked, narrow and tall grass on the verge and I was a little more alert and the fog was so thick that you couldn’t see properly. Slow and steady wins at the end of the day and slow it was down to 60kph for a good portion of the journey to Dunedoo as visibility was difficult. I’d rather be late then the alternative. Pulled up just out of Dunedoo as the sun started to rise to get a pic..naturally and a heap of bikes went past and the last rider checked in to see that I was ok…thanks mate if you are reading this.

Into Dunedoo and the previous riders had all pulled into a brand spanking new servo in town…fancy. I continued on to get my Silo Art photos when Skidoo & Hagar come through. Hagar sees me and pulls in, Skidoo nowhere to be seen, so Hagar says we’ll catch him up – well we never did.

Now that the fog had lifted the only thing Hagar & I had to contend with was the rising sun blinding you. More back roads and a nice steady pace all the way to Tamworth where we stopped for fuel. I felt bad about hi-jacking Hagar but he tells me that he’s happy to ride with me and we keep going.

Onto the New England Highway and it’s been ages since I’ve been on this road. I couldn’t believe the amount of roadworks on the NEH up the hill to Moonbi then past an old and very familiar Bendemeer….wondering whether the pub there is still as good as it was (for another day).

It’s not long and we roll into Uralla, park up out front of the Bolt Inn, say hello to Hackle and then it was a search for coffee before check-in. Was great watching everyone roll in and assisting with check-in. Hugs all round to some faces I haven’t seen in a very long time. Congrats to new riders and a special mention to Lindsay who completed her first solo SCDR ride and another female joining the ranks. We have a great catch up before it’s time for her to head off again.

With the official things done, time for a good lunch, more reminiscing and as the hands of time tick by it’s time to say farewell until next time to those still around.

A tidy and comfortable 1038.4km for the Uralla ride.

Thanks for reading.

Decided that it was time I put myself to the test and the clock and registered with full intentions to complete and qualify for the SCDR ride to Cohuna VIC.

Of course, my ride starts on a Friday but those who know me also know that Friday’s begin with coffee and cake from my favourite café in town, so Happy FriYAY!!

Before I know it, it’s time for Fergus and I to go and get some fuel, a start docket and begin our adventure. Today’s about making it to my accommodation for the night. The long way round to Echuca. Straight out on the B400 through Wodonga and up onto the Hume freeway to head straight down to Seymour for fuel and comfort stop. Nothing interesting just a transit leg.

A bit further down the freeway and turn off for Bendigo, where I had a change of plan and decided to stop for dinner and fuel. It’s a pretty town and one worth coming back with Karl and the furbabies to look around. Out of Bendigo and pass through Marong that reminded me of a time I met with Fatman & LTP at the Elmore Bakery….good times. There’s quite a few things I’d thought “I should stop and take a pic” but then thought “just make it safely to a bed tonight on your first timed run out” and kept going.

Charlton was the next planned town and straight through watching as the sun is starting is early evenings dance. From here it’s a bit of a zig-zag on “C” roads with wide eyes and a memory of wildlife and the damage they can cause dancing around in my head. The C266 isn’t in too bad condition and was on hyper alert for things moving. Reaching Boort I pulled over to check my oiler as it’s still not dialled in. Glad I did as it was low, gave it a top up rubbed my butt which was starting to get a bit sore and headed off again.

A left and fast right onto the C267 and riding towards Pyramid Hill. Getting fidgety and watching the sky start changing colours and watching the verges for movement. Pyramid Hill is aptly named as the hill near the town is actually shaped like a pyramid. The wonders of Mother Nature.

Reach the T intersection of the C267 & B400 and hang a right and head towards Echuca. Into Echuca on dark approx. 8:20pm and go in search of fuel for Fergus before finding the Philadelphia Motor Inn where I get a goods nights sleep.

Apologies for the lack of pics, I should’ve put the real camera around my neck to get some pics on the fly, next time.

