So close to home, how could I not register for this one – kinda a no brainer!!

Phil Harris noticed it’d registered and asked if I’d mind having someone along for the ride and it would give him the opportunity to see how some of us plan our trips. Obviously, it wasn’t a problem and planning started prior to RTM05 and several versions later, we had a plan.

Angel had her 160,000 service and was singing to a lovely tune 🙂 and we were looking forward to this.

Phil’s mate Steve (from the US) and my Dad (meeting us in Parkes) made up the rest of our little troop.

Friday morning rolls along and well, it’s raining! It wouldn’t be a FarRide if it wasn’t – right…lol!! We meet at the 7 Eleven Macquarie Park, get our start dockets and off we go. The Doom Highway was pretty non-eventful and it rained all the way to Goulburn (well off and on) where we stopped for comfort, coffee and fuel – simples!!  ha ha ha.

I took the lead from here and based on info from a friend in the Gunning area we should strike fine weather around Yass. Yippee the sun came out and as we headed west at Bowning had the bright ball of warmth shining right in our eyes. I’ve not done these roads before and so planned the trip around these roads not traveled (as you do). Little towns came and went, nothing to do with pace….the sun was in our eyes 😛

Harden, Wallendbeen, Temora, West Wyalong and a beautiful sunset along the way. How nice are the roads through there – open sweepers curving around like a beautiful ribbon through lush green lands. It’s cool but with the right gear, I’m feeling pretty toasty 🙂

on the way to West Wyalong

We’ve been travelling pretty well and staying relatively to schedule. West Wyalong for fuel and Phil took the lead with his fabulous Clearwaters lighting up the way, I followed with all my lights and then Steve (on a hire BMW) took advantage of the clear viewing. I think we were blessed a little to not have encountered any wildlife along the road from West Wyalong to Condobalin (and just quietly, I’m not complaining). Turn off to Parkes and in the dead of night (well it seemed that way…truthfully it was only really 8:00pm..lol) we roll into the Parkview Motor Inn for the night. Who should we bump into when we arrive but Phil & Joy Moore *thumbs up*.

Now, if you are looking for somewhere to stay in Parkes, this is the place! The new owners Nick & Jo have just taken ownership (about 2wks now) and are extremely motorcycle friendly (Nick rides 🙂 ). The rate is reasonable, the rooms are clean and comfy and the parking is good. Once they get the restaurant up and going, it’ll be a win win!!

Dad had arrived mid afternoon and was pretty settled, the boys and I sort ourselves for dinner and say goodnight – see you at 6:00am – ready to roll! Dad got a bit wet on the way and was drying his stuff out in the room with the aircon on 23 degrees……it was like walking into a blast furnace. But look dad was happy and excited and really that was the main thing!

Saturday 23rd May – FarRide Check-in Day

What a terrible nights sleep!! ARGH!! Massive headache isn’t the best way to start the day but dad is so excited so that kinda negates anything I’m feeling. Short day today, only 328kay to knock over before check-in and we are off. I led this morning and Dad sat close to my hammer during the dark of the morning (I’d forgotten his eye sight isn’t the best in the dark..ooops). It was fresh, well chilly but what a lovely morning. I love riding in the mornings – it’s invigorating!!!

Watching the sun come up against our backs was lovely. The dawn of a new day, crisp air, fogging visor, and runny nose…lol  and the sun shining right in our eyes. The pace this morning was steady a nice limit pace which had us going through Forbes, Grenfell, Gooloogong before heading into Cowra for fuel, breakfast and a comfort stop. Although Macca’s was on the way in, on the advice of a local we went to this little bakery, next time we’re stopping at Macca’s.

Full tummies and with plenty of time we headed out….Boorowa, back to Harden, through Wombat (who names a town Wombat?) and then with a smile we roll into Young. What a pleasant sight to see Gaggs and Heather  as we ride through town and follow them to Anderson Park – we made it!!! and with plenty of time to socialise and introduce Dad to my other family.

setting up check-in

Was so lovely to see Gaggs and Heather again. I was introducing Dad to everyone that came and said “hello” to me. I must really thank OX-34 and TigerBill for especially seeking Dad out and making him feel so welcome and having a great old chat.

Gaggs and Heather

I left Dad with Sarge, while I went and did a little bit of bike whoring…….ah, sitting on Sarge’s new V-Strom.

Sgt Schultz & Dad

Another introduction to Fatman and Lynne (not pic of Lynn) and more story telling. I’d made a tag for Dad so folk would know who he which said “Mick aka Legendary Father” to which Lynn said it should say Legendary FarFather!! so true! I tell you what though, I don’t know who was more proud….me of the way Dad was so accepted by FarRiders or Dad telling everyone how proud he was of me.

Fatman & Dad

Check-in opened and for the first time ever, I was first checked in! and the line very quickly started to form . New and old (not by age) riders weaving a wonderful thread to the FarRider fabric.

