Greg and I are taking part in this ride to raise funds to go to Mental Health First Aid and Lifeline Australia (see the home page for further information). Should you wish to help our efforts. You can easily donate to these extremely important causes by visiting https://redcentre2013.everydayhero.com/au/trevor-leigh-kestle All donations over $2 or more are fully tax deductible. I have made this ride for the past two years and I do so this year in memory of the love of my life, Meredith, who committed suicide in 2007.
This year's Black Dog Ride to the Red Centre, for most of the Western Australian riders, will be departing from Busselton on Saturday the 17th. of August. Greg, a mate who rode with me until Merriden on last year's ride, will be going all the way to Alice Springs this year. He will not be able to leave Perth until Saturday morning so, we have decided to do things just a little differently than the main pack. We will be heading east, out of Perth, to spend the first night on the road in Coolgardie before meeting up with the rest of the WA riders in Norseman where we will be enjoying morning tea.
The ride will see us finish day two at Madura Pass, day three in Ceduna, day four in Port Augusta, day five in Coober Pedy finishing up in Alice Springs on day six, being the 22nd of August. Greg and I will be carrying our tents and other gear, roughing it most nights however, having said that, I wouldn't do this trip without my ceramic heater on board. We have booked a motel room for the night we are in Coober Pedy for Greg to experience staying in an underground motel room.
The ride from Perth to Alice Springs will take us over 3,608 kilometres, much of it in very dry and arid areas of Australia. Having made this trip twice in as many years, I am still looking forward to it particularly as I will have Greg riding along with me and this will be the first time he will have ridden outside of WA. It is hoped, subject to his troubled back, we will be able to ride on, up to Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory, through Mount Isa and onto Bundaberg in Queensland where he has a brother who he hasn't seen for many years.
All being well, we will have an additional 2,781, 2,954 or 3.087 Kilometres to Bundaberg, depending on the route we decide upon. This decision will probably wait till we can get some "local" advice, be it in Alice Springs or Tennant Creek. If we are fortunate enough to get to Bundaberg with Greg's back not playing up, we are then planning to ride down the east coast to Victoria before returning home to Perth. If we are able to achieve this entire trip, it will mean we would have added a further 13,000+ to our speedometer.
Day 1, 17 Aug 2013
Greg had made the suggestion yesterday, subject to how things were going, we try to make it to Norseman by days end rather than stopping over night at Coolgardie. One only had to know Greg to understand his reasoning behind this idea. As we are to meet up with the other Black Dog Riders who were leaving Busselton today, in Norseman tomorrow, this extra riding would mean he could have his body in the horizontal position longer in the morning. So, it was agreed.
Greg and I arranged to meet up at McDonalds in Mirrabooka before heading east out of Perth. It was great to have Trevor, Kathleen, JennyAnn and Teena along to see us off. Thanks a lot for climbing out of your warm beds to go out with water falling from above to wish us farewell.
On the road, just after the corner of Tonkin and Reid Highways, we were stuck behind two incredibly wide loads no one could pass. Ignoring the TomTom, we turned off and headed for Guildford which saw us on the Great Eastern Highway within minutes. Showers continued off and on throughout until we were up and over the Perth Hills. Then we came up behind yet another very wide load which, again, no one could possibly pass. Thankfully, this was short lived as the truck towing the load pulled over after only a few kilometres.
While it remained very cool throughout the day we had no further showers to worry about. It wasn't until after lunch when I decided enough was enough and pulled on my wet weather jacket to insulate my body from the cold wind.
We arrived in Norseman a little before 4.30 this afternoon and after finding our way to the camp site, immediately began pitching our tents. It came time for me to blow up my air mattress when I found it had a hole in it, a big hole. One may assume I was missing the cap off the mattress but, if I was to admit that, it would mean my planning was not as good as it could have been. Besides, no one would believe that, would they? With no where in Norseman to find either a replacement cap or a new airbed, I decided to shout Greg a much more comfortable night in a cabin. Now, all i Have to contend with is finding someone on the ride who may have an airbed they will not be using (what's the chance of that happening, really) or, find someone willing to share the accommodation they have already booked.
(Greg's story goes something like this..... I (Greg) having set up my tent with the required creature comforts, only for Leigh to say he has a hole in his air mattress meaning he had to rent a cabin for the night. This caused me additional heartache having to repack all and sundry, then to walk everything across the other side of the caravan park, Leigh felt such guilt that he felt he had to invite me to share the accommodation. After this, we traveled the length and breadth of Norseman hunting for something to plug Leigh's hole! Only to find ourselves at the Norseman Hotel for a meal)
Back to me (Leigh) We (I hope I can include Greg with this, are looking forward to catching up with the other riders and the next four weeks of this planned epic ride.
P.S. Greg's version of events of the day.... Left Perth, arrived Norseman, Good night.
Day 2, 18 Aug 2013
After posting the blog from last night, Greg and I hit the sack. I remember, once lights were out, how I missed having a radio to go to sleep with and that was the last I recall until waking up shortly after 6.30, a real sleep in for me. I Jumped on Facebook to make a post we had beautiful blue skies but that didn’t last long. It just goes to show you shouldn't speak to early as, before to long, the clouds started rolling in which proved to ensure we were to ride through several showers in the morning. Thankfully they had eased by midday although, much of the conversation was around how cold it was compared to the last two years.
Anyway, back to the morning. After a shower, Greg and I made a move to the local Road House for some breakfast and then to the Hardware store by 10.00. Eureka, the wonderful, fantastic, lovely woman was able to advise me, YES! We do sell Air Mattresses. This meant the hard ground wasn’t about to have my body lying on it until we arrived in Ceduna as it would be most unlikely any of the Road Houses between Norseman and Ceduna would sell an airbed. After that success, Greg and I rode to the local hall where we caught up with the rest of the WA riders. It was great to see Peter, Diane, Steve and a number of other riders who I’ve got to know during the last couple of year’s ride. The Lion's club are great supporters of the Black Dog Ride and do a wonderful job in providing us with much needed coffee and food throughout the ride.
As it happened, I was very glad we didn’t leave from Busselton
as, while the group were riding on wet and winding roads down south, a 70 odd
year old rider came to grief and it is believed his in a bad way in
hospital. No doubt, we will learn more as time goes by. All we can hope is that all will soon be well for him. The group had morning tea in Norseman before hitting the
road with today’s destination being Madura
Pass. Showers came and went on a regular basis with the windshield almost dry
before we hit the next one. The rest of the day was uneventful with us arriving
at the Madura Pass Road House shortly before 4.30.
We had set up our camp just prior to dark and am now waiting for a meal in the road house bar
Greg’s input. Left Norseman arrived Madura Pass early evening. E gained 45 minutes (Leigh’s comments, We lost 45 minutes).
Day 3 19 August 2013 Madura Pass to Ceduna
Had a bad night with me waking up at 2.00 a.m. , thank God I had charged my IPod up so I could play a few games on it. Back to sleep until I heard Greg up and about which was a real shock to the system, knowing how Greg loves his bed. It turns out he had a leak in his air bed. There had to be a reason. He had just about packed up his tent and all his belongings before I had my first cigarette for the morning. From there, it turned out to be haste makes waste for me as I was trying to ensure we could be on the road ASAP.
The day remained dry but quite cold with southerly winds which caused us little problems so, after all, given it was one of the longest one day rides on the entire trip, it went well.
At the end of the day's ride, I mentioned to a few if they had noticed we have not, for the past two days on the highway, had come up behind a truck of any type to overtake. Plenty of caravans but no road trains which is extremely unusual. It's my belief this has something to do with the Australian economy.
After arriving in Ceduna a little after 4.30, with tents pitched, it was time to have a beer with Peter and Diane before heading off to the local for dinner.
Greg's Input.... On a cold Madura Pass morning we and arrived Ceduna in late afternoon. (Thats' Greg's verbosity). looking forward to zero degrees overnight NOT.
Day 4 29 August 2013 Ceduna to Port Augusta
Cold today but not as cold, thankfully, as expected. Hit further rain but nothing much more to report on and I'm pushed for time but, there is one thing I do wish to say. I was delighted when my good mate, Greg, said he would be on the ride with me this year. I truly value his friendship and believe I should let that be known to all and sundry.