Saturday 22^nd Nov 25

Up before the alarm and feeling a little bit excited for two reasons, meeting up with my fellow crazies and hopefully completing my first “on the clock” ride since getting back on two wheels. Heading to the outskirts of Deniliquin “left turn Clive” and eventually ride into Barham. I’ve allowed time this morning to enable a few pics, have breaky an take a breath. A ride around town to find a place for breakfast, see some silo art which is stunning and a great park that I know the furbabies would love to roam around. The Riverside café served up a great breaky and coffee, very peaceful this early in the morning and next to some lovely little shops which I’ll have to come back in the car to explore….and shop 😊.

It’s only a short leg this morning, a meagre 300km and feel like I’m going around in a circle to get to my destination. Through Kerang then towards Durham Ox and then turning back onto the C267 and into Pyramid Hill again before reaching the same intersection as last night but turning left and into Cohuna.

Fueled up and to find The Bower Tavern to see Hackle reserving spots for us and helping me park up….of course we are super early but that is ok. Off to get a couple of pics of landmarks or big things, the code and the “Big Cohuna”…..lol

Our group of SCDR riders slowly start to arrive and check-in opens and I qualify…..YAY. A tidy 1021.60km for my SCDR qualifying ride to Cohuna, done and dusted.

The group photo is taken and we all fall inside to the air conditioning to have a delicious lunch.

The foods was magnificent, not a complaint from anyone. Can highly recommend The Bower Tavern for a feed.

As it is with these rides, the time dissipates like flour through a sieve and I’m the first to say “I need to get going”. I had planned contingencies just in case I couldn’t make it back home in the afternoon but as it turned out, I didn’t need them. Headed down and through Echuca again, bum already starting to burn and then through Shepparton before popping out onto the M1 freeway again and heading towards Wodonga where I stopped for fuel before the final leg home.

I think I know the B400 from Wodonga to home by memory now and set Fergus’ cruise control and just meander along the road, moving constantly to try and alleviate the burning bum. An hour and a half later, I pull in through the gate and park Fergus up, promptly vacating the saddle to put out the fire that’s been burning my arse.

And that’s a wrap. Home safely – a tidy 1456km for the 2 days riding. Still getting used to Fergus but the seat OMG, something has to be done.

This was my first long distance ride since the crash on the 1 year anniversary of Kimmie v Emu. Fergus was all ready and packed for the ride and I was feeling good, to be honest I didn’t really think about it.

After the usual Friday coffee and cake at Café Corryong Brew, I headed off at a leisurely pace down the B400 or Murray Valley Highway.

Barnawartha and it started to rain, great but really, I just took a deep breath thought “this is nothing, just large drops”. Rutherglen and according to the Silo Art Map the Silo here isn’t started but as I got closer to the roundabout, it’s totally finished. Not being totally comfortable on Fergus yet to navigate u-turns, diversions, I kept going…..I can always come back to it.

Through some B & C roads and the rains stopped, skies are now cloudy, but the wind has picked up. Stopped up at Tungamah for some art and bumped into a lovely older couple wondering what I was doing out on a day like this on my own. Killing demons was my initial response but clarified with recovery process of a previous motorcycle accident and strangely enough they understood. Making new memories with Fergus.

Going through Katamatite and I couldn’t go past without getting another Silo and making more memories with Fergus, bumped into the old couple from earlier.

The skies are blue with fluffy clouds and the scene of canola fields dancing in the windy is everywhere. Forever watchful for unexpected wildlife but not prepared for the volume of birds that just want to play kamikaze today. Must admit, I did close my eyes a couple of times and backed of the throttle waiting but stars decided not Kimmie again.

10km heading to Numerkah and the TPMS warning light lit up half the instrument cluster with WARNING Low rear Pressure. I hit the panic button, I’ve never had TPMS before so thought best to pull into the closest servo and check. My tyre gauge gave me a good reading but rang Karl to see what I should do. He talked my through checking the tyre pressure on the TFT and it read the same as my gauge, so no need for alarm. Early lunch and comfort stop into a beautiful windy afternoon.