Check-in open

A very happy Phil checking in and Steve on the far right.

Phil & Steve checking in

And the queue grows, almost all the way back to the foot path.

and the queue grows

Clint & Fatman herd is all into line for the “group” photo.

FRE #34 Young…that’s Dad in the white cap

Smorgasbord lunch at the Empire Hotel – not bad and supporting the local community. Found Phil and Steve sitting in the pub basking in the sun before heading on for Cooma and enjoying the rest of their weekend away. Asked a few during lunch where they were staying and after a bit of thought made the decision for Dad and I to stay the night (it’s been a few years since Dad’s done any back to back days and I’d promised Mum I’d get him home safely).

Say hoo-roo to those leaving and then start gearing up  to look for the Colonial Motor Inn.

Dad gearing up

As it happens it’s round the corner – walking distance but we suit up anyway for the long journey. Safely tucked in for the rest of the day.

day done

And we are in good company with Sgt Schultz and Gaggs and Heather

Afternoon search for panadol and a nap or at least relax was in order before walking down with Gaggs, Heather & Sarge to the Empire where we met Ron, Ash and husband and wife whose names elude me….sorry. The meals were HUGE, tasted fantastic and were fabulous value for money. Many stories were told, just as many laughs had with excellent company!!!

dinner

A chilly brisk walk back to the Colonial and I noticed that Clint & Charleen have been buying property in town.

hmmmm

Sunday 24th May

Tucked up in our room for a good nights sleep before waking to a very chilly morning. -2 in Young this morning….brrrrrr – the bikes were frozen!!!

says it all!!!

Dads seat and yes, that IS ICE!!!

The boys were laughing at me scratching the ice off……. while I might add I was still in my jamas….LOL!!! Vogue look out, your next top super model is on it’s way 🙂

We all say our good byes as Sarge heads off first. Dad and I aren’t far behind him and are in no hurry. It is really chilly riding out and again travel some roads I haven’t before. Dad’s doing really well and we are just tootling along nicely. Through Blayney and into Bathurst for fuel. While I’m inside Dad tries to do the right thing and move out of the way for the next person and the bike falls over….damn! No damage and they help him right things. It’s still relatively early so we keep going on where we stop for lunch at Lithgow Macca’s.

Lithgow Macca’s

It’s starting to warm up and we are on the home stretch now, just gotta get down Bells Line of Rd. There’s a reasonable amount of traffic and a few annoying drivers that really could’ve pulled over for everyone buuuut didn’t. Anyway, we finally get to the bottom of the hill and it’s now warmed up quite considerable. Down Richmond Rd and hasn’t there been some massive changes there and Dad said he didn’t recognise the area and was feeling a  little bit lost. M7, M2 and finally we pull in the driveway. Dad is staying tonight and heading home tomorrow at his leisure.

So there you have it, FRE #34 Young – done and dusted.

Thank you again to Team FarRider for organising another fabulous event. Thank you to absolutely EVERYONE for making Dad feel so welcome….I really appreciate it.

Till the next time. See you on a road coming to you soon 🙂

After hours of deliberation I decided to register for my very first FarRally RTM-o5….oh my goodness what have I done!

Some many questions are asked and tips, hints and answers are provided. Now what to do with it all. To Basecamp, Google Earth or not – that is the question. I know first world problems…lol

Good Friday comes and as the start location is Cundle Motor Inn, Cundletown it’s only a couple of hours up the road so I left at a decent time and just plodded up the freeway (after getting through a bit of traffic) in the pouring rain. I’m hoping this doesn’t hang around all weekend. Stopped raining at Buladelah. YAY..happy dance. Fuel at the Taree service centre and Fatman, LTP and Philmore pull up behind me……nice! Now it’s on to Rally HQ to wait for 6pm when we receive our briefing and rally packs.

To my surprise the Rally Masters have awarded me “poll” position for the mornings start…totally blown away. In fitting with an for really IBR ride our Warchild/Warlord/Warboy (Cuddles) says “now don’t bring shame to us by stalling, falling over etc on the start. When I point to you, you GO!!”  Yes, boss!! Oh shit, don’t bring shame, don’t stall…no pressure at all.

Rally packs are handed out and we all head to our rooms (I was sharing with Ed535) to start strategising (is that a word, well it is now). The files provided and the rally booklet with all our bonuses available is to me just so overwhelming, that I was a bit lost in knowing where to start for a bit. Look at the pictures Kimmie and then decide where to go. And I did and one big points location took my fancy and then the plan began.

Not being kosher on all these technological gismos available, I send out a help desk request (via text msg) for some technical support.  Enterprise, Lord and Lady Cuddles soon arrived with video and camera in hand to document the auspicious occasion and with the all important help I required. Thank you!!! A few laughs were had before they graciously departed to knock on the door of another for some rally insight!

