I haven’t had the best year for riding, despite the amount of kilometres I have done. So this FarRide I tried to make sure that other than having Daisy in good condition, my head space was, well, better prepared than in recent times. I think the excitement of seeing my friend Leonie and having a ride with my Dad all helped.

Down to the local Shell to grab my start docket at 12:00pm on the knocker…Yes! I planned an easy route – down the F3 to the Hunter Express Link…wrong ( listened to Bruce…the GPS) and he had me off at Freemans Drive. Nice roads, some road works but I ended up getting a bit lost in the Hunter Valley but eventually I managed to get back on the New England Highway and now heading in the right direction was soon in Muswellbrook for fuel.

Back roads from Muswellbrook to Merriwa had me come across some more of this

10 minute stop on this one

What a great afternoon for a ride. Not to hot, not to cold, sun shining and having a great time. Wave as I pass through Merriwa (I have an Aunt there somewhere) and head towards Coolah. How can you not enjoy a day like today when the scenery is like this…….far and wide, this vast land……

tranquility

Just a little reminder of where I’m heading and how far it is. It’s about breaking the trip up, “baby steps”, assessing the situation and myself as I reach each town and making the decision to continue…..or not

Baby steps

The roads are long and mostly straight but not boring (as most people think). There is so much to look at and WATCH for (skippyroos and the like). There isn’t much traffic about so I pretty much have the roads to myself. Daisy and I are just dawdling along….a country girl (Daisy) at home is these surroundings. Soon enough we were upon “The Black Stump”….naturally we have to have a pic….looking good Daisy.

The Black Stump – Coolah

Now, I’ve never really noticed these before…I mean it’s not like they are tiny landmarks, ya know, but anyway I decided this trip to take a small trip around the universe and see what I could find. I got Uranus and Saturn between Binnaway and Coonabarabran (I think). Saturn was a bit of a bugger to get to as the way in is no longer looked after, luckily Daisy was up for a bit of off roading :)…..lol

Uranus

Saturn

Into Coonabarabran and the local constabulary are waiting, doing RBT – naturally I passed with flying colours, then fuel and off I go.

It’s starting to get to that time of day when the fear factor starts to rise, but when you have views like this…..it kinda makes it worthwhile. Last time I did this road it was pouring rain, lightning everywhere and Angel was having electrical issues. Thankfully this time round all was good!!

Get to Mullaley and WHAT…..more constabulary doing RBT.

I said to the officer – “do I have a sign – pick me”
Officer – “no why?”
Me: “Cos I was just tested back in Coonabarabran”
Officer: “count to 3 love, and have a great night”
There are some nice ones out there.

between Coona and Gunndeah

Somewhere between Coona and Gunnedah a bug decides to fly in my jacket and down my t-shirt—-yik!! I end up having to pull over and try to squish it (double yik) before I continue – first world problems…lol. The road is undergoing repairs, but on Daisy the bumps are minimised. Into Gunnedah for Neptune, ring Karl and tell him everything is going really well and Daisy’s little spotlights are working a treat! Kimmie is a very happy rider!!!

Neptune

From Gunnedah to Tamworth (my stop for the night) is uneventful. The night is stunning, especially as the sun started to set. The air is crisp and clean and I remind myself how blessed I am to be able to ride and have the support of a wonderful man (even though he is at home and not with me on the ride).

As the sun starts to set

The time of the camera is not right it’s over an hour out so these were taken somewhere around 7:30ish pm. Not bad pics from my little point and shoot (even if I do say so myself).

Magnificent

Into Tamworth at 8:50pm, check in @ Motel 359 (very nice), ring Karl – all is good and I miss you, and Charlieb (as my Spotwalla link isn’t working properly) – no apparent problem and then hit the hay for a good nights sleep.

Saturday 8th Nov – It’s FarRide Day!!!!

I can’t help but get excited this morning and was on the road @ 5:50am. It’s a bit cool and the sun isn’t quite up yet but it’s not long and the sun is saying “hello Kimmie & Daisy”

sunrise out of Tamworth

Up the road it starts to get just a tad chilly so at Bendemeer I pulled over to put on the cardi. Right onto the Oxley Highway and into the fog and the sun…..argh! I new this leg was going to take a bit longer as your visibility is reduced so I was happy just to dawdle along until it cleared. I had heaps of time so there was NO stress!! At the start of the fun decent into Gingers….lol

Because I had too!!

Had the road to myself and had a blast getting to Gingers (which wasn’t open @ 7:55am). Doesn’t matter chat to the one fella also waiting for them to open and order a hot choc and have a comfort stop. Ended up I met this fella some months back at a servo (near you..lol) when I was doing a pre Darwin shake down….I mean there are so many White Blackbirds around how would he pick me out……LOL. Anyway 40 odd minutes later…oops I’m back on the road to Long Flat where I do a turn around and head back up the hill. I am having a really good ride!! But more importantly my head is in a good place today (again) and I am taking the corners with a bit of confidence that I haven’t had for quite a while. No stopping at Gingers this time but I did notice an awful lot of bikes in the carpark and wondered if they were all FarRiders…….guess I’ll never know.

