All weather reports for the weekend were not particularly pleasant in fact they were downright awful. Friday is a late start by FarRide status at 2pm (replicating the first FarRide by our founder David “Davo” Jones) and thankfully it’s a nice afternoon.

Easy plan – up the M1 to Nabiac for fuel, then heading onto the BP Donut Port Macquarie for dinner. A U-turn then head back to Forster to stay at the in-laws at Foster. Rode to the plan and arrived on schedule at 7:40pm to a warm welcoming and house. Thanks Nana & Poppa for the wonderful hospitality again.

On the road @ 5:40am on Saturday in the darkness and thankful yet again for the spot lights on Dudley. What a lovely morning, and no traffic just a little chilly pulling in to Wauchope for fuel. Might as well add an extra layer as I could see the mist heading into the distance towards Long Flat.

That mist, made me feel like I was riding into a mystical moment in a fairytale.

What a clear run up the mountain!! Not a car in sight, had the entire road to myself (this doesn’t happen very often). You could tell that there had been rain at some time, probably overnight as The Oxley was a little damp. Tested out Dudleys new setup but couldn’t really give it a good workout as was just a little too damp to get really into it. Still heaps mucho improved from the previous – thanks Sweety.

A quick stop at Gingers Creek for a photo op and got 10 drops of rain….oops outta here!!.

Out the top end and I could just watch the bad weather rolling in or should I say I was rolling into it!! Turn right at Walcha and it starts to rain – typical. Uralla for fuel and a hot chocky and it’s teaming down. Frank & Maye are parked under shelter donning their wet gear and I give them a wave. Up the goat track that is Thunderbolts Way though Bundarra and not far outta Gilgai come across another rider. Happens to be Crappy who pulled over to stretch his legs – wave g’day and I keep going.

Left at Inverell and it’s the home stretch into Moree. Open flat fields, plenty of road kill – BIG roos and BIG pigs are scattered either side of the road. Didn’t realise how many pigs were out that way….even little piggy wiggy’s were strewn along the road side. Come across a sleeping MildThing taking a break in a bus shelter just outta Warialda. Thought about stopping down the road and walking back to take a sneaky photo (but that would be a little mean), so kept going…..dammit, I should’ve got the pic. Gravesend and all these photos I wanted to take but didn’t. The ground was just too soft for me to stop on the verges or venture off the road without getting into strife and no photo is really worth that.

Rolled in to a wonderful welcoming at Thomas Lee Motorcycles, where I promptly stopped and asked “where’s my valet?”…..LOL…..which I did get about 15 minutes later 🙂

Was first to check-in and now time to say HI to everyone, meet some new people, have some lunch and get some photos.

The time goes too quickly and riders soon start to head off to finish their ride while the remainder of us are hanging around for the Anniversary dinner tonight at the Dragon restaurant. I must say though, I had the pleasure of meeting Lisa (daughter to FarRider Rob) who attended her first FarRide this weekend and is on her “P’s”. Well done girlfriend and you have exceptional taste in riding gear too!! 🙂

A quick splash in the thermal pools…well it wasn’t too quick – what an experience. Shared some stories with others taking advantage of these wonderful pools. The water is sensational, need to get me one those artesian pools at home for the aches and pains……so therapeutic!!

Socialising upstairs in the restaurant before dinner is fabulous. My riding friends are wonderful people and you really appreciate the effort every single one of us goes to to attend these ride-to-eats. For most of us, it’s the only time we get to see each other, grab a hug and swap adventures and stories. And for this, tonight we had a warm room to do this in and great food to fill our bellies

A presentation, tribute was given by Ghosty honouring our founder Davo. I never had the pleasure of meeting Davo, but couldn’t help but have “Respect” for this man. Davo created this wonderful place called FarRiders for us to enjoy our motorcycling to places Far and Wide in this great land of ours.

Further discussion continued to which I chose not to partake an adjourned for an early night.

Wish I could say I had a good nights sleep, but with the presence of bad weather leering in the nights sky, it made for an uncomfortable night. Just after 3am, I heard Gaggs moving around outside then depart, then Frog, and I dropped back for a little bit. Just after 5am, Shannon left and I couldn’t see the point in going back to sleep. Packed and ready, I say goodbye to Rosco, Biggles & MildThing the only others I saw up and then head off. It had been raining and was sprinkling as I left dark Moree heading south towards home.

