Plan in place, start docket acquired from the local servo and off I go in the general direction for the 1st Southern Cross Distance Riders SA ride to Mannum – SCDR 01 SA. Now to make things interesting am going Silo hunting along the way.
It’s quite windy and you can see the smoke & smell it from the fires in western VIC. First cab of rank is Tungamah Silo Art – theme birdlife and closed off to get close it (as many of them are now for some reason).
Tumble weeds are everywhere poor Dudley’s radiator was covered in them. Then onto Katamatite Silo Art and fuel….NOTE: Katamatite DO NOT have Premium Unleaded but I had no choice I’d’ve not made the next stop.
Felt like I was zig zagging all over the place and onto another C road heading towards Picola for the next Silo Art. The colours in the Lorikeet are amazing.
Into Echuca to top up with Premium and pulled a heap more of tumble weeds from Dudleys radiator – the whole guard was covered with them….could’ve led to him to having breathing difficulties. Quick call to Karl and off again.
The wind is still strong and it’s still quite hot but the wind is kinda keeping the heat at bay. Next stop is Lake Boga Silo Art and hopefully a loo. Found the silo but it took a bit to get to the correct viewing side, which is the dirt track to the left BEFORE you cross the train track. This art has only been finished for 6 weeks and they haven’t got the signage or everything finished yet (alas no loo – hang on Kimmie).
The 14.7 kms to Swan Hill was very spirited to get to the motel and my overdue comfort stop….ahhhh.
Pioneer Station Motor Inn for me, a repeat stay, convenient to fuel and if you are lazy (read buggered) like I was Macca’s for dinner. The local RSL does a really good feed but I just didn’t have the energy for the walk.
Early chilly Sunday morning, glad I packed a cardi but had to stop in Manangatang to put on my emergency wet weather jacket to keep the chill out. Clear morning sky and the moon’s still out.
Onto Ouyen for the Big Wheat Statue and coffee to warm me from the inside.
Into SA & Pinnaroo for fuel, then Tailem Bend and the pic of the Rhino I have ridden past so many times.
Turn off the Dukes Hway towards Murrayville then onto Mannum. I’d forgotten to turn off avoidances and had me cross the river via ferry to get to the pub…..unexpected and pleasant detour 😊
Was met at the Mannum Hotel by great blokes with smiling faces that were very glad to see me. The rest of the group arrived except for the guys from WA who were thwarted by fires that closed the Eyre highway. Great to see Hackle, Scotlan, Chicky, Quinny & Derrick.
Bordertown came and I needed a sleep so into the OTR for fuel and a power nap, unscheduled but you have to listen to your body.
On hunting more Silo Art which took me to Kaniva and this beauty….not me the silo!!
Nhill for fuel and just a tip…DO NOT stop at the Ampol Roadhouse on the outskirts – the servo only has pay at pump and the restaurant section is totally seperate and not open most of the time. I rode out and went to the next Ampol further in town who does both and are friendly. It’s getting late and phone tonight motel to let them know I will be late.
Next stop is the Albacutya Silo Art, well so I thought it was. Into Rainbow where Googe said it was but I couldn’t find it anywhere. Rode around for 20 minutes then on the way out asked a local couple who informed me the Albacutya Silo Art is 10km down that road. Look at the clock, did some mental calculations and decided safety and dinner was more important than travelling a dodgy C road at night.
Had to be in Wycheproof by 7:50pm to be able to order dinner at the pub or miss out. Arrived at the Mount Wycheproof Motor Inn at 7:26pm, quickly unloaded Dudley into my cool room..thanks to Kelly & Phil for turning on my aircon for my late arrival before a spirited walk to the pub for a coldy and dinner.
You have to stay here if you are coming through, the rooms are super clean, generous size, the bathroom just sparkles and the bed was so comfy I slept like the dead.
After a great sleep in over to the Bakery on Broadway Wycheproof for breaky and good coffee. Lovely place with outdoor seating and a good array of local wears inside.
No silo hunting today, although I saw many town signs that I could’ve detoured down to get but honestly just wanted to get home as it was going to be a hot one.
I swear, I must’ve ridden & zig zagged along ever C & D road between Wycheproof & Yarrawonga this morning. Although some of the scenery is wonderful and an experience that most people wouldn’t even get. How can you not love this view.
Lunch & fuel in Yarrawonga before the push home. Needed to stop on the side of the road at Tallangatta to top up the camelback and tip the remaining water down my shirt to cool myself down.
Glad to pull into the drive at 3:30pm Sunday with 2084.1 kms for the long weekend & SCDR 01 Mannum done & dusted with a tidy 1002km