Into Walcha @ 10:40am and get straight into the socialising.

Walcha Cafe – check in

I’m trying to make an effort at each FarRide to meet someone new or a new member and welcome them to the fold, I thinks it’s a good thing. You can’t escape (and you don’t want to) catching up with familiar friendly faces. The familiar faces are the weave that help hold together the canvas of our community and a fine bunch of people that I am proud to call “friends”.

Lynn, Skidooo & Frans

It’s a great turn out and the format of “grab & go” for $10, worked a treat and was fabulous value. Time for check-in and in a flash the queue is heading out the driveway….lol.  It’s pretty hot but that doesn’t deter any one today.

the check-in line

What is a woman to do when all these good looking blokes keep turning up and wanting a hug and a kiss…..I mean to say….oblige naturally!!!  lol

Gatey

And more…..

Chris & Brookster

But wait more……..lol

Klause

Not staying tonight (for a change) so have a chat to quite a few people and sort out Nam (new member) and his mates. their first FarRide..well done fellas. Meet new members – tick 🙂

Gotta get going and on the way out grab this pic that I’ve been wanting for ages.

on the way out of Walcha

Down Thunderbolts, this road has changed and is still pretty bumpy and pot holey but Daisy seems to take 95% of them in her stride. My SPOT started flashing red so I pulled over under a tree to change the batteries when Hackle approaches. A quick “thumbs up” and he continues. We have a bit of a ride together through the twisty stuff north of Gloucester and then we part ways.

Down through Bucketts Way and before long onto the freeway to Morrisett where I am staying with a friend for the night. My friend Leonie is a fabulous sight for my sun tired eyes. Let the catch up begin!!!   Love you Loni xxxx

Sunday 9th November 14 

After a fabulous nights sleep and a good breaky, it’s time to say hoo-roo to Leonie as today I’m heading to my Mum and Dads on the other side of the highway at Lake Munmorah. Dad’s had a 12 month hiatus from riding (after a serious off) but has recently convinced Mum that he needs another bike. Anyway, we now has a Honda CB500X…..and what a beauty it is!!

Dad

Stop at the lights I take the opportunity for a pic before we swap and I have a little go of the new ride. It’s pretty impressive and comfy. Easy ride position and the modern bells and whistles, light and low (both feet firmly planted on the ground). Back on the freeway we head to the Old Pacific Highway for an easy run to the Pie in the Sky.

and easy ride down the Old Pac

It’s good to see Dad back on a bike again but I can’t help but be nervous and protective of him….so I follow him to keep his back. He’ll always be the Dad I’ve know but it’s sad (but a little expected) that he is no longer the rider that he used to be. We have a very easy ride to The Pie and the smile when we got there was sooo absolutely worth it. Lunch with Dad before I wave him off for the trip home and back to Mum….Love you both to the moon and back!!

A happy man

Once Dad was safely on his way, I mounted up and Daisy and I are heading home to Karl. It’s an easy ride back home and around 2 o’clock ish I roll into the drive to a barking Ella-Jane and big hugs from the best man in the world and my life Karl.

FarRide #32 done and dusted.

Some 1491 kays completed for the weekend. Overall average 89kph and Moving average 86kph.

To go to Darwin River to have lunch with friends…….well why wouldn’t you! Any normal person would do that – right? Well maybe not but that’s what FarRiders do.

This was in itself going to be an enormous ask of myself and one that I thought I had in hand. However as it turned out I didn’t and wasn’t prepared in many ways to take on this huge challenge of myself.

• Ride fitness – none
• Mental fitness – none
• Camping expectation – thought I had that nailed
• Ride plans – all in hand and alternatives available

The only thing that I had no problem with at all was Angel!, she performed effortlessly as usual. Thank goodness I take good care of her cos she certainly needed to take good care of me.

In the back of your mind you always worry about wildlife out on road and especially when you are by yourself. You have to rely on your own abilities and your own strengths and unfortunately your weaknesses to. To say I learnt a lot about myself this trip is an understatement.

I had roos, coming at me from all directions in the first few days, eagles a couple with wing spans of about 2 metres, sheep, goats, cattle including one that chased me down the Stuart Highway and people that were amazed that I was doing this trip all this on my own. That amazement when I look back I think was the most daunting fact – I’d left Karl at home, my folks were off travelling (and I’d hoped to meet up with them but unfortunately plans changed and this wasn’t to be), the pressure I put myself under to camp most of the way was unbelievable and in the end it was just all too much.

I cracked!

In a nutshell though I think I summed it up in this post on Facebook.

Thanks Everyone for the kind words. I’m pretty buggered right now and sitting enjoying a cuppa tea with my Sweety. 

To be honest with you all, I really don’t think of myself as being anything special let alone Wonder Woman (thanks Shaz).

But, when I sit back and reflect on what I have gone through on this trip (adventure) and what I have also achieved and learned, I am very special and extremely proud of myself to embarking on something like this.

However, I am what I am and I do what I do because I have the opportunity to do so. But without the undeniable enormous support from Karl and my family and all my friends helping me out along the way, I couldn’t do it.