Down the road a wee bit I overtake Frans and continue on, seems we have the same route to get home. Not long and Rosco is behind me and the three of us obviously have great minds. So a new FarVoy is formed as we head down the Newell for Narrabri, then Gunnedah, Quirindi before stopping for breakky at Murrurundi, oh and fuel. The Murrurundi Shell Roadhouse as Rosco had advised serves great raisin toast and has bottomless tea & coffee, but this morning hot chocolate was my preference. As Frans, Rosco and I decide to get going the heavens literally opened up and thought it would test out the new KLIM riding gear.

I wish I could say it was a pleasant ride down the New England Hway but it was bloody awful. You could barely see a couple of cars length in front of you and with my visor fogging up continually, I had no choice but to leave my visor open a frazzle. Too bad this also lets in the bombarding rain which then leaves droplets hanging from the bottom of my glasses and dripping off my nose. Onto the Hunter Expressway and I swear the rain is getting heavier and at Maitland we wave hoo-roo to Rosco…Frans and I continue to surf our way down the M1. Into the twin servo at Wyong and Frans pulls in just as I finish fuelling up. I didn’t dear even try to take my gloves off, they were soo wet I’d have never gotten them back on. Frans and I leave the servos together in the pouring rain which is still atrocious but we are soon parted as the traffic is heavy and the conditions awful.

Finally home @ 2pm, yes, it’s still raining and Karl opens the shed door to let me inside.

More pics from the Saturday.

See you on the next adventure.

And I’ve done it again….forgot to reset the camera date after daylight savings……argh!!!

Moving on…. Friday the 13^th for the start of a FarRide……what could possibly go wrong J well, one just has to wonder.

Starting from Yass for this one and it was a cool windy trip to the Service Centre where I ordered lunch & my riding staple hot chocolate. Just sat down and Rob & Knave pull in. A chat over our lunch while waiting for the clock to tick over and we had the same plan just a different night stopover and the guys let me tag along with them. Extra layers on and a start docket of 12:37 and we are off. We have a Far Convoy.

As the sun starts its decent it’s a killer on the eyes. Into Gillenbah for fuel, a snack and comfort stop. My mum and dad are visiting in Narrandera and while I felt a little guilty not calling them, we were on the clock (and I didn’t want to hold the guys up).

There’s been a bit of rain in the area and I was ever watchful for wildlife that may have thought drinking near the side of the road was a good idea.

As the sun goes down ….in a western NSW town the bugs come out for the evening. I swear I had half the flying population splattered over my visor. Stopping at South Hay wasn’t on the plan but was necessary and as we rounded the roundabout I see Triple Treat & a new friend Michael….gotta stop now.

Visor clean and off again heading for Hell’s Gate and hopefully a sunset pic. Luckily I didn’t see any wildlife and got a pic.

I was glad to get to the Caltex Roadhouse on the outskirts on Balranald where we all re-grouped and wished each other well before heading off again. Checked in, rang Karl and messaged Frans as I didn’t know if he got acco in town and I had a spare bed. Spotted Michael while I was having dinner and after discussion about docket times, determined that he could have a “Diesel predicament” so he was going to see what he could do about not being a DNF statistic. Well done mate – glad you finished!

Frans and I are out slightly ahead of my plan into the mornings darkness with all lights blazing. Through Tooleybuc and onto the Mallee Highway heading west for South Australia. We pass Rob & Knave before Pinnaroo where we stop for fuel and breakfast. Gaggs arrives, a quick hello and hug (of course) and he is off.

Of what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day….. only 1 bouncer crossed our path earlier in the morning. We all have our own exercise regime on the bike and here’s Frans doing some of his.

Me, I opted for a selfie….lol   I’d already done some stretching.

What’s a FarRide without roadworks and the end of the Mallee Hway has some road repairs going on. Here was this massive workhorse on the side of the road, he had some friends helping him.