Out through Barmah which was a scheduled fuel stop and decided to keep going into Mathoura. Turn onto the Cobb Highway and the wind is really bad now. Another WARNING now, the Fuel light with 57km range remaining which again takes up half the TFT. So glad to see the Ampol Mathoura and fill up with 32km left on the tank. 372.9km on the tank not to shabby for battling wind most of the day. They have some pretty silo art and sculptures here.

Straight shoot through to Deniliquin now and the wind is the worst it’s been all day. Took all my strength to hold Fergus, really tested my lack of fitness.

Parked up at my digs for the night at Deniliquin Country Club Motor Inn. Can highly recommend if you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Deni. Over to the RSL for dinner and enjoying a cold beer.

Fergus did well, things I learned:

• Don’t panic when the TPMS comes on but check and trust myself.
• Lowering the screen helps with the wind buffeting.
• Ground clearance is about the same as Dudley without having to lower him but the side stand still doesn’t clear some petrol station platforms.
• Reversing with the panniers on is a little harder (could just be I don’t have the bean at the mo).
• Trip meter has some funky settings but leave the setting on manual.

Saturday was an easy day for me since I was already at the destination but DNF’d on purpose. The Crossing Café is a fabulous boutique café with a lovely outdoors undercover area where we all dined after check-in.

How to start this, it was the ride I never completed last year. The universe thought to throw an emu at me to spice my life up last year. Well as you know the outcome was tragic for Dudley and had me off the bike for quite a while.

I had purchased a new bike in June (Fergus) but not having enough ride fitness or confidence thought it was wiser to attend this year in the car. The plan was simple, use last years ride plan.

Out through Holbrook and in Wagga Wagga for morning tea. Well, it wasn’t fabulous so not even worth taking a pic of. Really need to search out a better spot for coffee in Wagga. There are bound to be better options, I just need to find them. Dropped in and said thanks to the Ambo & Fire Services in Lake Cargelligo and got another pic of the silo. If it wasn’t for them and the off duty paramedic that stopped to assist me on that fated day, I don’t know how’d I’d be today. I truly just can’t thank you enough.

Turning onto The Tipping Way gave me a little panic. Really had no idea how I was going to feel or what I’d remember from here on. As it turned out, there is a really big gap in my memory. I remember passing the sign to Euabalong and travelling down the road for a while and then nothing seems familiar. I have vivid memory of the actual incident but the time leading up to that is vague. One thing you’re always wary of is wildlife and since I’m on the same road was on the lookout for anything that moved and this year it was goats, goats and more bloody goats.  

Stopped at roughly the crash site and took a few pics…literally nothing out there. About 50mt down the road the emotional impact of the crash hit me and the tears flowed like a river. Who’d have thought 51 weeks later it would hit me.

Stopped at the Mt Hope Pub to also say thanks to the publican for looking after Dudley for me afterwards. Really nice guy and they have acco there too if you’re looking for somewhere.

The Kidman Way, has had a bit of rain and 30km out of Cobar the goats got really bad & was glad to reach town.

Checked into the Oasis Motel – great place to stay if you are heading this way – recommend and will stay again.

Dinner tonight at the Cobar Bowling Club with a bunch of like minded crazies in the best possible way.

Saturday 13^th – Memorial Day

Today set out for the IBA Memorial at Netallie Hill Rest area. Stopped for breaky with Foxton, Gatey & TK at Emmdale Roadhouse. Millions of goats again today, 3 emu and a couple of roo before we got to Wilcannia to meet up with most of the others.

There’s a nice little cafe in Wilcannia opposite the river, will have to stop there next time.

And if you’re after a quite place to sit and contemplate while enjoying your morning coffee the park across the road is just the place.

Then we conveyed out to Netallie Hill Rest Area where we were met by more riders coming to pay their respects. A beautiful peaceful spot, very fitting.

