So much for the ride calendar this year but thanks to relaxing of some restrictions we were able to still proceed with a slightly modified FRE #65 to Tooleybuc.

Simple plan, leave the local Shell servo @ 12:02pm Fri 6^th Nov, head out through Lithgow via Bells Line of Road, onto Bathurst (no stopping at Mount Panorama this time)…traffic was terrible before cruising into Cowra. A quick stop at the Cowra Shell for fuel and on the way outta town, nearly got t-boned by some numpty not giving way to me….certainly got the heart rate going and gave Dudley horn a good work out.

It’s so picturesque and green at the moment and the tantalising smell of clean air danced in my nostrils. Bit of a different route today, going through Gooloogong where I naturally had to get a pic in front of the pub.

Then into Eugowra a lovely quiet little town full of amazing murals. Would’ve liked to take more photos of them but time was ticking and a comfort stop was resting heavily on me…lol

Continuing onto Parkes through the greens fields and thought about stopping for dinner which was my original plan but decided to push on through to West Wyalong. The sun is starting its decent where visibility becomes challenging. Fuel and dinner (cheese and tomato sandwich) in West Wyalong. Heading out to Dudley and Squeeky has just fuelled up. Asked his plan and he was staying there the night while I still had 2.5hrs to go.

Out into the lowering sun which at times is blinding and before long Weethalle is upon me and the necessary sunset and silo photo. Temps are starting to drop but as usual I’m layered up and at the turn of a dial the heated suits will fire into action.

Exit stage left onto Kolkilbertoo Rd in search for the Big Tennis Racquet in Barellan. The sun has now set and lights blazing I head off on a very desolate road. Not much happening in Barellan tonight and the tennis racquet was pretty easy to find…..even in the dark – you’d have to be blind to miss it. LOL

Next stop Griffith for fuel and it’s proper dark now. The only wildlife I saw were bunnies…..lots and lots of bunnies. Starting to get weary and wondering why I didn’t plan to stop in West Wyalong…..ride fitness just isn’t what it used to be. About 40 minutes to go and the body is protesting. Much more traffic on the Kidman Way both north and south bound. So many oncoming vehicles refusing to dip their lights on my approach almost blinding me in some cases….at a minimum leaving little white spots in my vision. 

Finally into Goolgowi Motor Inn for the night after 750km for the day. As per my last stop over here, the room was spotless and the bed comfortable and beckoning me.

Beautiful morning out on the Mid Western Highway as the sun rises and I bop along heading for Hay. Ya gotta love it when you have the road to yourself, the smell of a fresh new day and peacefulness all around you. Through Hay and onto the plains…that long vast stretch where the horizon never ends. I decided to stop and see cousin Sheila and Reg on their little stretch of land 49km east of Balranald at Hells Gate….how do cousin!

Balranald for a scheduled stop for fuel and food. Decided to try out the Discovery Café Justin the right hand side as you come into town. Lovely café with good coffee and friendly service. I recommend a stop here if you need a coffee and food. Have plenty of time since I left earlier than planned this morning so decide to relax a little.

Outta town and onto Yanga Way heading for Tooleybuc. Lots of signs advising of the COVID checking stations at both Swan Hill and Tooleybuc…luckily I don’t require any passes to get there. Very uneventful but noticed fields of new plantings and one adventurous fox. Like a few others we are early and enjoy the time playing catch up.  I decided to go and say hello to the officials man and womaning the check point. Quite a friendly bunch who were happy to oblige me with a photo.

The gravel carpark of the Tooleybuc Sporting Club is where we convene today under the shade of the gum trees. My ride is done and dusted at 1072km. A good gathering for the first ride in a while and even a few crossed the border to say hello. Lovely to see friendly faces and chinwag at a safe distance with everyone. Big thanks to Reader57 for conducting both checkins.

Time to turn back and start the trip home. Depending on how I’m feeling I have a Plan A and B. Plan A Deniliquin for the night, Plan B Wagga Wagga. It’s getting warmer and I’m hungry, should’ve had my sandwich I bought in Balranald while I was in Tooleybuc…never mind. The roads to Kyalite and Moulamein are deserted but peaceful in that “love riding” kinda of way. I find a nice big tree in Moulamein and park under it, find a park bench and take a few minutes to have my sambo and check in with Sweety. Shoulder is starting to get really sore and I decide to reassess in Deni. Fuel In Deni and ask directions for the Deni Painted Water Tower. After a few wrong turns I eventually find it and get a pic.