Greg is someone who takes a little bit to get to know as he, in new company, is very quiet. He is very tech and mechanically savy and without his support and ingenuity, due to the oil problem my scooter has, I wouldn't be able to be on this year's ride. One thing that really gets me about Greg, is that he is sooooooooooooo very organised with anything he puts his hand to. He really does put me to shame. If something goes wrong, I become a little hasty in trying to fix a situation but, with his calm way of being, he appears to be able to take time out to think about things before acting. Reminds me a great deal about my father. Anyway, Greg, publicly, thank you.
That's about all for tonight folks as Dinner is served and I am starving.
Day 5 21 August 2013 Port Augusta to Coober Pedy
There was a good chance of further rain today as we set off from Port Augusta but it didn't eventuate. Rode under sunny skies although, still quite cool. The last two years, while taking part in this ride, I was able to remove the inner liner of my riding jacket but not this year. In fact, I haven't been on the scooter without my wet weather gear on over the top of the standard jacket and trousers to cut out the cold wind. The heated grips haven't been off the warmest setting.
Last year we all had a terrible days ride to Coober Pedy with 45 knot cross winds, this year, while the wind was coming in from the west, it was a much more timid blow although it did manage to have both Greg and I over to the wrong side of the road occasionally.
We both opted to fill out tanks at Woomera with Regular fuel, it was either that or wait behind 50 or more other (okay, I exagerate just a little) bikes to get the rocket fuel we would usually buy. I'm guessing here most would be aware of Woomera being the site of where England's and Australia's Rocket Launches took place at.
The ride between Glendambo to Coober Pedy is 254 kilometres without a fuel stop in between. I already had 5 litres sitting in a fuel container but took the chance, while at Glendambo to purchase another 5 litre container full of fuel however, didn't end up using it. Offered to give another rider the fuel as he was sitting on the side of the road waiting for his mate to return from Coober Pedy with fuel for him to finish today's ride. He was much appreciative but said he had better not accept my offer as his mate may be a little upset if he was able to get underway without his help given he would have had to ride a further 40 kilometres when not necessary.
Having rode for 555 Kilometres today, Greg and I pulled into Coober Pedy at the time some people would go to the dentist, yes, that's toothirty.
All was good until we had to find the motel I had booked a room for our one night in town and was very disappointed to learn we ended up getting an underground room on the second floor in an above ground motel. I have already spent a couple of nights underground but this was something I wanted Greg to experience on this ride but, alas, this was not meant to be.
Yesterday evening I was asked how things were going and I replied "I'm as happy as Larry". This, being a very well known phrase but then, it got me thinking about who this Larry was who was always so jolly. This came up in conversation this morning as I was talking to Simon, the Channel 9 news journalist who interviewed me on last years ride. I put it on him, seeing he had the full resources of the Channel 9 news team at his disposal, he could have them check it out. He promised me faithfully he will get them on to it ASAP and will give me an answer to this question by Thursday evening. i've done my own investigations in regard to Larry with a couple of possibilities stand out. No matter, I leave it up to Channel 9 to get to the bottom of this pressing matter. Anyway, I, and I am sure others, would have, at one stage or another, liked to have punched Larry out for being so darn happy all the time.
It's now 9.24 and time I hit the sack as we have a further 689 Kilometres to ride tomorrow arriving in Alice Springs, hopefully about 4.30.
Greg's input..... Left Port Augusta, arrived Coober Pedy with .8 of a litre of fuel left in his tank. (Close but no cigar Greg, last year I arrived in Coober Pedy with .4 of litre left) Greg's response, seasonally adjusted I was empty.
Day 6, 22 August 2013
Today was the best to date without a doubt. Firstly, to get out of a bed without having to get dressed in a horizontal position (as one does in a two man tent) and not feeling a sore bone in my body was a bonus. Secondly, not having to pack up a camp before hitting the road was brilliant. There was a breakfast being organised by the Coober Pedy Lions Club but Greg and I decided to miss this and be well up the road and hopefully at the first refuel, not having to line up in among 400 odd motorcycles waiting, waiting and even more waiting.
Another very cold start to the day with the sun shining brightly with a northerly wind blowing right into our faces. The day got better as it went along as the wind died and the sun became warmer meaning, by lunch time, I had turned off my heated grips and no longer needed my wet weather gear to stop the cold wind from making me feel like a frozen chicken. This being the first time since leaving Perth that I had even thought of taking these steps.
Arriving at the South Australian / Northern Territory border, we stopped for a photo opportunity. I'm now a little concerned about Greg's back as it has been playing up now for a couple of days with it causing him some discomfort.
Back on the road we were now able to open the throttle more as we were now riding in a 130 k.p.h. speed zone. With the Northern Territory road laws, if you are found to be doing above the speed limit (to the extent our scooters could go, you would lose a few points and pay a fine so it was Greg's and my chance to find out what our scooters could do. For obvious reasons, I'm not about to say on this blog, to what we got up to but it was thrilling.
After this, we settled back into the 130 k.p.h. range and thoroughly enjoyed the ride through hilly terrain with long winding bends. There is one rider on this ride, if I come across him, I will give him a piece of my mind not that I've got much of it to share around. I'm sitting a touch over the 130, when, in the distance I saw a rider weaving from one side of the road to the other, obviously trying to amuse himself with no thought of anyone else being on the road. As i drew closer and closer, it was clear he had not seen me so, it was time for me to hit the brakes and hit them hard. I was able to pull up enough just before hitting him, when he finally looked in his mirror and saw me waving my left fist at him. Rather sheepishly, he moved over to the left of the road letting me pass. I don't know what would have had happened if, instead of a vehicle on two or three wheels bearing down on him, it was an 18 wheeler or, worse still, a Road Train bearing down on him?
Last night we had our first official function after arriving in Alice Springs. It was a great chance to catch up with riders from past years. I have always found it amazing how you can get so many, with some rough and ready motorcyclists, and find all are extremely friendly and social. Peter and Diane, Bubba and Rocket and so many more are great company with heaps of laughs all around. So many asked as to why I was not the leader of the pack this year. Having Greg along, they were thinking he was slowing me down but that is not the case. Instead, it is having to pull up on the side of the road every hundred kilometres or so to recirculate the sump oil. So many on the ride, when seeing me for the first this year have asked if I still had the same scooter from last year and the chatting just flows from there.
Greg's Input....Left Coober Pedy and did it all again (he means another number of hundreds of kilometres travelled.)
Day 7 23 August 2013
Another day in paradise, I mean, Alice Springs with the promise of a beautiful day ahead of us. Woke up early and found the air to be very chilly with Greg believing it was the coldest night we've had since leaving Perth although I didn't feel it as I was a woose and bought along my ceramic heater. I say "don't leave home without it."
Last night we had the first of two Black Dog Ride Dinners, another happening tonight. The Resort failed to have their two wood burners going last night and it was freezing with me wearing a very light pullover with a t-shirt underneath. I mentioned to Greg it was undercover but very much open to the night air so would be cold and I would be wearing my riding jacket but never did. tonight I will be turning up with my jacket on, not going to freeze like I did last night.
At 11.00 this morning we all stood and had a mass photo taken of all the riders as a group, no, correct that, I ended up sitting on the ground in front of all others but feel one still may need a magnifying glass to pick out all the faces. Once the photographer had us all captured we set off for the ride into and through Alice Springs where we were welcomed by the Mayor. Following on, we all witnessed some unbelievable trick motorcycling by Australia's number 1 Motorcycle stunt man in Australia, (name escapes me but this I will get later). His skills had us all enthralled. Should he ever do some very long distance riding, there would never be a need for him to get a sore backside as most of his riding was done with him riding on either the front or back wheel alone and of course there were the tricks where he was standing on the saddle while the cycle roared from one end to the other of the car park. This was very moving as he had, before his display, mentioned his father committed suicide when he was 5 years of age.
After all this action was finished, Greg and I went off shopping to buy a few necessities before returning to the camp. As earlier mentioned, we have our last meal as a group this evening then, tomorrow, Greg and I leave Alice Springs, riding across toward the Northern Territory/Queensland Border, some 500 odd kilometres where we have booked a room at Barkly Homestead for the night.
Greg's comments....Still in Alice (I tell you, it's like pulling teeth to get that much out of him)
Day 8 24th August 2013
Here at Barkly Homestead, a few hundred clicks west of the Queensland border, feeling very sore and sorry for myself. More of how today went a little later.