Tailem Bend comes and goes and I think of Triple Treat and whether he’d be out of bed or still sleeping after his huge ride. Now my GPS had me following the A1 – Princes Hway but as I was planning on going straight ahead, Father Frans waves me in to follow him through Murray Bridge. Glad I did cos the scenery was magnificent but the wind came from nowhere.

Meandering through the lush hills dotted with dairy farms and rolling hills with huge rock formations and gusty winds made for an interesting road to Lobethal. I still had the camera around my neck but alas I couldn’t take my hands off the bars to take any pics 🙁

Arriving in Lobethal, bikes are lined up on both sides of the street and smiles are everywhere.

Time to go check-in at the Bierhaus where Jeffthechef and his team are creating culinary delights for hungry FarRiders.

G’days, hugs, how ya goin’s are going on everywhere before Fatman assembles us for the group photo and we all start to disseminate. Yes, the time goes by too quickly and it’s now time to start heading home. A quick consultation with Rob & Knave (since we are all staying in Tooleybuc for the night) and the guys decide to follow me through the back hills into Sedan. I’m kicking myself now for not having the camera round my neck for my on the fly pics cos the countryside is absolutely gob smackingly, breathtakingly gorgeous! WOW! Somewhere up the road Rob pulls up for a power nap and then Kanve and I pull in so I can take some layers off and have a break.

Into Yamba for “that” pic, fuel and to wait for Rob. Well we didn’t have to wait too long and he rolled on in (sure you had a nap mate?). A snack break and off we go heading for Mildura.

As the sun starts to lower in the sky, we roll into South Merebein where this car starts flashing it lights and people are waving their arms at me. Instant feeling, Mr Plod, but hang about, it’s Ron & Marls 🙂 here to great us. Awesome guys what a wonderful surprise!!! Love that about the riding we do!

Anyhoos, we can’t stop long cos we still have a way to go and I don’t know the roads I’ve planned. Mildura for a fuel stop for the boys but I still have to stop at Robinvale otherwise I won’t be able to leave Tooleybuc in the morning.

Off we go into the deep dark night with lights again blazing. Rob stopped with me in Robinvale while Knave kept on going. Now my plan had me turning left at Robinvale and following the river, however, Rob offered to lead and his lights are fabulous and his GPS had us going straight ahead. A bit down the road and we stop, both our GPS’s are having conniptions but I was about 40% certain that this road would lead us to some town starting with Mantanganbang or something like that. Now this isn’t the greatest road at night, it’s narrow, blind corners, no road markings and plenty of flora and who knew how much fauna. We stop a couple more times to consult and I assure Rob this will lead us to the right place. It’s here I reset my route and aloe and behold it told me we were going the right way….PHEW!! Taking a little detour (which I know I’m famous for) wasn’t on the cards for tonight. Finally we hit the Mallee Hway at Manangatang turn L and head to Tooleybuc.

Exhausted, hungry and tired, I checked in and Ron (motel manager) had already rung the pub and asked them to keep the kitchen open cos the riders had all just arrived. How lovely!!! Only in a country town.

Feed and watered, we discussed our plans for Sundays ride home and said our goodnights.

I decided to just sleep until I woke (hoping for a bit of a sleep in) but was awake at 5:30am just before Rob & Knaves bikes spurred to life for the morning and they headed home.

Home today and to my Sweety and via a road that I have wanted to travel for 6 years. I first learned of this road from Lady Mel & Chicky on my very first FarRide to Euston….. the Kyalite-Moulamein Rd. It’s a beautiful warm, clear night (well dark morning) and I’m looking forward to heading home.

How can you not enjoy riding / discovering new roads when you have views like this…..

Ever watchful for wildlife at this time and not long afterwards a mid size grey macropod bounds across in front of me….fist full of break and I just miss his tail…phew!!

There’s nothing like watching the day come to life…..with long roads and magnificent skies how can you go wrong?

Just before Pretty Pine the farmers have their herds out grazing the verges…….hundreds and hundreds of cows crossing the road or wait, stopped in the middle of the road. Think they are just as curious in me as I am with them.

Into Deniliquin for the breaky of champions…well weary homesick motorcyclists anyway. A quick stop for “things on poles” pic before heading off.