Somewhere during all this planning, Karl sent me a text message “So Howsit?” and I thought I was replying. However as it turns out I still had my phone on Cuddles message and this is how it went…..

oh dear!

6:00am came way too early and with little sleep and it was raining…again we get ready for the start. The 5 minutes count down seemed to drag forever. 30 seconds to go….holy crap – start bike and be ready to go Kimmie. My nerves were peaking, my teeth chattering and I was wet, then Warchild points his finger at me and “I’m Off”. Rally RTM05 has begun.

ready to go

Into the dark and the rain, I didn’t stall or fall over – great start! Out of the first roundabout though and Crappy has rounded me up already. Oh well, just do your own thing Kimmie and you’ll be fine. Anyways, I’d also been told that no-one is able to keep pace with the Crappy on a rally…ah ha….well I did all the way to the roundabout at the end of the freeway where I wave him a farewell as he headed to Sydney.

My plan had me going out to Dubbo to grab points at the Gaol, then Narromine, Grong Grong, Narranderra, then onto Urana to get the big points with fellow FarRider Ricecooker (also a dear friend) then heading for Wagga Wagga and Yass. I would decide where to stop for my rest bonus on accessing how I felt when I got to Wagga.

Well, what’s the old saying….the best laid plans – yeah well they all fell apart after I waved  farewell to Crappy. I’d entered the freeway roundabout (heading towards Muswellbrook) was nearing the exit and a 4WD with a big boat didn’t give way to me and came barreling through. I said “I love you Karl” cos I thought “this was it”.  I somehow managed to stop, 2 inches from his door but he just kept going and didn’t give me a second thought. Shaking now, I had to remove myself from the roundabout out of harms way. Angel was still running and we were upright (good signs) and as I started to move again and another car came barreling through on the inside line (didn’t give way again) and I had to swerve out to the concrete divider and gravel to avoid him and he just kept going too. All I could do was cry!

It’s moments like those where you have to asses and take stock of the important things and way up whether you are having fun or not. I didn’t stop, I’d have not got back on if I had and rode through the sheeting rain to my planned fuel stop. During this time I thought I’ll change my plan, just finish, get the minimum points, you’ll be right……but I wasn’t. That link between my ride brain and the excitement/fun of what I was participating in was broken and my survival brain was in full motion. I filled up at Muswellbrook, rang Karl, cried, rang Clint, cried and explained what had happened and that I was pulling the pin and would head back to Karl at his mum & dads at Forster – DNF’d.

Clint suggested I potter around and see if I can gain any points (if I felt inclined) so dripping wet, I get the rally pack out and see if I can at least get a couple of photos with my Rally Flag in them (that was important to me). Off I toddled to Bulga (still raining) managed to get two pics.

The Bulga Bridge

Bulga Bridge

Cockfighters Tavern Bulga

Cockfighters Tavern

Then thought I can go through Dungog and grab another pic before heading to Karl. The rain was relentless, it was not fun anymore and the roads were terrible, chopped up, gravelly in parts and slippery. In Dungog, I managed to take refuge under cover of a business verandah on the footpath, have something to eat before getting my last pic.

James Theatre Dungog

The GPS doesn’t always get it right and I shudda listened to Karls directions but anyway I took the shittiest road ever – Booral Rd to get back to the freeway at Buladelah. Note to self – “NEVER AGAIN”. I arrived at Forster soaking wet, tired, upset, disappointed but alive and that my friends is the most important thing.

Karl and I drove to Rally HQ on Sunday afternoon to watch the finishers come in. What a sight!! I was so proud of each and every one of them. Just knowing what they all went through to get to the finish, I have the utmost respect for them. Rallyers were scored and relief was evident that they were finishers. Well expect for a couple of us. Malcolm had bike trouble before we even got started and despite the best efforts of Cuddles to get him back on the road, it just wasn’t to be. Me, well you know the story, I DNF’d and didn’t hand in anything to be scored. Finally MildThing planned one of the hardest rides to achieve for this rally and missed it by 1 photo – bugger.

Congrats to our Far King Crappy (for a second time), Derrick 2nd and KiwiMartin 3rd. Congrats to all the other participants for making it back to Rally HQ. Huge thanks to FarRally Team – Clint, Lord and Lady Cuddles, Enterprise, TigerBill, Ox, TableDrain, Charleen & Ricecooker for putting together a rally to be remembered.

Well FarRider #441  is back home and Angel is parked in her own stable after our first attempt at a FarRally.

Back home

While I DNF’d, I am a little disappointed but I am certainly not unhappy or believe for one moment that I failed in my attempt. This was the best experience and one I have learnt some much from not just the event but the FarRider participants and Team FarRally who provided me with so much encouragement and reassurance that it was all a little overwhelming.