Last night we attended the final Black Dog Ride to the Red Centre for 2013 event at Heavitree Resort in Alice Springs. The night started off with the CEO from Lifeline giving us brief details of how this organisation began by the founder of Lifeline coming in contact with a person suffering from Depression who, later went on the commit suicide. This sufferer, said at the time the contact was made, that he never had another person he could talk to. From acorns to oak trees grow.
The second speaker was from Mental Health First Aid who gave a brief outline as to how the money coming to that organisation would be spent to increase the number of trained volunteers who would be able to conduct classes in an endeavor to be able to help anyone they come into contact with who may be in a crisis situation.
Our meals were very well prepared and enjoyed while all those present were chatting with old and new friends made on this and earlier Red Centre rides. It wasn't too long into the night that I was about to sit down when the chair slid out from under me. I was down on the very hard paved floor when people came from everywhere to see if I was okay and to give assistance if needed. It hurt a great deal but fortunately, once up and about, it seemed to ease a great deal until this afternoon. Peter and his wife, Diana were sitting at our table. Peter is always very quick witted and last night was no exception. He quipped "Leigh rides a three wheeled scooter, maybe we should get him a five legged chair."
Then came time for the award presentations to be given to riders who stood out from the rest by odd, strange or just plain funny incidences. Last year I received an award for being the most determined rider. This year, I received an award for contributing to a greener environment. This all came about by me having to suck out the oil collected in the container connected to the engine breather by hoses. I purchased the syringe for this purpose after Greg had worked on how we could best cope with the inherent problem this scooter has when ridden at speeds greater than 100 k.p.h. In accepting the award, I made sure I gave credit to Greg for, without this way of me being able to recirculate the oil being pumped out, I would never had been able to make the ride.
I went on to say how I admire Steve, the original Black Dog Rider, more than anyone else for his continued great work he is doing to elevate, in the minds of the general public, awareness of depression and what help is out there and the over a million dollars raised by all Black Dog Riders all because of his round Australia ride he did in 2009 for the cause.
After the awards, many donated goods were auctioned off and there was one item I was particularly wishing to purchase. Last year, at this same event, an Aboriginal artist painted a magnificent large desert scene which went for well over $1,000. It was Steve who purchased that painting. This same artist attended last night and, from scratch, painted yet another desert scene. Having checked in on this new work throughout the evening, i was determined to be able to call it mine. The first bid was for $1,000 by Steve and I made the next bid of $1,050. No other bids were made with Steve bowing out leaving me being the very proud owner. I believe Steve, after he saw me make the second bid, bowed out wanting me to have the painting. That's just the type of person he is.
While discussing Steve and the Black Dog Ride and the running of it, a great deal of the admin work is completed by a very lovely lady, Fiona. I don't think Steve could have a better right hand person to support him. It was great to see, for the first time, Steve's wife and family making the trip to Alice and also, Fiona's partner surprised her by arriving in Alice Springs as a surprise for her.
A great deal of dancing was done by many with one woman in particular, being a member of the Ulysses Motorcycle Club appeared to be living up to their club's motto "Growing old disgracefully". But enough of that. Greg and I were back to the camp not long before midnight which made today's distance of 720 kilometres that little bit more difficult than what it should have been due to tiredness.
Back to today. It was agreed we would be on the road at first light however I seemed to have let this slip. Waking up early, I noticed it was light and very cold as the heater was working a treat. The mind was willing but the body wasn't. I just couldn't get out of the very warm sleeping bag and drifted back to sleep until being woken by Greg sometime later. I am here to confirm, packing is not my greatest chore but this morning was worse than many times before. Every now and then, while bending over, the back would twinge and things that were supposed to have been packed in a particular order were missed meaning I had my air mattress and shoes to be stuffed in tightly where ever I could as I couldn't be bothered starting the packing process all over again.
Being a very cold morning, we had our warmest riding gear on only to find, by 10.00 am the sun really kicking in. By noon it was 28 degrees and getting warmer as time passed by. The wet weather gear, used to cut out the cold wind, came off and that had to be stuffed into my baggage and other belongings. This still wasn't enough so, I decided to ride with the riding jacket zip open allowing air to flow around my body as much as possible. The wind, while not strong, was enough to cause a few moments of excitement when it gusted, pushing us around a bit. The last leg of our ride saw me arriving here this evening with very little fuel left and me being to tired to even consider refueling for tomorrow. Having showered, I now realise I got a touch to much sun on my face today with sunburned warmth emitting from me.
Another long day in the Saddle tomorrow and Greg wants to be on the road at first light however, I'm concerned about riding straight into the morning sunrise having to be very careful about cattle, kangaroos, camels, emus and any other form of wildlife they get out here.
Greg's input..... After a uncomfortably cold night in Alice Springs got up to an even more uncomfortable cold morning we are here at Barclay Homestead weary, but glad to be here.
Day 9 25 August 2013
Yesterday I told Greg I was going to have a shower, a beer, a meal and do the daily blog then hit the sack as I was extremely tired but, this didn't happen of course. All but the last gunnudos did other than hit the sack until much later than I intended. Into bed a little after 10.00 only to be awoken, it seemed like seconds after, by Greg saying "wake up Leigh, the sun is up and we should be making tracks." He had, last night, said he would like to be on the road as the sun put its head over the eastern horizon but I was able to talk him out of that as I am concerned about us running into the most bloody low IQ, stupid, dumb animals (you would have had to have read my 2012 blog to get the full context of how I came to give these adjectives to the Australian Kangaroo) Noah was able to fit on that ark of his, not to mention the odd camel, brumby or emu. These animals can do a great deal of damage to a car so what hope would a scooter have?
Having packed up the scooters YET AGAIN, it was over to the Road House to fill up my fuel tank and two, five litre, containers before getting back on to the bitumen. We had 260 kilometres to ride to Camooweal in Queensland to ride before reaching the next Road House. With Greg being such an organised individual, he had packed the necessities and very little else where I, on the other hand, had tried to do that plus the Laptop, keyboard, ceramic heater, kitchen sink, 4 different cameras and a few other items of no real consequence. No, scrap the kitchen sink, in the end, I decided that would not be needed so never packed it. All this goes a long way in explaining why Greg was getting much better fuel consumption than I, not only because of the more weight but my scooter, when fully packed, became a lot more effected by any air rushing past as you are travelling at highway speeds. Add this on to his larger fuel tank, meant he hasn't once, to my knowledge, have had to pull out the spare fuel he has been carrying since leaving Perth. Last night, when I spoke to Greg about the possibility of us running up behind a cattle truck today I suggested to him we hang back and not even contemplate over taking them as I didn't want either of us to be splatted by anything the cattle, inside that truck, could throw our way. Greg's response to that was "if there is a 130 kph speed limit, that is what I will be doing, cattle truck or no cattle truck." I reminded him of this as he was making his way down the highway at 110 kph this morning (he was doing this to limit his fuel consumption) but he came back at me with "I know you would have trouble keeping up with me so thought I should stay at a speed I am more comfortable with, just like a good mate would because that's the type of person I am." Sure Greg.
Fifteen Kilometres after we crossed over the Northern Territory/Queensland border we arrived at Camooweal where we lost a further half hour as watches had to be moved forward by that same time. So, that saw me eating breakfast at 12.30 or so and Greg, having drank his breakfast (yes, that's right, DRANK) before hitting the road this morning. Pulling out of Camooweal, we stopped on the side of the road to pull off our riding jacket inner lining as the temperature was rising fast. I'm sure I bought my summer riding gloves but yet to see them anywhere as yet. if I dig deep enough into my clothes bag, I'm sure to find them.
The hills around Mount Isa made the road more interesting to ride but there were no real hills in which we had to go over and the scooters were doing it easy WHEN IT HAPPENED.
Here I was, sitting on 110 kph when that "I know what has gone wrong with my scooter" cam out of my mouth. It is unmistakable, once you've done a drive belt, you just know it when it happens again and it has happened twice in as many moths now with a new belt put on the scooter not 6 weeks ago. This is one reason why I pay for the best RAC Support. A call to the RAC soon had a truck coming out on to the highway, 15 kilometres west of Mount Isa to pick up the scooter and myself. While waiting for the truck to arrive, I suggest Greg go on to his brother's place in Bundeberg, 1,600 odd kilometres away and, if my scooter can be repaired tomorrow morning, i will chase after him. I am now set up in a cabin in a caravan park in Mount Isa for the night at least but am very concerned about Greg, fearing he may try to ride on for too long today and be over tired and we all know that makes riding very dangerous.
