Archive for the ‘Around Australia Ride’ Category

Day 26 meant the start of the last week of the ride, and a new state for the group – South Australia.

It was a day of sightseeing and another day of extreme winds. The Great Australian Bite provided some fantastic scenery to view from the back of the bikes, but the winds made more than a few riders a little wary.

The local Bowling Club put on a great meal and some raffles so there were a few happy campers who got to sample some fresh, local oysters.

The rain began in the early hours and pretty much didn’t let up for the whole of the 27^th day of the tour. Riding conditions were horrendous and no one on the back of a bike remained dry.

Eventually everyone made it to Port Augusta without any incidents. Not a good day for sightseeing, so a lot chose the quick router which bypassed Streaky Bay. I think everyone went to bed praying, wishing and hoping for a dry day to follow where the group heads to Adelaide for a final rest day before the end of the tour.

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.

Lower kms to ride each day means more time for sightseeing. On the trip from Margaret River to Albany everyone enjoyed a mix of good roads, good riding and good scenery. Many stopped to see the Gloucester Tree which is 61 metres high and some even chanced the climb.

From Geraldton, the crew got back on the road for a 429km day. Passing through Dongarra, Eneabba, Badgingarra and Fremantle, the sights were again fantastic with the Pinnacles a highlight – even if the temperature was down quite a few notches from the 40+ days recently.

Scarborough provided another rest day on Friday, with many bikes heading receiving some TLC with new tyres and servicing the order of the day. Mechanics in Scarborough must be thanking their lucky stars that the AAR crew chose their town for the rest stop!

The short trip of 290kms to Margaret River from Scarborough meant a sleep in for many of the riders.

There have been plenty of encounters with generous people who on hearing the Steven Walter Foundation story, hand over some cash to donate to the cause. So thanks to everyone who has put their hand in their pockets so far.

Another rest day in Margaret River on Sunday meant a range of different activities. Some enjoyed some time to catch up on domestic duties, some sampled the local wines on a tour and some headed out of town to see the sights of Cape Leeuwin and the lighthouse and where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. Some were even lucky enough to see whales at play whilst they were there.

Broome was a rest stop for the entire crew and many chose different ways to enjoy their two days off. With a few long days ahead of 600+ and 800+ kms, a lot avoided sitting on the backs of their bikes and headed out to see what the town had to offer.

Cable Beach was a beautiful highlight, particularly watching the sunset with the other 4WD tourists and camel back riders. Some of the group also took up the chance to ride camel-back – quite a change to go from horse power to the gentle rolling motion, but a great way to relax and see the sights.

Cable Beach sunset

Bikes on Cable Beach in Broome

Support van joining the bikes on the beach

After some much needed time to recharge, the crew headed out on Monday 18 October to Port Hedland. Not a lot to say about the roads except that there were many road trains to cope with, but many were pleased to find the food in Port Hedland a welcome change. Staying in a motel built to house the many mining workers, it appeared basic, but was one of the best so far. With a big 800+ km day to Carnarvon tomorrow, most headed to bed early to beat the last support vehicle which was leaving at 6am.

The longest trip of the whole tour got underway early for everyone. And while in the early pre dawn hours the temperature was cool, it would soon rise to more than 40 and stay there for much of the day. It was a long, hot, hard, red slog for the riders. The main concern was ensuring that everyone reached Carnarvon in one piece – which happily they did. Dehydration and fatigue were the real enemies but most coped well by stopping regularly, rehydrating and riding within their means and were all ready for an early night after an epic day of riding.

The next day saw the crew leave Carnarvon and head to Geraldton. Just a short day of 477km, almost half of what was ridden the day before. Leaving he banana plantations at Carnarvon, the landscape quickly returned to red scrubby bush.

Once in Geraldton the crew gathered at the local Police Station after they offered to host a BBQ in support of the ride. While we were there they presented a cheque to add to the fundraising efforts. They also helped in getting the local media along with WIN and GWN television covering the ride, so we are very appreciative for all of their efforts in supporting us.

Geraldton Police Station

Cooking Cops

It’s been a while between posts, but with these next few hopefully we will catch you up with some of what’s been happening on the ride.

With plenty of hills and winding roads, leaving Kununurra and heading to Fitzroy Crossing was a scenic ride. The days have been hot, hot, hot – up to 39 degrees on some. There was also a roadside stop between Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing as it was a 290kms run without any fuel service.

There has been some rain which prevented some of the crew from checking out Geikie Gorge. The water was flowing too fast across the road to risk taking bikes across. The scenery has changed yet again, from the mountainous, colourful and changing landscapes with something inspiring around every corner to flat, long roads that don’t offer much.

One of the most talked about features though has been the boab trees. Plenty of riders seem taken with them and have taken some amazing photos of the hundreds of different shapes and sizes.

The sight of the Indian Ocean was a welcome one for many riders. It was a hot day as the crew made their way into Broome, even if it was only a short day of just 400kms.