I wouldn’t change a single thing that happened.

I’d also like to give my eternal gratitude to Karl. The man that stands beside me and supports me with all the crazy riding adventures I embark on. THANK YOU!!!!

Just one last thing. When I got home on Monday afternoon, I received a phone call from a number I did not recognise. Kimmie, It’s TableDrain!! I nearly dropped the phone. He’s in Sth Africa what’s he doing ringing me. This man is a hero to me, an iconic FarRider who I have so much respect for. Why is he ringing me, I’m not anyone special/important. Well, he rang to say how proud he was of me for making the decision I made and that he has respect for me. He had in me tears at it’s TableDrain. The camaraderie from the FR community is amazing – I love it! Thanks Drain – it meant the world to me!

I’ll be a little better  prepared for the next one – fingers crossed 🙂

I haven’t had the best year for riding, despite the amount of kilometres I have done. So this FarRide I tried to make sure that other than having Daisy in good condition, my head space was, well, better prepared than in recent times. I think the excitement of seeing my friend Leonie and having a ride with my Dad all helped.

Down to the local Shell to grab my start docket at 12:00pm on the knocker…Yes! I planned an easy route – down the F3 to the Hunter Express Link…wrong ( listened to Bruce…the GPS) and he had me off at Freemans Drive. Nice roads, some road works but I ended up getting a bit lost in the Hunter Valley but eventually I managed to get back on the New England Highway and now heading in the right direction was soon in Muswellbrook for fuel.

Back roads from Muswellbrook to Merriwa had me come across some more of this

10 minute stop on this one

What a great afternoon for a ride. Not to hot, not to cold, sun shining and having a great time. Wave as I pass through Merriwa (I have an Aunt there somewhere) and head towards Coolah. How can you not enjoy a day like today when the scenery is like this…….far and wide, this vast land……

tranquility

Just a little reminder of where I’m heading and how far it is. It’s about breaking the trip up, “baby steps”, assessing the situation and myself as I reach each town and making the decision to continue…..or not

Baby steps

The roads are long and mostly straight but not boring (as most people think). There is so much to look at and WATCH for (skippyroos and the like). There isn’t much traffic about so I pretty much have the roads to myself. Daisy and I are just dawdling along….a country girl (Daisy) at home is these surroundings. Soon enough we were upon “The Black Stump”….naturally we have to have a pic….looking good Daisy.

The Black Stump – Coolah

Now, I’ve never really noticed these before…I mean it’s not like they are tiny landmarks, ya know, but anyway I decided this trip to take a small trip around the universe and see what I could find. I got Uranus and Saturn between Binnaway and Coonabarabran (I think). Saturn was a bit of a bugger to get to as the way in is no longer looked after, luckily Daisy was up for a bit of off roading :)…..lol

Uranus

Saturn

Into Coonabarabran and the local constabulary are waiting, doing RBT – naturally I passed with flying colours, then fuel and off I go.

It’s starting to get to that time of day when the fear factor starts to rise, but when you have views like this…..it kinda makes it worthwhile. Last time I did this road it was pouring rain, lightning everywhere and Angel was having electrical issues. Thankfully this time round all was good!!

Get to Mullaley and WHAT…..more constabulary doing RBT.

I said to the officer – “do I have a sign – pick me”
Officer – “no why?”
Me: “Cos I was just tested back in Coonabarabran”
Officer: “count to 3 love, and have a great night”
There are some nice ones out there.

between Coona and Gunndeah

Somewhere between Coona and Gunnedah a bug decides to fly in my jacket and down my t-shirt—-yik!! I end up having to pull over and try to squish it (double yik) before I continue – first world problems…lol. The road is undergoing repairs, but on Daisy the bumps are minimised. Into Gunnedah for Neptune, ring Karl and tell him everything is going really well and Daisy’s little spotlights are working a treat! Kimmie is a very happy rider!!!

Neptune

From Gunnedah to Tamworth (my stop for the night) is uneventful. The night is stunning, especially as the sun started to set. The air is crisp and clean and I remind myself how blessed I am to be able to ride and have the support of a wonderful man (even though he is at home and not with me on the ride).

As the sun starts to set

The time of the camera is not right it’s over an hour out so these were taken somewhere around 7:30ish pm. Not bad pics from my little point and shoot (even if I do say so myself).

Magnificent

Into Tamworth at 8:50pm, check in @ Motel 359 (very nice), ring Karl – all is good and I miss you, and Charlieb (as my Spotwalla link isn’t working properly) – no apparent problem and then hit the hay for a good nights sleep.

Saturday 8th Nov – It’s FarRide Day!!!!