Day 10 26 August 2013
The most important news of this morning is that Greg was able to make contact through Facebook and I then called him to make sure he doesn't overdo things on the road.
I then called Bike and Rider, here in Mount Isa asking if the scooter had been delivered to their workshop by RACQ which, at that time it hadn't so they still had know idea it was coming nor the problem which had to be fixed. I explained the entire situation but, to my shock, I was told they couldn't even look at it for 2 weeks as they were flat chat already and they couldn't put off those who had already made bookings for bike repairs just because I had ridden all the way from Perth and had to get to the coast then back home via Victoria. It didn't seem to matter much to them as to my predicament. Funny, but I recall having much the same sort of experience in Port Augusta two years ago, almost to the day but at that time, all that was wrong with that scooter was the battery.
Not at all happy with this response, I ordered a taxi to take me into town to see if I could twist their arm up their back by offering to pay double the going rate they would charge for the time spent fixing the drive belt. i left them my phone number for to call me when they knew for certain when it would be fixed. at 1.00 pm I received a call saying they had just started work on the scooter and it should be ready before closing time today. With fingers crossed I anxiously waited on the next call which I received not long after 2.30 to say it was ready to go. It's amazing when they are too busy to look at something for two weeks but when more money is committed to ensure they fix it ASAP, wheels start to get into motion and things happen. Now await the taxi to come and collect me to pick up the scooter.
Now back at the cabin with the scooter, have decided to be on the road at first light in the morning, aiming to reach Barcaldine which will see me a further 755 kilometres down the road heading south east towards the coast. just now waiting for Greg and I to be able to work out where and when I can catch up to him.
Day 11 27 August 2013
What a mix of fortunes for me today. Some very bad, some good and some excellent.
Firstly, Bad Number 1/ Set the alarm for this morning for 5.15 knowing sunrise in Mt isa was a few minutes to 6. This 45 minutes would have given me plenty of time to pack up and go to the local Road House for a very early coffee before heading east on today's ride of 754 kilometres, ending the day in Barcaldine. Instead, i was awake at 4.30, so packed up all my gear and decided to hit the road, very slowly being afraid of running into a kangaroo or stray cattle. Setting the cruise control at 45 kph, a speed I thought I could handle while trying to dodge these uneducated animals. Pulled over after about an hour to check oil levels when, to my horror, the oil container catching the oil being pumped out of the motor had been melted leaving a gaping hole in the bottom of it. It's just as well I had enough spare fresh oil to get me to the next Road House.
Bad Number 2/ Strong cross winds for much of the morning making riding just a little too uncomfortable for my liking. This changed, thankfully, in the early afternoon to a more helpful tail wind.
Bad Number 3/ With winds coming from different directions, I had to overtake 14 55 metre long Road Trains today, that is if you count the three running in a group which I had to over take, on no less than 4 occasions. With me having to stop every 100 kilometres or there abouts to top up the oil, then grab breakfast, lunch, refueling and a cup of coffee. I'm doing all this while those Road Trains just keep on a rollin' on. For those who have never overtaken a road train, you do have to prepare for every passing maneuver. You need to take into consideration the wind direction and how it is effecting you before you begin to overtake knowing, once you are alongside the truck that will completely change with the drought and then you come out the other end, remembering how that wind was blowing because, no matter what you do, it is going to hit you once again. Then you have to think about being along side the truck and ask yourself, is he going to suck you in closer to him or throw you away. It can be very nerve wracking.
Good 1/ Managed to survive all of the above.
Excellent 1. Arrived safe and sound at my planned destination.
Tomorrow I will be heading to Rockhampton to call in at a Bunnings Store before making my way down to catch up with Greg and his brother's place.
Day 12 28 August 2013
Went to bed not setting an alarm for the morning as I really didn't care if I woke up or not. Those who have followed the last three years of my travel blogs are gluttons for punishment but they would have had seen times when I just wonder why I am doing this and last night and today were two of these times. When I was eight years of age, I found my brother who had died in his sleep. Then there is Meredith who suffered with Bi Polar but does no longer. Sometimes it just, I don't know, easier.
Since leaving home I haven't been able to find a meal I have been able to get stuck into. I go into a pub and order a $25 counter meal and just peck at it. Tomorrow I need to by some multi vitamins as I know I'm not getting enough by the food, or lack there of, that I'm eating. Haven't eaten in two days but will need to get something into my stomach tonight, so I have gone and bought some fruit and a drink the Chemist I saw suggested I have.
So, all in all, today was a disaster. There are those days when nothing seems to go right, as planned. The more one gets depressed about these things the more, I guess, you are looking for reasons why you shouldn't be making these sorts of rides. I left Barcaldine sometime in the morning and only to manage doing 386 Kilometres arriving here, in Blackwater shortly after 2.30 with no way of being able to go a kilometre further. This would not, of course, be my norm for long distance riding which makes me feel worse. I had all intentions of arriving at Greg's brothers place this afternoon but, I'm just shattered at the moment.
The main problem of today's ride was I pulled up to put some more oil in the scooter and after doing that, headed off down the road. It was too late when I questioned myself If I had replaced the oil dip stick. Of course I didn't so the next hour or two I walked up and down the highway, without any water. it got to the stage where I had to wave down a car and asked if they had any spare water I could have as I was feeling extremely dehydrated which is very easily done in outback Australia. Thankfully they did and they handed me two bottles of which I was most grateful. A few cars pulled up to see if there was anything they could do but, of course there wasn't until a plumber pulled alongside the scooter and came up with a short term solution. He pulled out a few tap valves, one, with the metal taken off it, leaving the rubbers which could be pushed in to where the dipstick should be. I then guesstimated how much oil I should be filling the sump up with then nursed the scooter to Emerald where I was hoping I could find a motorcycle shop which could assist me with a new dipstick to fit.
Found one bike shop who searched through there odds and ends with no luck. Their efforts were greatly appreciated so I gave them $20 for their troubles. They then suggested I go to the fasteners shop in town where they believed, they would have a bolt which would be the right thread. Fortunately, they had one so, with paying for the bolt and handing the bloke a little bit more to have a beer on me, I again topped up the oil with another lot. Now, I have to work out how I am going to measure the amount of oil I need to fill up with until I am able to get to a Vespa/Piaggio dealership somewhere in Queensland.
Greg and I have been at our wits end as to why, after travelling similar distances, the amount of oil the sump needs alters quite a great deal so, judging the sump level without a dipstick is very problematic.
Next year the Black Dog Ride travels right around Australia on Highway 1. I had registered my interest in this ride but have come to the point where it would be foolhardy for me to take on such a challenge with my body and mental well being are suffering from the few kilometres I've covered on this ride.
Greg and I are still ahead of our scheduled ride which is good to know so, we will just have to wait and see what happens.
Day 13 29 August 2013
Unbelievable, set the clock for 5.15 a.m., not wanting to be ready to leave Blackwater before the sun rose up from the eastern horizon but, was awake and ready to go by 4.30. There was no way known I was about to hit the road in this part of the country with Kangaroos jumping here there and everywhere, not to mention unfenced cattle. With the scooter packed, I decided a heart starter coffee would fill the bill. Over the road was a 24 hour Road House so that was my first port of call. Arrived at the road house and dropped the scooter, shame, embarrassment and mortified having done so in the early shift coal miners looking for their first coffee as well. Here I was, on the ground when a willing helper ran to my aid (not the first time this trip). This thin as a rake bloke took charge of the scooter and, by himself, lifted it up on it's three wheels, I just couldn't believe it. My scooter would have to be the heaviest scooter sold in Australia and given I had all my travelling luggage packet on it, he was still able to raise it to the vertical with very little apparent effort. It did confirm one thing though, I have learned how to pack my gear securely as it never budged an inch.
Coffee had, I hit the road with the sun shining straight into my eyes which gave me concern as I could see very little distance in front of me. Given I was in that position, I was sure anyone coming up behind me would also have a great deal of problems in seeing me so it was time for me to get off on to the side of the road and wait while the surroundings could be much more easily viewed.