So, a HUGE “THANK YOU” to you Sweety Karl Verran who I have missed more than any words can convey and to all my friends for the support – in particular Kim Hansen who rang me when I was at my lowest point and help me get through the struggle I was having.

What did I learn, well many things but………

The most important things are the people you have by your side in life.

Would I do this trip again – absolutely.

Would I do it on my own again – NO WAY!  The next big trip will be with Karl.

Will I camp again – not on my own. It wasn’t being on my own in the tent at night or even leaving everything I owned on the trip in the tent. It was purely the stress of setting and packing up on a timeline that cooked this little duck. Oh and the tiny tent pegs (that are pretty bent now)…..I must buy us some decent ones.

I overcame some hurdles and motored on and am thankful that I did. Cos I had an absolute adventure that you can’t buy from some travel agent.

There were also a few firsts on this ride for me:

• 1^st FarRide North
• 1^st Female Rider to attend FRN
• 1^st time I’ve travelled so far from home
• 1^st time I’ve used a ratchet strap (a story all on it’s own)

Now for the nerds – the stats:

Distance completed for FarRide North – 1016 km

Total Distance completed – 8506.2 km

Max Speed – 164 kph

Moving Average – 106 kph

Overall Average – 99 kph

Oh , the map – nearly forgot my Spot tracking (now if you do a lot of travelling (riding) on your own, these things are invaluable).

FRN#1 Spot track

Pretty impressive, even if I do say so myself.

Until the next adventure…… thanks for reading.

Kimmie xxx

Now you’re probably wondering how I loaded all those missing photos……..well I found my camera this morning when I was making the bed….LOL. It must’ve fallen out when I dumped everything.

I’m going home, I’m going home – were the thoughts I had last night before closing my eyes and drifting off. This morning I woke with a massive headache for no reason (and no, I hadn’t had anything to drink..). So I had a later start than expected, but who can blame me when it was ZERO degrees in Dubbo this morning…..freeeezing brrrr!!

I felt like an Eskimo getting on Angel this morning to go get air in her shoes before heading homeward bound. The air is so cold everything is fogged up – glasses, visor and my nose is running. Just out of town the fog is soo thick it’s like pea soup (almost to the point you could get a spoon and eat it…lol). Anyway, it’s slow going and nothing worse when I want to get home.

Heaps of traffic, trucks, road trains etc and police out today and crappy road conditions (the roads in NSW are really appaulling – particularly east of Dubbo), so I’m happy just sit in line and wait for the overtaking lanes (which are few and far between).

With the heated grips on 100% my poor little fingers are frozen and so I pull over in Molong to put my thermal liner gloves under my riding gloves – better. The fog is still thick and I shudder to think if the temperature has risen any. In and out of Orange, more traffic and fog before I stop in Bathurst for fuel for Angel and myself.

Macca’s in Bathurst is my preferred stop (easily accessible and they do really good coffee/hot chocolate). It’s so cold still that I decide to stay a little bit longer before heading off on the final stretch home.

There really isn’t much to report on here, I’ve done the road countless times and it never changes. Into Lithgow and the sun is trying to peak it’s head through – finally it might start to warm up.

Bells Line of Road on square as house brick shoes isn’t my idea of a fun ride but it is what it is. I mean you can’t expect to do nearly 9000 kays and still have everything perfectly round when you’ve been riding dead straight roads, now can you. Needless to say the corners aren’t fun and I’m travelling very slowly (to the point cars are overtaking me) but it’s better to get home safely – I’m almost there!

Down into Richmond North and finally the temperature has kicked in – YAY! Into Windsor and I pull over, this time to swap to my summer gloves…lol. Heaps of traffic still through the new development on Richmond Rd before hitting the M7 and decent speeds to get me to my Sweety.

I arrive at Karl’s work just after 2:00pm and phone up to his desk saying “special delivery here for you!”…..lol. Karl is the best thing I’ve seen since leaving home (no offence to my riding friends here) but you all know what I mean. HUGE hugs and loads of kisses.

Finally in the drive at home sweet home with a whopping 8506 kays completed for my adventure.

safely HOME!!

To say I am glad to be home is an understatement! It’s been quite an adventure as you can see. There are many stories within the ones I have posted here but you just can’t put everything down in words. I have memories and an experience that will last me a lifetime.

I’ve hope you’ve enjoyed following my journey. I will do a summary with map and stats for those interested.

Thanks for reading.

What great hospitality at The Kwaka Lodge. Angel even got to sleep under cover last night (a real treat). Another 7:30am start after breakky with my lovely hosts Baz & Liz.

Baz & I saying hoo-roos

We say lots of good-byes and take advantage of getting that extra hug in before I head out the drive.

on my way

Baz warns me of the roos and Liz warns me about the wombats (you’ll have to ask her) as I’m heading straight into the rising sun so it’ll be difficult to see.

Good morning Broken Hill

They weren’t wrong and it was a slower pace to start with than I would’ve liked but you must be safe. I stop along the way and take a few pics.

Dolo Hill rest stop

Just in case I forgot where I am…..

doh!