I’d discussed with Karl and debated with myself about stopping to visit Lady Mel on the way through. I wanted to be home at a reasonable time and knew the visit could add upto 2 hrs to the trip. But whatha heck!! How often do I get to see Mel and how many visitors does she get….besides I couldn’t live with the guilt that I’d not said hello when I was only 1 street from her. Next stop Urana.

A phone call and message to Lady Mel and in no time her and Star had come out to say g’day and the take-away shop. An hour went by so quickly and Mel understood that I had to get going. Hugs and good byes and I was on the road again.

Blue skies, a slight breeze and lovely riding temperature, what more could you ask for! Wagga Wagga comes into view and a debate whether to stop for fuel or chance making it to Gundagai. Let’s live on the wild side…..lol. The reserve light starts flashing 22km from Gundagai (and I’m not real sure if I’m going to make it). The service centre sign put a smile on my face and the fears on running out of fuel dissipate as I pull up next to a pump.

Now that Dudley has a full tummy, I need one. Armed with a sandwich and water, I find a nice spot in the shade to sit, have lunch and a bit of a rest. Probably stopped longer that I should’ve but just needed a break.

The long highway stretch home is never something I enjoy….it seems to take forever, but then there is also that edge of anticipation about seeing my Sweety again. A few Mr Plods are sitting along the way but none have any reason to be interested in me.

Pheasants Nests and the final stop before home. Can’t wait to get off, my butt is seriously screaming at me (Dudleys seat even with the airhawk, I’m still not finding that happy toochey place).

Of course you cannot finish a ride without the Cherry Ripe. Unfortunately, I was soooo hungry it didn’t all didn’t quite make the photo….lol

Riding into a setting sun and Sydney Sunday traffic – fabulous! NOT. Drivers I’m sure take stoopid pills at this bewitching hour (as the light starts to fade and the darkness creeps in) cos seriously they cannot drive. Speed limits and road rules become a “what-ev-er” by the “who gives a drivers” so taking the normal route tonight wasn’t on the cards, so I stuck to the M7/M2. Not that I think it was any better but at least I didn’t have to worry about some bugger not seeing me stopped at lights or in traffic.

Into the drive after a very long day @ just after 6pm – YAY!!! Hi Sweety I’m HOME!!

A total of 2946.5 km for the 3 days riding…not a bad effort. Dudley is now due for his next service @ 21,500 km and hopefully his new parts have arrived ready to be installed for his next adventure.

God I love riding!!!

Ethan’s Heart Ride – SS1600

Who is Ethan & Why a “Heart” Ride?  Ethan is a young man, who at the age of 11 endured extensive heart surgery for a condition he was born with. He is a FarRider and I am pleased to also call him a friend. He wanted to complete an IBA Ride entry level being a SS1600 (not the sort of “things to do” on most kids wish lists), as a reward for coming through with flying colours. So with his step dad Ed they hatched the “Ethan’s Heart Ride”.

An invitation was opened up to all long distance riders who wanted to accompany Ed & Ethan for the SS1600 or to join in along the way….How could I refuse!!

Photos in this report are courtesy of all those who attend and shared in this ride.

Anyway, witness forms are all signed – thanks Kathleen and our start dockets safely tucked away we assembled for the group photo….a very momentous occasion. 03:26am ODO 16,663km

Ethan’s Convoy

From left to right: Peter “OX-34” Hogan, Ed “Ed535” Brown, John “Gaggs” Gallagher, John “Enterprise” Inkson, ETHAN, me, Michael “Fatman” Morris, Michael “Sarge” Ainsworth, Graham “Hackle” Harris, Ian “Tele” Goodwin, Karl “Skidoo” Pirchmoser, Frans “Frans” Van Der Merwe.  Not in the photo but who rode with us from the start and to Dunedoo were Knave & Kiwi Martin.

Our Chariots.

Time ticks down and we are off.

Piloting the Victory is Ed with his eager pillion and reason for this ride Ethan. It’s close to 3:30am

Watching the moon go down and the sun rise up of what seems to be the start to a very long day is a magical moment. Lights are a blaze as we all snake our way through to Mudgee and then Dunedoo for our first fuel stop. It’s brrrr and some us don extra layers. We are ahead of schedule and the servo isn’t open yet, so we have some time to kill. Mad dash to the loos and a muesli bar. Fuelled up, docket 07:21am – ODO 16,968km

My GPS fails in Dunedoo after assuring the guys I’m ok we keep moving. Little do they realise I can get lost in a circle yet they kindly, blindly let me lead.  Somewhere along this stretch we come across a grazing herd of cattle, scattered everywhere and watching us with wide eyes…yikes! It’s warming up thankfully to what is going to be a lovely day.