Seems too early to pull up so I decide to push on through the pain and the next 250km and head to Wagga Wagga. Had plans to get pics in Urana of the Giant Spider and then the Lockhart Water Tower but my butt is sore and I just want to get to where I need to be. Room booked at lunch time at the Club Motel and am extremely pleased to pull into the carpark, get off, unpack and get some dinner. Old mate 2 rooms down recommend the fish & chip shop a short walk away and he was dead on the money. Awesome hamburger…thanks man.

Check in with Sweety, full tummy, hot shower and it’s into bed for a not very good nights sleep. Woke at 4:30am, thought about getting going but my shoulder decided it needed more rest time. Ended up leaving at 6:30am instead. The plan was to go through Junee, Boorowa, Crookwell, Goulburn then home…but ya know what plans don’t always go to plan.

A farmer moving sheep just out of Junee had me stopped for 10-15 minutes while they made the next paddock. It’s a very very windy morning 9 degrees, heated gear working nicely and 12 degrees when I pull into Boorowa for a coffee at Chelle’s Kitchen. So far all is going to plan, that is until I leave Boorowa. Firstly I head out in the wrong direction – uey and back into town. Take the correct turn, then the next but not the next (so it turned out). GPS tells me to go straight ahead and the sign says “Crookwell Alternate Route”……so I followed the GPS.

I don’t know this area so follow the GPS into Rye Park but after that….well I should’ve taken the alternate route back in Boorowa. The road turns to gravel…yep and I have no idea for how long its going to be like this. It’s gravel isn’t too bad and I even manage to keep decent speed (very unusual) and just mosey along. Off camber corners on back country roads..gravel roads not my favourite. Use the back brake and the gears….don’t touch the front…had to keep reminding myself. Blakney Creek and I thought the road was going to change but no and now I’m doing calculations and am not sure if I will make it with fuel…..oops, should’ve taken that other turn.

A sign says Dalton but no fuel and the road eventually turns back to tarmac and with a sigh of relief I ride into Gunning. Decide not to test the fuel gods and fill up at the Mobil take a break, have a stretch….and suck up the shoulder pain.

From here’s it’s like auto-pilot…onto the freeway and the slab home. Still windy and cool, an easy but uncomfortable run. Not a lot of traffic until you near Campbelltown and then the jostling for road space begins. King Georges road, Homebush Bay Drive, Ryde Rd and home is not far.

Into the drive just after 1pm having completed 2027km for the 3 days….a tad sore and Dudley’s very dirty and needs a bath.

Thanks for reading….until the next time…..rubber side down.

With my ride plan worked out on a napkin the night before and an excellent nights sleep under my belt, a cuppa tea and muesli bar for a starter and all Dudley all headed up we headed on into a beautiful start to the morning.

Up the Yanga Way toward Balranald and the sun is just rising, it’s so peaceful and haven’t seen any wildlife. There is nobody else about at the moment but I’m sure as the day goes on that will change.

Turn right at the Sturt Hway intersection at Balranald and head east along the Hay Plain to South Hay Caltex for breakfast – which wasn’t that flash when I was really looking forward to it.

Now on the way over a coupla days ago, I wasn’t able to stop in on Hell’s Gate and see how cousin Shiela and Reg Sprinklersystem are doing but this morning, the weather conditions were much more favourable and I was able to stop for a bit. The property fencing has had an upgrade and is looking nice a new.

We headed north through Goolgowi then into Weethalle to see the Silo Art. Saw the red dirt and thought “oh no, not more” but it was reasonably well packed and there is ample parking, although the flies were really bad and they can keep them.

The Silo Art is one again amazing and the photos really don’t do them justice. The level of detail the artists go to to capture the essence of their subject is astounding.

Do yourself a favour, map out some Silo or Water Tank Art and take a weekend to go and visit some. Spend a night in the caravan park, pub or motel and spend a coin or to in these regional areas….they could really use the support.

It’s just after 11am, so it’s through Grenfell (which I have just discovered also has their own additional to the Silo Art that I will have to come back to see) before rolling into West Wyalong for fuel and lunch.

I’ve never been here before. Past a couple just out of town heading home from the GTR meeting in Orange…Daisy & Reg, I’d recognize the 7ft Red Head anywhere 😁. There have been quite a few riders out and about this morning but not surprising given the beautiful weather conditions today.

Into Cowra and it’s getting getting warm and Dudley and I are felling good. A little nervous about his tyres, so I find the local bike ship and pull into the car park to check out the situation (at least if required, I am in the right spot and can then find some acco for the night). However not required as tyres are holding up well so, it back out on the road heading for Bathurst.