The plan today is to ride through to Emmdale where I’ll get fuel before going to Cobar. Into Wilcannia and there was no one around and I think maybe I should stop for fuel and then top up in Emmdale. But I promised everyone I wouldn’t stop in Wilcannia and so keep going (I did take a pic of the Welcome to Wilcannia sign though). I’d been sitting on a nice $1.30 and with Emmdale only 35 kays up the road fuel will be good.

Wilcannia…only for the pic

The 35 kays I’d calculated came and went, then 50 kays and NO Emmdale “surely I haven’t passed it?” I think “oh no” I’ve miscalculated this could be a problem..YIKES! I’d drop down to 90kph now to ensure I make it as far as close as possible if I am going to run out of fuel. There is a road crew out today and I stop and ask them if they have any unleaded and if they can tell me how far to Emmdale….”sorry love, only carry diesel and I think it’s about 80kays away!” Holy shit!! I’m in trouble, I’m down to the last fuel bar before reserve starts flashing. Panicking I slow down to 80kays and just cruise along and hope that if I stop I can wave down someone to help me out (not the ideal I know but my only option).

another scenery shot. May as well since I’d stopped to talk to the road crew.

About 30kays down the road I see a sign that says “Emmdale Roadhouse 20kays” – I get just a little bit excited that I might make it (cos the reserve light has been flashing now for ages). For what seems like forever, I finally see another sign that says “Emmdale 2.5km” – this time I did get excited I’m gonna make it!!

Pulling up to the bowser with 306.5 kays on the clock and the girl comes out to unlock the bowser. I almost hugged here and told her the story and she said I can relax now, I made it!!! I decide to have an extended break here, hot chocolate and get lots of cuddles from the resident pussy cat (took lots of pics of him too).

306.5 kays from Broken Hill to Emmdale

the best bowser EVER!!!

Back on the road and it’s only 168 kays to Cobar. I stop and get a pic of the “Welcome to Cobar” sign

Cobar

before getting fuel and then stopping in front of the big Cobar mining thing.

the tourist shot

I decide it’s too early to stop (12:30pm) and decide to push on through to Nyngan, then Narromine before stopping again in Dubbo for fuel at the Shell.  Since I haven’t had anything to eat today I decide to go to McDonalds for a feed and ring Karl and let him know what’s happening, “I think I might push through to home”. He suggests I think about it so I said I’d call him back when I’ve had something to eat and see how I’m feeling.

Put my gloves in my tank bag, take off my GPS to plan the trip home and go into Macca’s (leaving everything else on the bike and in the tank bag). Have something to eat and decide to stay in Dubbo tonight as I’m now feeling really tired so time to look for a room.

Now I get my gloves out of my tank bag but didn’t notice my camera, find a room at the Comfort Inn and unpack. It’s now that I notice my camera is gone!!! It’s nowhere to be found. I ring the Shell and Macca’s but nobody has handed anything in….sad panda. Ring Karl and he says retrace your steps you never know. SO I get geared up again and go out looking…..NOTHING!! it’s gone. The worst thing is I hadn’t copied off the any of the photos I’d taken from the last 3 days – so no Port Augusta, Coober Pedy, Marla, Broken Hill, Silverton, Mundi Mundi, Emmdale or Cobar photos – they’re all lost 🙁

So now here I am very cranky and pissed off that either the camera has fallen out of my bag when I got my gloves out at Macca’s or some light fingered louie has stolen it while I was having dinner (cos I couldn’t see Angel). Guess I have learned a valuable lesson.

Anyhows, I’m going home tomorrow and can’t wait to get there and hug my Sweety Karl. He has no idea how much I have missed him.

This morning I woke up with sleep in my eyes (first time since leaving home), must’ve had a good rest.

Angel’s front tyre is low on air so off to the Port Augusta Mobil servo but wait – NO air available – WHAT?? Down the road to Mr Shell and he has digital and working so get the job done and on my way.

Thanks Mr Shell

Plan was to visit Davo’s plaque and get a banner shot……but I managed to FAIL on both of these as I took the wrong turn off and ended up in Quorn…..doh! I suppose I could’ve turned around but there were dark storm clouds looming today and I didn’t want to risk getting stuck in a storm, so I decided to keep moving and was very disappointed.

dark skies….argh

Again the wind is about but at the moment it wasn’t as bad as the last two days. The fields out here are beautiful, green and peaceful with plump cows and sheep grazing. The air smells fresh and clean. There was rain about last night so all the roads are wet and in some spots slippery but I take it easy.

the colours are beautiful

how can you not love this country

Into Willington (no stopping) well except for this pic…..

Wilmington

and then onto Orroroo – the town with fabulous metal art.

not far….lol

The towns are close together in this stretch so it seems like I’ve travelled miles when in fact I really haven’t.

Orroroo

Before long am in and out of Peterborough before the last part of the first leg for today into Yunta for fuel, hot chocolate and an Anzac biscuit. The wind has picked up and has a icey bite to it. The BP here never closes – handy to note.

Yunta, warming up break

I’m a bit excited today cos I will be meeting fellow FarRider friends Baz & Liz in Broken Hill. The sun is shining but the wind chill is brrrr, my shoulder starts to ache and my hand is tiring quickly….damn this getting older business. I had the sense this morning to tape up my wrist to help take some of the strain fighting the winds.