First stop for me was to the Bunnings Store in Rockhampton to purchase another bottle for the oil to be pumped into instead of it going on the road behind me. So much for being awarded the Contributing to a greener environment. Then I found the bolt I purchased to replace the lost dipstick (only a dipstick would lose a dipstick) was becoming lose without me being able to tighten it up. It was then I decided to go back to Bunnings and buy a couple new tap washes which worked yesterday and sure enough, with a few knocks to to it, they make a great seal.
On the ride for the rest of a day I came to a halt with the rest of the traffic as Police had closed the road following a semi being driven off the road in to a ditch with the cab extremely badly damaged. One can only hope and pray the driver survived this accident.
It's taken a few days but I eventually caught up to Greg. His brother, Graeme, and sister-inlaw (Greg's favorite), Rosalie have proven themselves to be wonderful hosts and I have thoroughly enjoyed their company. It's time for for a days break for me before Greg and I are back on the road on Saturday.
Greg's Input.... Still here.
Day 14 30 August 2013
Not much happening today. Time I took sometime out to try to be right for the 600 odd kilometre ride down to Byron Bay tomorrow. Woke up this morning after a very restless night's sleep with the shakes meaning another high body temperature. Rosalie became the mother hen, fussing over me, doing all she could to alleviate the temperature. It wasn't until just a few minutes ago she went to the freezer to find a face flannel she had dampened to place on my head. By this time the flannel was as hard as a rock.
Graeme took Greg and I for a drive to show us the best spots of the town 1770, a few kilometres from Agnes Water. A very pretty area. Also spent some time working on the scooter making sure the oil problems my scooter has been suffering from are minimised. When we are down in Melbourne we will hopefully be able to speak to the Piaggio Tech heads to find out what can be done to have the scooter back to 100% for the homeward bound trip across the Nullabor.
Day 15 31 August 2013
Another night of fever but it was last night when Greg, Graeme and Rosalie twisted my arm up my back to stay an additional day to help recuperate some health back. This morning I agreed to go to the local GP to have him give me the once over. It turns out I have an infected throat and Lungs and antibiotics we prescribed. After quite a bit of discussion, I decided I couldn't risk getting any worse and would need to cabin/motel it for the rest of the trip. Then the topic of having our camping and other gear transported back to Perth with us keep the minimum we will need to be carried on the scooters.
I haven't been this ill since the end of the 2011 Black Dog Ride when I ended up with pneumonia In the Alice Springs Hospital. I managed to get some food into me last night and a very small piece of pizza at lunch time today. it's now 3.25 p.m. and I'm about to go for a lay down. We will be leaving here tomorrow morning on our way south.
Greg's input ......Another day with Mr. Sicky
Day 16 1 September 2013
Spring has sprung and I had the best night's sleep for a week with my coughing not keeping everyone in the house awake. Feeling a little better this morning, it was as good a time as any to get back on the saddle and put a few more kilometres on the dial as we begin the ride south along the east coast. Graeme and Rosalie could not have been better hosts and I thank them for the care they took over making sure Greg and I had the best time possible while we were in Agnes Water.
We arrived in Brunswick Heads very late afternoon after a ride of 657 kilometres which was made more difficult by the Tom Tom chucking a mental. No doubt it saved us from going through the streets of Bundaberg but in doing that, it sent us down some of the worst roads I have ridden on. Then there was the insane traffic we hit once back on the highway. Greg and I couldn't believe how many trucks, cars towing and not towing caravans were on the road. The monotonous roadworks happening causing speeds to be raised and lowered far too often, particularly as it was Sunday and not a worker to be seen. Very few times did these road works effect the safety of driving/riding on the road so why, for Pete's sake, why do they leave these ridiculous speed limits stay during weekends.
Then we get on to the Freeway system as we rode closer to the Queensland/New South Wales Border. It was bumper to bumper traffic so, regardless of it be legal or not in Queensland, Greg and I filtered our way along many kilometres of this stop/start traffic.
Amazingly, very little oil filtered through to the new bottle Greg and Graeme set up on my scooter and never had to recycle any today. We are really at a loss as to work out how much this oil problem isn't consistent.
Tomorrow, we have a ride of 632 Kilometres which, with all being well, see us in Newcastle. Now, things brings up a problem I, being an ex Victorian, has when pronouncing the Castle part of Newcastle. Banana Benders and Canadians pronounce it as the British would, as if it is spelt Carstle. Being a fan of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson pronounces Bathurst as Barthurst. So people, what is it? Is it Bathurst or Barthust, is it Newcastle or New Carstle?
That's it for me today as I deserve a nice hot shower, which Greg has already informed me that won't happen as the shower he as just had was awful with next to no water coming out.
Day 17 2nd September 2013
Obviously overdid things yesterday with me waking up this morning wishing it would all go away and, instead, I was waking up in my bed at home. But of course, Greg and I have a few thousand kilometres to travel before that wish can come true. We have arranged for the Company Greg works for in Perth to arrange for us to deliver our camping and other gear not required, if we cabin or motel it the rest of the way, at there office in a suburb of Newcastle so, we had to be down there before 5p.m. or would need to muck about with this in the morning.
More Roadworks to the point where it was getting far and way past a joke. My belief is that 25% of the all workers in NSW are empoloyed holding up Stop sings. A further 25% are holding up Slow signs, Another 25% are leaning against shovels with the last 25% busily working in a glass tower trying to work out where these other 75% of workers should be placed to be most upsetting to the travelling public.
We rode along the most amazingly smooth, newly constructed dual carriage way for kilometre after kilometre at a "roadworks" limited speed limit of 80 kph. Not a worker to be seen anyway along its full length, not one piece of machinery, nothing at all to indicate why it should not be driven/ridden on at 110. May be, just may be, some politician couldn't get out of his office to publicly open it?
Anyway, we arrived in Newcastle in time to shed our unwanted goods then found a budget motel room before taking off to the local RSL for an incredible meal which, I almost ate.
Hopefully will ride on through Sydney tomorrow then on to Batemans Bay where we will be spending the night.
Greg's input. ...... We made it to Newcastle.
Day 18 3 September 2013
Out of bed not long after sunrise but wasn't until after 8.00 before Greg and I headed, we thought, towards Sydney but something was terribly wrong as I was expecting the sun to be on our left but this was not the case. We had to ride about 10 kilometres up the road before we could do a U-turn to start heading south rather than north.
Now heading in the right direction we were travelling at 110 kph until shortly arriving in the Sydney Suburbs where the traffic was chaotic, no surprise to me at all. Before getting that far though, it was a thrill to be riding on the Pacific Highway at 110 with those wonderful long curves, thoroughly enjoyed this.
We nearly came unstuck but found our way across the Harbour Bridge then it was through a few tunnels, one exceptionally long and the traffic was travelling at a snails pace. I was certainly feeling the effects of the exhaust fumes filling the air. My breathing has been laboured since falling ill but this was very difficult making me feel quite giddy. Not the best when riding.
Once out and onto the Hume Highway, the traffic was free flowing. the only problem came when I decided to stop for lunch. This meant getting off the highway when seeing a food sign. Following these signs, we traveled for more than 10 kilometres from the Highway to buy lunch. Back on to the highway where we had left it and within 5 kilometres, came across a service centre. makes one mad sometimes.
Just after 2.30 we headed East off the Hume Highway, heading for Batemans Bay. Through a few country towns before we started the climb over the Great Divide. Once we had hit the peak, the temperature plummeted as the road conditions changed dramatically. It wasn't long before Greg was in my ear, trying to push me faster than I was prepared to go. Moved over to the left to let him pass. He is much more confident in his riding ability than I am with mine even though I know the MP3 set up would be the safest to ride. I recall saying much the same in last year's blog. Greg said he would be waiting for me at the base of the Range which I was more than happy with.
This road has quite a number of hairpin bends and other very tight bends which Greg made with ease. The ride down to Batemans Bay lasted for about 30 kilometres and I found Greg at the base looking very satisfied. Like a kid, he asked "Can we do that again?" I'm very happy now as I knew how much Greg would enjoy this road and with more to come, mainly in Victoria, he will be very happy as one of the best motorcycle rides in the world "The Great Ocean Road" ride is still ahead of him.
Will be in Victoria at the end of tomorrow's ride if all is well.