A muster was held for a mass ride for the film crew who will be leaving us in Broome & rejoining in Lyndoch Hill, SA or thereabouts.

Broome promises a few welcome days off – for both bikes and riders – after more than 5,000kms since Tenterfield.

Day 9 was a scheduled rest day, but turned out to be quite busy one for some. Plenty decided to ride the 300km up to Katherine Gorge and see what was on offer. A helicopter trip over the gorge provided some fantastic views and the film crew got some awesome shots of some riders from the air.

Helicopter views of some of the crew

Some stayed behind and enjoyed the hot springs and doing some housekeeping.

Day 10 started in the wet after it rained all night, but I think most of the crew will agree that it was one of the most beautiful. We passed through Katherine and onto Victoria River, 200km away through some spectacular scenery.

It was tough riding conditions with torrential rain, water rushing over the road and many of the dry creeks and river beds filling up with water. Waterfalls were gushing down the mountain ranges and sometimes as far as you could see there were sheets of water.

Donna just before getting very wet

Running into torrential rain on the road to Kununurra

Riding through the wet

The end of the day saw us all arrive in Kununurra, Western Australia. It’s the fifth state on the ride so far, through some of the most amazing places and scenery. And after 130km in NT it will be interesting to slow down to 110km in WA.

On the road to Mount Isa

Pit stop on the way

Day 5

From Townsville it was time to turn west and head toward the vast outback of Queensland. Hughenden proved a welcome rest stop and the hotel owners of The Great Western gave us a generous donation. Allan hit the road for his first leg on the Gold Wing and travelled into Richmond safely (refuelling his bike so it was ready to roll again the following morning).

The Canberra boys had shown off their extraordinary sales ability in Townsville and this continued into Richmond with the entire Richmond Hotel leaving with AAR memorabilia. If these boys turned up to my town or my hotel I would buy a shirt and a cap from you – I’d be too scared not too. Big shout out the to hotel staff for shouting many of our crew a drink and welcoming us with open arms.

A safe arrival

Day 6 Richmond to Mount Isa

We’ve begun to realise the vastness of this great land and the reality of what lies ahead. After a magnificent morning photo shoot leaving Richmond we were directed by NavMan to turn left in 400kms.

400kms later….

Tommy Tourist (aka Jack) caused chaos and a traffic jam coming into Mount Isa when he insisted on a group photo under the “Welcome to Mt Isa” sign – the photo better be worth it!

A few things were lost along this leg

• Di lost a room key from the previous town but it later appeared in Jacks back pack
• Andrew and Phil in the fun bus lost a spare trailer tyre, we believe it’s ended up with the Sheik of Shabby Creek
• On arriving into our hotel in Mt Isa, Rachel lost “it”
• On arriving into Mt Isa Neil nearly lost “it”… (refer to Tommy Tourist note above)

Pittstop near Ayr

Well we’ve all made it this far without any major mishaps which is what we’d hoped for but wasn’t too confident about for a while!

I think everyone has enjoyed meeting other riders and the camaraderie over an ale… or many.

We are certainly lucky to have ended up with such a good group and even when the going gets tough (and it will) we’re sure everyone will pull together and make sure we all get through.

Day three saw the group leave Mackay on the 389km journey to Townville. Slightly shorter than the previous two 600-plus km days and passing through Bowen and Ayr.

Day 4 – rest day

With Tenterfield to Townsville in our wake, a well deserved rest day was enjoyed by all in and around Townsville. Activities included climbing Castle Hill, riding up Castle Hill and even driving up Castle Hill – or just enjoying looking at Castle Hill from the retreat known as Watermark.

Those with time on their side and no bikes to have serviced headed to Magnetic Island for bus rides, swimming, ice cream and other refreshments. The local restaurants in town were given a good workout and we found a variety of quality in food, service and timing.

Tomorrow will be an early start setting out from Townsville and heading 500-odd kms to Richmond.

On the road in Ayr

We’ll try to keep up with the crew and post updates on their adventures as they unfold. Here is the story so far…

The Around Australia Ride got underway yesterday at 8.30am. Fifty riders, ten pillions and ten support crew in four vehicles set out from Tenterfield, stopping in Toowoomba, Goomeri and Bundaberg for a total of 610km.

Word had already spread with a servo in Toowoomba giving free fuel to one of the support vehicles as he’d heard about the ride on the radio and another generous stranger giving them all the change he had on him… a great response so far, let’s hope it continues.

Some of the riders were even TV stars with Phil and Joe Salim (Shire optometrists in Southgate, Sylvania) doing an interview with WIN News in Toowoomba which aired last night.

On day two the riders have left Bundaberg and headed for Mackay, stopping at Miriam Vale, Rockhampton, Marlborough on the way completing another 600-plus kilometres in a day.

Tomorrow will be a shorter trip between Mackay and Townsville, stopping in at Bowen and Ayr along the way. The 389km day will then be followed by a well-earned rest day in Townsville.