Through the not so sleepy town today of Blayney and then the run into Bathurst…all very non-eventful. Mid afternoon about 3:30pm arrive, fuel Dudley up and grab a snack and cold water for the camelbak, find a park, facilities and take a short break. RIng Sweety and let him know “I am feeling good, so am comin’ home”. With my Cherry Ripe safely stowed in my tummy and the spurring on of the run home Dudley and I are raring to go.

There really are some numpty heads on the road but we don’t let them dampen our spirits as we head into Lithgow and make the run down the hill. Being a Monday the traffic on Bells Line of Road is as congested as it is on the weekends but there is still the odd cage driver that believes they require all the lanes of the road and I’m sure they figure cos I don’t take up all my lane…well I don’t require it.

North Richmond and on I hit the people heading home from their days work. Finally onto the M7 / M2 and it’s the usual run home from there.

Into the driveway at home just before 6:00pm and couldn’t wait to see Sweety. Total for the 5 days riding 3213km. Dudley is very grubby and in need of a well earned bubble bath and for that matter so am I.

Another adventure completed and a great time was had. Dudley booked for his new shoes and really enjoyed his bubble bath 🙂

Being mindful of fuel consumption as the winds are still hanging around but not as ferocious as they were I reworked my plan last night. No hurry today just a leisurely dawdle to Tooleybuc.

Hardly anyone on the roads makes for a peaceful ride this morning and we roll into Wellington to catch the ferry across the Mighty Murray River to get to Tailem Bend.

While on the ferry my GPS decided to go on the fritz so some unknown reason. Stopped in Tailem Bend and pulled the GPS apart cleaned out a bucket full of red dust (surprise, surprise) and now it seemed to be all ok again 🙂

Along the Mallee Hway and there’s a lot of dry fields and then lush greens at other points….the dry are very hard colours and you have to feel for the farmers.

The more you travel, the more you notice the disappearance of the little country town. What was once a small general store is now a boarded shop front or an old bowser that has rusted away and stands solemnly on the site of a petrol station of yesteryear. With the temperature starting to climb up and it’s into Pinnaroo OTR Roadhouse for lunch as nothing in town is open. They have done some major renovations since I last visited…it’s all shiny and new.

Once again another state is welcoming Dudley & I to them…thanks Victoria.

It’s a pretty straight run along the Mallee and the scenery hasn’t changed much nor has the spotting of the country town. Through a deserted Manangatang and further down the road into Piangil.

Piangil General Store is the last stop for fuel and an icecream before the final grueling 5km to Tooleybuc 🤣🤣. Today’s ride has been the easiest so far. Dudley’s doing GREAT as you’d expect, he’ll need new shoes when I get home though.

Just before 3:30pm we roll into the driveway of the Tooleybuc Motel (best place to stay in town IMO). I’ve stayed here before and knew exactly what to expect….a big comfy room, with comfy bed, a beautiful verandah out front, under cover parking for Dudley and very friendly staff.

Don’t worry Dudley, you’ll be getting new shoes when we get home.

Apparently the pub next door doesn’t do meals on Sundays but I met some lovely older ladies and we walked part of the way to the Tooleybuc Sports Club at the other end of town. Tell you what, don’t bother with the pub…..the clubs meals are awesome and fabulous value for money. Had the best chicken with cashew nut and rice I’ve ever had accompanied by a Great Northern…..and….the walk there and back didn’t do me any harm either.

The long ride is starting to takes it’s toll on the wrist so it’s plenty of TLC for it tonight – wheat bag and stretches, hot shower and kick back and plan the ride home.

Spoke to Karl like I do every night and decided that pending how I was feeling tomorrow and how Dudley’s tyres were holding up, may push all the way home or might pull up at either Cowra or Bathurst (both of these places provided opportunity for tyres and bed if need be).

Today was all business, that is after a sleep in, a leisurely ride into Narrandera to kill some time before getting a start docket.

Well who thought that Narrandera had painted water towers sitting on top of the town…..amazing!

Off to find the café of the locals to get coffee. Chatted with the ladies at Robinsons Department Store and got the best place to plonk for a bit.  Parked Dudley up opposite the adventure park and took a little walk of town. Located in the Memorial Gardens you’ll find the Royal Doulton Memorial Fountain. There are only two of this type of fountain in the world, the other one is in Pakistan.