Greg's Input.... After an exhilarating ride down the mountain, we are here in Batemans Bay.
Day 19 4 September 2013
Breakfast at the resort before getting back on to the highway on a cool but sunny morning. Loved riding on the Princes Highway with it's long bends and Greg enjoyed it more. Once over the Victorian border, I moved over to let Greg pass as he does handle the corners far better than I do. Just asked him to pull into Orbost for refueling and lunch and I would catch up to him there. Once lunch was bought, we went down to the local park to enjoy it under the shade of a tree as the sun was putting out a good bit of heat.
Conversations started up with three women who were keen to learn more about the Black Dog Ride and taking photographs of my scooter as they hadn't seen one before.
Back on the road we traveled along some of the roads I know the best, Through Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale, Stratford and on to Sale where we are spending the night. Will ride into Melbourne tomorrow, with any luck, to replace my lost dipstick and talk to a mechanic about the oil problem which, incidently, hasn't been a problem since Queensland.
Day 20 5 September 2013
Before I start today's blog I must finish off yesterday's with a very sincere and humble apology to Greg as he pointed out today I had not asked for his input last night so, to correct my terrible oversight, here is Greg's input for yesterday ...... Left Batemans Bay arrived Warrak (suburb of Sale).
Now, back to today. We were delivered our breakfast for this morning, last night. The toaster managed to blacken my toast. When I said I wasn't eating it Greg ask why and I told him many believed burnt toast was known to cause cancer in animals. Just another small , normally useless, info my brain has held on to.
First stop was the electoral office in Sale where Greg and I cast our vote for Saturday's election then back on the highway heading to Melbourne. Rain became very heavy with traffic building as we got closer into the city. Made our way into Elizabeth Street, parked our scooters on the footpath as is the habit of motorcyclists/scooter riders in Melbourne before making our way to the Piaggio dealer to see if they had seen my email of two days back asking if they had a dip stick to suit my scooter. They tell me they hadn't the part. They asked me what email address I had sent it to and when I told them it was the one on the Piaggio web site they still asked for the address. Geeze, i can't remember my own number plate so what chance have I got to remember an email address I knew I would have no future interest in? But then, I take comfort from the words of Einstein who was once asked for his phone number. His response to this was I don't know it, why would I bother to load such info into my brain when i can, very easily, look it up in the phone book if I need to know what it is?
Anyway, back out to Dandenong to find the motel we had booked last night for the coming two nights. Well, it sounds easy, particularly with a Tom Tom for my guide and the street address for the motel loaded into it. But no, it had us doing circles, literally. We found the point where the tom tom thought the motel was and in frustration, I pulled over, pulled out the lap top and opened up the booking confirmation email I had received for the booking. The address I had loaded into the Tom Tom was correct but the Tom Tom wasn't. With that, Greg pulled out his phone, used the same address and within 10 minutes we found the motel. Life just wasn't meant to be easy.
Having had a cuppa, we decided we would go shopping to buy some groceries instead of eating out for every meal while hear but then, having failed to find ignition key, realised I must have locked it under the saddle. A phone call to the RACV asking them to send someone out with a tyre lever or something similar so I could force the seat up enough to get our hands into get the key out they said they could not have a mechanic do that. After a lot of debating with them, they decided they would send out a tow truck to deliver my scooter to the nearest motorcycle shop. In the meantime Greg and I had used the hammer I had purchased in Bundaberg to do the job and with some effort, managed to retrieve the key. By this time it was too late to go shopping as we were to meet my daughters and their families at a restaurant for tea. A shower and off we were for the night's meal.
Had a most enjoyable time with Sonia, Gary, Tammy and Jarrod.
Tomorrow we are going to catch up on laundry duties before heading up to Emerald, in the Dandenongs, to meet up with Beth and her family. Most of my childhood years was spent growing up in this town. The weather promises to be much better with only a 20% chance of a shower but who knows, after all, it is Melbourne.
Greg's input ..... We're in Dandenong.
Day 21 6th September 2013
With laundry duties done, Greg and I headed up into the Dandenongs to catch up with Beth, Ruth and Beth's Parents just outside of Emerald. Enjoyed the afternoon as all were great company. Greg, on the way up to Emerald complained yet again the speed limits set on these winding roads were far too slow for his liking.
We say goodbye to Melbourne and head for Torquay in the morning, a very easy ride of 133 kilometres which will be our gateway to the Great Ocean Road which we will be riding on Sunday. The reason for this is they are expecting very high winds tomorrow with Sunday seemingly ideal for riding the best road in Australia if you are on two or three wheels. There are more motorcycle fatalities on this road than any other in Australia and I am just a little concerned Greg may like the ride too much and take a few risks more than he should.
For tomorrow night, I've booked a caravan park cabin with a separate bedroom for Greg as he has no interest at all in knowing, second by second, how the vote count is going.
Gregs input.... We went somewhere today and came back.
Day 22 7 September 2013
I awoke with Greg still asleep, checked the time and found it was a few minutes past 6.00 a.m. by my IPod but it was just a matter of moments when Greg was up and packing his belongings. Thinking he was a bit keen to be on the road, I laid there for a few minutes more, not wanting to climb out of bed as it had been after midnight when we finally stopped playing "Words With Friends".
He gave me the hurry on, so, I dragged myself out of bed and had my first coffee and cigarette for the morning. Still unaware as to why Greg was in such a hurry, as we had very few kilometres to travel before getting to Torquay and there was no guarantee the cabin would be cleaned and ready for us until 2 p.m. Still, I began to gather my self and possessions in readiness to leave. Then thought I would tackle a crossword when Greg told me it was 10.30 and we had to be out of the motel room by 11.00. I knew that but, what I didn't realise was, I had been looking at my IPod which, for some unknown reason, put the time back by 2 hours in line with Perth time. No wonder Greg was pushing me.
Eventually, back on to Dandenong Road heading towards Melbourne, then over the West Gate Bridge and along Geelong Road being a 4 lane freeway/highway in both directions so the additional traffic, heading out of the city carrying those Geelong and Fremantle Football club supporters going to watch the game, caused no hassles at all as we sat on the 100 k.p.h. speed limit.
We were within 10 minutes of arriving in Torquay when the heavens opened up and finished our ride with very wet riding gear to be dried out once in the cabin. The cabin is ideal for our needs on this election night as Greg can go hibernate in the bedroom while I watch every vote count that comes in. Election nights are one I never can miss as I find the story alters, very often, as the hours roll by. Very few elections can be called within the first hour or two of the broadcast. I then have a separate bunk room I can sleep in so as I do not disturb Greg should he be asleep at the end of the night's vote count tally. Who knows, we may have a new PM (God, I hope so) by nights end.
Tomorrow is another day with very different road conditions. The Great Ocean Road, built by the diggers on their return from the first world war, runs along the coast, sometimes 150 feet above the ocean below. More motorcycle deaths occur on this road than any other in Australia. I've mentioned to Greg, a number of times, about this and how much care must be taken not to get into a situation where either one of us are placing ourselves in any danger. I've also told him he can take the lead as I will not be trying to keep up with him on this treacherous road. He will, no doubt go ahead and I will catch up with him every now and then when he stops for a camera op or in a town.
Greg's Input ..... We left from there, now we are here.
Day 23 8 September 2013
Greg checked the latest weather forecast for today, it didn't look good with a 50% chance of us having to cope with rain while we rode the Great Ocean Road and up and over the Otway Range but thankfully, we never had any rain with riding conditions being good, if not a little cool particularly after we left the coast.
We had a few cars, towing caravans which impeded our speed along the coastal road but this wasn't as much of a concern to me than it was to Greg as he enjoys throwing his scooter into a corner, hoping like mad he comes out of it still in control. I let him ride ahead once again as I'm not such a thrill seeker however, there was one corner which made me believe my days on this earth were done. I just don't have the same riding skills as my fellow rider when it comes to getting around those very tight bends. That incident really made me realise I had to take it a lot easier so Greg left me in his dust. It was a frustration when I had to sit behind a car whose driver thought it was very pleasant driving along a double lined road at 70 k.p.h. At the first chance to overtake him, I opened up the throttle and was very quickly away from him.
For me and Greg, the best part of the ride was when we went up and over the Otway Range being the last of the south western end of the Great Dividing Range. Long sweeping curves with a speed limit, in most parts, of 90 k.p.h. made for some really fun riding.
