Waiting, waiting for the start to come around on Friday so Paul, Phill & I can get on the official part of the ride. Karl will be catching us up down the road. We collect Brian and it’s 31 degrees at Pheasants Nest and oh boy, hoping the weather stays like this.
Well, ya know it wouldn’t be a FarRide without a bit *cough* of rain and not far past Pheasants Nest we are blessed, not, with the ever impending rain and wind that goes with it on one of these rides. At Sutton Forest Brian indicates what I thought he meant by “need fuel” but alas I was mistaken and I find out later that his bike is not charging and is heading to Goulburn to have it rectified. Dereks rest stop and I decide to pull in cos the rain is just starting to get ridiculous and we, well Phill, Paul and me donned our wets.
By the time we get to Yass, it is absolutely pissing down and cold. Karl arrives and he gives us a hurry up and we get going again. It’s stopped raining when we get to Wagga Wagga and is starting to get dark. Make the decision to have dinner in Narrandera (as per the plan…lol) and we keep going. Luckily with the rain stopped we have been able to make up a little time.
Narrandera welcome us in darkness and we see more FarRiders and while we are having dinner more FarRiders roll in. It ‘s great seeing other riders on route to our faraway destination, it makes the journey real!! In Karl’s usual fashion, he finished dinner first and we hear the words “ready, let’s GO !!”, bite me or words to that effect escape my lips…LOL.
Only 170 kays to Hay now in total darkness and the old wildlife alert is on overdrive. Karl leads out will lights blazing lighting up the road like a runway. A bit up the road I take the lead and use my lights to do the same thing, to which Phill and Paul are grateful for. Karl and I run side by side for a bit, mum and dad take the lead, put a smile on my face to run side by side (you don’t get to do that often).
Night riding is not my forte and Karl takes the lead again and it’s not long before the guys all overtake me. I’m comfortable at sitting on $1.20 – 1.25 (by the speedo) and they soon get a lengthy lead on my pace. That’s fine (OK, I’m a little annoyed) but I can now use my hi-beam and spotties for myself. We pull into Hay about 8:30, a little tired, a little cold but at least we aren’t hungry.
Cuppa teas all round and some delicious slice that Kimmo made for Phill (thanks for sharing buddy) and we are all ready for bed.
See youse in the morning.
No pics today…….to damn wet and too cold.