I can’t help but get excited this morning and was on the road @ 5:50am. It’s a bit cool and the sun isn’t quite up yet but it’s not long and the sun is saying “hello Kimmie & Daisy”

sunrise out of Tamworth

Up the road it starts to get just a tad chilly so at Bendemeer I pulled over to put on the cardi. Right onto the Oxley Highway and into the fog and the sun…..argh! I new this leg was going to take a bit longer as your visibility is reduced so I was happy just to dawdle along until it cleared. I had heaps of time so there was NO stress!! At the start of the fun decent into Gingers….lol

Because I had too!!

Had the road to myself and had a blast getting to Gingers (which wasn’t open @ 7:55am). Doesn’t matter chat to the one fella also waiting for them to open and order a hot choc and have a comfort stop. Ended up I met this fella some months back at a servo (near you..lol) when I was doing a pre Darwin shake down….I mean there are so many White Blackbirds around how would he pick me out……LOL. Anyway 40 odd minutes later…oops I’m back on the road to Long Flat where I do a turn around and head back up the hill. I am having a really good ride!! But more importantly my head is in a good place today (again) and I am taking the corners with a bit of confidence that I haven’t had for quite a while. No stopping at Gingers this time but I did notice an awful lot of bikes in the carpark and wondered if they were all FarRiders…….guess I’ll never know.

Into Walcha @ 10:40am and get straight into the socialising.

Walcha Cafe – check in

I’m trying to make an effort at each FarRide to meet someone new or a new member and welcome them to the fold, I thinks it’s a good thing. You can’t escape (and you don’t want to) catching up with familiar friendly faces. The familiar faces are the weave that help hold together the canvas of our community and a fine bunch of people that I am proud to call “friends”.

Lynn, Skidooo & Frans

It’s a great turn out and the format of “grab & go” for $10, worked a treat and was fabulous value. Time for check-in and in a flash the queue is heading out the driveway….lol.  It’s pretty hot but that doesn’t deter any one today.

the check-in line

What is a woman to do when all these good looking blokes keep turning up and wanting a hug and a kiss…..I mean to say….oblige naturally!!!  lol

Gatey

And more…..

Chris & Brookster

But wait more……..lol

Klause

Not staying tonight (for a change) so have a chat to quite a few people and sort out Nam (new member) and his mates. their first FarRide..well done fellas. Meet new members – tick 🙂

Gotta get going and on the way out grab this pic that I’ve been wanting for ages.

on the way out of Walcha

Down Thunderbolts, this road has changed and is still pretty bumpy and pot holey but Daisy seems to take 95% of them in her stride. My SPOT started flashing red so I pulled over under a tree to change the batteries when Hackle approaches. A quick “thumbs up” and he continues. We have a bit of a ride together through the twisty stuff north of Gloucester and then we part ways.

Down through Bucketts Way and before long onto the freeway to Morrisett where I am staying with a friend for the night. My friend Leonie is a fabulous sight for my sun tired eyes. Let the catch up begin!!!   Love you Loni xxxx

Sunday 9th November 14 

After a fabulous nights sleep and a good breaky, it’s time to say hoo-roo to Leonie as today I’m heading to my Mum and Dads on the other side of the highway at Lake Munmorah. Dad’s had a 12 month hiatus from riding (after a serious off) but has recently convinced Mum that he needs another bike. Anyway, we now has a Honda CB500X…..and what a beauty it is!!

Dad

Stop at the lights I take the opportunity for a pic before we swap and I have a little go of the new ride. It’s pretty impressive and comfy. Easy ride position and the modern bells and whistles, light and low (both feet firmly planted on the ground). Back on the freeway we head to the Old Pacific Highway for an easy run to the Pie in the Sky.

and easy ride down the Old Pac

It’s good to see Dad back on a bike again but I can’t help but be nervous and protective of him….so I follow him to keep his back. He’ll always be the Dad I’ve know but it’s sad (but a little expected) that he is no longer the rider that he used to be. We have a very easy ride to The Pie and the smile when we got there was sooo absolutely worth it. Lunch with Dad before I wave him off for the trip home and back to Mum….Love you both to the moon and back!!

A happy man

Once Dad was safely on his way, I mounted up and Daisy and I are heading home to Karl. It’s an easy ride back home and around 2 o’clock ish I roll into the drive to a barking Ella-Jane and big hugs from the best man in the world and my life Karl.

FarRide #32 done and dusted.

Some 1491 kays completed for the weekend. Overall average 89kph and Moving average 86kph.

To go to Darwin River to have lunch with friends…….well why wouldn’t you! Any normal person would do that – right? Well maybe not but that’s what FarRiders do.

This was in itself going to be an enormous ask of myself and one that I thought I had in hand. However as it turned out I didn’t and wasn’t prepared in many ways to take on this huge challenge of myself.

• Ride fitness – none
• Mental fitness – none
• Camping expectation – thought I had that nailed
• Ride plans – all in hand and alternatives available

The only thing that I had no problem with at all was Angel!, she performed effortlessly as usual. Thank goodness I take good care of her cos she certainly needed to take good care of me.