This afternoon we crossed over our sixth border while on this trip as we rode into South Australia with only a few kilometres to travel before arriving in Mount Gambier.
Tomorrow, we ride on to Wallaroo on the Spencer Gulf. We have booked a room there as well as our passage on the South Australian Car Ferry to take us across the Gulf to Lucky Bay on Tuesday. This voyage will take about two and a half hours. From there, we will ride on to Ceduna.
Greg's Input..... Disappointing start to the Great Ocean Road but ended well.
Day 24 9 September 2013
We over dressed this morning as the clouds were looking very threatening as we pulled out of the caravan park in Mount Gambier. Yes, we did get a few drops but why should the driest state in the driest inhabited continent on earth rain on our parade? It wasn't the rain which hampered today's ride, it was the wind. While riding, I've had two very bad days where I've had to contend with, no wrestle with, is more apt, making sure I stayed verticle, during my short riding experience. One who has read last years blog may recall the extreme wind conditions I rode through during the Black Dog Ride. The second worst of these was the ride from Port Augusta to Coober Pedy, the worst being from Adelaide to Wallaroo where our ride would take us today.
Greg believes today may be the windiest conditions he has ever ridden in but today, it takes 3rd. place for me. It seems this coast is always windy, particularly in the afternoons with a rider having to cope with cross winds as they leave the northern suburbs of Adelaide. It was a relief when we turned to head in a westerly direction, once leaving the highway for Wallaroo as we had strong head winds which managed to cut down the performance of the scooter but had caused little concern to us being, very quickly, placed on a horizontal basis.
Today was the first time Greg and I had lost track of each other unwittingly. Greg rode ahead along the freeway around Murray Bridge and I was in need of fuel with me being aware Murray Bridge was the easiest town to get into and out of closest to the Freeway. Greg, being ahead of me, pulled off the freeway at the next town up. A phone call soon had us back riding together.
So, tonight we spend the night in the Anglers Inn in "Walaroo before catching the car ferry across to Lucky Bay in the morning for our ride into Ceduna, tomorrow night.
Greg's input (24 hours late) Due to the lack of being asked for a comment last night, I have no comment.
Day 25 10 September 2013
There are very few possessions I own which I truly treasure and it was today when I could have lost one of those.
On the 2011 Black Dog Ride had finished, I pulled into Coober Pedy for the night and headed straight to the bar for a quick one before going to my accommodation. Having a beer in hand, I went to the beer garden to have a cigarette. I sat down beside an elderly aboriginal to chat to and pulled out my cigarettes from my pocket finding the packet squashed. My new friend noticed this and immediately jumped to his feet ans asked "How long will you be here?" I said I had intended to have a beer then leave. He then told me to wait 10 minutes and he would return. Not knowing what this was all about, I did as he had requested. Ten minutes later he reappeared carrying a very old Benson and Hedges metal cigarette tin which he gave me saying he would like me to have it. I thanked him for this knowing my crushed cigarette days were now behind me. I shouted him a further beer as he then went about telling me how his Aboriginal mother had married an afghan camel expert. He had been bought to Australia to assist with the work to be undertaken to set up the first south to east telegraph system in Australia. From that union came this friendly Aboriginal.
When arriving back home from that ride, I placed my favorite photo of Meredith and I which was taken on Christmas Day 2006 then coated the tin with clear resin to protect the tin and the photograph. Since then, I've carried it with me everywhere and, at one time, I thought I had lost it and it nearly broke my heart. Now, what has this got to do with today I hear you asking? I guess I had better tell you then.
Greg, as has been the case for the past thousands of kilometres, has been sitting in my rear vision mirror which I always check on a regular basis. Today he had been following me when all of a sudden I noticed he wasn't where he should have been. I pulled over to enable me to have a good look at the road behind me but no Greg. The driver and his passenger of a car towing a caravan we had passed some minutes before went past me, knowing I was looking for Greg, waving to me indicating he was back up the road. My first thought was that he had had an accident but then, those in the car would have surely stopped to see if there was anything they could do. I did a U-turn to see Greg coming up over the rise a couple of kilometres up the road. I did another U-Turn and we stopped on the side of the road. Greg had pulled up after he had seen something fall from my scooter to find it was my cigarette tin which, I had told him, sometime back, how and why I treasured it. The Day's cigarettes had fallen out as it had hit the road surface but that was no concern to me. I was very pleased that Greg saw the tin had fallen off the scooter, apparently, it must have worked itself up and out of my riding trouser pocket and that he had stopped to pick it up and return it to me with it undamaged.
Back to this morning. I was up and out of bed early trying my best not to wake Greg but that didn't work, did it. After a bit of grumble, he to was out of bed and we were packed and heading off to the pier from which the car ferry was to depart. We were instructed to ride our scooters on to the ferry where Greg's was tied to the ferry wall while mine, I placed on the stand leaving it secure with the hand brake on.
Back out on shore to have my last cigarette before the boat left Wallaroo on the two and a half hour sail across the Spencer Gulf. Last year the same waters were like a mill pond but the wind this morning insured this trip would not be the same. Greg and I venutred, without sea legs and grasping for the hand rails, to the upper deck with the boat obviously heaving. Not only was the wind very strong but cold as well so we didn't last long up there.
We became a little concerned about the scooters and helmets so I asked a crew member if he would take us below to enable us to check it out as passengers were not allowed to go to the car carrying area while under sail without being accompanied by a crew members. This we did and was satisfied all was in order. While talking to the crew member, he advised there would be 30 bikes, ridden by members of the Police force motorcycle club, in their civvies, waiting at Lucky Bay for the return trip.
I had a coffee before we headed back out towards the stern where we sat, sheltered from the wind. We were in the company of two others, a young mother and a child who were suffering from motion sickness.
Upon landing, we saw the members of the WA Police Motorcycle Club (The Blue Knights) members waiting to board including WA's Chief Commissioner of Police Carl O'Callaghan.
With only time for one quick cigarette, Greg and I hit the road once again with it easy going all the way into Ceduna, other than my cigarette tin incident. We will be up with the birds tomorrow morning with our planned destination being Madura Pass, the longest leg of our journey home.
Greg's Input ........Greg has spat the dummy because he wasn't asked last night for his input so he has no input to today's blog.
Day 26 11 September 2013
We were up and ready to leave Ceduna at dawn and it was very clear we would need our warmest, wind protection gear on this morning as it was extremely cold. Other than my fingers feeling as if they were on fire, then numbness such was the cold, with no wind and a clear road in front of us we were comfortable we could do the number of clicks to have us at Madura Pass for tonight.
As the sun rose further, slowly but surely I was getting some feeling back into my fingers and riding conditions could not have been better for most of the morning until a, not too strong, cross wind came in from the north.
My main concern today is how the rear wheel is wearing, now with no tread at all in its centre. Mentioned my concerns to Greg, telling him he may need to go on without me once we’ve spent tomorrow night in Norseman where I should be able to get a replacement tyre fitted once it is transported from Perth. I’m hoping the people at the Madura Pass Roadhouse will be able to put me on to someone in Norseman who could order the tyre and do this job for me.
It may seem odd to many but Norseman is 528 kilometres west of Madura and this is where the locals do their grocery and other shopping so, when they go into town, it is, as a rule, a two day affair. Also, should they require medical treatment, the highway, about 15 kilometres east of here, doubles as a aircraft landing strip for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Just prior to us reaching Border Village we copped a little rain but that cleared without any concerns to us and skies were once again clear by the time we had stopped for fuel and I had lunch. Greg had his “on the road lunch” consisting of an apple. This was the last of his fruit he had purchased in Wallaroo. Just in time as, once out of the Road House, we crossed into Western Australia and through the fruit and vegetable inspection gate set up by the WA Government to stop unwanted diseases entering the State.
As we crossed into WA, unofficially, we gained a further 45 minutes. This time zone is used only by locals in the Eastern border of WA. Official WA time, which showed up on our phones, showed we had gained 1 hour 30. This “local” time is in place to allow for the time difference in sun rise and sunset times when compared to Perth.