The landscape has changed yet again and we have trees, grass, mountains, hills and bends in the road….lol  Finally around lunch time I reach Broken Hill. But I had another plan.

the ever changing landscape

Hello NSW

I’m home???

Welcome to Outback NSW

just in case I wasn’t sure

Welcome to Broken Hill

Now Silverton is where the movie Mad Max was filmed so I head out there to the pub to have a look and take a couple of pics. The pub is an old sandstone front with the usual outback pub decor with the exception of the Mad Max memorabilia.

the home of Mad Max – Silverton

Mad Max memorabilia

but wait – there’s more

The flies out here are herendous!!! Poor Angel was covered in them, they were eating all the bug splat that she is covered in. They are relentless too, they don’t care if they munch on you while you’re standing there either.

While I’m out here, a colleague from work had mentioned I should check out the Mundi Mundi Plains. It’s only 4 kays up the road so why not – I have time before I meet Baz & Liz. The road out is not in the best condition and has huge dips in it and cattle wandering around the roadside so it’s slow and steady (the speed limit is 90kph but I don’t think I was even doing that). Again the wind out here in the emptiness is pretty harsh and it’s hard work staying upright.

I reach Mundi Mundi Lookout and what a surprise, it’s all gravel and off camber – ARGH!!! Ever so gingerly I edge into the lookout but end up stopping short of turning around – it’s just too bouldery to manoeuvre around on. Take some beautiful pics, it really is exceptional viewing out here. As far as the eye can see and green it’s quite breathtaking.

Mundi Mundi Plains

Mundi Mundi Plains

spectacular

Two surveillance police officers were having the afternoon off taking pics  and I got to chatting with them for a bit and asked if they’d give me a hand to turn the bike around. Lucky for me they were where kind enough to take a pic of me before helping me gingerly turn Angel around safely so I can be on my way – thanks fellas.

see I was here!!

Back into town and where else would I stop but outside the only Motorcycle shop in town (I figured that would be the easiest place for them to find me J ). Ring Liz and she tells me Baz’s business is just two doors down and she’ll meet be at the cafe across the street. Baz is out on call but will join us soon. It’s my treat for coffee as I already owe Baz from the Eungella FarRide and everybody’s generosity towards me on this ride has been a little overwhelming and I’d just like to pay some back . They ask what I’m doing for the night and graciously offer me bed and a home cooked meal – THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!  The best part is actually sitting chatting to friends and getting to know them a little better.

Liz and me……Baz had to take the pic

A beautiful dinner cooked by Baz & Liz and great conversation but the time is ticking by and I am tired so I need some sleep. I thank them again for their generosity and head for bed.

It was cold last night but I was tucked up nice and warm in a comfy bed thanks to Marla’s Traveller’s Rest and even better managed to get a great nights sleep. Awake early again, I just get ready and hit the road. If I didn’t know better I’d say there was snow in the air – it was that cold.

just looks cold too..

Out on the highway you can really feel the impact of the cold and the wind this morning but the next stop is Coober Pedy, so there’s no use complaining about it. By the time I get to Cadney Park the wind is already really strong and I was wishing I’d put my First Gear Soft Shell jacket on underneath also. But the wind is so strong that just trying to keep Angel upright is a struggle so there is no way I am going to stop just now.

and the road changes

looks a bit yukky

from the cockpit

Watching the landscape change from green/brown colours to the rich strong reds and off whites of Coober Pedy is magnificent and also a welcoming sight. The wind is getting stronger and just turning off the highway is a muscle job. Into the Shell Roadhouse for fuel, breakky and to put on my First Gear Soft Shell jacket. Last time I was here, I was rushing to get to a loo – toot sweet….LOL!

breakfast of champions….Vegemite on toast

I have service – YAY!!! So I take the opportunity to call Karl & my folks to let them know I’m OK before braving the elements of the winds again.

cos you have too!!

The next stop is Glendambo and I tell you there is nothing (town wise) in between. There are the rest stops (some with loos most without)and truck stops but to be quite honest with you…..there is no way I am stopping in these conditions.

Imagine leaning it into a sweeper and riding like that for 254 kays (that’s how far it was between stops)and battling the extreme head and cross winds. It’s tiring and taking it’s toll on my L shoulder, and R arm and hand. You think a workout at the gym is hard try riding these conditions….it’s unbelievable.

Finally into Glendambo for fuel and a comfort stop but there is no dilly dallying, I want to get out of this weather and into a warm cabin somewhere.

Glendambo

Glendambo Roadhouse….Always stop at the BP

Road Trains today have been in abundance, I reckon I’ve passed about 150 of them (that’s combined oncoming and overtaking). Usually I can gauge their speed and mach it to eliminate the wash afterwards but not today. The combination winds are playing havoc and the trucks are all running differently today. Usually they all sit about 5-10 kays above the limit but today they are all over the shop and it’s an absolute struggle to maintain speed and hold Angel in a straight line and on my side of the road without getting sucked into them as they pass. SCAREY!!

I haven’t taken pics today cos it’s just way to dangerous to stop anywhere or take pics with the camera hanging around my neck (which is what I usually do). You really need two hands on today.

