One of the great things about this trip is that many of the smaller groups within the group are also taking the opportunity on this journey around the country to see more of each town we visit. Some great photos and stories are developing and it is wonderful to see so many people enjoying exploring Oz.

There was some beautiful scenery of Mallee scrub and timber and salt lakes through the undulating hills.

The day brought different conditions from one minute to the next, so after passing through some questionable weather on leaving Esperance, with rain one minute, hot, dry winds the next, topped off with lightning – riders were glad to get to Balladonia.

And there wasn’t a lot to be found there apart from a petrol station, the accommodation and a bar – so of course many of the crew sampled a few ales and made acquaintances with the locals as only they know how.

There were probably a few late starters after the night at the bar, but then the riders faced a fair challenge just after leaving Balladonia at the longest straight stretch of road in Australia – nearly 147 kms. Combined with strong winds which kept the riders on their toes, the bikes were literally being blown across the lanes.

Again the weather came to into play with a huge storm catching some of the riders on the way into Border Village, which is on the border of South Australia. Then it was a group photo to capture the moment.