Back to my concerns regarding the rear tyre. I’ve just been back out to the scooter to have a closer at the tyre which is now very badly warn, too warn to put back on the road. Now, it’s time for me to look at ways to get the scooter transported back to Perth. I called the RAC of WA who first suggested they have the scooter transported back to Eucla to be fixed. When I pointed out that wouldn’t work as they wouldn’t have a scooter tyre there and it would then have to be transported from Perth. I advised them, the staff here at Madura said the closest it could be fixed would be in Norseman, after more time, hanging on the line, agreed to do this then they advised they would need to obtain quotes from their two contractors in Norseman for the cheapest. They got back to me saying the cheapest quote would mean I would have to pay $1,280 to have the scooter transported to there. I agreed with this for lack of any other option.
Greg said he would ride on at first light in the morning and I spoke to him about my concern of him doing that and then trying to get to Perth in the one day. Knowing Greg, that’s what he will try to do. I can do no more than wish him well and to ride safe.
With no internet coverage I wasn’t able to post this blog and will do so tomorrow.
Day 27 12 September 2013
I was awakened with Greg all but ready to go. He didn't say where he would end up after today's ride but my guess is that he will go flat out in an endeavor to reach Perth by day's end. Shortly after he left, I called the RAC WA to be told the truck to transport my scooter to Norseman would be here at about 8.00 a.m. and sure enough, it came almost on the dot.
The driver was a friendly expat Kiwi who, through the 600 odd kilometre trip to Norseman carried on a number of conversations with me which certainly help the time and kilometres go by.
If you are lucky, like I've been, through out your life you meet and get to know very caring and friendly people. Some years back, prior to Meredith's suicide, I was fortunate to meet such two people who have been there for me through some of my darkest days. The two I speak of are Debbie and Jim, a beautiful couple who have shown their friendship to me in more ways than one. It's on days like these where, I know, if I need a hump up, assistance or just a text message from them, they will be there for me. To Jim and Debbie, for this I would sincerely like to thank you and know that I truly value your friendship.
I'm now in the Norseman Hotel for the night hoping I will be back on the road sometime tomorrow morning.
Have received a message of Greg. He has arrived home after a huge effort with him riding 1,124 from Madura Pass. Very happy he is safe.
Day 28 13 September 2013
With my anxieties raising their ugly head and me being most uncomfortable staying in the Norseman Hotel, I had a very early morning, waking up at 4 a.m. and not being able to get back to sleep. Left the hotel at 6 a.m. to go to the local road house to get a coffee and wait for the local motel to open to arrange accommodation for tonight as I was unsure if the scooter would be ready today and, I wasn't up for getting back on the scooter today as I'm very low at the moment.
Late morning I received a phone call saying my scooter was ready to be collected and made my way down to the workshop to pay for the new tyre and associated labour costs.
Spending the rest of the day getting rested and looking at the weather forecast. Doesn't look good for riding for few days but will wait until the morning to see if I end up riding on or stay put. Would dearly love to be home but I'm not taking any chances of not being able to concentrate on the road. Who knows, come morning, my mood may have lifted and things will look a lot more positive for me. I dearly hope so.
Day 29 14 September 2013
From the noise, during the night, coming from next door, the couple must have been on their honeymoon. You would think they would make dividing walls a bit more sound proofed, anyway, back to my situation with me waking up before sunrise with sheet lightning appearing in the western skies above Norseman. Raining quite heavily, I waited till dawn to decide if I was going to make a move to get those extra few miles closer to home or not. The rain eased a little so I packed up and readied myself to get back on the road and waited till there was some blue sky. Time had come so without much further to do, I was on the scooter and leaving Norseman behind me.
It wasn't long before I was under very enticing clouds which bought the first down pour of the day. My Dririder gloves didn't live up to the expectations given by their name as my hands and fingers were soon wet and freezing. Feeling very sorry for my self, I made the first of my two non compulsory fuel stops just to make sure my fingers were attached to my hands and had not fallen off from frostbite. This stop was at the Widgiemooltha Road House. As soon as I pulled up, off came the gloves to hold my hands behind the exhaust to warm them up then it was to refuel and grab a coffee. At the time of pulling into the Road House, I saw two push bikes, one towing a trailer, fully loaded with enough luggage, the quantity couldn't fit into the boot of a normal sedan. As i walked in to pay for the fuel and order a coffee I said to the two bikers, who were sitting there enjoying a cuppa, "you wouldn't have to be mad but it would help." This middle aged New Zealand couple then asked me about my travels and enquired as to what they could expect while riding east to see their daughter and her family who live in Adelaide.
As a rule, in fact, always, i would order a take away coffee to enjoy with a cigarette but given the circumstance, rain and cold outside, warmth inside the Road House and a conversation had started up, I ended with three coffees while chatting to these mad cyclists. After the 3rd coffee, the woman said "we had better make hay while the sun shines" at which I said "you are an eternal optimist". Funnily enough, just at the time we walked outside, the sun peeked through for the first time of the day. This chance meeting made me take a different perspective on my efforts now to get home. Here I am, being able to ride at 100 k.p.h. with only the weather to worry about and they, having to work very hard to cope with the terrible weather and peddle like crazy for every kilometre they travel. I didn't mind so much when the next rain cloud burst its bubble over me just a few more clicks down the road.
Having had enough already today, I thought I would spend the night in Coolgardie but found no room at the Inn, nor the caravan park. I refueled again before getting yet, another coffee. When I tried to restart the scooter there was nothing which set my mind thinking the battery had gone on me. Being Saturday, there was no where I could find a mechanic to check this out nor could I interest a couple of car drivers to give me a jump start, time for another coffee while I consider my options. I then retried to start the scooter and it fired up, thanking God, I decided then I would ride on to Southern Cross and hope, after spending a night there, if I was able to find accommodation, the scooter will start up in the morning.
The rain came down by the bucket load and road conditions deteriorated again by me facing a strong wind coming in from the south west. Reaching the Yellowdine Road House, my second non compulsory fuel stop, I again sort shelter from the weather by taking time out to have another coffee while I waited for that lot of black clouds to pass overhead.
Pulling into Southern Cross, I headed for the Caravan Park as I couldn't see any sign of a motel as I rode most of my way through the town. It was a touch after 1 p.m. and found the notice on the Park office stating it will be closed from noon to 2 p.m. each day. One would think I was in Spain with those about taking time out for a siesta. A few minutes after the designated time, the office opened and I was able to get a sea container converted to a cabin for the rest of the day and night. Nothing great but it is dry and warm and has a bed. After the morning I've had, that will do me.
Later, a meal this evening, a good nights sleep then hopefully, home tomorrow.
Day 30 15 September 2013 Home sweet home.
Awake at 4.30 this morning and tried, without success, to get back to sleep. Finally, at 5.30, I was out of bed and having my first of serveral coffees for the morning and a cigarette, I wasn't happy not to see any part of the sky without cloud and it was evident, by the river running outside my room that wasn't there last night. I exaggerate just a little with me calling it a river, more like a creek but flowing it was. At sun up, not that you could see any sign of it, I was on the scooter riding to the local Road House for another coffee and a couple of plastic bags. Having put my gloves on this morning, I found they were still quite damp from yesterday's wet weather and thought how I could keep my hands as warm as possible this morning. I figured, if I stop the wind from penetrating the gloves I would have some chance so, with the coffee downed, I tied the handles of each of the bags so each bag gave me enough room for me to place my hands, with gloves on, in them and wear them like one would, a pair of mittens. This idea worked very well as my hands kept warm throughout today's ride home.
The threatening very dark clouds didn't open up on me at all but the windshield was kept quite wet by the heavy mist I rode through for a couple of hours. Once through Merriden the sun came out from behind the clouds and riding conditions improved greatly.
I did have one scare this morning when a car was overtaking a truck heading towards me at a great rate of knots. It was evident I had to make room as there was no way the overtaking maneuver would be completed before they reached me, While braking and getting just off the road, the two vehicles passed me with the overtaking car yet to get back on the correct side of the road.
Now home, I will be reviewing this Black Dog Ride in the coming days. I have just about made up my mind not to take part in the "all around Australia" ride next year as this years ride took a great deal of effort with my health being quite a concern. This, I will give more consideration to over the coming weeks. One thing is for sure, if I do the ride next year, I will be looking for a new scooter or motorcycle as I have had enough of shredded drive belts.
HOME SWEET HOME but the house keeper hasn't kept up with the dusting I have noticed.