Contemplating my next stop, I decided to make an unscheduled stop at Spuds Roadhouse in Pimba. Pulled up to the bowser and getting off Angel the wind is so extreme it actually pushed me off her instead. The air feels like ice and I’m thankful there’s no rain. But still, I am frozen to the core….brrrr.

However, I speak to soon and it starts to sprinkle and I hope it doesn’t get any stronger. My arm/hand are really starting to ache now and I can’t get to Port Augusta quick enough. About 50 kays out it starts to rain….argh! NO please don’t do this to me – thankfully it doesn’t last long but it does leave this beautiful rainbow for me to follow all the way to Port Augusta.

Find the Shoreline Caravan Park so I can get a cabin and do some washing. I’ve stayed here before so there was no need to complete all the paperwork stuff. Funny thing is, I get the same cabin Karl and I had when we did my SS1600 a few years ago. Laundry duties completed and I ordered in pizza for dinner.

a womans work is never done!

Heading to Broken Hill tomorrow and have teed catching up with some FarRider friends for a bit.

Need to rest these weary bones and muscles….I feel like the leaning tower of Kimmie.

I was awake early again after a disturbing nights sleep in Wycliffe Wells (must’ve been something to do with the UFO stuff…) and then the alarm went off…… 🙁

Up and go! I gotta tell you, the mornings up here are unbelievable and today was very fresh and I met with another amazing sunrise. Sorry didn’t get a pic, but you won’t be disappointed with these few. I stopped on a bridge (yeah, I know naughty girl) but there was no-one else on the road.

Views from the bridge

South of Wycliffe Wells.

There are no words to describe those shots – you had to be there – you had to experience the almighty power this view gave me.

There is a breeze this morning and I didn’t put my liner in but had my cardi on so it wasn’t too bad – refreshing, I’d say.

There were so many nice morning shots today….I couldn’t help myself.

warming sun on my back….noice!

I was chatting to some nomads last night and they’d mentioned you couldn’t get fuel in Ti-Tree as the roadhouse was a crime scene….(concerning). Anyway, I re-jigged my plan and decided to stop in Barrow Creek. I didn’t know there was the Old Telegraph Station there.

Barrow Creek telegraph Station

And the most expensive fuel in Australia – I reckon, well the most I’ve paid for fuel.

Yikes!! Imagine paying this every week.

Lucky I only needed to top up. And when I went inside to pay, this is what I found.

Inside Barrow Creek Pub/servo

Down the road a bit, I could see this cow standing in the middle of my lane. Naturally I slowed down and though I’ll grab a pic of it just standing there. However, the closer I got to the cow/bull, the nastier it looked and wasn’t happy with me being there. Now since I’d slowed down so as not to scare the thing, I gingerly started to approach it and then HOLY COW!!!!! It started to run AT me!! With my heart pumping with fear I wound on the throttle and high tailed it out there….Angels got more horsies than you got cow power…..scary moment overted.

A quick stop at the John Stuart Memorial.

John Stuart Memorial – on the Stuart highway naturally.

Just out of Ti-Tree I come across this most unusual road sign???????   I must admit though I did have a giggle, but it is truly for real. There are people that just wander on the road and they are difficult to see at times.

NT road signs are a bit strange at times…

In the roadhouse, the police were sitting in there and the place was deserted. Then on the outskirts of town I come across this…………WOO HOO “unlimited speed limit”.

“unlimited” speed limit sign

It takes a bit to get to speed (around $1.30) before stretching Angels legs a bit. You can’t go stupid here, you have to be mindful of the elements around you and ride to the conditions. The breeze is picking up the closer I head towards Alice Springs but I managed to sit on a comfortable $1.50 for most of the way.

The kilometres just disappear at that speed and before long I reach Aileron for my next fuel.  Before reaching Aileron, a police car went flying past me (he must’ve been doing close to $1.80) and then we played tag a couple of times. All the time I kept in the back of my mind “he can stop you if he thinks you aren’t riding safe”. I didn’t need to worry cos at one point he gave me a wave.

“Walkabout Man” in Aileron

The wind has really picked up now and it’s cold. I figure I’d stop in Alice for a coffee and to put my liner in, however before then I had to stop at the Tropic of Capricorn.

Tropic of Capricorn

I get fuel in Alice and really need a comfort stop and a jumper but other than going right into town to find something I thought I’d get something on the way out. Bugger me if there wasn’t a flaw in my cunning plan…..there were no other stops. I pulled over on the side of the road and rang Karl to let him know I was ok and I’d ring him tonight from wherever I was.  Anyway I grabbed a pic before turning and heading for Erldunda.

Good-bye Alice Springs

It’s only 180 kays to Erldunda and 243 kays to Kulgera. My plan was to go to Erldunda and stop the night and do my washing as I have run out of clothes. The wind is getting stronger and I’m getting colder but I decided to push on….harden up Kimmie.

How far???