In the back of your mind you always worry about wildlife out on road and especially when you are by yourself. You have to rely on your own abilities and your own strengths and unfortunately your weaknesses to. To say I learnt a lot about myself this trip is an understatement.

I had roos, coming at me from all directions in the first few days, eagles a couple with wing spans of about 2 metres, sheep, goats, cattle including one that chased me down the Stuart Highway and people that were amazed that I was doing this trip all this on my own. That amazement when I look back I think was the most daunting fact – I’d left Karl at home, my folks were off travelling (and I’d hoped to meet up with them but unfortunately plans changed and this wasn’t to be), the pressure I put myself under to camp most of the way was unbelievable and in the end it was just all too much.

I cracked!

In a nutshell though I think I summed it up in this post on Facebook.

Thanks Everyone for the kind words. I’m pretty buggered right now and sitting enjoying a cuppa tea with my Sweety. 

To be honest with you all, I really don’t think of myself as being anything special let alone Wonder Woman (thanks Shaz).

But, when I sit back and reflect on what I have gone through on this trip (adventure) and what I have also achieved and learned, I am very special and extremely proud of myself to embarking on something like this.

However, I am what I am and I do what I do because I have the opportunity to do so. But without the undeniable enormous support from Karl and my family and all my friends helping me out along the way, I couldn’t do it.

So, a HUGE “THANK YOU” to you Sweety Karl Verran who I have missed more than any words can convey and to all my friends for the support – in particular Kim Hansen who rang me when I was at my lowest point and help me get through the struggle I was having.

What did I learn, well many things but………

The most important things are the people you have by your side in life.

Would I do this trip again – absolutely.

Would I do it on my own again – NO WAY!  The next big trip will be with Karl.

Will I camp again – not on my own. It wasn’t being on my own in the tent at night or even leaving everything I owned on the trip in the tent. It was purely the stress of setting and packing up on a timeline that cooked this little duck. Oh and the tiny tent pegs (that are pretty bent now)…..I must buy us some decent ones.

I overcame some hurdles and motored on and am thankful that I did. Cos I had an absolute adventure that you can’t buy from some travel agent.

There were also a few firsts on this ride for me:

• 1^st FarRide North
• 1^st Female Rider to attend FRN
• 1^st time I’ve travelled so far from home
• 1^st time I’ve used a ratchet strap (a story all on it’s own)

Now for the nerds – the stats:

Distance completed for FarRide North – 1016 km

Total Distance completed – 8506.2 km

Max Speed – 164 kph

Moving Average – 106 kph

Overall Average – 99 kph

Oh , the map – nearly forgot my Spot tracking (now if you do a lot of travelling (riding) on your own, these things are invaluable).

FRN#1 Spot track

Pretty impressive, even if I do say so myself.

Until the next adventure…… thanks for reading.

Kimmie xxx

Now you’re probably wondering how I loaded all those missing photos……..well I found my camera this morning when I was making the bed….LOL. It must’ve fallen out when I dumped everything.

I’m going home, I’m going home – were the thoughts I had last night before closing my eyes and drifting off. This morning I woke with a massive headache for no reason (and no, I hadn’t had anything to drink..). So I had a later start than expected, but who can blame me when it was ZERO degrees in Dubbo this morning…..freeeezing brrrr!!

I felt like an Eskimo getting on Angel this morning to go get air in her shoes before heading homeward bound. The air is so cold everything is fogged up – glasses, visor and my nose is running. Just out of town the fog is soo thick it’s like pea soup (almost to the point you could get a spoon and eat it…lol). Anyway, it’s slow going and nothing worse when I want to get home.

Heaps of traffic, trucks, road trains etc and police out today and crappy road conditions (the roads in NSW are really appaulling – particularly east of Dubbo), so I’m happy just sit in line and wait for the overtaking lanes (which are few and far between).

With the heated grips on 100% my poor little fingers are frozen and so I pull over in Molong to put my thermal liner gloves under my riding gloves – better. The fog is still thick and I shudder to think if the temperature has risen any. In and out of Orange, more traffic and fog before I stop in Bathurst for fuel for Angel and myself.

Macca’s in Bathurst is my preferred stop (easily accessible and they do really good coffee/hot chocolate). It’s so cold still that I decide to stay a little bit longer before heading off on the final stretch home.

There really isn’t much to report on here, I’ve done the road countless times and it never changes. Into Lithgow and the sun is trying to peak it’s head through – finally it might start to warm up.

Bells Line of Road on square as house brick shoes isn’t my idea of a fun ride but it is what it is. I mean you can’t expect to do nearly 9000 kays and still have everything perfectly round when you’ve been riding dead straight roads, now can you. Needless to say the corners aren’t fun and I’m travelling very slowly (to the point cars are overtaking me) but it’s better to get home safely – I’m almost there!