Into Coonamble for fuel, docket, peel of some layers and a bite to eat. The GPS is still not working and Frans was astonished to discover that he followed me (the woman who is known for taking little detours) who had no idea where she was going….LOL 🙂   Quick call to tech support Karl with a “what am I supposed to do”…..   After some help from OX and Sarge we decide the best course of action is to ditch my GPS and OX has generously loaned me his spare – thank you!!!!!   09:24am – ODO 17,159

The only selfie on this ride with Ethan.

Enterprise and Hackle

Coonamble Roadhouse

Up through the Pilliga then Wee Waa, well I’ve never in my entire life seen some much animal carnage. Dead roos were everywhere!! It was almost like they lined the whole stretch of road for us…gruesome. Finally turning at the top left of the heart and heading for Narrabri.

Imagine seeing this in the middle of nowhere but of course you have to stop. It’s so dry, if anyone flicked a butt or match…poof it’d all go up in flames in a heartbeat.

Towns come and go and with no music through the GPS, the old mind starts to wonder. You don’t realise how much these little things make to your mindset and help keep you focused but also distracted from the onset of fatigue, the pain you’re experiencing.

Into Narrabri and what a welcome surprise to see Clint and Charleen waiting for us (sneaky buggers you are). Fuel again, docket 11:55am – ODO 17,349km recorded, parked up and time for lunch.

Ethan thinks he’s ready for a ride and decided Frans bike is just for him……and the smile on his face never waned.

There’s excitement, smiles and weariness on faces including mine. The Sarge and I kept checking in with each other (we kinda had our own buddy thing happening). We even took a little nap together in Narrabri….sometimes you just have to give in.

The rest ended so soon and we were back out on our quest to make this little man’s heart whole.

Clint and Charleen went ahead and took pics and video – thanks guys!!

Along this stretch I discovered that I could still get radio through my scala so tuned something, anything in to break the silence.

Into Tamworth to the smiling faces of Rod “Triple Treat” and Rosco who have come out to ride with us to Bellingen. Well and truly tired now and dark clouds are looming. Rod says “you should layer up, it’s gonna get cold heading to Armidale”. Turns out we are regrouping in Armidale anyways. Docket 14:53pm – ODO 17,523 km.

Triple Treat, Clint & Rosco

Sarge, Charleen, Clint “what are you doing love?”, Triple Treat and Gaggs.

Sarge, clearly still has plenty of energy!!!

Tele, OX, Ethan, Hackle & Ed.

You can feel the drop in temperature not long out of Tamworth and the skies mood, well, you could watch it change. I was wishing I’d put the extra layers on before we left cos by the time we got to Armidale I was freezing, my shoulders were crying out and my arse, well, I could’ve sworn it was bruised. But I still had a smile on my face.

Me, Frans and Sarge.

Night descended on us oh so quickly and before long it was all lights blazing. The skies mood also seemed to change as she (I can only assume the sky is a woman) cried many many tears on us, in the dark on the most technical section of road for the entire ride – Waterfall Way. Croc picked us up at Ebor and joined the convoy.

This road is heaven in daylight but at night in the rain…no thanks. I followed Sarge who followed a string of single red lights as we all snaked our way through the twists and turns down to Bellingen. Was a relatively good run with the exception of this dope in a car who thought it would be fun to tailgate us. Thanks Ed for holding him off by butt for a bit. Impatience really didn’t get him that far cos we pulled up behind him just outta town.

Triple Treat and Rosco waved us through and goodbye, good night.

So much concentration is required in the dark, the rain and the pain adds another dimension.

Urunga is the next stop 18:59pm – ODO 17,811 km and we are met by OX’s family – The Hogans. It was lovely to meet you!  I remember having conversations with people but I’m really not sure what I said or whether it was coherent.

