Early night and had a reasonable sleep until the dudes staying next door decided to get up at 4am and start yakking in front of my room. Up like a shot thinking I’d slept in and missed breaky and the start….doh, back to bed but restless.
Salubrious scrambled eggs on toast for breaky with Fatman as he was the only one up. I said to the DG’s that I’d see them & Border Village so back to Fergus, packed and he won’t start…WHAT!! Tank bag off, key out, start again, nothing….oh shit, having a little panic attack I wonder back to the dining room and the boys give me that look. I advise Fergus won’t start and they throw all the solutions at me but Chicky comes with me and yep…..rookie mistake, he was in gear and the triumph won’t start if it’s in gear and the sidestand is down…..very embarrassing. Chicky gives me a hug and I’m on my way.
Another bloody glorious day!! The sky is blue, there’s a cool breeze and strong head winds and a bit dusty but how can you not enjoy this – wide open spaces with excellent company, it’s magic.
The wildlife signs are a good reminder that things can happen in an instant.
You have to pull off and anyone of the numerous viewing spots along the Great Australian Bight. Fatman is exiting as I enter and the gravel surface isn’t too bad and I manage to get myself turned around and then off to the edge to get some piccies.
It’s pretty breathtaking actually and a bit windy still, I feel like I swallowed sand.
Not far now and I must admit, I’m getting a tad excited to see everyone and some that I only see at this event.
Stop for the usual piccies except you cannot get to the SA/WA sign anymore, they have cordoned it all off…disappointing.
Ray & Bill are at the Troopy eagerly waiting for all the Southern Cross Distant Riders to roll in, get their name ticked off and either check-in or head off to complete their ride. It’s so good waiting to see people from all over the place roll in.
After the cancellation of my accommodation due to storm damage, Gags was generous enough to provide me with enough floor space for me to chuck my airbed and sleeping bag down for the night….one of the best night’s sleep I had.
We have the group photo and Ray & Bill surprise myself, hackle & Carsten with a token of appreciation for helping them out on the east coast and Tassie with the Southern Cross Distance Rides. Totally unexpected and very much appreciated….now to figure out how to get it home….hmmmm.
So much socialising, so many stories, more exceptional memories are made and the best dinner on the trip so far. Just like a butterfly, I flitter between meeting people and catching up with others. Such a memorable time.
There’s this relay happening around the world at the moment called WRWR 2026 and I’m approached by a lady named Karen to pass the baton. So, I get that organised and you wouldn’t read of it, her and her husband are friends of Chicky’s….what are the chances. We have a chat and then later on another lady approaches me to pass it on further – job done. It’s actually nice to chat to some other lady riders for a change…there aren’t many of us.
Grilled King George Whiting with salad and chips….bloody delicious, makes the Streaky Bay version look like chopped liver.
50 Year Anniversary of the Border Run is completed. There was a group photo being done but the amount of faffing around to get it organised was too much for this little black duck and I head off to bed. The 3 different time zones kinda messes with you a bit but it wasn’t long and just like Gags, I was out like a light.