Down into Richmond North and finally the temperature has kicked in – YAY! Into Windsor and I pull over, this time to swap to my summer gloves…lol. Heaps of traffic still through the new development on Richmond Rd before hitting the M7 and decent speeds to get me to my Sweety.

I arrive at Karl’s work just after 2:00pm and phone up to his desk saying “special delivery here for you!”…..lol. Karl is the best thing I’ve seen since leaving home (no offence to my riding friends here) but you all know what I mean. HUGE hugs and loads of kisses.

Finally in the drive at home sweet home with a whopping 8506 kays completed for my adventure.

safely HOME!!

To say I am glad to be home is an understatement! It’s been quite an adventure as you can see. There are many stories within the ones I have posted here but you just can’t put everything down in words. I have memories and an experience that will last me a lifetime.

I’ve hope you’ve enjoyed following my journey. I will do a summary with map and stats for those interested.

Thanks for reading.

What great hospitality at The Kwaka Lodge. Angel even got to sleep under cover last night (a real treat). Another 7:30am start after breakky with my lovely hosts Baz & Liz.

Baz & I saying hoo-roos

We say lots of good-byes and take advantage of getting that extra hug in before I head out the drive.

on my way

Baz warns me of the roos and Liz warns me about the wombats (you’ll have to ask her) as I’m heading straight into the rising sun so it’ll be difficult to see.

Good morning Broken Hill

They weren’t wrong and it was a slower pace to start with than I would’ve liked but you must be safe. I stop along the way and take a few pics.

Dolo Hill rest stop

Just in case I forgot where I am…..

doh!

The plan today is to ride through to Emmdale where I’ll get fuel before going to Cobar. Into Wilcannia and there was no one around and I think maybe I should stop for fuel and then top up in Emmdale. But I promised everyone I wouldn’t stop in Wilcannia and so keep going (I did take a pic of the Welcome to Wilcannia sign though). I’d been sitting on a nice $1.30 and with Emmdale only 35 kays up the road fuel will be good.

Wilcannia…only for the pic

The 35 kays I’d calculated came and went, then 50 kays and NO Emmdale “surely I haven’t passed it?” I think “oh no” I’ve miscalculated this could be a problem..YIKES! I’d drop down to 90kph now to ensure I make it as far as close as possible if I am going to run out of fuel. There is a road crew out today and I stop and ask them if they have any unleaded and if they can tell me how far to Emmdale….”sorry love, only carry diesel and I think it’s about 80kays away!” Holy shit!! I’m in trouble, I’m down to the last fuel bar before reserve starts flashing. Panicking I slow down to 80kays and just cruise along and hope that if I stop I can wave down someone to help me out (not the ideal I know but my only option).

another scenery shot. May as well since I’d stopped to talk to the road crew.

About 30kays down the road I see a sign that says “Emmdale Roadhouse 20kays” – I get just a little bit excited that I might make it (cos the reserve light has been flashing now for ages). For what seems like forever, I finally see another sign that says “Emmdale 2.5km” – this time I did get excited I’m gonna make it!!

Pulling up to the bowser with 306.5 kays on the clock and the girl comes out to unlock the bowser. I almost hugged here and told her the story and she said I can relax now, I made it!!! I decide to have an extended break here, hot chocolate and get lots of cuddles from the resident pussy cat (took lots of pics of him too).

306.5 kays from Broken Hill to Emmdale

the best bowser EVER!!!

Back on the road and it’s only 168 kays to Cobar. I stop and get a pic of the “Welcome to Cobar” sign

Cobar

before getting fuel and then stopping in front of the big Cobar mining thing.

the tourist shot

I decide it’s too early to stop (12:30pm) and decide to push on through to Nyngan, then Narromine before stopping again in Dubbo for fuel at the Shell.  Since I haven’t had anything to eat today I decide to go to McDonalds for a feed and ring Karl and let him know what’s happening, “I think I might push through to home”. He suggests I think about it so I said I’d call him back when I’ve had something to eat and see how I’m feeling.

Put my gloves in my tank bag, take off my GPS to plan the trip home and go into Macca’s (leaving everything else on the bike and in the tank bag). Have something to eat and decide to stay in Dubbo tonight as I’m now feeling really tired so time to look for a room.

Now I get my gloves out of my tank bag but didn’t notice my camera, find a room at the Comfort Inn and unpack. It’s now that I notice my camera is gone!!! It’s nowhere to be found. I ring the Shell and Macca’s but nobody has handed anything in….sad panda. Ring Karl and he says retrace your steps you never know. SO I get geared up again and go out looking…..NOTHING!! it’s gone. The worst thing is I hadn’t copied off the any of the photos I’d taken from the last 3 days – so no Port Augusta, Coober Pedy, Marla, Broken Hill, Silverton, Mundi Mundi, Emmdale or Cobar photos – they’re all lost 🙁

So now here I am very cranky and pissed off that either the camera has fallen out of my bag when I got my gloves out at Macca’s or some light fingered louie has stolen it while I was having dinner (cos I couldn’t see Angel). Guess I have learned a valuable lesson.