Afterwards we had a nice morning tea at the rest area. We then started our trek back to Cobar and no surprises here that the goats seemed to have multiplied. Anyhoos, about 51km out of Cobar I see Skidoo & Alan pulled over near a broken down BMW car, so I pulled in to see if I could be of any help. Poor bastards car has completely given up and there is no phone service for anyone. So he grabs what he needs, and piles into my car for the trip to Cobar so he can get help. Don’t panic I wasn’t alone with this guy, Skidoo and Alan were right behind me to make sure we all got to town safely. Passenger delivered to the servo and we were off to do our own thing for the rest of the afternoon.

I decided to go to the museum and miners memorial. Really needed more time to look and read things since it closed at 4:30pm, so maybe that’s another thing I can add to the growing list of things to go back to.

Museum currently undergoing some renovations.

Old mining machinery around the base of the hill the Miners Memorial is under.

Off to the Bowling Club again for beers and dinner with the gang. Memories shared, stories told and legends we all are at the end of the night.

We all have an early night as in our usual fashion everyone is up before the crack of dawn to head home. Being in the car made it a little less stressful for me, so I took a rather more leisurely pace. Took the opportunity to view Cobar from the lookout and what a spectacular yet cool morning to be out.

Grabbed a coffee and croissant from the bakery opposite the mural below.

Lots of goats again and roo this morning. Traffic for the morning 6 convoys of wide loads. I had to pull off the road for them….just like outback truckers….respect.

Comfort stop at Mount Hope and didn’t realise they had this sign art (obviously was overwhelmed heading up).

Heading home decided to just stay on the Kidman Way and head into Hilston. Figured there’d be less chance of a “strike” travelling a B road…..but you can’t guarantee these things and never let your guard down, even in the car.

Research last night advised there wasn’t anything open on a Sunday until way after I was planning on coming through. Note to self, there is a cafe open on a Sunday in Hilson and it’s busy. Google was wrong in research last night.

A little bit of art for the morning. Hillston Water Tower.

Really not much to report on from Hilston to Wagga. Went through a few towns, I’ve been through or stayed at going to or from RTE’s. The day is warming up slightly and there isn’t that much traffic. Arrive in Wagga and tried to find a nice café for lunch but it’s just so darn busy. Ended up with fast food and a disgusting coffee from Gloria Jeans…never again.

Wagga to home is an easy just over 2 hrs trip and arrive home with no injuries, no damage to Dougall (the car) and glad to be back with my Sweety and the furbabies.

Today is a cruisey day, a tidy 700km odd day to meet a bunch of like minded long distance riders for dinner in Cobar before heading out tomorrow morning for the Memorial at Netallie Rest Area just west of Wilcannia NSW.

A beautiful day to be out on Dudley a little fresh so the heated suit is needed for now and off we head (Dudley & I) to Holbrook through Lankey Creek before crossing over and heading up the back way to Wagga. Into Wagga for fuel and to grab coffee (naturally) and some pastries for tomorrows morning tea at the Memorial.

Out of Wagga, through Temora, wave through West Wyalong before coming to Unagarie where I pulled up under a tree to take a pic of the Big Sherrin Football (11:30am), have a stretch and a drink before heading off again. Feeling a tad warm but a little refreshed, we head off again to Lake Cargelligo.

Into Lake Cargelligo for fuel, grab some lunch and in dire need of the public facilities. I ask a serviceman (ambo or fire not sure) if there were public facilities in town, have the usual chat….you on your own, where you headed, have a great day and I was off.

Had a nice break in the Apex rotunda at the park opposite the information centre, then set off to grab a Silo Art pic on the way out of town (12:51pm)

Dudley and I headed north on the Tipping Way towards Cobar feeling good and looking forward to seeing our friends tonight for dinner.

The roads are long, straight and mostly flat with some undulations thrown in for good measure. It’s a beautiful day to be out riding around, listening to country music and enjoying the head space.

Unfortunately, we didn’t make dinner and the end of Dudley’s and my ride concludes 12km south of Mount Hope on the Tipping Way.