I wish you could see how strong the wind is….maybe the swirls of the clouds can give you an idea.

strong winds

Into Erldunda for lunch and it’s only 1:13pm – I’ve made really good time. I shudder from cold when I get off and go in for a toasted sambo and a cuppa tea to warm up. It’s too early to stop and I decide to push on through to Marla and hopefully get a room. This time before heading off I put the liner in my jacket and don the winter gloves – yeah!

Erldunda service centre

Can you believe I am here???  WOW!!

Still a long way from home.

A quick photo stop in Kulgera. I thought I was going to get blown off when trying to dismount Angel. Poor Smurfette was hanging on for grim life.

Kulgera

The Border Crossing

and on this side

Hello SA

Thanks to a nice older gentleman for taking the pics for me.

No time to dally, it’s getting colder and I still have 150 kays to go, if I wanna get into Marla before 4:30pm. The wind is so strong now – I’m riding right into head winds and cross winds which is taking me all my strength to hang on. I fight the elements all the way to Marla as I watch the sky change and hope that there isn’t rain in the clouds.

Finally into freezing Marla at 4:15pm and manage to get a room and a hot shower. Go to do the washing and there is no dryer so I’ll have to find somewhere tomorrow. Poo!

Anyway time to say good night and let’s see what tomorrow brings (hopefully the weather gods will be kinder to me).

A tiring day yesterday, made for a night where sleep didn’t take long to come along. In the morning though, I expected to be the only FarRider left at Daly Waters. What a pleasant surprise to see that Klaus, Michael & Lynne had all slept in J

I was staying in the room called “Faith in Australia”….maybe a sign to have a little “Faith” in myself.

“Faith” in Kimmie

says it all…

Packed up ready to head south – homeward bound, but not before a final pic.

Farewell Daly Waters

What a beautiful day, the sun’s out, the birds are squawking and I’m in a great mood. However once again, I am reminded of how far from home I really am. The red dirt up here reigns supreme and gets into everything (something I don’t think I’m going to miss).

pointed in the right direction

Up the road I catch up with Michael & Lynne.

Michael & Lynne

Oh look, that rider is following us again……LOL, Smurfette you are so funny. It’s beautiful riding today and I have a good rhythm going.

that mystery rider….lol

Mick & Lynne pull of the road to go look at something (I can’t remember what it is). I pull up alongside them and we say our good-byes but not before I get another pic of friends.

Lynne & Michael

Into Renner Springs for fuel and a bite to eat. Just a little something for those heading that way in future – fuel is available 24 hours.

Renner Springs 24hr fuel

Parked safely on a flat spot with minimal gravel.

parked safely.

While I’m waiting for my breaky, Klaus pulls in and while having breaky these guys pull in. Friends together again.

again…….

We all get on the road again and different intervals. Michael, Lynne & Klaus are stopping at Threeways before turning left and heading east to Barkly and or Camooweal. I am heading south to Wycliffe Wells today though. I pulled over for this pic, the wide beauty of our land.

magnificent

A quick stop at the John Flynn memorial at Threeways before a road train I can see in my mirrors gets to me.

John Flynn Memorial

A quick toot toot to Michael & Lynne at the roadhouse before stopping just up the road for this pic. Sorry Diesel this is the closest I could do.

which way?…..easy south

The long and winding it ain’t into Tennant Creek – it’s long and straight as an arrow, reddish and harsh. Fuel and a short snack break before heading on down the road.

Tennant Creek

I’d decided to stop at the Devils Marbles on the way. Now I’d stopped here previously but never really got the chance to have a look around. This time I took the opportunity.

Devils Marbles

The rock formations here are absolutely amazing. Not one is the same or even remotely similar and the colours are sensational. Ii chat to some nomads while here and they are impressed and amazed that I am travelling back home on my own.

Devils Marbles

See, I did venture off down a couple of the tracks.

touristing..

Then there is this warning sign! However, it seems the nomads all don’t think this is reality – all their dogs are off leads.

warning warning…..

Another great formation with a beautiful spot of colour.

amazing formations

Only 20 kays down the road and I arrive at Wycliffe Wells.

Wycliffe Wells Big 4 Caravan Park

It’s still early afternoon but relatively warm however to push on would be silly, as the next few town are not advisable to stay at. I get a really nice motel room and I’m even able to park Angel undercover for the night. Unpacked and I do another pre-flight check.

tucked away nicely..

3 x King single beds all to myself. I felt like jumping on them all….LOL!!

comfy

After I got settled, Smurfette and I thought we’d go for a walk through the caravan park. They have a few animals and this black rooster that just roams around as he likes.

Frances the donkey – he didn’t talk though.

Frances

Thankfully this fella was in his pen and not able to chase us, although he was a tad inquisitive.

Eddy Emu.

Smurfette decided she just wanted to hang about for a while…..lol

just hanging around

I couldn’t believe my eyes – Elvis! Smurfette begged me for a photo…..I mean it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Elvis – he does live!!

Now, Wycliffe Wells is the UFO Capital of Australia so it was no surprise to find all the campsites with the following site signs.

spooky!!

See, Aliens really do exist.

be afraid, be very afraid

Smurfette insisted.

oh dear.