Anyhows, I’m going home tomorrow and can’t wait to get there and hug my Sweety Karl. He has no idea how much I have missed him.

This morning I woke up with sleep in my eyes (first time since leaving home), must’ve had a good rest.

Angel’s front tyre is low on air so off to the Port Augusta Mobil servo but wait – NO air available – WHAT?? Down the road to Mr Shell and he has digital and working so get the job done and on my way.

Thanks Mr Shell

Plan was to visit Davo’s plaque and get a banner shot……but I managed to FAIL on both of these as I took the wrong turn off and ended up in Quorn…..doh! I suppose I could’ve turned around but there were dark storm clouds looming today and I didn’t want to risk getting stuck in a storm, so I decided to keep moving and was very disappointed.

dark skies….argh

Again the wind is about but at the moment it wasn’t as bad as the last two days. The fields out here are beautiful, green and peaceful with plump cows and sheep grazing. The air smells fresh and clean. There was rain about last night so all the roads are wet and in some spots slippery but I take it easy.

the colours are beautiful

how can you not love this country

Into Willington (no stopping) well except for this pic…..

Wilmington

and then onto Orroroo – the town with fabulous metal art.

not far….lol

The towns are close together in this stretch so it seems like I’ve travelled miles when in fact I really haven’t.

Orroroo

Before long am in and out of Peterborough before the last part of the first leg for today into Yunta for fuel, hot chocolate and an Anzac biscuit. The wind has picked up and has a icey bite to it. The BP here never closes – handy to note.

Yunta, warming up break

I’m a bit excited today cos I will be meeting fellow FarRider friends Baz & Liz in Broken Hill. The sun is shining but the wind chill is brrrr, my shoulder starts to ache and my hand is tiring quickly….damn this getting older business. I had the sense this morning to tape up my wrist to help take some of the strain fighting the winds.

The landscape has changed yet again and we have trees, grass, mountains, hills and bends in the road….lol  Finally around lunch time I reach Broken Hill. But I had another plan.

the ever changing landscape

Hello NSW

I’m home???

Welcome to Outback NSW

just in case I wasn’t sure

Welcome to Broken Hill

Now Silverton is where the movie Mad Max was filmed so I head out there to the pub to have a look and take a couple of pics. The pub is an old sandstone front with the usual outback pub decor with the exception of the Mad Max memorabilia.

the home of Mad Max – Silverton

Mad Max memorabilia

but wait – there’s more

The flies out here are herendous!!! Poor Angel was covered in them, they were eating all the bug splat that she is covered in. They are relentless too, they don’t care if they munch on you while you’re standing there either.

While I’m out here, a colleague from work had mentioned I should check out the Mundi Mundi Plains. It’s only 4 kays up the road so why not – I have time before I meet Baz & Liz. The road out is not in the best condition and has huge dips in it and cattle wandering around the roadside so it’s slow and steady (the speed limit is 90kph but I don’t think I was even doing that). Again the wind out here in the emptiness is pretty harsh and it’s hard work staying upright.

I reach Mundi Mundi Lookout and what a surprise, it’s all gravel and off camber – ARGH!!! Ever so gingerly I edge into the lookout but end up stopping short of turning around – it’s just too bouldery to manoeuvre around on. Take some beautiful pics, it really is exceptional viewing out here. As far as the eye can see and green it’s quite breathtaking.

Mundi Mundi Plains

Mundi Mundi Plains

spectacular

Two surveillance police officers were having the afternoon off taking pics  and I got to chatting with them for a bit and asked if they’d give me a hand to turn the bike around. Lucky for me they were where kind enough to take a pic of me before helping me gingerly turn Angel around safely so I can be on my way – thanks fellas.

see I was here!!

Back into town and where else would I stop but outside the only Motorcycle shop in town (I figured that would be the easiest place for them to find me J ). Ring Liz and she tells me Baz’s business is just two doors down and she’ll meet be at the cafe across the street. Baz is out on call but will join us soon. It’s my treat for coffee as I already owe Baz from the Eungella FarRide and everybody’s generosity towards me on this ride has been a little overwhelming and I’d just like to pay some back . They ask what I’m doing for the night and graciously offer me bed and a home cooked meal – THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!  The best part is actually sitting chatting to friends and getting to know them a little better.

Liz and me……Baz had to take the pic

A beautiful dinner cooked by Baz & Liz and great conversation but the time is ticking by and I am tired so I need some sleep. I thank them again for their generosity and head for bed.