With my trusty start docket in hand Dudley & I get down to the business end of the day of cranking out kilometres. By the plan I was going to be 50km short so did a bit of a double back to Grong Grong before heading west “go west” oh no now that song is going to be stuck in my head…..LOL 🙂

I can’t deny it is another windy day and as it turns out was a battle of forces to stay vertical and this played havoc on the ole fuel consumption. Dudley is never this thirsty which required some on the fly re-calculating to ensure we were NOT going to run out of fuel. Filled in South Hay which if the windy didn’t die down would have us safely in Buronga for the next stop.

Well the wind didn’t die down, it only got worse. 40kph winds from Hay across the plain meant no stopping in at Hells Gate to see cousin Shiela & Reg – there was no way I was chancing the tip over that was bound to happen if I put my feet down. The BOM had said there was a dust storm settling in and “oh boy” they actually got it right. You could watch the mood of the day change and from Balranald it was game on with Mother Nature.

I had to pull off the road at a rest area just to give the hand a break, it was really hard work and not something I had anticipated. You could see the dust billowing across the skyline making everything look murky. The pic really doesn’t depict how thick and red the storm was.

Buronga IGA Express for fuel couldn’t come soon enough, I need to get off and have a bit of a break. People were looking at me strange at the time I really didn’t have any idea why and just got about my business. I was thinking should I pull the pin??? I was getting tired, well the left wrist was starting to get stiff, Dudley looked like nobody loved him and well me, I’m just getting old but it’s only another 2hrs ~166km, let’s just see how we go.

I’ve never ridden in a dust storm before and it truly is a mess with your head thing. The visibility was atrocious, was down to 70kph at some points as you couldn’t see where the road edges were or whether you were on your side of the road. The red dust would just coat the road and move in waves across it giving your the optical illusion of the road actually moving beneath you. The concentration was intense and will the stay upright against the forces was physically exhausting.

Yamba Quarantine station and the inspectors wanted to go through Dudley – all good and of course had to get “that” pic and right on Sunset.

Not far down the road you are welcomed by South Australia to their lovely state and as much as the wind and dust had been blowing for the best part of the last 4hrs, it just stopped after the sign. Just like someone flicked the damn switch off.

Dudley & I were very happy to make it to Berri (our stop for the night). Check in for the Motel is at the Big River Tavern (just round the corner) and they have a “dress code’ sign right at the door. It was only then that I took a look at myself and thought “oh dear, I don’t comply” but the lady behind the desk said “don’t worry love, I know where you have come from so just come on in”, Thank you!!! Checked in and headed into the tavern for a big feed after a hard day. Then off to get fuel ready for the morning and find my room and collapse for the night.

As much dust that was on Dudley’s screen (both sides) was on my glasses, it’s a wonder I could see at all.

A few days off work and what should one do, well naturally go on a ride to get some sanity back. FR#58 Cape Jervis is the perfect destination to clear some space in my bumble brain.

Starting just like any other day, up at the same time but in exciting gear, riding gear…woo hoo. Hugs with Karl before I head out the door for 6 days travelling around the countryside doing what I enjoy.

Stopped in Kelso for a hot chocky and to put my heated suit on, has turned out to be a bit cooler than I thought and a very yukky looking sky is waiting for me.

No lap of the mountain today just out the back way and onto the Mid Western Hway. How windy is it…extremely!!! Through Blayney and get stuck behind a couple of trucks, stuck behind them for ages as it’s too windy to chance the overtake with the trailers swaying like a damn hula skirt. Eventually past and stop into Cowra for lunch.

Was in Cowra in August for the WRWR and made a note to try the Coffee House when I was next in the area. Fuel first and then a toasty for lunch and got to have pats with this beautifully well behaved doggy..even got a kiss…YES! I needed to get something in town but alas there was no parking and get it later. Have I mentioned how windy it is, the road white side posts are bending at mothers natures ferocity. Dudley and I are hanging on with white knuckles while riding at an angle.  

It’s so dry out here, it’s depressing seeing empty dams. A farmer had moved his stock out on to the highway to feed on the verges, so slow going but he did give me a wave for not zooming through his herd.

There are a few greens field but most are brown or have the start of a wheat crop sprouting in them. I was so nervous about stopping for this pic as the windy was almost blowing us over.

Fuel consumption wasn’t great due to the wind so I did a splash and dash at Beckom. Back out and headed straight for Grong Grong….this wind is testing my fitness or should I say lack of it. The trip into Narrandera scarped for this afternoon and I just want to get off and out of this hideous wind.

Grong Grong Motor Inn, if you are looking for a very reasonably priced room for a night then this is the place for you. The room is basic, has everything you need and very clean….I even have brand new linen on the bed…noice! Hoping for a good nights sleep ready for a decent day which I have a feeling is going to include a bucket full of Mother Natures obstacles.