The two of us having a great old afternoon relaxing.

a good afternoon

On our wondering around the park we chatted to quite a few nomads, swapping stories of our adventures and out planned travels. Thank goodness we did, cos we were advised that the next planned fuel stop is currently closed due to police investigation into a robbery…

A nice hot shower and an early night.

The plan is we all decided last night to leave at 5:00am and ride out together with all lights blazing. I’d already teed up (in the week prior to) to ride out with Fatman (Michael) & Lynne the Pillion so I wasn’t riding in the dark hours on my own but as it turned out I had Frans (and his Lunar landing lights) as a lead and Michael & Lynne running behind me making sure I was safe and sound – thanks guys!!! You have no idea how much I appreciated it.

I got a fright this morning when this big white Brahma cow turned it’s head and it’s eyes lit up in my lights….YIKES!! Really makes things so real that there could be anything out there in the darkness waiting for you.

To dark to take pics so this is our first stop for a quick (not) breakky at the BP Katherine.

Breakky stop Katherine.

Up the road a bit and motoring along nicely.

The Stuart Highway and greenery.

A properly bridge and a lovely sunny morning….excellent! The roads up here are undergoing repairs at various stages  but you do get these nice stretches.

almost civilisation… hehehe

What’s this????   Traffic lights!!  Yeah, to right – darn road works. I pull up beside Frans and Jeannie with Klaus and Korn behind us. We are stuck there for approx 4 minutes in the blaring sun – slowly cooking us…..hurry up!!!!

roads work traffic lights…argh!

Korn & Klaus ran in the rear group for the morning. Nice blokes too!!!

Korn & Klaus

How can you not take pic after pic of this scenery. In this shot are more termite mounds (they just go for miles and miles).

Beautiful – The Outback

Into Adelaide River for our second fuel stop and I need to take a layer off…..so I do a little tease….lol (pic courtesy of Michael).

future career…..NOT!

Another pic just for good measure….see the smile – awesome.

Happy Kimmie

It’s really hot now and as you can see there have been fires through here recently. I think there are still fires burning somewhere cos you can smell and taste the smoke. As it turns out the RFS are conducting a back burning exercise just down the road.

results of a controlled burn.

MADE IT!!!!! YAY!!!!!  Litchfield Pub, Darwin River Rd, Darwin River – FRN#1 completed with 1016kms done and dusted.

all lined up in the carpark at Litchfield Pub

I think there were 16 riders and 3 pillions all up. An excellent turnout for this epic event!

A couple of pics of the attendees

Cuddles, Henk, Craig and Brett (with his back to us)

The group line up

Another proof shot to show you “I DID IT” !!! To say I’m feeling just a little bit proud of myself is an understatement. I’m feeling quite emotional really.

I MADE IT!!!

The group shot – FarRide North #1 – Finishers. You should all be very proud of yourselves.

FRN#1 Finishers!!! Well Done 🙂

The HOT Girly shot.

Lynne and me

I’m a long way from home.

I’m a long way from Kansas, Toto….

But how hot is it…..sweltering! No matter what though, all the riders are suited up safely – ATGATT.

The plan back to Daly Waters was to ride with Michael & Lynne and here we are stopped yet again at another set of road works traffic lights.

Michael “Fatman” & Lynne “Lynne the Pillion”

We stopped again at Adelaide River for fuel and a well deserved icy pole – thanks Lynne xx This time though I douse my t-shirt and neck tube to help with my own cooling system inside my jacket. It’s so hot and I had to stop Fatman from telling me what temperature it was (otherwise I think I would’ve just died).

Next stop Katherine again for fuel and another break to recharge the batteries with liquid – boy it’s hot. I get my wet t-shirt comp going again and we are off.

Hi Katherine….again

Fatman & Lynne are into history and they’d said they wanted to stop at the Elsey Cemetery we passed on the way up – all right by me (it’s just off the side of the road – right)

Elsey Cemetery, Mataranka

Well it wasn’t on the side…..it was 8 kms down this shitty little road that had the baby skippies and Brahma cows out…..yikes!! But we made it there and I was cursing Fatman when we got off (as you can see it’s a gravel) and I need a wee like real urgent. How lovely is nature when you need to tend to the call of nature…..lol (well except for the Brahma cows that were heading my way while I was busy – they’ll just have to shut there eyes, cos I wasn’t moving).

the carpark at Elsey Cemetery

As remote as it is….it’s beautiful watching the sun go down.

as the sun goes down

After a look around and I’m sure Fatman & Lynne will elaborate on the stop, we get back out on the road and head into the setting sun.

I was starting to get worried cos I knew we would be getting back in the dark….argh!!! As the sun starts to sink below the tree line the wildlife start to venture out – not my idea of fun. Before long we are running with all our lights on and soon catch up to Frans with his lunar landing lights leading the way (again). I probably sat a little close to Fatman with my lights on but my flood light is not hitting the mark, my visor is splattered with bugs to the point I can barely see through it.

The last 70 kays were absolutely terrifying but we made it – safe and sound back to Daly Waters.

Lynne asks what I plan to do – and I prompty replied “eat, I’m fucken hungry”. Sorry about the language.

Klaus joined us and we shared our separate plans for tomorrow before, saying our hoo-roos and all headed off to bed.