That bright shining light is Gaggs….LOL 🙂

From here it is the worst stretch of road – the freeway to Port Macquarie. All the road works, the varying speed limits…up, down, up, wait – speed camera….like we were doing anything over it. No radio anymore, I couldn’t get my fingers to work let alone find the tiny buttons on my scala, so it was silence except for the wind noise and the rain.

The service station at Coolongolook couldn’t come along quick enough in my books and I couldn’t get off Dudley quick enough. Fuel, docket 22:06pm – ODO 18,055 km and food, well not real food, a corn jack and hot chocolate was what I decided on. OX and I had a chat about the pain and decided that taking anything now for it was going to be a recipe for disaster and I return his GPS – Thanks You!  The round table discussion, on what, I have no idea, I can’t remember…..ha ha ha

I go to the bathroom and when I come out everyone but Ed and Ethan have gone. It’s the last leg, the hardest leg, the longest leg when you feel like there is nothing left in the tank. It’s raining on and off has been all night and doesn’t make it any easier. Ed knows I’m struggling and suggests I follow him, let him set the pace. I’m very grateful! We catch up to Gaggs and Sarge and all travel through together. It seems to take forever and ever and ever but finally we are on the home stretch – The Great Western Highway into Penrith.

Can you believe we got breath tested 1km from the finish….LOL     Yeah, bizarre!
Officer: are you all traveling together ma’am? Have you had any alcohol tonight?
Me: Yes love and we’ve had no alcohol (with a slight laugh in my voice).
Officer: big smile on his young face. .can you please say you name & DOB.
Me: answered question
Officer: have a good day.
If he only knew 🙂

Back to the Woolworths servo in Kingswood for the final docket and finish the ride Sunday 24^th 01:56 – ODO 18,359 km

Sarge we made it!!!

What a 24hrs! SS1600 Completed. Stats tomorrow or is that today. GPS shat itself at Dunedoo so just have kms on dockets & the Spot tracker. In bed, time for some zzzzzzzz’s. Nighty night world!

Total for the ride by the ODO – 1696km

Finally……………………….

Congrats Ethan on completing your SS1600 and to everyone who joined in on this event.

From one member of Ethan’s Convoy, I was extremely proud to have been a part of this momentous ride (from start to finish). What a courageous little man you are and I am humbled to be among one of your “friends” and road “family”.

Well what can I say, WOW!!! What a Ride!!!
I was very glad to get home this morning at silly o’clock and climb into my bed. My last IBA ride was 6 years ago and I’d forgotten how hard it actually is. The games the mind plays and fatigue and pain your body endures certainly tells you “what you are made of” or “not”. I have a bit of both, learned some more things about my riding and about myself.

Most important though was the support and help from everyone on the ride.  Makes the world of difference!!

Huge THANKS to Ed for pulling this all together and riding the perfect plan even though we were ahead of schedule at times, it was good to have the time to STOP and maybe have a little kip (even if it was on the concrete against the ice machine  ) sometimes you just need to. Oh and Ed, GREAT planning, convenience of not having to do u-turns is always a bonus in my books (since I’m not that great at them 🙂 ).

What fabulous support from those that joined in along the way to ride with us   Thank you.
Clint & Carleen, the pics and video are fabulous thank you! Was such a surprise to see you at Narrabri.

I think we (Sarge and me) both knew it was going to be a little harder for us than some of the others. It did take it’s toll…..and I probably shudda stopped at Coolongolook – that last leg to Kingswood was my nightmare. I think we rode most of the way together, either me behind Sarge for visa versa, just to keep an eye on each other (it could’ve all just been coincidence too, but I’d like to think otherwise).

Mustn’t forget – THANK YOU to Kathleen, Ethans mum. She came out to sign witness forms, provided breakfast before heading off and breakfast or is that dinner and signed more forms when we all arrived back. You are a special lady! and Ed & Ethan are very lucky men.

Extracted from Facebook

Yesterday at 2:07am · Penrith ·

Finishers are all in
3 people started on the way and finished where they started
11 bikes
Angel Rodger was the only girl rider.
Others all men. There were no gender neutrals to my knowledge

Congratulations everyone!!!!

And here is Ethan’s Heart!